The Day of Princess Aleriana Vandreat’s Marriage
The sun rose gently over the palace, its golden rays spilling across the sprawling gardens and casting long, soft shadows against the grand stone walls.
Today was no ordinary day.
It was the day of Princess Aleriana Vandreat’s marriage—a day that had taken everyone by surprise.
For years, the frugal princess had been known for her stinginess, her quiet, unassuming presence that never sought the grandeur often associated with royalty. And yet, here she was, hosting a wedding that defied every expectation.
The palace buzzed with life, servants scurrying about in a frenzy of last-minute preparations. The rustling of silk, the clinking of crystal, the hurried whispers of attendants filled the air.
"Did you see the red curtains? The finest velvet from the eastern territories!" one servant murmured to another, her fingers running over the impossibly smooth fabric, disbelief evident in her wide eyes.
"Crimson silk worms," the other replied in an awed whisper, adjusting the heavy drapes. "Do you know how expensive this is?"
"And the roses—thousands of them, imported straight from the south," another servant added, carefully arranging the crimson blooms along the garden aisle. "I’ve never seen such extravagance."
The garden itself had been transformed into something almost unreal. The once modest pathways now shimmered under the glow of golden lanterns, their light dancing over the rich hues of roses that seemed to bloom more vibrantly than ever.
The air was thick with the mingling scents of flowers, incense.
It was as if the princess had emptied her entire treasury into this single day, as if she was determined to carve this moment into her mind for as long as she lived.
"Why do you think she’s doing this?" a servant murmured as she polished a silver platter, her voice barely above a breath.
"Maybe she wants to prove something," another replied, eyes flickering toward the lavish decorations. "Or maybe she just wants this day to be perfect… who knows? Just adjust the flowers."
As morning stretched into afternoon, the guests began to arrive.
Yet, despite the splendor of the setting, there was a striking absence—the grand nobles and high-ranking families had chosen not to attend.
Instead, the carriages that rolled through the palace gates were far more modest, their occupants belonging to the lower noble houses.
They had not come out of obligation or loyalty. They had come because they had no other choice.
With the major families having already pledged their allegiance elsewhere, the lower nobles grasped at what little connection they could manage—an affiliation with a royal, even one as weak as Princess Aleriana, was better than nothing.
"Did you hear?" a woman whispered as she stepped onto the palace grounds, her eyes scanning the opulence before her. "The major families didn’t even bother to show up."
"Of course not," her companion scoffed. "Why would they? She holds no real power, no strong alliances. She’s nothing but a princess without any support."
And yet, as they looked around at the splendor before them, an unspoken thought settled between them.
It was as if she was saying she didn’t need them.
"Greetings, Please this way", Servants guided the guests who had arrived towards the seating arrangements nearby, in front of the platform where the marriage was about to take place. As they took their seats, the noblemen greeted each other, each having their own interests but remaining far enough apart to avoid proper conversations, aware of each other’s already weakened state.
Anyone observing the guests could understand that the weak princes had weak connections with noble families, which were considered even lower in their aristocracy due to their lack of powerful cultivators and minimal economic value.
---
’It’s good.’
While making my way down the hallway of the palace, I cannot help but observe the robe I was given to wear.
Considering the comfortable silk, it was far better than the one I took from Kyle.
I could feel the softness of the fabric and the clear gold string embroidery appearing to be made of real gold.
New novel chapters are published on freewёbn૦νeɭ.com.
Of course, I knew this had to be fake, given how could even Princess Aleriana spend so much on a wedding?
Moving forward through the stairs, my eyes settle down the walls of the palace, which were extravagantly decorated with red flowers and curtains.
Similarly, it gives a vibe of a very rich wedding, which I did not expect from her.
On one hand, she was trying to get me killed today, and on the other, she had gone out of her character to arrange the wedding.
’Fattening the pig before slaughter, it seems.’
Amused, I made my way towards the garden area where the venue had been arranged.
Given the guidance from servants, it seemed larger in number than usual, as if specially hired for today.
As I arrived near the garden area, I felt several gazes, mostly from the guests who had arrived, turn towards me.
I also did the same with the intention of finding some familiar faces, but not finding one.
What I noticed from their eyes was pity, surprise, and for the women, a trance state which was evident.
This was considering this body was really handsome, and added with the preparation for the wedding in this dress, I was looking good enough.
"Greetings Young Master Kyle, it’s pleasant to meet you."
"You appear more handsome than we imagined."
One after another, nobles stood giving their pleasantries and bows as they greeted me, on which I just gave a smile.
I did not identify any of them, seeming like either characters forgotten in the story or not mentioned.
As I made my way towards the platform, I observed how the Empress had not arrived, nor had the bride.
As per schedule, I was definitely on time.
Not that I was excited to have myself killed, but I just wanted to have a conversation with the princess after the wedding.
Dealing with the Vice Guild Leader of the Ghost Sect was also important.
"W-wait, what is that?!"
Suddenly an exclamatory voice came from the guest, attracting my gaze as I followed his line of sight.
I looked above in the sky only to notice a small hovering gourd bottle, above which stood a woman with a thin vial on her face.
Her hair fluttered in the air, and her sharp eyes were looking down at me.
’!?’
’What is the second queen doing here?!’