LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 249
Chit.
I packed my bag and stepped out of the hut.
Behind me, my rogue friends were sprawled out like laundry.
“What the…”
The emaciated rogue trembled as he reached out toward me.
“What do you mean, ‘what’? I’m a doctor.”
“What kind of doctor beats people like this…”
“Then should I let a bunch of rogues be? They even tried to steal my supplies. If that medicine doesn’t get to its patients, others will be in danger. Ever thought of that?”
“Ugh…”
“Consider yourself lucky. I’m the one who stopped it here; if someone else got involved, you’d already be dead.”
“Lars.”
“Yes, this is the one.”
Before I knew it, Acella appeared in front of me, along with the guards led by Gishta.
“Are you hurt?”
As soon as she saw me, she checked my face with her palm. I returned her a relaxed smile.
“Yes, I’m fine. My formal attire is intact as well.”
“I was worried.”
Acella sighed in relief. She must have rushed out the moment she heard the news; her hair was a bit messy.
“Are they the ones?”
Acella’s gaze fell on the rogues, who looked like they were about to shit themselves.
“…Hold on. Is that…”
“Isn’t that the Imperial Princess?”
“Wait, so the person we kidnapped isn’t just a doctor but…”
“Oh my God.”
Only then did the rogues realize who I was and buried their heads in the ground.
“We didn’t recognize the distinguished one!”
“They’re so ignorant…!”
“P-please forgive us!”
The rogues trembled as they begged, but Acella’s reaction was cold. She quickly drew a magic circle to summon an ice spear, and I gently stopped her.
“Don’t get too angry.”
“They dared to lay hands on you. I can’t forgive that.”
“In the hut, there’s a patient I just treated. If they die, no one will be left to take care of the patient, and they’ll die too. That’s a bit of a concern. And…”
I stepped closer and intertwined my fingers. Acella shyly retracted the magic circle.
“Should the bride-to-be witness bloodshed? Forgetting today wouldn’t be good for your complexion.”
“You have a point, but does that mean I should just let them be?”
“Everyone has a day to show mercy, don’t you think?”
As I subtly gestured, the rogues banged their heads against the ground and bowed.
“Th-thank you…! I’ll take responsibility for my little brother and won’t do bad things anymore!”
“Thank you for your help!”
“We are truly sorry!”
Acella seemed to accept this and withdrew her anger. It’s fascinating how people’s personalities can change like this.
“Alright, Lars, keep your head together. Don’t disappear before the ceremony starts.”
“Pff, where would I disappear to? You think I would run away again?”
Acella shot me a displeased glare and pouted her lips.
“I’m not going anywhere; don’t worry about that.”
“I don’t know.”
Acella pulled me along as we walked.
I made eye contact with Gishta and signaled her to take care of the back. She responded with a spirited fist pump.
*
There was a commotion, but afterward, the preparations for the ceremony proceeded without a hitch.
Finally, on the day of the wedding, even I was a bit anxious.
“Phew.”
“Today, brother, you shine like the sun itself. You’re so dazzling I can’t keep my eyes on you.”
Neria joyfully patted my shoulder.
“I can’t believe this day has come. Honestly, I couldn’t have imagined it ten years ago. Now, you’re a life-saving hand across the continent, a hero who even thwarted the Demon King. All I can do is congratulate you; I’m proud of you, my son.”
We shared a somewhat awkward hug. My father, nearing sixty, had a bit of gray in his hair.
Early in the morning, I moved to the villa and greeted the attending guests who had begun to arrive. Some distinguished guests had been staying at the marquis’ house for a few days. I was quite pleased to see familiar faces after such a long time.
“Congratulations, Gothberg Director.”
“You’re as robust as ever.”
Falkenhayn came with a bunch of his grandsons. His handshake still had a firm grip; he might live longer than I do.
“Gothberg! Receive your blessings!”
“M-master!”
“Congratulations, Director.”
Doctors and healers from the Inner Palace poured in. Ambrosia, the retired saint, still looked vibrant, and Chloe, now the imperial doctor, seemed more dependable.
“Gothberg, it’s been a while, has it? I heard you were quite ill, but you look better than ever. All that worrying seems pointless now.”
“Hahaha! Nothing is more useless than worrying about the health of a former royalty. But, I have a good business opportunity for you.”
Lau and George had come with their wives. Both were still operating in the royal palace.
George had been pardoned as an envoy of the newly ascended emperor while I was incapacitated. Truly a remarkably fortunate fellow.
“Gothberg.”
“I see the sun of the Empire, Your Majesty.”
I welcomed her with proper etiquette.
Heike von Württemberg. The seventh Empress of the Empire.
“Next time, make sure to inform me of your wedding date at least six months in advance. I have a schedule to keep. Although I couldn’t prepare a gift in time, if you need a territory, I can provide one.”
“Haha, there shouldn’t be any more weddings in the future. The princess will surely throw a fit.”
“True enough. It seems I must wait to see my sister until she’s in full bridal attire.”
“Yes. Historically, there are two secrets that should be kept under wraps: the location of military supply depots and the bride’s appearance before the ceremony.”
“That’s correct. I can’t wait. Congratulations.”
Heike headed to her seat with the royal guard. The former Knight Commander of the Moonlight Palace sitting next to her met my gaze and nodded in greeting.
“Oh my, Director!”
With a laugh, a group of noble ladies appeared before me. Among them were Lady Freda and Princess Persiya, accompanied by other aristocratic maidens.
“Congratulations on your wedding! I was wondering when this day would come. I thought I had a chance since it took so long. You could have replied to my letter sooner!”
“My letter?”
“Yes. I heard you were ill, so I sent one every month. Didn’t you receive them? The princess also sent one?”
“Oh, that’s…”
“We’re all young ladies of marriageable age; please introduce us to good men. Or you could have us as concubines. You’re bound to become a count later, so can’t you take in ten or so? Right, Your Highness?”
“Well, I…”
At that moment, the status window reacted.
[No. 077 Incarnation of Jealousy 1% → 12%]
Hmm….
“Haha. All the young ladies gathered here possess outstanding beauty and intellect, deserving of a place in history. You shouldn’t settle for being just a concubine; you should be the main character.”
Kyaaarrr, the young ladies burst into laughter.
“You do know how to annoy with your words. You must feel so special, Your Highness, to have the Director whisper sweet nothings to you every day.”
I shrugged my shoulders in response.
[No. 077 Incarnation of Jealousy 12% → 1%]
Where on earth is she watching from?
Definitely Acella.
Guests continued to arrive. The elf guard unit, including Valen, followed by the head of secretaries, the current Moonlight Palace staff, retired Alberich, the Empire’s nobles, and the Kingdom’s generals, along with our plate’s guards and alchemists and doctors.
Sitting at the front were Neria, my father, and Gishta.
As the time arrived, we prepared. Hugo, who was overseeing the ceremony, called for the attention of the guests, who quieted down.
“Groom’s entrance.”
Boom! Crash!
The guards played a spirited tune. I confidently walked down the red carpet.
Thunderous applause rained down.
The weather was splendid. The sun was shining brighter than ever, uplifting my spirits.
I stood before the officiant.
A comically designed crow mask was worn by my mentor, Dr. Faust.
Of course, it was just a funny device. Inside was Bruno.
“Bride’s entrance.”
The melody shifted to a smooth and beautiful tune.
Finally, she revealed herself.
In a flowing dress of purest white.
I had never seen her in a white dress before, so it was quite refreshing.
If not today, I wouldn’t see it for the rest of my life.
Acella von Württemberg. A legendary sorceress and wicked woman, born a noble princess of the Empire who would become my wife for life.
She walked gracefully and elegantly.
One hand was held by Tanya as she approached me.
I was momentarily mesmerized by her purely aggressive beauty before she arrived in front of me.
There were no words from the officiant. This was a ceremony only for the two of us.
We faced each other, exchanged rings, and without any solemn phrases, spoke just the most essential words.
“I love you, Lars Gothberg.”
“I love you, Acella von Württemberg.”
We didn’t need anything more than that.
Knowing that was enough.
We held each other’s hands.
We shared the promise of a kiss.
Ooh—
“Look at the princess!”
No, I didn’t ask her to stick her tongue in.
Did I? Surely not?
Acella had entered her own world, seemingly oblivious to the squeals of the ladies in the audience.
Oh well, I might as well respond by grabbing her waist and pulling her in for more.
“Wow!”
“Yeah, that’s a man!”
As I pulled back, Acella had a satisfied expression, licking her lips.
She stroked my cheek, sending a seductive gaze my way.
Tap, Faust closed the book.
“I declare that you two have become husband and wife.”
With Hugo’s declaration, I straightened up. A roar of applause and cheers erupted.
Amidst countless blessings from the guests, we exited.
*
“That kiss really surprised me. We only agreed to touch lips. You promised you’d scold me if it went off script.”
That night, after the banquet, we returned to our room and started cleaning up.
We had both been busy and working hard, so our plan was to relax today.
“I just wanted to see your reaction. Hehe, the way you faltered was obvious in your tongue movements.”
Acella answered while arranging her makeup behind the changing curtain.
“Well, it was fun. I’ll remember it for a lifetime.”
“Exactly.”
I prepared two glasses on the nightstand next to the bed. Pouring wine unexpectedly felt like it might be appropriate for the special day.
“Your Highness, you like wine, right?”
“Nope. Never had it.”
“Huh, really?”
The Emperor always had wine handy.
“I’m sure you’ll like it. Come and drink it with me.”
“Really? Alright, if you say so.”
Rattle.
Acella slid the curtain aside.
“…Wow.”
I momentarily forgot what to say.
Her skin peeked through the thin negligee.
Swaying, she strutted toward me, her hips swaying like a tail that had never run.
She sat softly on the bed, casting me an alluring gaze as she intertwined her fingers.
Most importantly…
“…What is that around your neck?”
The necklace she wore had an aggressive design.
I couldn’t recall ever buying it, so she must have brought it herself just now.
“Do you like it?”
“Well, I mean… it’s not bad.”
“Lars, do you know?”
Acella leaned close and whispered to me.
“We still haven’t submitted the marriage certificate.”
“That’s… true?”
“When the papers are filed, I will become Acella Gothberg.”
Clink, she tightened her grip on the chain I was holding.
“The chance to toy with an imperial princess might only come today.”
…Hmm.
That’s such a reasonable point.