The Crown I Will Take From You - Chapter 271

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Part 2, Chapter 118

Wedding guests began entering the Grand Cathedral one by one.

It was the most magnificent chapel in the Central Temple.

The high ceiling decorated with gold and the vast light pouring from the majestic stained glass naturally inspired awe.

In the center, a cream-colored aisle was softly laid out for the bride and groom to walk down.

“To think I’d live to see a wedding held in this place…”

“His Holiness said this place was most fitting since it’s a union bound by divine oracle.”

Today’s guests were all of noble rank or higher without exception.

Even so, they couldn’t hide their envy.

Especially toward the bride, who was at the center of the rumors that had stirred the continent.

“Did you hear? What the 1st Prince of Kazen sent to Valdina as betrothal gifts?”

“What about the dowry sent by Valdina’s Emperor? Just how much does he cherish his only sister…”

Some have good natal families, others have good in-laws. But few possess both.

“And to have a wedding blessed by His Holiness the Pope in this Grand Cathedral!”

Even the seasoned power holders present today considered it an honor just to set foot in this temple, so how great a blessing had the bride received to hold her wedding in this sacred place.

“She’s gathering honors that others struggle to obtain even one of. And her husband too…”

The women seated here kept stealing glances at Chezare visible in the distance.

His sturdy chest revealed above the wrinkle-free formal wear. His broad shoulders that could easily bear Kazen’s grand epaulettes.

Someone already striking in appearance exuded an even more overwhelming presence when properly groomed.

“His Highness the 1st Prince looks… pleased…”

As his usual intimidating aura lifted and a faint smile graced his sculpted face, people were reminded once again that he possessed devastatingly handsome looks.

Regardless of his countless infamy, one couldn’t deny he was truly a feast for the eyes.

“So the 1st Prince of Kazen is taken. I was really curious who would claim the place beside that remarkable man.”

“Hmph, if I’d known it would turn out this way, I should have become the oracle’s sacrifice instead. Just how lucky is that woman?”

The guests voiced their regret and envy.

“Right, Princess Molisia should have gone to Death’s Gorge too. The Evil Dragon would have eagerly offered its neck to be cut.”

“…”

However, the wise ones knew. There was no fortune given without a price.

Fortune could only be grasped after enduring trials several times more severe.

“Ahem, anyway, the 1st Prince is taken, but… it’s not over yet, is it?”

“That’s right. So then…”

People’s gazes naturally turned to the Valdinians seated on the bride’s side.

The women craned their necks and looked around. Valdina’s young Emperor was still nowhere to be seen.

“The seat beside Kazen’s 1st Prince is already filled, so…”

One of the few remaining unmarried royals of marriageable age on the continent.

He was an Empire’s Emperor, and his only family was his sister marrying into Kazen, so one could monopolize the imperial family. No family members or relatives to worry about.

Even his flawless sacred appearance.

“What does he enjoy? What kind of woman does he like?”

“Who would know? He’s rejected every marriage proposal so far, so there’s too little information to begin with.”

Those who had already tried and been rebuffed by Valdina’s firm walls sighed.

“Still, there must be some opening, right? I should try approaching the Emperor during the banquet. How heartbroken he must be sending away his only sister…”

“Hmph! As if Valdina’s wise Emperor wouldn’t see through those dark intentions!”

“Did you just dare call me dark?”

A strange tension flowed among the continental royals, as if targeting the last remaining top-tier prey.

* * *

Meanwhile, since this was a sacred ceremony held in the Holy Kingdom and presided over by the Pope, the guests expected to see Emperor Perdickas II of Kazen.

“…The Queen Mother?”

However, unexpectedly, only the Queen Mother attended the wedding representing Kazen’s imperial family.

She walked in with a haughty expression, looking only straight ahead. Her etiquette was flawless, and her attire was extremely lavish.

“But isn’t the Queen Mother… the 3rd Prince’s mother?”

Everyone knew about the fierce succession struggle happening beneath the surface in Kazen.

Particularly, the 3rd Prince’s faction and 1st Prince’s faction were almost like enemies.

“How is that a face for a wedding? I’d believe she came to a funeral.”

People murmured while watching the Queen Mother maintain her expressionless demeanor.

With her second-to-none arrogant attitude, she spoke to none of the other guests except her following attendants.

On this joyous wedding day, where was the sense in sending one’s only family member who was a political enemy with drawn swords?

The gloomy Emperor had revealed his great displeasure with his son’s marriage in this manner.

However, Perdickas II didn’t know.

There were too many important figures present at this occasion for one Queen Mother to overshadow today’s brilliance.

Setting aside the kings from various nations who had attended the continental conference…

“The Rebel Leader of Facade has come! Those great mercenaries too!”

“Good heavens, the Matap Master has come as well!”

“Pay respects to His Holiness the Pope!”

Amidst this festival of stars, the Queen Mother’s presence was completely overshadowed.

* * *

Peleus was unaware of the fierce battle of wits happening inside the Grand Cathedral or that the continental royals had set their sights on him as a target.

Even if he had known, he probably wouldn’t have cared.

“Dea, you’re truly… beautiful.”

He was entirely absorbed in looking at his sister dressed in pure white.

“When… did you grow up so much?”

The young girl who barely reached his fingertips had now become a proper bride.

“Couldn’t you have grown up a little slower? This brother would have gladly waited.”

Peleus carefully stroked Medeia’s hair.

Both their silver hair glowed softly with the same light, as if holding moonlight.

Peleus silently swallowed the surging emotions. It was truly time to send away his little sister.

“Dea.”

Before entering the Grand Cathedral, Peleus paused his steps.

“Yes?”

“Don’t forget. Wherever you are, you are my most precious family, and your home is Valdina. It’s your land that you can always return to.”

Medeia hesitated.

“I really wanted to tell you this. I’m glad it’s not too late.”

In the previous life, Peleus probably couldn’t say these words to the sister who stole the Philosopher’s Stone and fled.

“…”

Medeia turned her head. If she didn’t bite her lips, her eyes would turn unsightly red.

“Peleus, you know.”

At her barely audible voice, Peleus looked at his sister.

Seeing the genuine warm affection reflected in his blue eyes, Medeia finally couldn’t hold back and asked.

“Was I… ever a burden to you?”

Like back then,

She had struggled desperately not to become such a burden that would disappoint Peleus and add weight to those shoulders already crushed by duty.

‘I’m afraid, in case I failed again.’

Peleus, who looked surprised for a moment, answered firmly.

“Not even once.”

“…”

“You were never a burden, not even once.”

“…That’s a relief.”

As Medeia swallowed and answered, he smiled faintly.

As if finding his sister endearing and pitiful for worrying about such a thing.

“Dea. You might not believe this, but,”

A gentle breeze crossed the Emperor’s face that had been cold like shattered moonlight.

“I have always been proud of you. Whatever you look like, whatever path you take, this heart will never change.”

“I don’t resent you. Just live, that’s enough.”

For a moment, tears welled up in Medeia’s eyes.

“Liar.”

Back then, that couldn’t have been true. Even then, it couldn’t have been like that.

“I would simply be happy if you freely walked your own path.”

“I am the king of Valdina, I must fulfill the duty given by my ancestors. But Medeia, you should live freely.”

Peleus stroked his sister’s cheek.

“My most precious sister, Dea.”

* * *

The choir’s music began.

Finally, the doors opened.

The Agema entered onto the cream-colored aisle.

Originally, this would customarily be the role of the Holy Knights,

but this time, the knights of Valdina, the Princess’s homeland, would take on that role instead.

People admired the disciplined ceremony for only a moment before the bride finally appeared. Holding her brother’s hand.

A moment of silence fell over the audience.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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