Transmigrated Into A Tragic Romance Fantasy-Chapter 39: The Flower Of The Grand Ducal Betrothal - Unveiling Ceremony (1)

Chapter 39: The Flower Of The Grand Ducal Betrothal - Unveiling Ceremony (1)

“...So the Beallon brat threw away the crest after almost dying to get it...? That is...Odd.”

“I have attached some advice regarding this matter in the documents, My Lord.”

“Regardless, I’m giving you the authority to handle this edition of the Grand Betrothal Contest as you see fit. After the Unveiling Ceremony is concluded, I must go to the Capital and handle some urgent business.”

“By your will, My Lord.”

As he finished his report, Gelwood exited the Grand Duke’s office.

However, the Advisor didn’t report the Academy’s displeasure since he was afraid of the Grand Duke’s reaction.

Since the Academy answered only to the King, the Dean was greatly offended by their actions.

No matter their good intentions, the Grand Duke’s actions have broken the Royal Academy’s principles.

Moreover, the Royal Academy’s Dean was also one of the Five Grand Dukes of the Elpherion Kingdom.

They simply couldn’t conduct an investigation in the Academy against his wishes.

That was why the Grand Duke instructed Gelwood to conduct a careful investigation first.

However, independently, the Academy’s attitude during the investigation seemed suspiciously hushed.

As nature dictates, secrecy breeds corruption.

Closed systems prefer concealment over truth and stagnation over change.

Perhaps that’s why.

Gelwood felt something was wrong.

Lumia’s psychological instability could be connected with this ‘hushed matter’.

The Advisor had known Lumia from the day she was born.

Though she wasn’t his own child, he wasn’t foolish enough to overlook the drastic changes in personality that Lumia had been showing.

His tolerance had been nothing more than absolute trust in those he served.

He had believed that Lumia Winterfell would wisely lead the Grand Ducal Betrothal.

If that trust faltered, then, as the Grand Duke had said, it was necessary to undertake preventive measures on his own.

Lumia’s actions last night had been especially alarming.

The way she tore Elden’s letter in a frenzy...

Initially, Gelwood believed that Elden’s withdrawal was nothing more than a brilliant strategy to win Lumia’s favor.

And since Lumia herself had shown a great interest in Elden, Gelwood wasn’t against supporting them.

After all, the entire objective of the Grand Ducal Betrothal was to find ‘love’. Or at least, finding someone who ‘moved’ the protagonist’s heart.

It was all part of the process, and as long as the process wasn’t excessive, as long as it didn’t degrade the status of the Grand Ducal Betrothal, then some things could be overlooked.

As the youngest daughter, all her brothers and sisters had gone through this process and successfully concluded their Betrothals.

But,

During the Second Evaluation, Lumia had committed discourtesy against the finalists, not even her brothers and sisters had made such a grave mistake, blemishing the honor of the Grand Ducal Betrothal.

A few hours after this incident, Lumia’s actions were also near psychotic.

In her frenzy, she tore Elden Raphelion’s polite rejection letter.

With this, Gelwood’s suspicions were confirmed.

His trust had been repaid with recklessness.

Both her lukewarm attitude retailing her time at the Royal Academy,

And her current actions that sought to entrap a withdrawer...

All but confirmed Gelwood’s suspicions that this Grand Ducal Betrothal wasn’t about finding her spouse.

But rather than reporting his suspicions to his Lord and risking overcomplicating a delicate situation, Gelwood preferred to handle such matters quietly.

The Grand Duke himself had said it,

He was granted authority to guide the event based on his judgment.

His first action was,

I must remove the spies.

It was something that he should have done earlier.

Even the most competent spy could be exposed in both bustling areas or confined ones. The longer the tail, the likelier it was to be stepped on. But despite his warnings, this hadn’t been done due to Lumia’s stubbornness.

If discovered, a great headache would surely follow.

As such, Gelwood thought it was time to stop these unnecessary risks and reign in Lumia’s behavior.

Moreover, there hasn’t been a single important report from the Spy, simply unimportant matters of Elden’s day-to-day life.

As he resolved himself, Gelwood stood in his office until deep into the night.

He would always receive a report at midnight.

However, the fact that the Spy didn’t show up at the agreed time, made Gelwood sigh tiredly.

“Sigh.........”

The Spy had never missed a scheduled meeting.

They had certainly hired a professional worth every coin spent.

And Gelwood intended to inform him that this would be his last report, concluding his contract.

But why wasn’t he showing up?

Why now, of all times, hasn’t there been any news from him?

What could this mean?

“...Could it be that...”

In a dark office, a lone Advisor became tormented by a grave silence.

**

“Today’s the day, My lady.”

The morning of what is called the Unveiling Ceremony of the Grand Ducal Betrothal had arrived.

It was sunny and cozy, the sky was cloudless, the birds chirped joyfully, and the temperature was set at a mild heat, the wind wasn’t strong enough to risk spoiling her hair or dress.

Indeed, it was what most would call a perfect morning.

But Lumia Winterfell sat demurely in front of the dressing table.

Looking at her Lady’s complexion, Marien breathed a sigh of relief.

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

Fortunately, it seemed that her Lady had eaten and rested well, as her face regained its luster.

“I know. The Audience will be held soon.”

Although her complexion wasn’t as radiant as before, it was sufficient for her first public appearance.

Besides, where nature failed, make-up perfected.

Until now, all of Lumia’s accessories and clothes had been managed by Marien.

And the young maid was determined to sculpt her Lady into a goddess with her skilled hands.

With a heated bronze rod, Marien curled Lumia’s hair, as she applied crushed safflowers onto her lips.

“Ah, My Lady...Your beauty never stops to amaze me.”

Marien spared no praise as she continued to sculpt her Lady.

Knowing that her maid was simply trying to cheer her up, Lumia forced a smile.

Today, Lumia vowed to flee from the grips of revenge and resentment.

She had already committed a disgrace during the second evaluation, and last night, she had exhibited hideous behavior in front of Gelwood.

Lumia refused to repeat her past mistakes.

Therefore, today she focused on officially stepping forward in the world for the first time, challenging as it might be.

“Aren’t you nervous?”

Marien asked, combing through the neatly curled snow-white hair with her fingers.

“I am.......”

“Tehehe-. Don’t be too nervous, My Lady. I’m sure everyone will cheer the moment they see you.”

“......”

The human heart was indeed fickle and shallow.

Lumia had just resolved to flee from her resentments, but the moment Marien said ‘everyone’, her mind instantly conjured Elden’s face.

What expression would that man have?

Would her hypothesis of him knowing her identity gain more credibility by seeing his expressionless face?

Or perhaps, he would be utterly astonished by her revelation?

She was just curious.

Indeed, something Lumia wondered about.

Lumia was dying to see what sort of reaction he would have.

And,

I hope he recognizes me.

But Lumia knew that this wouldn’t be probable.

Although she threw in some hints during the first and second evaluations,

Her torment happened a couple of years ago.

It was only natural that the perpetrator’s memories were hazier than his victims.

Besides, her hair at that time was a vibrant red. But now, it was snow-white.

Truthfully, Lumia wished to dye her hair, but given this Unveiling Ceremony also doubled as her first debut, that wasn’t possible.

Please,

She hoped that he would remember her.

That he would recognize her.

And in doing so, grasp the significance of the first and second evaluations.

Because, from now on,

The real ‘Contest’ would begin.

Everything up to this point was just a warm-up.

“Ta-da~!”

As Marien proudly announced that she had finished the make-up, Lumia gazed at her own reflection in the mirror.

Today, she would don a symbolic fox mask as she revealed herself to the world.

Today, she would greet them with a smile.

Thus, as Lumia resolved herself, she put on her mask and stood up.

The flower of the Grand Ducal Betrothal,

Was in full bloom.

The time to show the people who Lumia Winterfell was, had arrived.

But......

“What?! What do you mean the Spy has disappeared?”

The sudden news of the spy’s disappearance was akin to a bucket of cold water extinguishing her fire.

A new headache appeared before the day had even started.

Things...were already going wrong from the beginning.

**

Wow... Just how many people are here?

The Grand Duchy’s main plaza was bustling with a tremendous crowd that had gathered around the elevated stage.

The crowd easily numbered 1,000 people, and I was standing between them and the stage.

Alongside that Regretful Trio, of course.

From the way they were all dressed up, it seemed that they hadn’t yet lost all their hope.

There was only one reason I was standing by their side, in the front row.

Because I wanted to contribute to the people’s excitement.

The Grand Ducal Betrothal was a festival for the people.

That was why this generous and tolerant withdrawer stood here, to not disappoint the citizens who had been eagerly awaiting this moment.

Besides,

It’s nice to finally meet you.

Logan Winterfell, the Grand Duke was also seated to the left of the stage.

This must be a joyful moment for him since this marked the day his daughter would show herself to the world.

Only a complete madman would refuse to attend today’s event.

No matter how good the cards one holds, if they are not played correctly, they are as good as none.

Therefore, I stood in the plaza alongside the Regretful Trio.

And,

A young, bun-haired Lady was also here since she wished to meet her favorite protagonist.

Turning my gaze, I could easily spot Ariel amongst the crowd, her eyes were sparkling in anticipation.

Ironically, through...

...You just met her a few days ago, Ariel.

Ariel had barely recognized ‘Erenscia’ who had white hair now.

She even said that white suited her a hundred times better.

And Ariel had been the one whining about wanting to meet the Duchess...

Wouldn’t that wish be fulfilled today?

Smirk-.

After smiling at Ariel, I lifted my eyes to the stage.

Then,

“Introducing the Third Northern Duchess...Lumia Winterfell-!!”

The Unveiling Ceremony of the Grand Ducal Betrothal commenced, as the flower of the event appeared.