Transmigrated Into A Tragic Romance Fantasy-Chapter 60: Prologue

Since early morning, the Grand Duke’s castle was brimming with life.

Servants bustled around; people gathered in groups, chatting noisily; nobles arrived to celebrate the grand finale.

Even the baby birds embroidering the branches seemed to stir with the rare vitality of the morning.

The laughter and joy that bloomed that morning unmistakably signaled the imminent climax of the Grand Ducal Betrothal.

Perhaps that’s why the Grand Duke had quickly summoned the heads of the houses to address the current fervor.

Moreover, this Betrothal of his youngest daughter likely marked the last such event in his era, indicating about a decade of hiatus for the Northern realm’s biggest festival.

That’s why the northerners were looking forward to it even more.

Standing at the bedroom window, observing the hectic scene outside, gave me a strange feeling.

It had taken a full fortnight.

To say I hadn’t been anxious would be a lie.

After acquiring the treaty, I hadn’t worried much, but I was slightly concerned that Logan’s early return might unexpectedly ruin everything.

Fortunately, it seemed that the escape of a mere withdrawer didn’t bother him much.

Watching the Heroine descend into misery hadn’t been a pleasant experience.

While this might have been the consequence of my actions, I wasn’t cruel enough to take pleasure in someone else’s tears.

All I could do was hope that Deron Caelid groveled enough for Lumia.

So that it would help mend her heart a little.

“Rendler, is everything ready?”

“Yes, My Lord.”

The servants had thoroughly cleaned the annex.

I even helped them a bit.

Just so I could send the servants to the mansion immediately, but after talking with Rendler for a bit, I decided to delay their departure so that they could watch the Grand Ducal Bethothal’s parade.

As for their destiny, upon reaching the Raphelion estate, they would receive a modest severance and go on with their lives.

Only a minimal staff would remain employed to manage the estate, and Rondel, appointed by Rendler would take over.

Given my absence as the last Raphelion alive, there wouldn’t be much for them to do.

It might turn out to be the best working environment, and though I suggested that Rendler spend his latter years comfortably at the estate, he stubbornly refused, leaving me no choice but to comply with his wishes.

《My Lord, as of now you are the Family Head of the Raphelion House, as your head butler, I must be at your side.》

《......There’s no need to accompany me, Rendler, I might go on monster hunts. That would be somewhat taxing, especially in your old age.》

《As your head butler, it is my duty to assist you in your path. Besides, what else would I do in an empty mansion?》

《...Well, that’s true.》

Given Rendler’s stubbornness, I eventually caved and allowed him to come as well.

After all, his words made sense.

Thus, Ariel, Rachel, and Rendler would accompany me on my Culinary Journey.

Ariel had initially agreed to join me only as far as the Lundgren Duchy.

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Of course, the Culinary Journey would only begin after the Monster Cuisine Festival.

Meanwhile, we planned to roam the festival to recruit chefs for the gourmet tour, or consequently, find them in Lundgren Duchy, renowned for its specialized monster meat street food.

“Then let’s go.”

The parade would start at noon, the brightest time of the day.

Soon, the morning neared its end, and I headed towards the central square with Rachel and Rendler for the parade’s announcement.

And,

“Elden!”

I was able to meet Ariel, who had recovered from her hangover.

She had arrived early and saved a good spot for us.

“Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes! After drinking the honey water that Knight Rachel had recommended, I was completely cured!”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Heh, how could I miss the Grand Parade? There’s no way I would miss this-!”

The ‘Grand Parade’ was said to be the most spectacular parade in the Kingdom, so the excitement was expected.

I looked around,

The square was filled with the nobles who were visiting the Grand Duchy, it was almost overcrowded.

People of all ages had gathered to witness the biggest festival of the North.

Naturally, only ‘nobles’ could enter the square where the parade was to start, and along the road that led from the south gate of the Grand Duke’s castle to the central square of the city, commoners lined up in rows.

Honestly, I would have liked to watch the parade from the front row, but I refrained from doing so, lest I displease the Grand Duke somehow.

With the Betrothal coming to an end, my freedom was within reach, so it was better to play it safe for now.

A moment later.

“His Grace, the Grand Duke, Logan Winterfell-!”

The Grand Duke ascended the elevated platform, followed by Deron Caelid.

I’m not sure how he won, but Blund’s absence suggested that the conclusion wasn’t all that amicable.

Of course, with the Grand Duke and Duke Caelid breathing down his neck, all Deron could do was repent and reflect.

The fact that Deron’s father also boldly ascended the stage meant that they had reached some sort of agreement.

Moreover, now that Deron’s father and the Duke know of his filthy side, Deron is on the brink of total disgrace in Lumia’s hands.

While I pondered about how things developed, I looked at the Grand Duke who placed the Family’s sword on Deron’s shoulder and recited something.

Then, after receiving the sword, Deron raised it high into the sky, and an enormous cheer erupted.

“Whoooooaaaahhhh-!!! Deron-! Deron-! Deron-!!!”

People chanted his name.

Heh-. This guy’s future won’t be easy.

It’s going to be tough from now on, friend.

As a husband, he’ll need to strive to heal Lumia’s wounds.

I hope he will reflect on his past actions during his future trials.

But, when the protagonist of this Betrothal stepped onto the stage, everyone became silent.

She was simply dazzling.

Her pure white dress had a translucent veil with a small crown set on her head.

Lumia’s beauty was so absurd that even Helen of Troy would be jealous.

Thankfully, her expression, vaguely visible through the veil, was neither mournful nor hollow.

She appeared serene.

I sincerely hoped that serenity was her way of embracing fate and stepping toward a brighter future.

Once again, I had to endure the ear-splitting cheer and applause.

“The Duchess is so beautiful–!”

“Kyaaaa-! They are the perfect couple-!!”

On the surface, they truly looked like a splendid couple.

Of course, knowing what I did, I simply couldn’t admire this scene.

The Grand Duke’s expression wasn’t a happy one as well.

Because there were still remnants of the past that hadn’t been resolved, and that were only now beginning to be addressed.

Regardless, the Betrothal ceremony must continue.

Lumia and Deron bowed to each other, and Deron lifted her veil.

Then, kneeling down, he slid the ring onto her finger as the intensity of the ceremony peaked.

Shortly after,

The speaker announced the conclusion of the Grand Ducal Betrothal and then began the Parade the couple would undertake together.

“With this~ Deron Caelid and her Grace, Lumia Winterfell shall march as one~!!”

From here to the central square of the city, a high platform stretched as tall as an adult’s height, and they walked on it, stepping over petals scattered by young boys and girls.

Below the platform, a band played beautiful melodies as they followed the couple.

Behind Lumia and Deron, magicians created bright demonstrations, while acrobats did their performances.

And,

As they walked on the platform, Deron and Lumia waved to the people on either side.

Since all I could do for her now was pray, I engraved this sight in my memory.

But,

“......”

When we locked eyes, Lumia’s smile became incredibly more beautiful and warm, before fading.

What could that mean?

Was she, like me, praying for my happiness?

The meaning behind her smile was unclear.

It was a fleeting moment, impossible to interpret.

So, I continued to send my prayers and support towards Lumia’s retreating figure.

I watched them until they were out of my sight, and when they vanished, so did I.

I hoped those white winter petals scattered in their path would hold onto their brightness.

As someone who must now leave, all that remained were my hopes and prayers.

Therefore,

I,

Quietly slipped away from the Grand Duke’s castle.