Armand Nation.

Every Armand town hall and village square, including the towns and villages of the Arjam region, was filled with celebration. Banners of gold and crimson fluttered in the breeze, and the streets were lined with colorful decorations.

In Gaze City.

Everyone, men, women, children, merchants, and laborers alike, gathered around the massive Holo TVs set up in the town squares. Long tables were filled with food, served by the town hall and local villages, as the entire nation celebrated together.

"Today is Prince Aelius’s wedding!" a young girl announced, her voice filled with excitement.

But nearby, a group of young women sighed in disappointment, their shoulders slumping.

"I wish I could be his second wife or something..." one of them mumbled.

"Yeah, but everyone says our prince won’t even look at other girls."

"Yeah, I heard the rich merchant’s daughter who attended Prince Marcellus, Prince Cedric, and Prince Heres’s weddings tried to get close to Prince Aelius, but he politely declined. He’s always so professional and kind, but... he only has eyes for Princess Athine."

"Mm, I heard that too. He treats everyone with respect, but his heart belongs only to her."

"Ah~ If only Prince Aelius were like his other siblings..."

"Well~ Prince Javier is still single, right?" one girl said hopefully.

"Hah! In your dreams. Didn’t you see his first fiancée? An elf, and incredibly beautiful."

"Yeah, not to mention the two beastkin princesses and the demon princess."

"Ah~ Princess Delya?"

"Yes~"

A group of single guys nearby overheard the conversation and chuckled.

"Oi, don’t forget he also has that beautiful maid with glasses..." one guy said, gesturing with his hands to emphasize her notable features. "You know, Gloria? She’s stunning, and she’s always with him."

The girls scoffed and rolled their eyes.

"Guys... always with boobs. Do all guys only see boobs!?" one of the girls huffed, crossing her arms defensively over her chest.

"What? Guys don’t always look at that," one of the young men replied, scratching his cheek awkwardly. "It’s... a personal preference, you know? Everyone has their own taste."

Another guy smiled, shrugging. "Some prefer a pretty face, some don’t mind either way. Everyone has their own preference."

Just as another guy was about to continue, the entire crowd’s attention shifted to the massive Holo screen.

Princess Athine was walking toward the wedding altar.

The ceremony was being held in the garden courtyard of the Armand Estate, beneath a massive, ancient tree where Aelius and Athine had played together since childhood. The branches were adorned with glowing crystals and delicate flowers, creating a canopy of shimmering light.

All the men, from merchants to laborers, fell silent in awe.

"Ah~ The Flower of Armand..." one man whispered breathlessly.

"True. The symbol of grace and beauty," another murmured.

"A beauty that only comes once in a generation..."

"We’re truly lucky to live in the same era as the Princess."

"She’s breathtaking..."

Even the married men stood frozen, their eyes fixed on the screen, until their wives pinched their arms or pulled their ears, snapping them back to reality with jealous glares.

Meanwhile.

In Armand Estate.

The mana camera team, dressed in formal Armand attire, held specialized mana cameras and recording equipment, following Princess Athine as she walked gracefully toward the altar. She was accompanied by a group of elegantly dressed Armand maids, who followed behind her with gentle, synchronized steps.

Athine smiled and waved gracefully toward the camera, her expression radiating pure joy and warmth. Her smile was breathtaking, filled with genuine happiness and grace.

One of the lead crew members gave a respectful gesture toward Athine.

"Your Highness, please say a few words to the people watching across the nation."

Athine paused, turning gracefully toward the mana camera. Her white wedding dress shimmered under the sunlight, woven with delicate silver threads that sparkled like morning dew. She clasped her hands gently in front of her and offered a warm, radiant smile.

"To all the people of Armand, and to everyone watching from near and far, thank you for celebrating this joyous day with us. Today, we celebrate not just our union, but the unity and joy of our entire nation. May this day bring happiness to every home, and may our future be filled with peace and prosperity for all."

She gave another gentle wave before continuing her walk toward the altar.

Aelius stood on the wedding altar beneath the ancient tree, his heart racing with every step Athine took toward him. His eyes were fixed on Athine as she walked toward him, her white dress flowing like morning mist, her face glowing with a soft, radiant light.

Finally.

The day I’ve been waiting for is here.

After all these years... after dreaming of this moment since we were children...

She will finally become mine. Officially. In the eyes of the gods, our family, and the entire nation.

He swallowed hard, his chest tightening with emotion.

I used to think this day would never come. I thought our love would always remain a secret, something we could only share in the quiet moments when no one was watching.

I never dared to hope it could be real.

But Father understood. He gave us his blessing. And Lady Mother Francesca... she smiled and said our love was a gift, not a curse. She said the Crystal of Fate bound us for a reason, and that reason was now.

And now she’s walking toward me. My sister. My love. My soon-to-be wife.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Javier’s voice beside him.

"Oi. Stop drooling over her in your mind already. You’re going to embarrass yourself before the ceremony even starts."

"W... what? Oi, little brother, stop saying weird things." Aelius shot back, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"Yeah, yeah. I know that look already. Don’t give me that lovesick gaze. You’re supposed to be a dignified prince, not a lovesick puppy." Javier smirked, adjusting the ring box in his hands.

Aelius opened his mouth to retort, but the words died in his throat as Athine finally reached the altar, her eyes meeting his with a soft, loving smile.

( End Of Chapter )