Violet Zerotta’s Hasty Marriage - Chapter 42

Because she was cupping his cheeks, his words came out slightly muffled. Violet let out a small laugh.

“No, I’m the one who should apologize. There’s something I didn’t tell you… Ever since we came to the capital, there’s been a persistent thorn in my heart. I think that’s why I ended up being overly sensitive with you.”

Violet glanced down at her dressed-up self for a moment.

“I used to admire this kind of thing, I think. But now that I’ve lived it, I realize—it’s not what I really want. It doesn’t suit me at all. I look like a sparrow wearing a stork’s skin.”

Aldrick placed his hands over hers as they rested on his cheeks.

“That’s not true, Violet. I didn’t get a chance to say it earlier, but… You looked truly beautiful today. So beautiful I didn’t want anyone else to see you. And you’re honestly the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Not even the stars pouring across the sky in the canyon or the rising sun in the east compare to you. This isn’t just about today. You have no idea how lucky I am that you chose to stay by my side. Nothing else matters to me anymore but you.”

At his passionate confession, Violet’s cheeks flushed faintly.

“I think having you as my husband was the greatest fortune of my life too. But… if you ask whether we really suit each other… honestly, I’m not so sure.”

“Why would you think that? I just want you to be by my side. That’s enough. Don’t think about anything else.”

“Well, that’s why…”

Aldrick looked at her with a nervous expression, as if anxious about what she might say next.

“Let’s go back to the territory as soon as we can. At least there, there are fewer eyes watching us than in the capital. I realized after coming here that I’m not cut out for city life. Maybe it’s because I was born poor and humble, but… I think I’d rather live in peace, even if it’s less glamorous.”

As soon as she said that, Aldrick let out a deep sigh.

“…I thought you were going to say you were leaving me.”

“How could I leave you? What, would I try to annul the marriage?”

“No! I’d never let that happen!”

Startled, Aldrick clutched her wrist, and Violet gave a soft laugh.

“They say married couples need to make a lot of adjustments. Besides, we barely knew each other for those three years. I just want to live quietly and comfortably with you in the territory you’ll receive. I’m just asking if that’s okay with you.”

“It’s not my territory. It’ll be our territory. Without you, the land and the title mean nothing to me. I want to rule the land with you—share everything with you. I want us to be together wherever we go. Let’s never be apart, not even for a moment.”

His earnest gaze told Violet that he meant every word.

“You’re my only family, Violet. It’s late, but… I truly love you. I’ll give everything I have to love you. No—you are already everything to me…”

The hands they held, the faces they looked into—everything felt like it had paused in eternity for a moment.

Violet felt that even breathing was a waste in that instant.

Every moment with Aldrick had been a happiness, but this—this moment—felt like the peak of it.

She wished time would stop right then and there.

“…Aldrick.”

She had meant to say she loved him too.

But her words were cut off by his approaching lips.

They were as hot and sweet as always. The arms that wrapped around her were just as firm and unyielding as ever.

She hoped she could lean on those arms forever.

Violet imagined a happy future.

After that, the two of them sat side by side on the terrace floor, shoulders touching, sharing a quiet conversation.

Aldrick made many promises. In particular, he seemed deeply regretful about their terrible wedding—promising they would hold a grand ceremony again—and about their wedding rings.

Violet didn’t really mind, but she simply nodded in agreement to Aldrick’s firm determination.

There was only one thing she truly wanted.

And she finally dared to say it out loud.

“Let’s be happy. A lot. So much happier from now on.”

Until the king’s attendant, pale-faced and frantic, came rushing to find Aldrick just before the conferment ceremony, the two of them remained like that—clinging to each other, dreaming of happiness.

That day, at the conferment ceremony, Aldrick received the king’s honorable appointment.

Now Count and Countess Winter, the road ahead of them seemed paved with nothing but flowers.