After the month of mourning, everything was being prepared for the wedding. Despite everything that had happened, Delia was excited. She would finally marry the man she loved so much and with whom she had fought to make their love possible, although she would have liked her father to be with her.
The wedding day was celebrated by everyone. Of course, upon leaving the temple, the newlyweds' carriage rode through the entire town. The people celebrated that moment; Delia was happy, waving to everyone from her place.
Upon arriving at the palace, the great banquet awaited them. There, all the nobles greeted and congratulated them, although such congratulations were directed more at the prince since it was with him that they struck up a conversation, while with Delia, they were brief. Even the highest-ranking women only gave her congratulations and withdrew, preferring not to engage her in conversation since they knew of her lack of education from past parties or banquets.
"If they hadn't framed Lady Von Hansen, she would be the crown princess," an older woman mentioned.
"Lady Von Hansen was a better option; that girl has no manners."
"This must have been a ploy by the crown prince; the evidence was in such an obvious place."
"Of course, everyone knows that Lady Von Hansen is not so stupid as to get caught. It was undoubtedly a trap."
"The crown prince is a fool, preferring the mistress instead of his fiancee."
The whispers did not stop. The older women were unhappy with such a wedding. They know that a girl like Delia will not be able to handle such a heavy burden, especially since she has failed so much in her classes. Delia, who was standing behind the balcony curtains, heard everything and clenched her fists as she looked down.
"They knew this would happen, now endure it," mentioned the empress.
"I-I... why do they have to talk like that? They shouldn't judge before…"
"That's how things are, if you can't stand it, leave."
Having said that, the empress withdrew, while Delia ran out of the hall. Seeing this, Johan followed her. They both stayed in the garden, and the boy comforted her, encouraging her not to give up. After all that, Delia and Johan returned for their first dance, but Delia was worried because Ritter hadn't really attended.
"I know you consider him your friend, but don't let this ruin our moment," Johan mentioned to her.
"I know. Can he really not forgive me? I couldn't marry him; I didn't love him…" she mentioned sadly.
"He will understand someday," he consoled her.
They continued their dance and enjoyed the party.
On the other hand, Ritter travels in the company of Alesha since she must go to close a couple of businesses in a kingdom outside the border. This business was important, as it will help her county grow, although it was a bit complicated since the duke whom they are going to see does not trust doing business managed by a woman.
After a day of travel, they stopped to rest at the mansion of an earl, an acquaintance of Ritter's family, who was grateful to receive them. The count even invited them to dinner, where he introduced his children: two older, married men and a daughter of similar age to Alesha. This young woman was a beautiful brown-haired girl who, upon seeing Ritter, did not hesitate to tell her mother that she was interested in him.
"Tell me, Lord Escalante, are you married or engaged?" asked the countess.
"My engagement ended recently; she decided to marry another," Ritter replied.
"How terrible, I don't understand how she could leave you being such a handsome young man from a good family," the countess flattered without hesitation.
"I suppose the status of crown princess was better than that of a marchioness," Ritter replied.
"What? You were engaged to that girl? I had heard something about it, but I didn't think it was you she left," she lamented.
"How terrible, if you ask me, that lady is a fool; status is not everything," replied the young daughter of the count.
During the conversation, Alesha remained silent and only responded when asked, although in the heat of the moment, they also learned that she was the crown prince's fiancee.
"I think that evidence was false, it was all so obvious," mentioned the count's daughter.
"I agree, it was so absurd, it must have been a ploy to break off the engagement and get her out of the capital," added the countess.
"Perhaps, but I feel better this way; in reality, the prince never struck me as a good candidate for a husband. If he cheated on me during our engagement, he will surely cheat on that woman."
"Don't doubt it, those kinds of men never change, he's just infatuated, but soon that love he claims to have will fade," replied the countess.
"I think the same as my wife, I know something about the Von Hansens, and her father always spoke highly of you. To be honest, shouldn't you request a new investigation? Maybe that other girl was the one who did everything," mentioned the count.
After dinner, everyone retired, but the count's daughter, Anya, caught up with Ritter, who was walking in the company of Alesha.
"I would like to ask you a question…"
"Go ahead," Ritter gave his permission.
"Are you two…together? I mean…you are single and…"
"We are getting to know each other, to see if it works," Ritter replied.
"I understand. Thank you for your honesty." The girl let out a sigh and withdrew.
She had liked Ritter, but she was not about to interfere. She went to her mother to tell her, so the idea of asking for a commitment has been dismissed.
***
In the morning, their journey began anew; the count and his children said goodbye. Alesha was a little surprised; she thought that girl would be insistent, but apparently, what Ritter told her was enough for her to understand that he was not interested in her. Apparently, not all girls can be a nuisance.
"Business will be complicated. That man is a clear example of discrimination," Ritter mentioned.
"Don't worry, I know how to deal with them, and if he doesn't want to do business, I'll look for someone else," Alesha replied.
The girl looked out the carriage window. Just one night ago, Delia and Johan's wedding should have been celebrated, now she will only wait a little longer and everyone will know about Marquis Lange's crimes, soon they will know that the future empress is the daughter of a criminal.
…
******NOTE
I apologize; I know I have been absent these days, but I have been somewhat busy. I hope soon to be able to update every day 😊
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