Chapter 196
I learned for the first time that a wedding doesn’t just end when the meal is over.
Now, the two of them — the groom and the bride — were meant to become one! At least, that’s what I thought.
But that wasn’t the case. The real event starts afterward. The grand reception awaited us!
“Just having you here is an honor, and to receive your congratulatory speech, I am simply overwhelmed.”
The first to speak was the Emperor. No, my father-in-law! I bowed deeply, and he burst into hearty laughter.
Of course, it’s only natural for a father to come when his daughter is getting married. He added that, as a father and father-in-law, it’s only right for him to bless our future.
Then, my father-in-law immediately lifted me up, patting my shoulder with a kind expression.
“I have only one thing to say. Remember what I told you.”
“Is there any doubt about that, Your Majesty?”
He had asked me to cherish Bel for a lifetime. It was not an order but a personal request from him.
That simple yet profound statement made me nod vigorously.
I swore I would never break that promise. I would fulfill it without fail.
“That is enough. And Bel, may you always be happy.”
“Your Majesty, when you say that, it feels as if I might never see you again.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Even if not every day, do visit the palace from time to time. You’re welcome to come with your husband or with your children.”
Once the Emperor said that, both Bel and I couldn’t help but clear our throats.
I realized that, even though we had our time together, we hadn’t truly talked about that part.
Most of our conversations had revolved around work or political matters.
“Hmm. I should go now; staying too long would inconvenience the guests.”
“You can stay longer, Your Majesty.”
“It’s uncomfortable for me. Today’s main characters should be solely the two of you, and even if the Great Emperor were to attend, he would have to step back.”
When my father-in-law mentioned the Great Emperor, I could no longer stop him.
With the Emperor leaving, it was appropriate for the Crown Princess and Crown Prince to exit as well.
As if sensing this, my sister-in-law and brother approached, bypassing my father-in-law.
“We should take our leave too. There’s no benefit in staying too long, and we have to get back to work for tomorrow.”
“Are you two leaving?”
“I’d like to stay longer, but my sister… I’m sorry, sister. I was just joking, so don’t give me that look. Anyway, brother-in-law, make sure you take good care of Bel and the guests.”
Though this wedding was supposed to be a union between Bel and me, the fact that she was a princess meant that the royal family members had their reasons to not stay long.
My father-in-law had responsibilities towards the guests assembled here, my sister-in-law followed suit, and my brother had to reduce his political engagements at times like this.
“It’s unfortunate, but Bel, please don’t be too upset.”
“Don’t worry about me, sister. It’s rather my in-laws and Kael’s guests who will find it burdensome, so this is just their way of relieving my stress.”
“Hmph. The way you say that makes it feel like I’m the one being left out. Isn’t that right, sister?”
“Brother, just leave quickly.”
“Oh, come on! You shouldn’t treat your older brother like this in front of your husband!”
As I watched the playfully bickering siblings, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Meanwhile, my sister-in-law, who had been glancing at me, whispered.
“Just saying, please take good care of the guests from other countries. Brother-in-law.”
“Is there any doubt about that, Your Highness the Crown Princess?”
“Especially pay attention to the guests from Nobogord. While you may have chosen the fifth son of the Marquis of Consloker, be mindful that a marriage alliance with the Empire means we must not treat it lightly.”
With that, my sister-in-law and brother followed my father-in-law to return to the palace.
I couldn’t help but glance at Bel, worried she might feel neglected.
Even though they were family, and they should stay until the end of this wonderful day, they had their own positions and responsibilities, which was regrettable.
“Hoo. This is where it truly begins. Let’s do our best until the end, Kael.”
But Bel, seemingly full of energy, made me think my worries were unfounded.
Seeing her like that, I set aside my concerns and focused on welcoming the guests.
“Thank you for coming, everyone.”
The beginning was, of course, the nobles of the Empire: the Marquis of Robgon and the Marquis Rael, who belonged to the neutral faction.
And also the Marquis of Consloker, who had started to align himself with me recently.
“Congratulations, Chief of Staff. Ah, should I call you Duke now?”
“No, I wouldn’t want to boast about a title I haven’t even received yet. Besides, that title is just nominal; politically, I’m not better off than any of the marquises present here.”
“I’m always curious where that humility comes from. If only my children could follow half of your example, I’d be relieved for life.”
Just for reference, all the children of the three marquises were already well-established.
I knew I wasn’t lacking in any way, especially considering the case of Former Commander Mesok was an exception.
Yet, with them elevating me like that, all I could do was awkwardly smile.
Next came my father and several dukes of the Empire. This could indeed be more important than the marquises.
Dukes of the Empire tend to bond together with deeper loyalty to the imperial family than other nobles.
Internal conflicts among them could easily affect the imperial family, so I had to be particularly cautious.
“Before long, the Chief of Staff will inherit the dukedom. I’m beginning to feel I should pass my position to my son and take a breather.”
“Didn’t you say there’s still much for you to learn? Hold onto that seat a little longer. What crime has your son committed to take the dukedom at the same time as the Chief of Staff?”
“Hmm. Saying that suddenly makes me worry about my son!”
I felt a little less burdened since these were people I had known since childhood.
Bel, too, had to be familiar with the dukes because of her position as a princess.
Thanks to that, this time we could converse more like friendly banter instead of feeling the pressure or apprehension.
Next came the wave of military figures, as I’d expected.
I’m not exaggerating; it was the first time so many military personnel had gathered like this.
In fact, most of them were guests related to me, not my father.
“Chief of Staff, congratulations on your wedding.”
“Your Highness the Princess, congratulations to you as well. It’s heartwarming to see such a bond forged on the battlefield now continue here.”
“Indeed. It feels like just yesterday that the two of you were deep in tactical discussions on the battlefield. Yet, here you are, already united as a couple!”
Many came from the Ministry of War and the General Staff, who had taken the time to attend.
The legion commanders, now free to come, were also present.
Moreover, almost everyone who had displayed remarkable contributions in past wars attended as guests.
Honestly, I felt a bit worried. Would this come off as flaunting my faction?
Having already become a duke and marrying Bel meant I became part of the imperial family and would receive a noble title.
Considering the significant ties I had with influential figures in the Empire through my military achievements,
there was certainly a risk of miscommunication if I wasn’t careful.
But that train of thought was short-lived. In fact, I had to intentionally display that appearance.
“Chief of Staff, I sincerely congratulate you on your marriage.”
The first to speak was the envoy of Benito.
Following him were envoys from the Eastern Three Kingdoms Alliance and representatives from the Southern Kingdoms.
I had to show them. The Empire stands strong amidst all this.
While other nations might face purges or controls after wars,
the Empire would maintain its powerful grip as a hegemonic state without harshness.
And this very beginning rests on my shoulders. Perhaps they all came to confirm that.
I had initially been just the son of a duke in the Empire, but after gaining the title of “genius strategist,” I led the Imperial Army as Chief of Staff in my twenties.
Now, I had also received the title of duke and was seen as a person responsible for the Empire’s future.
“To all the esteemed guests from various nations, I express my gratitude. Now that you’ve traveled such a long distance, please enjoy this day! Furthermore, I hope for smooth proceedings in your future engagements in the Empire as well.”
Would it be disheartening that even a wedding ceremony would turn into such a complex political and diplomatic affair?
With that thought, I turned to look at Bel again and soon nodded, refocusing my attention.
“Thank you. It indeed is wonderful to see you all here to celebrate with us. Benito seems to be improving significantly compared to before. I genuinely wish for it to continue as a pillar of the South.”
“I’ve heard that the situation in the East has notably improved. This surely reflects your diligent efforts. Let’s continue to work hand in hand towards a bright future for the Empire!”
“I heard not long ago that the port cities of the Empire’s South have expressed an intention to increase trade with the Southern Kingdoms. So, if you are worried about trade being affected by the war, know that is not the case!”
Bel was already engaging with foreign dignitaries far more smoothly than I was.
Whatever the case, as a princess, my bride was undoubtedly far better at diplomacy than I was!