37 Wedding

Gown

‘Miss, it is

really alright?’ Marie asked sheepishly from behind me. I turned to her and

laughed and nodded.

However my

reply did not satisfy Marie for she was still grumbling about the why and

wherefores.  I could hear her but I

merely shrugged.

We were

intruding upon General Brennan’s town house. We were here to iron out the

details of my entry into the household. But Volker has been held up at work and

could not be here. So it was Father, Mother, Marie and me with Volker’s

parents, and Mr Xavier, Volker’s butler.

After I get

married to Volker, Mr Xavier will teach me about the running of the house. I

would like to take over the management of the household gradually. Marie is

coming with me as my personal maid, so I have no problems.

I made sure to

tell my parents that they didn’t have to do a flashy announcement. At this

moement, Volker’s parents were busy arguing.

Although it

was the first time I had met them, they were very kind to me. His father said,

‘To get such a lovely bride, Volker is the Kingdom’s luckiest man!’

And his mother

said, ‘We are getting such a lovely daughter in law!’ with joyful tears.

Volker had

said told me it was going to be alright, but I could not help the feeling of

trepidation meeting his parents. Would they already had the opinion that I was

the upstart nouveau riche Viscount’s daughter? This kind welcome was both

touching and embarra.s.sing.

I didn’t want

a showy wedding.

When I told

Volker he seemed very disappointed. But as a person how had been dumped by her

high status fiancé, I didn’t want to call too much attention to myself.

Although, I didn’t say, I am thinking of Volker.

Because of the

Duke’s people spreading bad rumours, Volker was now seen as “the last great

single man that was rushed and drew a super-nope lottery” or something like

that. (Zuben: I don’t think he feels that way)

Even though

Volker knows about it, he knew that it was best leaving things along or it

would escalate if he denied it. Volker is being made fun of because of me, I’m

sorry.

So have a

quiet dinner party and only publish the announcement of marriage. One day, the

rumours will die down. Just because I am getting married doesn’t mean I have to

wear a proper wedding dress, I am happy just to be marrying Volker…to be his

wife.

Although he is

reluctant, it really isn’t necessary to make a fan fare of our wedding. But I

wonder if it is okay.

‘Miss

Fredericka, are you alright.’

I gave a

little start at my future mother in law’s voice.

‘Yes, mother

in law.’

Jennis, my

future mother in law, in reality, is Volker’s aunt. She is a wonderful person

who exudes great elegance. I lose face just by being beside her.

Jennis clasped

my hands in hers and said, ‘After all, I think it would be better to show off.

It’s a once in a lifetime event; every girl’s dream.’

It’s not that

I don’t have a longing to wear a wedding dress, but I am going to be weight

against Volker, there is nothing I can do.

I grasped her

hands and tried to smile as prettily as possible as I said, ‘Mother, I am so

happy that I am going to be Volker’s wife that if I wear a wedding gown I think

my body will explode with joy!’ (Zuben: Hahahaha, what a terrible excuse)

And we won’t

be able to get married quickly.

Jennis laughed

and winked mischievously.

‘It is a

wonderful dream to welcome a lady like you as my daughter in law.’

It seemed like

she agreed with me. It seemed that she understood, that was good. I was feeling

relieved until Jennis said,

‘At least, let

me handle the dress you wear for the dinner party. It has been a long held

dream to sew my daughter’s dress. It’s not too flashy, is it?’

I thought back

to the wink she gave me earlier, she was as cute as a young lady.

I nodded.

There was no answer, Jennis embrace me and thanked me. Just then, Volker

entered the drawing room,

‘Sorry to have

kept you wait- Fredericka, not to Mother but to me!’

Everyone gave

knowing smiles as Volker s.n.a.t.c.hed me. I was very embarra.s.sed as Volker pulled

me into his arms for a tight hug. (Zuben: Don’t make her faint again, ah)

38 In your

arms

Volker took a

seat and as though it was natural, held me to him very close. Though it is, I am

still a bit shy because he is doing it in front of our parents, but they

accepted at as though it was very natural.

Natural? Are

we used to it? That-that is scary!

‘Um Volker,

today I’m going to sit on my own.’

Volker turned

to me with widened innocent eyes and asked, ‘Why?’

Er, why do you

have such a pure expression? It makes it look like I am in the wrong.

‘Volker, do

you always do that?’

Awesome

tsukkomi from father in law! Next, there was a glint in Mother in law’s eye!

I should have

talked about this with Volker before marriage! It may be too late. No not yet!

We may still be able to do something about it.

‘Yes, he is

always like this.’ I said. My heart beat with a dull sound but I have said what

is in my heart.

I wanted him

to say it was a coincidence today, but I don’t know the kind of things that

embarra.s.ses Volker…I wonder if he is shameless.

‘I-I’m sorry.’

I apologised to Father in law quietly. I’m sorry I am such a bride. I’m shy but

I’m happy!

‘Oh no, don’t

apologise Miss Fredericka.’ Father in law said to me, and he looked up at

Volker, ‘Volker, how much do you want to disregard propriety? ’

‘Fredericka is

embarra.s.sed, too.’ Father in law continued quite naturally.

Oh thank you,

father in law!

There was a

sound of disappointment over my head and I instinctively wanted to hold his

hand.

‘I’m sorry

Fredericka; I know I should only do this when it’s just the two of us.’

You don’t have

to mention it!

He let me go,

and I went to sit between my parents.

‘Fredericka,

don’t sit so far away.’ Volker called with a gentle voice. His mother jabbed

him in his side with her elbow, but he was still insistent.

Uuun, I’m

afraid of your eyes, and I cannot give you face. My mother chuckled, and my

father said under his breath, ‘Please go sit next to him.’

Nooo, leave me

alone till the hot spots on my face fade away.

We all had

dinner together.

Afterwards,

the parents were sitting together having more discussions.

Marie was

speaking to Mr Xavier.

Volker came up

to me, ‘Let’s take a walk in the garden.’

Wow, we are

going to have a garden date!

Walking beside

Volker, I could not hide my nyonyo[1]. I have to be careful not to spoil the

visage of good daughter as much as possible.

But then I guess

it was useless, because Volker is chuckling beside me.

[1] nyonyo: laughing secretly,

gloating, secretly grinning.

‘What is it?’

I looked up to

his hazel eyes that were narrow with mirth. His previously neatly dressed

forelocks had been disarrayed by the strong breeze and they now fell over his

fore head. Oooh, how very nice~!

‘Sorry about

earlier, I’m relieved that you are in a good mood.’

Ah, it was so.

I stubbornly did not sit next to Volker.

‘You weren’t

angry, were you? Were you…shy?’

I squeezed his

hand tighter; I wish I could transmit my feelings through where we are

touching.

‘I’m sorry…’

Hmm? Why are

you apologising? I’m not angry

‘Fredericka’s

embarra.s.sed expression is very lovable.’

What does that

mean? Does he do it on purpose? (Zuben: To bully you a little)

‘Fredericka

may not know this: but when you are embarra.s.sed you become red from your cheeks

to your ears and all around your neck,’ he said as his fingers stroked the

parts he was talking about. My face was so hot; his fingers felt especially

cool, ‘It is an extremely beautiful vermillion against your white skin.’

‘I want to see

how it looks from the neck down when you’re dyed red.’

Bufu!!

Wait just a

moment, please! Why are you looking like that all of a sudden? We are in your

garden, Volker! It is an open area!

‘Volker?’

‘Come…’ he

said as he pulled me along. I did not resist.

He kissed me

behind a big tree. It was a strange sensation that tickled and stimulated my

skin. I trembled as he wrapped he held my waist and I wrapped my hand around

his neck.

‘In truth, I

would like to see you in a wedding dress.’

If possible, a

dress that showed the beautiful line of her shoulders and her hair dressed

beautifully.

As if he could

imagine a concrete look, Volker fingered my hair into disarray.

I was going to

make my hair really cute, I thought. But as he played with my hair, we got

caught up in each other. I eventually had to cool down and groom myself under

the shade of the tree.

‘Uu~n, but,

there are various obstacles, aren’t there? That’s why…’

And it’s all my

fault. I don’t really care if I wear a wedding dress as long as Volker was with

me and I was held in his warm arms.

I looked up

and there were leaves in Volker’s hair. I tried to reach up to get it, but he

was too tall.

‘Volker, lift

me up a little.’ I said as I put my hands on his shoulder. He lifted me easily

so I could reach the leaves in his hair, but as I tidied him up. I felt a sharp

nip at my collar bone.

‘Hi~ yau~.’

I was bitten.

Did Volker just bite me?! (Zuben: No, it was a mutant mosquito)

It was a sweet

bite, but I was so surprised I cried out.

‘I’m sorry it

was…because it was right there in front of me.’

I suppose it

is my fault, but why is there a mischievous light behind the hazel.

‘I suppose if

it wasn’t deliberate, it’s alright. I’m also bad for having my clavicle in

front of a man’s eyes.’ I said with a smile, ‘I will wear clothes that cover up

to my neck from now on.’

I have to

defend myself so it doesn’t happen. (Zuben: A lot of things sound so dodgy)

‘No that’s a

problem!’ he said.

 I don’t know what to do anymore. Volker trying

to stop me from wearing nun-like clothes is very cute! I laughed out loud.

*

‘It’s not

good, is it?’

‘Yes, of

course.’

‘You cannot

withdraw as it is.’

‘…if that is

the case, let’s do this again.’

‘Right.’

‘Confidentially

this time.’

‘Hehehehehe’

‘Fufu

hahahaha.’

pinterest.com

39 I will not

show off

Although I was

in a hurry to marry Volker, the day came very quickly.

The day…

I officially

become Volker’s wife…

Is here!

We will have

to file a notification of our marriage for approval. The truth is I only know

Volker. Yes, as you guessed, not yet.

By submitting

the marriage certificate Congress would formally establish our marital status

after the general engagement period, after which we would get a blessing at the

church.

Usually one

would hold a ceremony afterward. It could be a grand event where all friends,

acquaintances, relatives, a few local elders and leading aristocrats and

notable people are invited.

There would be

fireworks if upper aristocrats turn up to the wedding. The general populace

would turn it into a carnival and put out stalls to sell food, trinkets and

play games. There would be fights, thievery, it will be a lot of trouble.

It is kind of

a status thing but I don’t want such a flashy event with such dangerous

elements.  

If one does,

it is best to take safety measures; have security through the party if the

announcement is a pandoriented delivery. (Zuben: I dunno what the panda is

about[1]) Organise the merchants, have free flowing drinks so that the citizens

can enjoy and you can also show off at the same time. Wouldn’t it be nice? I

would like to run such an event. (Zuben: Honestly this paragraph stumped me; it

was just a confusing mish-mash of words)

But, couldn’t

you do it in the panda?

But from a

girl’s point of view it is useless, it is not a bit disappointing for Volker to

become a panda[2]. Volker is more n.o.ble and graceful, his ident.i.ty is that of a

stronger animal that anyone else!! (Zuben: a bear)

Usually,

Volker doesn’t seem to like flashy things either. He is usually complaining

about having to wear the heavily decorated uniforms of the Royal Guard, and

curses who ever thought of it. I think he looks good, but Volker was

dissatisfied.

Alright, it’s

a beautiful day; perfect for submitting our certificate to Parliament. Mr Sun,

thank you!

When we were

at Parliament submitting our certificate there was a bit of a commotion; His

Majesty the King appeared.

He found

Volker and I, and casually approached.

‘Brennan, you’re here.’ He said in greeting. He has a smile

on his face and his gray-blue eyes were narrowed with it. Stefan takes after

him very much. But his smile looked very much like Volker’s. Perhaps Volker’s

hazel eyes are from his mother.

A little

surprised, Volker bowed to the King while giving a glare to the guard behind

his majesty. I curtsied.

What is this? No, it’s not unusual for his Majesty

to come to Parliament, right? Hie~e, I can’t raise my face.

Perhaps it was Volker’s men? I wonder because

he had a frown but it was only for a moment.

“Why are you here?”

“Sorry! I couldn’t stop him!”

Maybe it was

like this?

‘Your Majesty,

why are you here? The time of audience…’

‘Don’t be so

stiff, Brennan. I wanted to see the reputed lady you became absorbed with.

Don’t you want to show her off?’

What, me?!

What is this

about "reputed"? You care about the marriage? Eeeeeh!

Hey, do you

mind if I raise my face?

‘Wife, you can

raise your face.’ The king said coming closer to me and touched my chin

Fu ~ai

I raised my

face and my breath was caught,

‘I am

Fredericka Castley. It is nice to meet you, your Majesty.’ I managed to say.

‘Hmm…you’re

such a pretty wife. It is regrettable for Brennan.’ His Majesty said.

It was flattering. I laughed. His majesty has

an irresistible charm. (Zuben: resist it) Was his Majesty even human?!

Beside me, I

felt something swell. There was a strong killing intent from Volker! (Zuben: don’t turn Volker into a yandere!)

‘Hey, I’m joking. She suits you,

Brennan.’ His Majesty said with a laugh as he hit Volker’s shoulder. He left

after that, his guards chasing after him. It seems like he just came to see us.

Buufuu~ I was

so nervous.

I mean, his

Majesty the King, the supreme power of the nation comes over and raises my

face! And I would never have imagined Volker would show a killing intent to his

Majesty!

Anyway, I am

greatly relieved that is over.

‘Fredericka.’

I turned to

Volker, he didn’t even look bothered.

That face;

what dial indicator did you use to interact with your Majesty earlier? I was

about to ask when I realised there were disturbing panicked words coming from

here and there.

“His Majesty

was seen in person!"

“Are the King

and General so close?”

“This…must be

revised!”

“No way, do I

have to fawn over and flatter the nouveau riche?!”

“Is the army

getting increased funds?!”

“Is the

balance between the Military and Parliament broken?!”

We can hear you, you know?

We just came to submit our marriage certificate.

I think being a great person is troublesome. They don’t even think about

the direction they are going. Too much time spent on the power game.

Volker and I exchanged a glance; we didn’t know what to do about the

panicking Lords.

I did not want them to rain on my happiness.

Such a tactless thing, I don’t want to tell Volker something like that.

With that said, should I mislead you?

‘Eeee~ Lady, I’ve been told; today, I realised that Volker-sama is getting

married to me today.’ I gave an embarra.s.sed laugh. Volker raised a brow and

frowned. He looked sullen at first glance, he had an expression that smoothing

it over would likely fail.

The great people around me, “What a strange way to look at his bride, are

they a masked couple?”

I am sorry but I will not tell you.

Shortly after submitting our certificate, we went to the church for our

blessing. We knelt before the Father who performed his prayers.

And that was all there was to it. Now I will head to Volker’s house! Just

then Marie beckoned to me from the side; I went to her and was pushed into a

small room. Can I enter here without permission?

‘Please wait a while, Brennan~!’ Marie said with a meaningful chuckle. Volker

watched me with a dumbfounded expression as the door was shut in his face and

locked.

What was going on?

I was about to asked Marie how had bolted the door, when someone called me

from behind

‘Fredericka,’

I turned around to find Jennis standing there. I thought everyone had gone

to the house beforehand. Why was she here holding a white dress in her hand?

‘We don’t have much time, Fredericka, we need to get you changed quickly.’

Jennis said. Marie had already started undoing the b.u.t.tons of my dress. Mother

appeared carrying a few things.

‘Mother, you’re also here?’

‘I will take off your necklace and undo your hair now, Miss.’ Marie said.

Marie undressed me with a finesse she rarely displayed in recent years.

‘Please don’t get dazed, Fredericka, we just doing a little make over,

right?’ Jennis said with a smile. Jennis was always gentle. Her smile

represented neither presence nor absence. I could only give a non-committal

reply.

I was stood before a full length mirror as my mother, Jennis and Marie

dressed me. Before I knew it I was dressed in what could only be called a

wedding dress.

‘What is this?’ I asked. How could a dress have been made in time? Yet it

fit perfectly like it was made for me.

The bold strapless design was the kind Volker liked. The bodice was figure

hugging with clean lines with a full skirt that was layer upon layer of silk

and tulle. There was delicate embroidery all over it. It was very cute.

My hair was beautifully tied up; it looked nice and glossy somehow.

‘Is this…?’

‘The dress for the dinner party. I told you to leave it to me, didn’t

I?’Jennis said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Her smile looked very pleased

and beautiful; like she was happy the dress suited me.

But, the dress for the dinner party at this level? This was a wedding

dress!

‘My sister…Volker’s mother could not wear her wedding dress,’ Jennis said

with a sad smile.

Because Volker’s mother could not marry the previous king, even though they

were in love; due to societal pressure.

A girl sure dreams of a happy marriage, how sad that she could not have

that.

‘I didn’t mean to make you unhappy, but I thought that it would be said you

not wearing a wedding gown.’ Jennis continued, ‘Is this meddling?’

I embraced mother-in-law unconsciously.

Could I really wear this?

In such a beautiful wedding dress, I wonder if I truly have become Volker’s

Bride?

Uuuu~ I really endured it.

Because of the matter of being jilted troubled mother and father, and there

were strange rumours that affected Volker, I hadn’t dared dream I could. I

really wanted to wear a wedding dress. I wanted to show the world I was in love

like everyone else, but I was afraid it would be more troublesome.

I didn’t need it, I thought, I did not need anything as long as I could be

with Volker, I would be happy.

‘Thank you, mother in law.’ I said to Jennis.

I couldn’t say more…that she thought of me so much…

Oh, now I’m crying. My make-up would be ruined.

‘I didn’t expect to be wearing such a beautiful dress.’

Jennis smiled as she wiped my tears with her handkerchief.

‘Fredericka, did you mother do a good job?’

Hehehe, mother with her usual smile lifted the gossamer veil over my head.

It was exquisite with a crown of my favourite flowers.

‘My beautiful Fredericka, I am proud of you. Go be a bride with

confidence!’ my mother declared.

‘Mother…’

Tears spilled down because I could not endure it anymore.

My make up was fixed. I took a deep calming breath and stepped out of the

small room. Volker was waiting for me. He had also changed.

The ceremonial uniform of the Royal Guard is also wonderful but this was

very close to a groom’s suit, isn’t it? Mother in law also prepared Volker’s

well.

‘Wow, Volker you look wonderful.’ I said as I ran to him holding my hands

out. I jumped into his arms and he twirled me around.

‘It is you who looks wonderful Fredericka – how beautiful!’

The skirt my dress spread fluffily and the fabric twinkled brilliantly in

the sunlight. As we headed to the doors, I could hear lots of people outside.

There was a pretty large crowd watching.

Eh?

‘Come let’s get you into the carriage.’

When I looked at the carriage I realised the reason for the crowd. We had

come in an ordinary carriage, and had planned to take it back.

But this was a fairy tale carriage; it was a white open top carriage with

glittery decorations and Oliver was driving it.

What is this?

I couldn’t keep up!

‘Lady, get on please.’

It was very graceful, but why was our very competent butler driving the

carriage as thought it went without saying.

A cheer went up as I was escorted to the carriage by Volker. Marie and our

other maids started to shower us with colourful petals. It was beautiful –

beautiful but so conspicuous!

‘Congratulations, Miss!’ Marie shouted.

‘Ma, Marie!’ I cried trying to stop her, but it was in vain as other girls

with similar baskets started throwing flowers as well.

What kind of preparation was this?!

But doing this was so showy, Volker might find it unpleasant. I looked at

him next to me. He looked happy.

He held me gently as we got on the carriage. Volker is so sweet! Everyone

is so sweet! I am so very happy my heart is about to explode.

Zuben: So much lost in translation stuff in the past few chapters, I was

honestly distressed. Anyway, hope it makes sense. Enjoy.

Panda [1] もしやるなら安全に配慮した、警備も萬全なお祭りイベントがメインで、お披露目が客寄せパンダ的な位置付けなら、割り切って出來るかもしれませんね。商家は潤って市民が楽しんでついでにお披露目が出來るなら三方良しで、あら、いいじゃない？そんなイベント取り仕切りたいなぁ。

Panda [2] あ、パンダじゃ仕切れないな？

Panda [3] ……でも令嬢的な観點からいうとダメなのかな、フォルカー様もパンダになっていただくにはちょっと役不足な感が否めない。フォルカー様ならもっと高貴かつ優美、しかしてその正體は誰よりも強い動物になれましてよ！！

♢ Chapters 40-42