Chapter 147: The Wedding (1)

No matter how naive she was, Princess Violet was still a woman of royal blood. She understood what Queen Leila was saying. She understood it very well, after all, didnt the current king of Florence Principality have multiple wives? Due to political reasons, he had brought in several women from different families into the palace and if you counted the lovers he brought in unofficially, then there were even more women in the palace.

Although Milton wasnt royalty yet, once he married Queen Leila, he would receive the title of Grand Duke and become a part of the royal family. Queen Leila wasnt planning on monopolizing Milton because of her jealousy as a woman, if she did, she wouldve blocked Sofia from the beginning. Rather, if it was for politics, she would even allow Milton to marry ten wives if necessary. But of course, the women had to be those that she could control and would have to be worth something to the Lester Kingdom.

For Queen Leila, Princess Violet was someone who perfectly fulfilled both of those conditions. She was a princess of the Florence Principality but didnt hold much attachment to her country. Queen Leila was planning to accept Princess Violet and create an official connection with the Florence Principality through it.

Although both the Lester Kingdom and the Florence Principality shared borders, they hadnt actively interacted with each other. Before, they were both small countries and had to be wary of the neighboring countries, not to mention, Florence Principality was an enclosed country. But now, the two countries couldnt live like that anymore they couldnt act like one was a chicken and the other a cow, nothing to do with each other.

The Lester Kingdom greatly expanded their territory this time, but the fact that the Republicans had devoured the Strabus Kingdom couldnt be ignored. If the Lester Kingdom could make a connection with a country that shared one of their borders, then how many troops and budget could they save? Queen Leila was planning on using Princess Violet to make that connection with the Florence Principality. After all, Queen Leila knew very well that the war with the Republic wasnt over yetThats why she had to save even a little bit more for the next war and the marriage between Milton and Princess Violet would be perfect for it.

Why dont you think about it some more. I think itd be great if we became a family.

Really, Your Majesty?

At those words, Princess Violet looked at Queen Leila with a face full of hope.

Yes, but rank wise, youd be the third wife Ah! If you dont like that, I guess its not possible?

No, Your Majesty, Im fine with that.

Princess Violet was a woman of royal blood; she wasnt against living with multiple wives.

Alright, then Ill have someone get started on that.

Thank you, Your Majesty Queen Leila.

I wish youd call me sister in private.

Sister

And so, Queen Leila had completely won over Princess Violet. She thought to herself as she patted Princess Violets back.

I cant believe I seduced a woman for my husband. Maybe this was too much of a wifes assistance?

To think that Queen Leila had to ask herself this

***

Princess Violet?

Yes, isnt she pretty? Shes pleasant and pretty, and shes been poorly treated by her family so theres no hesitation on that side either.

Milton sighed as he listened to Queen Leila listing Princess Violets merits.

This is rather sudden.

What are you saying didnt you know she was interested in you?

She was?

When Milton spoke like he was sincerely surprised, Queen Leila let out a sigh.

How did you not know?

One of Queen Leilas shortcomings was that she believed everyone thought like her.

If you dont like it dear, you can say no. But is there a reason for that?

A reason I dont really have one, but are you really alright with it?

With what?

Well Im asking if youre really alright with me marrying another wife?

Queen Leila smiled at his question.

Dear, Im alright with you marrying ten wives if thats what you want. Im even alright with you bringing maids into your bed.

I dont plan on playing around like that

But, I have two conditions.

Queen Leila interrupted him with a serious expression on her face.

Please, tell me.

One, dont hide it from me. And two, dont keep women that I hate by your side.

These were most likely the only two restraints Queen Leila would put on her husband, Milton.

Thats all you want from me?

Yes. As long as you keep these conditions, I wont even object if you want to have a woman from all over this continent.

Like I said before, I dont plan on playing around like that.

Milton complained to Queen Lelia.

Alright, I promise that Ill keep those two conditions for you, Leila.

Good. Then, lets proceed with Princess Violets arrangements. But, I want the marriage with her to be delayed a bit.

Why? Since were getting married, why dont we just do it all at once

Just do it all at once? Do you plan on killing my husband?

Ah. No, love.

Milton realized that he should always be careful with his words.

I personally dont really care, but think of Sophia.

Sophia? What about her?

Well, Im a monarch of a country so I dont really care, but in Sophias case, shes just a daughter of a junior nobleman, right? If Princess Violet and her married at the same time, what should Sophias rank be?

Ah

Milton exclaimed when he heard that, he hadnt thought about it before. Even if Princess Violet was a princess of a small country, royalty was royalty. If they got married at the same time, then Sophias rank would automatically be lower than Princess Violets. Queen Leila was a vixen, so it didnt matter, but it felt like he was doing Sophia a great disservice.

Queen Leila seemed to have read Miltons mind.

Treat her well when we return back home.

I will.

***

Although there was a bit(?) of a business to be dealt with in the middle, Milton was able to smoothly return to his estate.

Long live MarquisForrest!!

Long live Queen Leila!!

Long live the Lester Kingdom!!

They were greeted enthusiastically as thousands of people came out to the streets to cheer and throw flowers at the returning soldiers. Now that he was used to this spectacle, Milton waved his hand while talking to Queen Leila next to him.

I thought there wasnt going to be a Ceremony of Triumphant Return?

After all, they had officially lost this war. While the country had gotten three times bigger, there was no reason for a Ceremony of Triumphant Return when they had been defeated. But in spite of that, the people had come out onto the streets and were greeting them warmly.

All of them came out on their own.

On their own, Your Majesty?

The people arent stupid, dear. Disregarding the official outcome of this war, didnt we gain a lot?

Thats true.

So dont shy away from rewarding people. Generously reward and honor those who made great contributions during this war.

Milton nodded in response to Queen Leilas permission.

Ill be happy to do so, Your Majesty.

Milton had already been planning to generously reward his subordinates.

Welcome back, MarquisForrest.

Congratulations on your return, My Lord.

Im relieved to see that youre safe, My Lord.

Sophia and the rest of Miltons retainers warmly welcomed Milton as he entered the estate. Behind them were nobles that Milton couldnt even remember the names of, staring at him like meerkats.

Youve all worked hard while Ive been gone.

When Milton thanked them, his retainers all gave him a deep bow.

It was nothing, My Lord.

No, My Lord, it was you who worked hard on the battlefield.

Although you were quite far away, everyone on the estate heard about your accomplishments, My Lord.

Milton shook everyones hand as he went around praising them. Then, it became Sophias turn

He gently pulled her in and hugged her tenderly as he whispered in her ear.

I came back as promised.

Sophia blushed and spoke in a soft voice.

Im happy youre back.

Seeing her like that, Milton found her so lovable that he could only release her after kissing the back of her hand. Then, he turned back to the rest of his retainers.

Even if the war is over, itll be busy for a while. Our country has expanded and there are many more things that must be done, but I wish for everyone to continue to follow my lead.

Yes, sir!

His retainers all responded in a loud voice to Milton.

Just like Milton said, there was so much to do.

Well, the first thing that has to be done is my wedding.

***

The wedding.

This was a ceremony that even ordinary people thought to be important; it was a ceremony in which two people became one and turned into a family. However, depending on the rank, a persons wedding may have many meanings.

That was the case for Milton. His wedding was basically a joint wedding with two brides. Not only that, but because he was marrying Queen Leila, this wedding also served as a ceremony for Miltons ascension to the position of Grand Duke. Additionally, once Milton became a Grand Duke, he planned to officially recognize the distinguished services of those who had made contributions during the war. Truthfully, he couldve rewarded them before the wedding, but because he could do more for his men once he ascended to the position of Grand Duke, Milton had postponed the ceremony.

Because Queen Leila had done most of the preparations, they were able to proceed relatively quickly with the wedding once the war was over. About a month after they returned home, Milton got married amidst the warm spring breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers and the sounds of the peoples blessings.

Ha How nerve wrecking.

With his heart pounding loudly, Milton stood before the priest and waited for his brides to enter.

Just as Miltons nervousness reached its peak, the brides entered.

Ohhhhh

How beautiful.

Oh my how could they be so gorgeous?

The guests buzzed as they watched the brides walking in. The two brides appeared in pure white wedding dresses; they were so stunning they put all other beauties to shame.

Queen Leila was already known for her beauty. She was so beautiful that its said that once men look at her, they can never forget her and are tormented with lovesickness. While she usually dressed simply, her beauty was enough that it never gave the impression that her dresses were too simple, but today, she had dressed up to her hearts content. From her hairstyle to her accessories, she had done her best to breathtaking and with every step she took, she dazzled with light.

Sophias transformation was even more surprising. She had been born with adorable looks but never dressed up. She always carried around her blueprints with ink on her fingertips and her hair tied back so that it wouldnt bother her. But today, she had been transformed under the hands of a professional. If Queen Leila was like a mythological goddess, then Sophia was like a fairy of Spring. Wearing a white dress with a sheer pale yellow lace on top, a happy smile clung to Sophias face.

Seeing such two beautiful women, it wasnt unreasonable for all the men at the ceremony to think the same thing.

Milton Forrest, you lucky dog.

How are you getting married to TWO beautiful women

He mustve saved a country in his previous life ah, he saved our country in this lifetime.

But there was something these envious people didnt know.

They didnt know what the woman sitting in the VIP seat of the wedding hall was thinking.

Next is my turn

Princess Violet was smiling for a different reason as she looked at the two brides.