Chapter 322 [Side Story] A Typical Political Marriage (2)

Derek had many things to say about the trick she had pulled, but in the end, his curiosity won over.

Since when did you like me?

He wasnt convinced. All he did was answer Jeannes questions on the way here. She smiled and replied.

Well, how should I say this? Normally, one would get angry at this situation. I tried to deceive you after all.

She was right. Jeanne pulled the wool over his eyes, but Derek was more curious as to why.

Jeanne looked around, conscious of the attention that was being drawn towards the two from other onlookers, and she spoke again.

I believe our conversation will take longer, so why dont we go inside the restaurant?

Derek nodded at her suggestion. They had more to say than what could be said at the front of a restaurant. Before Jeanne went inside, she looked apologetically at the woman who wore the fancy dress on her behalf.

Thank you for listening to my favor. Please go inside the carriage and rest.

Yes, My Lady.

The woman nodded calmly. The real maid seemed to be the one disguised as Jeanne. As Derek stared at the two women, Jeanne first stepped into the restaurant.

Shall we go in then?

The pair was about to walk into the large entrance hall together, when a restaurant employee stepped in their way.

Im sorry, but you cannot enter the restaurant with a maid.

The employee must have mistaken Jeanne as a maid brought in by Derek. The more upscale restaurants only allowed n.o.bility inside, so the employees behavior was only natural.

Only then did realize that Jeanne was still wearing the maids uniform. She always came in and out of this place with ease, and never thought about her dress. Furthermore, she had no intention of revealing her ident.i.ty at first, so she had not planned for this.

Ah, well

She blushed in embarra.s.sment and was about to explain herself, when

Seueug.

Derek quietly pulled off his suit jacket and placed it over Jeans shoulders. He was taking care to make sure that others couldnt see her maids uniform anymore.

Shes my fiance.

Derek was identifiable as a n.o.ble at first glance, and no further explanation was necessary. The employee bowed and stepped back.

My apologies. Let me show you inside

Jeanne, with the jacket wrapped around her shoulders, looked at Derek with a puzzled expression. Her cheeks were slightly pink.

Thank you.

Not at all. You were not in the wrong.

Fiance. That wasnt necessarily an incorrect description, since marriage was being considered between their two families. But this was the first time Derek introduced someone as such, and Jeanne was the first to hear it. An awkward atmosphere settled between the two. Meanwhile, the employee who guided them inside the restaurant spoke.

The window seats are all currently full, so those who do not have reservations will be seated at the center. Is that alright?

Jeanne answered.

I have a reservation, so please check.

Yes, I see. What is your name?

It is Jeanne Morris.

Upon hearing her name, the employee bowed his head as if to apologize for his mistake earlier. Afterwards, Jeanne and Derek were led into the enormous dining room of the restaurant.

***

The table Jeanne reserved had the best view in this luxurious establishment. The pair was seated at the table, and they continued their conversation as they started on the appetizers.

Firstly, I apologize for my attempt to deceive you. Im sorry.

I would have found out later anyway, but dont you think that was a little reckless?

Of course I did. But I couldnt help it. I wanted to know what kind of man I was going to marry.

So did you find out a little about me?

Jean nodded unhesitatingly at Dereks question.

Yes. More than I thought

At the same time, her eyes fell to the jacket on her shoulders.

You are kind.

Derek replied as if he didnt understand.

Ive never heard of such a thing. Its too short a time to get to know anything about me.

Not exactly. You didnt treat me rudely as a maid. You were not disrespectful, abusive or rude.

Though her words were vague, Derek caught on to her meaning. There were many n.o.blemen who inappropriately touched pretty maids.

The time we have to meet before marriage is very short. I was afraid that my partner would hide behind a friendly mask in front of me.

After hearing that, Derek could see why Jeanne made this effort. Just as she said, she wanted to know exactly the man she was going to marry.

Im glad that your questions about me were answeredbut I dont know who you are yet.

Of course. It would be unfair if I was the only one who knew about you, so Ill answer any questions you have.

?

My height is 165 centimeters, and my birthday is on October 15th. I have never really thought about my own children, but I want to make as many siblings as possible. Since I was little, I have always envied a crowded family.

Derek listened closely to what she was saying. Jeannes answers were based on the question she asked Derek in the carriage.

I want a man who respects me. And my main concern is not to regret this political marriage.

I see.

I dont know if this is my goal, but I want to live as Jeanne Morris forever.

Derek looked at her in puzzlement.

I dont quite understand.

Getting married will increase my responsibilities. That is inevitable, of course, but that doesnt mean I cant live as myself anymore.

Is that what you think?

Yes. When I marry you, my name will change from Jeanne Morris to Jean Blaise. But I dont want to disappear. If I become someone elses wife, someone elses mother, I still want to be me.

Her face was serious. Derek fully understood her intent now. Her words were profound to him in a way, as he was also afraid of change after marriage as well.

For the first time, Derek thought he understood a little of who Jeanne was. He had guessed this after she revealed her disguise as a maid, but she was not the type to leave her fate in the hands of others. A strong woman who forged her own future Derek wasnt repulsed by that kind of woman. His sisters were the same.

I promise you one thing, no matter what. Just because you marry me, it doesnt mean you have to change a thing about yourself.

Derek wouldnt change overnight after his marriage either, and he wouldnt ask his wife to do something he wouldnt do.

If we get married, then I will live a life of mutual support with you. We are not meeting to give up something, but to fill each others gaps.

Jeanne didnt respond immediately, but even without words, her feelings were evident in her expression. She was deeply moved by Dereks words. It wasnt until now that she realized that he was the man she had been hoping for. She didnt want to be forced to change when she was married. She wanted to find a way to be happier with each other.

I didnt expect those words from you. In fact, the Blaise family is so powerful that I was worried what to do if you had a bad personality or expected me to changebut youre not like that at all.

Derek smiled at the honesty of her comments.

You were different from what I imagined as well.

Jeanne smiled, and continued on casually as if they were having a daily conversation.

Shall we get married? Of course, our families are already talking to each other regardless, but Id love it to be you.

If its with youthen I think it will be alright.

Im glad you agree. Im happy that youre my fianc.

Thats an undeserved t.i.tle.

Jeanne held up her wine gla.s.s.

Shall we toast to it?

Alright.

Derek soon lifted his gla.s.s of wine as well, and their gla.s.ses clinked in the air. A faint smile spread on Jeannes face.

To our happy future.

***

The marriage between Jeanne and Derek happened quickly. Since the marriage was arranged by families and the parties had little opposition, it was only natural to speed up the preparations. The wedding date, wedding hall, and much more were settled swiftly. Only three months had pa.s.sed since they met when they had their wedding.

Congratulations, Leader.

Live happily!

Derek was surrounded by guests that poured him their congratulations. There was considerable interest in Empress Elenas brother and the oldest son of the Blaise family getting married. Derek was dealing with the crowd of guests when a servant approached.

Its time to start the ceremony, My Lord.

Is it already?

Yes. Follow me this way, please.

Jeannes father, Count Morris, had difficulty walking from a limp he obtained from a battle of conquest. Thus, Derek and Jeanne would walk down the aisle together.

Derek followed the servant and entered the back of the wedding hall, and waited for his bride to appear. After a few moments, a beautiful woman approached his side. She was an elegant figure in a stunning white wedding dress, and even the normally expressionless Derek was taken aback. He had never seen a woman so lovely

He couldnt pull his eyes away from her as he spoke.

Are you nervous?

A little, butIm fine. Im going to walk down the aisle with you today.

Derek smiled at her words.

You say beautiful words.

I mean it. I feel very lucky to have you as my life partner.

I hope I can live up to that expectation. As a knight and as your husband, I will work hard to stay by your side forever.

I am the same. I will help you lead the Blaise family, and will help you fulfill your dreams in the future.

I feel rea.s.sured.

Our goal is to make each other happy.

At Jeannes words, the couple smiled at each other at the same time. Just then, a bridal march played to mark the start of the ceremony. A servant standing outside hurriedly approached them.

You may enter now.

Derek nodded carefully and took Jeannes delicate hand.

Shall we take the first step?

Jeanne smiled and nodded.

The two entered the hall, and the air seemed to glow around them. Derek was dressed handsomely in a black tailcoat, while Jeanne was in an immaculate white wedding dress. They looked a perfect match.

As they walked down the aisle, uniformed knights lined up on both sides drew out their swords one by one. The seated guests included Elena, Carlisle and Crow, as well as a matured Mirabelle and Kuhn standing next to her.

The grand wedding ceremony began in an atmosphere of celebration. Everyone, including Alphord and Jeannes family, looked on with emotion.

It was a perfect day for a new beginning.