Chapter 1008: Before the Altar ( 1008 )

"Now now~ enough of that. Are you feeling nervous?" Francesca touched Garius’s nose playfully with her finger, a teasing smile on her lips.

Garius just smiled. "No... I’m not. Besides, you’re the one who insisted I marry Mylezra."

"Of course, because you promised her long ago. And she’s been waiting all this time. Even before we were married, remember?"

Garius glanced away, muttering softly. "It was a promise from long ago... And you knew about it."

"Yes, I did. You told her you’d make her your wife after we were married. And now she’s finally getting her day, after we already have three grown children. Look at our eldest now~"

"Y...yeah... Sorry."

"Don’t apologize to me~ Apologize to her." Francesca smiled and gave his lips a quick, affectionate kiss. "Next time, don’t make promises to so many girls. And remember... there are still two more you owe a wedding to. Ah~ I wonder what Nyxara will think, seeing Mylezra go before her."

Garius swallowed hard, looking at Francesca with mild alarm. "Umm..."

"Veldrac’s little sister. Don’t forget you promised her first, before me, and she’s still waiting."

Garius glanced at Francesca, brows furrowed.

"Wait... two? I’m confused. Isn’t Nyxara the last one?"

Francesca wiggled one finger in front of him. "No~ There are two."

"Really? Who?"

Francesca smiled mysteriously. "Someone you promised that... oh well~ You’ll find out later."

Garius looked genuinely puzzled. "Who? Eridith is already my wife, Mylezra is today, Nyxara is next..."

He glanced out the window, staring thoughtfully at the sky.

"Who is it? Why can’t I remember...?"

Francesca glanced over her shoulder with a knowing smile. "You’ll remember soon enough~"

Garius tried to think harder, but no name or memory surfaced. Who...?

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come in~" Francesca called.

The door opened, and Alf and Erinnette stepped inside.

"Your Majesty," Alf said with a respectful bow. "It’s time."

"Ah... okay."

"Erinnette?"

"Yes, My Lady?" Erinnette bowed politely toward Francesca.

"You’re with me."

"As you command, My Lady."

"Now now~ Alf?" Francesca chuckled softly.

"Yes, my lady?"

"Bring your ’little brother’ to his wedding. Erinnette and I have something else to attend to, preparing his new bride."

Alf smiled, a rare gentle expression softening his usual stern demeanor. "If you insist, my lady."

"Francesca..." Garius said with a soft smile.

"What?" Francesca looked at him, her expression warm.

"Alf and Erinnette are like your siblings. They’ve been with you since they were teenagers, back when you were still just a boy, right? So they’re like a brother and sister to you."

Alf and Erinnette glanced at each other, a shared smile touching their lips, before placing their palms over their left chests and bowing respectfully.

"We are honored you see us that way, my lady."

"My my~ Alf, Erinnette... you two don’t need to be so formal."

"No can do, my lady," Erinnette replied gently but firmly. "We must set the example for all the staff and maids. If those in the highest positions appear too relaxed in front of Their Ruler, it would undermine the discipline and respect the household is built upon."

Francesca smiled, her eyes softening with understanding and pride.

"If you please, Alf? Bring your ’little brother’ to the wedding hall."

"As you command, my lady." Alf bowed politely, then straightened and stood at ease, waiting for Garius to move.

Francesca pulled Garius to his feet and gave him a gentle push from behind. "Now, now~ Don’t be nervous~ This isn’t your first wedding, you know."

Garius chuckled softly. "I’m not nervous."

"Yes, yes~ Now go on."

"Alright, alright." Garius smiled, shaking his head as he started down the corridor, Alf falling into step a respectful pace behind him.

Francesca watched them go for a moment, then turned with a graceful smile.

"Erinnette?"

"Yes, my lady?"

"Let’s go see my new co-wife~ See if she’s prepared herself properly~"

Once Francesca arrived at the room, she knocked gently and let herself in.

Inside, she saw the Elven Queen, already dressed and attended by her handmaidens.

"Mylezra?" Francesca called, her smile warm and knowing.

"Ah! Francesca! " Mylezra turned, her expression a mix of excitement and nervousness. "This outfit... do you think it will match with Garius?"

Francesca chuckled softly, stepping closer to adjust a fold of the elegant gown. "It’s already more than good, my dear. You’re just being too choosy."

"Mou! But this is my big day! You know how long I’ve waited for him!" Mylezra pouted, her regal composure melting into the childish earnestness.

"Now now. Garius is already waiting at the altar. Just as you requested, the Elven way of wedding."

"Thank you, Francesca." Mylezra hugged her tightly.

Francesca tapped her back softly and pulled away to look at her. "If you’re late, I’m sure Garius will find a way to ’postpone’ this again."

"Mou! Francesca! Don’t tease me like that!" She stomped her foot lightly, lips puckered in a pout.

Her handmaidens did their best to remain calm, though it was the first time any of them had ever seen their ruler act quite like this.

"Nervous?" Francesca asked.

Mylezra nodded. "Mm... a little."

Francesca sighed softly. "You know, you should have had your wedding in the Elven Kingdom. But here we are, doing it the other way around."

"Hmmph! If I did that, Garius would just keep postponing it. I’m sure of it."

Francesca shook her head with a fond smile. "Now, let’s go." She glanced around the room, then looked back at Mylezra. "Mylezra?"

"Hmm?"

"You didn’t ask your nieces to be your handmaidens? They are your family."

"Ah... now that you mention it. But they’re both Armand maids now, aren’t they?"

"Personal maids to my youngest son, yes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t request them." Francesca’s smile widened as she turned. "Erinnette?"

"Yes, my lady?" Erinnette replied, her own smile polite and ready.

"Please tell Liana and Gloria to prepare themselves and wear their elven formal dress now. They’ll be joining the procession."

"As you command, my lady."

Erinnette bowed, then straightened and tapped the mana talkie in her ear.

"Liana, Gloria. Report to the Queen’s chamber at once."

( End Of Chapter )