The wedding day.
Morning.
Erinette stood with her usual calm and serious expression, supervising all the preparations that morning. The space had been transformed, a long red carpet led to a flower-adorned altar, rows of chairs were neatly arranged, and delicate floral arches framed the aisle.
She directed the household maids with precise, clear instructions, her voice carrying softly across the open space.
"Ensure the floral arrangements along the main aisle are symmetrical and fresh. The silk runners must be perfectly aligned, no wrinkles, no misplacement. The silverware for the reception must be polished properly. This is a royal wedding. Every detail reflects the dignity of the Armand family."
Erisa stood beside her, attentive and poised, ready to relay orders or step in where needed.
Erinette nudged her glasses slightly and spoke to Erisa, her tone formal and measured, befitting her position as the second-highest-ranking authority among the estate staff.
"The Armand High Priest is currently residing in the guest wing, correct? Please ensure he has been provided with everything required for the ceremony and that his schedule for today has been confirmed."
Erisa nodded, placing her palm over her left chest in a gesture of respect. "Yes, Mrs. Erinette. The High Priest arrived last evening and has been accommodated in the east guest suite. His needs have been attended to, and his itinerary for the ceremony has been reviewed and confirmed. He is prepared to proceed at the appointed hour."
"Good. I will leave the final preparations in your capable hands, Erisa. Ensure everything proceeds perfectly as planned. I must now attend to my usual duties and escort His Majesty, King Garius
"As you command, Mrs. Erinette." Erisa bowed again, her posture respectful and assured.
Erinette gave one last sweeping glance over the bustling courtyard, before turning gracefully and walking with purposeful elegance toward the manor.
Meanwhile.
Groom Designated Room.
Javier exhaled softly as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Marcellus and Cedric fuss over their hair in the mirror. Heres stood nearby, simply looking at his own reflection with a small, content smile.
Javier sighed again, more audibly this time. "Why do I even need to be here?"
"Huh?" Marcellus chuckled, not taking his eyes off the mirror as he smoothed a stray strand of hair. "How would we know? Youâre the one who showed up at the door looking like youâd been ordered here."
Cedric smirked and chimed in, adjusting the cuff of his formal, deep-blue velvet tunic embroidered with silver thread, the new Armand royal wedding attire for grooms. "Yeah. I bet Mother forced you to keep us from sneaking off to the bridesâ designated room before the ceremony."
Javier rolled his eyes but couldnât hide a faint grin. "Maybe. Or maybe she just wanted to make sure none of you passed out from nerves."
Heres finally turned from the mirror, his smile gentle. "Itâs nice to have you here, little brother."
Javier smirked. "Oho~ The one that bratty... oops... Kliatana fell in love with."
Heres just smiled and shook his head again.
Marcellus smirked. "You donât need to keep an eye on us, you know~ Weâre adults, and we remember what Mother told us about not meeting the brides before the ceremony."
"Yeah, yeah... Still... Marcellus. Harny and Lithia..." Javierâs grin turned playful. "Youâre lucky and weird. Marrying both mother and daughter... eheheh... I wonder how thatâs going to work. Since Lithia is marrying you too, how are you going to address Harny? âMother-in-lawâ doesnât quite fit when sheâs also your bride."
Marcellus just chuckled, unfazed. "Thatâs not hard. I donât need to call Harny anything but her name. Theyâre both my wives, and they both want this. I bet youâre just jealous~"
Javier pushed off the wall, his posture relaxing. "Yeah, yeah. Just donât mess up your vows. I donât want to have to console sobbing brides later, especially your soon-to-be wife, Heres. Sheâs annoying."
He glanced at both of his brothers, Marcellus and Cedric, who maintained an outward calm despite the excitement of the day, and his half-brother Heres, whose love-struck expression softened his otherwise princely demeanor.
Everyone is getting married.
In three more days, itâll be Aelius and Athineâs wedding.
It looks like everyone is moving forward with their lives, building their own families. Even though they wonât be far, their new homes are still within the Armand estate grounds, it feels like another Chapter is closing.
I know itâs not a bad thing.
But... I donât know why I feel like... theyâre all stepping into their futures, and Iâm still here, watching from the sidelines. Even though I have my girls with me.
I donât know if itâs happiness... or perhaps...
"Oi, little brother. What are you smiling about over there alone? High?" Marcellus wiggled his eyebrows with a smirk, his teasing eyes fixed on Javier, who had slowly walked over to a plush cushion and sat down.
"No... just thinking."
Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Thinking about what?"
Javier smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Thinking about how Father mentioned that after the wedding, he wants everyone to face him in a mock battle."
Marcellus, Cedric, and Heres froze. Their expressions shifted from calm to sheer disbelief.
"W... WHAT!?" they shouted in unison.
Javier tried to hold back his laughter but failed, a snort escaping before he burst into full, unrestrained laughter. "Pffttt... Bwahahaha!"
"O... Oi! Are you serious!?" Marcellus glanced around as if looking for an escape route, his earlier composure completely gone.
Javier wiped tears from his eyes, slowly calming down. "Nah... just kidding, brothers~"
Marcellus exhaled sharply before glaring at Javier. "Donât scare us like that!"
"Yeah!" Cedric rubbed his chest, visibly relieved. "My heart almost jumped out."
Heres shook his head before letting out a long, slow exhale. "Yeah, little brother... donât scare us like that. Every time you joke about something like that, it somehow ends up happening for real."
Javier snorted. "Hah! Even if it did happen for real, Iâm sure youâd all shove me toward him and run like usual." He chuckled, then his expression softened into a genuine smile. "I just wanted to calm you all down a bit. You might look composed, but I can tell youâre all nervous. "
( End Of Chapter )