Carlisle’s and Elena’s marriage was swiftly announced. Sullivan was eager for his son to marry as soon as possible, and Alphord, Elena’s father, had no complaint as he had already made his decision. There was no movement from the Empress’ palace, and so the couple’s wedding preparations proceeded smoothly.
Elena was determined to hold the wedding as soon as possible, but there was a mountain of paperwork to be dealt with. After the official announcement, Mirabelle was the first person to come to congratulate her.
“Haaa! Sister! Congratulations!”
Elena’s heart warmed at the sight of her sister.
“Thank you, Mirabelle.”
“I suspected you might get married, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.”
“I suppose I was in a bit of a hurry because I’m late for my age.”
“Yes, come to think of it, the Crown Prince is marrying late as well.”
Elena felt a pang in her chest at the unexpected remark. At home and abroad, many noble families had refused to match their daughters with Carlisle because of the ominous prophecy. Mirabelle knew nothing about it, and was naturally suspicious. Elena awkwardly tried to explain.
“Well, that’s because–”
“The two of you must be destined!”
“What?”
“He didn’t marry because he hadn’t met you yet. Your love is literally destined!”
Mirabelle clapped her hands, intoxicated by her fantasy, and Elena breathed a sigh of relief.
It wasn’t true love, but she and Carlisle did have a connection. She met him as a child without realizing it, and he was the best card Elena could choose. He was the perfect match. If there really was a thread of fate connected to her finger, it would certainly be with Carlisle.
She didn’t know if it was a thread of love, though.
“Did you talk about marriage when you went to see the Emperor?”
“Yes. We spoke over dinner, but I believe most of the arrangements will be taken care of after Father meets him. Though I didn’t know the wedding announcement was going to happen today.”
While the exact contents of Sullivan’s and Alphord’s conversation would be unknown to her, she was sure they had a lot to discuss regarding marriage into the Imperial Family.
Then there was the question of the dowry. In marriage among the nobility, it was expected that the bride’s family would give the groom a certain fortune. The wealthier the family was, the more inheritance they received from their relatives, allowing them to bring money, precious metals, land, and slaves. The groom usually sought a woman who could add to his wealth, and the bride also sought a family that could match the amount she paid. This led to many politically expedient marriages in noble society. As a result, the reality was that a large dowry was required for a woman to marry a man of high status, except in unusual cases.
Carlisle was the crown prince, and Elena had a headache as to how much dowry to pay to the Imperial Family. Mirabelle was also well aware of noble marriage culture, and she was worried for her sister as well.
“You must be busy having to prepare everything. What should I do first? Is there anything I can help with?”
“I don’t even know where to start… Perhaps we should hire more people to work in the mansion for now.”
“Work?”
“I’m sure we’ll be very busy once the wedding preparations start in earnest, and we won’t have enough people to work at Blaise mansion then.”
“It will take more time and money to bring in the servants from the south. It would be better to hire short term workers.”
“Well, why don’t I leave that up to you and the butler?”
“Of course! That’s pretty easy!”
Mirabelle nodded enthusiastically.
After they had returned from the palace Mirabelle had looked gloomy for a few days, but now Elena felt relieved as her sister seemed to have regained her sunny mood.
“Then tell the butler to put an advertisement for work in the mansion.”
“I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll personally interview the candidates myself and hire people who will do a good job.”
“Yes, I trust you. Thank you.”
Mirabelle beamed in reply, and then something came to mind.
“I understand that while everything else is important, what about the wedding dress?”
“Right.”
While the wedding wasn’t exactly the grand event of the century, it was still the day she would become the bride to Crown Prince Carlisle. She could never look shabby in the eyes of others. Moreover, the marriage could be seen as a way to resolve the prophecy, but Elena never intended to be a puppet crown princess. It was not what she wanted, and so it was important to show as much harmony as possible with Carlisle. Once she formally entered the palace, she would be sure to use her power.
Mirabelle thought to herself for a moment before she finally spoke up.
“Do you remember Anco’s Tailors? Let’s start with Madame Mitchell. There will be a lot of competition to create your wedding dress, so let’s consult on this together and decide.”
“I’ll leave it entirely up to you to choose my wedding dress.”
“What? I’m not even an expert…I’m just doing my best to help you.”
While Mirabelle looked hesitant, her eyes were full of fighting spirit. The sight of it was so adorable that Elena couldn’t help but smile. She trusted Mirabelle’s judgment more than anyone else.
And so the bustling wedding preparations continued.
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