Cain’s Wedding — Mid-Length —

We arrived at the church within the scheduled time.

We were led into a room designated as the family waiting chamber.

Now, let us review today’s schedule.

It has been approximately one hour since the noon bell rang.

Following this, the ceremony will take place in the great cathedral.

This is, in effect, a private gathering for close relatives within the fifth degree of kinship and those with whom one shares a particularly intimate bond.

However, since a public display will be held in the capital after the ceremony, and another in the family’s territory, our grandfather and grandmother will not be attending here.

Once the ceremony concludes, the bride and groom will mount a procession carriage to be publicly displayed throughout the capital.

I have never participated in such an event myself, but I have heard that when a noble wedding takes place, the city becomes like a festival.

And then, as dusk falls, we shall proceed to the venue for the public display.

In the meantime, we shall return to the estate once to adjust our hairstyles, then ascend to the Imperial Palace to attend to preparations and welcoming duties. As Elder Brother is to be the next head of the house, this gathering will be a grand evening assembly, and the entire detached wing of the Imperial Palace has been secured for this public unveiling. Noble families will regard this as the designated venue for the presentation.

As for us minors, we shall depart at the stroke of ten, after which the event will proceed as a social gathering solely for adults.

Soon thereafter, we shall be guided to the wedding venue.

Throughout the journey thus far, my elder sister’s mood has appeared somewhat improved, yet she still turns away from me… Why did she choose to speak in such a manner as to diminish me?

No—today is a day of joy. Such thoughts may wait until later.

At the moment I shift my mind to this resolution, I am prompted to move toward the cathedral.

The procession began with Father and Mother leading the way. Following them came Stella, escorted by Alex Elder and Fret Elder, then me. At the entrance, I alone was left waiting. I was the last among family members to be admitted, after my uncles and aunts had entered. I was directed to a seat far from the Virgin’s Walk, tucked deep within the wall’s shadow.

My heart cannot keep pace with this sudden turn.

The seat should have been decided by Father, I am certain…

Before I could gather myself, the ceremony began.

Once all attendees had entered, the main doors were closed, and a low murmur rose through the hall.

That sound lasted only until the fanfare played, and the doors opened. From within stepped my eldest brother, clad in pure white formal wear. Cain Elder, a mage affiliated with the Holy Court, wore a tailcoat adorned with medals and a long robe.

She advances down the virgin's path, her hem dragging behind her, pausing midway along the aisle.

Her elder brother, seen after so long, wears his hair swept back in a sleek style that suits him well. A faint tension lingers in his posture.

As the music softens, the bride—Lady Melujene—enters from the entrance, escorted by the Marquis.

Lady Melujene walks slowly, her long lace veil swaying gently with her white dress.

Her skin, pale as snow, glows with a quiet radiance; her black hair, intricately woven, shimmers like wet feathers.

When the Marquis hands her over to her groom’s elder brother, the two begin to step forward together, one pace at a time, toward the altar.

I forget, for a moment, the sorrow that weighed upon me earlier, and simply watch them.

A heart full of deep contentment. May Elder Brother and Lady Sister find lasting happiness, I offered my sincerest祝福 from the depths of my soul.

And as they watched Cain Elder and his sister-in-law Melujene, now husband and wife, preparing to board the open-air carriage for the procession, another issue arose.

Cain Elder picked up Stella’s words, spoken with quiet longing.

This isn’t about today’s matter, is it? Whatever conversation we’re having…

Without waiting for her sister-in-law’s reply, Stella’s older sister had already lifted her onto the carriage, saying, “Not later—right now! Mary will agree, won’t she?”

Princess Melujene appeared bewildered by the sudden turn of events, uncertain how to comport herself toward Stella, who sat in the center of the carriage.

Stella-sama, though startled by the sudden turn of events, settles between her Elder Brother and her sister-in-law with a quiet acceptance that borders on relief.

“I’ve always had burdens I never needed to bear. If I can grant a wish, I will do so with all I have. I’m glad you understand.”

Her voice reaches me, soft and tender. The others watch with gentle smiles, but I see Elizabeth-sama holding back sorrow—her eyes downcast, her breath steady, yet her hands clenched just slightly.

And slowly, the carriage begins to move.

I could not stop it… A sharp ache of inadequacy burns within me. When I ask my family why I did not intervene, my father replies, “Cain made the decision. It’s not truly wrong, is it?”

It is deeply sorrowful that my elder sister-in-law had no one to walk beside her at the once-in-a-lifetime bridal procession… Does she not feel the gaze of the distant viscount’s family, watching from afar?

Inwardly, I lamented how my family had come to lose all sense of empathy for the hearts of others.

Yet, because Stella-sama did not return to the manor with us, I was able to speak slowly with Alyssa as she redid my hair.

“It is a joy to touch Spica-sama’s hair once again after so long. Stella-sama does not seem to care for Spica-sama… The household servants watch her face closely… She has a terrible temper… But the masters only indulge her, without restraint…”

Alyssa’s complaints did not cease.

“The dress today, I tried to stop it—‘It’s a dress Spica was having made, so I can’t possibly be unsuitable,’ she said, refusing to yield. She added a large ribbon on her own, throwing off the balance, and complained the gems were dull, then before I knew it, it was being altered… The designer even chuckled when he heard it was a white dress for the wedding… Such unfamiliarity with commoners’ sensibilities, isn’t it?”

I understood both Alyssa’s frustration and the designer’s quiet amusement, yet all I could manage was a bitter smile.

“Even your hair—she wanted to wear a large hairpin, but I reminded her that debutantes don’t wear such things, and she calmed down only to insist, ‘Then at least the dress should be ordinary, like other debutantes.’ I reported it to the household head, and he said, ‘Let her have her way.’ Honestly, if not for Spica’s intervention, it would have been a scandal for the Emmental family!”

Alyssa, clearly vexed, tugged at my hair with precise, almost fierce care, muttering all the while about this and that as she arranged it into place.

It was a relief, having struggled alone to transform my daytime loose hair into the evening updo, unsure how to manage it.

“You’ve gone to such trouble, Alyssa… But I understand how much this debut means to you, sister. It’s only once in a lifetime, after all. This time was unfortunate, but I will support you from now on.”

“I understand, of course… But even Lady Melujene’s wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, is it not? And lately, the conduct of the household lords has been… strange…”

I too had my own thoughts, but I lacked the courage to speak them aloud.

“Truly beautiful. Your sense of style is unmatched, Alyssa. Thank you.”

As I said this, glancing into the mirror, the maid with the freckles behind me offered a shy, flustered smile.

Alyssa, I’m asking you once more—please look after your elder sister… She must still be confused, and burdened with stress… I’m counting on you.

With that, she sent me off, saying, “I can’t refuse a request from Lady Spica! Alyssa will do her best!”

When we arrived at the front hall, it seemed Alex Elder and Fret Elder had already finished preparing and were waiting for me.

Elder Brother, I apologize for keeping you waiting.

When I descended the stairs, Alex Elder was there.

It is unavoidable that a woman takes time to prepare herself—do not concern yourself with it. Tonight, I ask that you attend to my partner? Stella is still not skilled at dancing, after all.

"Surely my elder sister's dancing is so graceful that it sounds as though I need not be her partner," I said with a jest, only to be rebuked with, "I never said anything of the sort."

I had already thought, as soon as I spoke, that I deserved this reprimand, and so I accepted it without protest.

But it is Fret Elder who seizes upon the moment.

“Do not speak of Stella’s dancing as if it were clumsy! She simply lacks experience—her form is sound. Since when have you become so cruel toward your own kin?”

I could only offer my apology.

“Will Fret Elder accompany us, then?” I asked, a sudden thought crossing my mind. We had originally planned to go with Lady Stella and the four of us, but Lady Stella has not yet returned. Since Fret Elder is to be Lady Stella’s partner this evening, I wondered what would become of our plans.

“Why have you grown so cruel? A lady escorted by no partner—how shameful! Have you lost even the care to consider such things?”

“Now, now, Fret. Spica must have been asking because she thought Stella would return. Since Stella still seems to be some time away, we’ll set out ahead. Fret, you should come when Stella has returned and is ready. Until then, I’ll do my duty as host of the household.”

Alex Elder offered a lifeline.

I climbed into the carriage as Alex Elder prompted me.

“Thank you, Alex Elder, for earlier.”

He placed a hand gently on my head, smoothing my hair just enough to keep it in place.

“Fret is quite the handful, isn’t he? The moment Stella is involved, he becomes like that. But you should understand the family’s sympathy for her, too.”

I wonder if it’s selfish of me to wish he’d understand my own heart…

I gazed blankly at the Imperial Palace gates drawing nearer, lost in thought.

The carriage drew up before the grandest of the imperial villas—the one known as the Crystal Palace. It was often opened for royal banquets and had also served as the venue for my debutante event.

Incidentally, the villa used for debutante study sessions was the Jade Palace.

Upon entering the hall, preparations for the evening gathering were already nearly complete.

As a final check, I inspected the cuisine and the rest areas within the hall, while Alex Elder verified the music.

My father and Mother, who had arrived earlier, would by now be greeting the guests who had already arrived.

I hurried through the hall, ensuring that the items Fret Elder was meant to check had also been confirmed.

After completing the final rounds of inspection, I glanced at the time—only about thirty minutes remained until the guests’ arrival. I exhaled, relief pooling in my chest, just in time.

And then there is Elder Brother and the elder sisters.

We must enter the hall soon, or we shall not be ready to greet the guests.

I spotted Mother at the edge of my vision and hurried toward her.

"Mother, the hall has been inspected. It is warmer than usual for spring, so I thought we might serve more drinks than planned, and I sent word to have two additional barrels of wine delivered to the manor. The Imperial Palace’s guard officers will perform the tasting and inspection. And… Stella Elder and Fret Elder have not yet arrived. Is that alright?"

"Thank you for arranging it, Spica. I was just informed a moment ago that Stella will be slightly delayed. Please do not worry."

That eased my mind.

I adjusted my attire briefly and took my place beside Elder Brother, next to Father and Mother.

Opposite us, separated by a large arrangement of fresh flowers, the members of the Marquess’s family stood in similar formation.

With the opening call, the invited guests enter the hall.

Those of Father’s professional circle, Mother’s tea companions, Elder Brother’s school friends, and the school’s faculty, along with many others, arrive. I recognize a few of my own friends among them, but as members of the host family, I shall wait until the gathering settles somewhat before going to greet them.

Once the formal entry concludes and the guests begin to converse at their leisure, we move to the foot of the staircase at the rear of the hall. It is here that today’s central figures—Cain Elder Brother and Melujene Elder Sister—shall ascend the stairs.

As we reach our designated positions, the orchestra begins to play the fanfare.

“His Grace, the Heir of House Emmental, Cain von Baronne Emmental, and his consort, Melujene von Baronne Emmental, please enter.”

All eyes in the hall converged on a single point. Naturally, on the Elder Brothers.

From behind the vermilion curtains emerged the Elder Brother, clad in a pristine formal suit with a sapphire royal sash, and Melujene, his consort, in a vivid sapphire royal gown, adorned with a pearl necklace and a tiara.

Yet at this moment, the hall stirred with murmurs. I, too, had been taken aback—surely the guests were startled as well.

For it was intended that Melujene, the bride, would appear in a pure white wedding dress at this moment…

The gown she now wore was meant only for a change of attire midway through the ceremony—she had not been told she would wear it from the beginning.

A bride not wearing white is taken as a sign of tarnished virtue or as one who marries a widow. Melujene, of course, fit neither case.

Elder Brother descended the stairs undisturbed by the clamor. His sister-in-law, her hand held by him, offered a noble smile—yet beneath it, a faint sorrow lingered. Her eyes were slightly reddened, perhaps from tears shed before the entrance…

Upon reaching the bottom, Elder Brother surveyed the hall and raised his voice through magic, letting it resonate across the entire space.

“Esteemed guests, thank you deeply for gracing us with your presence on this occasion, despite your many duties. I now feel all the more compelled to strive, having found such a worthy companion. You may all be wondering about my companion’s gown. This intelligent, thoughtful partner—tonight has yielded the white dress to another, the true star of this evening. And so, I wish to present her. The miracle sister I cherish above all: Stella von Emmental, this evening’s Debutante!”

When her Elder Brother finished speaking, as before, a pair of young people emerged from behind the curtains on the second floor.

It was Stella, her elder sister in a white dress, escorted by Fret Elder.

I felt, once again, as though I might faint from shock.

The dress Stella wore was none other than the cherished gown I had worn at my own Debutante event.

Unlike a typical Debutante, my dress bore the family crest embroidered upon it—a violation of etiquette for anyone other than the wearer to don it. And only at royal-sponsored Debutante events was such a dress permitted. Everyone should have known that, yet why… I stood bewildered, watching the pair as they moved toward the dance floor. The sight of the dress so near me must have stolen all expression from my face.

The lace stitched over the embroidered family crest had been carefully placed to conceal the design entirely…

It felt as though the radiant days I had spent embroidering with Mother and my companions had been defiled, and for a moment, I was struck with anger. Yet no one around me noticed.

The guests’ eyes were fixed on the young couple dancing their first dance, and on the fresh-faced youth whose innocence was still tender—caught in the fleeting beauty of their first steps. I quieted myself, reminding that it was fortunate no one else had seen my shame.

Compared to the silent ache in my sister-in-law, who could not dance her first dance in a white wedding dress as I had, my anger was nothing at all.

After the dance ended, my sister-in-law smiled, content.

A smile too open, too unrestrained—something a noble might deem improper.

My expression at that moment must have been the very opposite of my sister-in-law’s—cold, aristocratic, the smile of one who suppresses emotion, contains passion, offers no opening to the gaze of another. With that face I danced one song with Alex Elder. Never before had I been so grateful for the weakening of his sight. When the dance ended, I quietly turned toward the alcove of rest.

Just a little—just a moment alone, that was all I desired.

Yet the rest chamber already held several guests.

The subject, as expected, was Stella.

“Did you see the miracle maiden? Her bearing was not that of one who had lived among the common folk only days ago.”

“Even now, the indulgence of her family was plain to see. To prioritize the debutante sister over the bride herself.”

“That dress—it was indeed Spica’s Debutante gown, wasn’t it? To go so far as to conceal the embroidery and still pass it on…”

If only I could say I knew nothing… that I had not given it away… how my heart would be eased… but I cannot speak such words…

To utter them would be to expose our family’s shame.

Such ingratitude is beyond me…

I turn slowly back the way I came and re-enter the hall.

By the wall, alone, I catch Stella’s eye—she has seen me. And escorting her, strangely, is Your Highness Arthur.

Glancing behind him, I see Fret Elder standing in quiet attendance. Likely, Arthur arrived late and offered to escort the lady of the hour—perhaps he had asked to be the one to lead her in.

While idly wondering whether the pause after one dance might have been meant as a moment of rest, given that both my elder sister and Your Highness held glasses in their hands, my sister suddenly dashed toward me.

She lost her balance before me, and the glass in her hand flew into the air, scattering its contents across the surrounding space.

A sharp, pungent odor cut through the sweet scent of fruit, followed instantly by the discomfort of dampness spreading over me. I looked—my sister’s dress was splattered with liquid, forming crimson-purple stains. Yet she was not as wet as I was, and I felt relief. Though I may have many thoughts on the matter, I am glad she is unharmed.

I gently dabbed at my damp hair and dress with a handkerchief.

“Are you all right! Miss Spica!” Arthur Your Highness attempted to approach me, but I raised a hand to stop him.

"Your Highness, your attire will be soiled. I am unharmed, so please do not draw any closer."

My words caused Your Highness to halt, and he turned to a nearby attendant, requesting a towel.

In the meantime, Stella-sama had collapsed onto the floor, weeping.

"I'm sorry... Spica... I didn't mean to... I was simply overjoyed to have found you, and I reached out—only to touch you, not to hurt you! Believe me!"

Of course, all eyes turned toward us. Unable to bear the weight of their gaze, I urged my elder sister to rise.

"Of course I understand. You did not mean it... You were unaccustomed to dancing, and your feet must be weary. Your garments will be stained if left as they are—shall we retire to the antechamber? If you have injured your foot, it would be most troubling..."

I tried to extend my hand, but my upper body remained damp… Though I could banish dust with magic, I could not dry wine stains without leaving marks, and I was at a loss when Fret Elder seemed to lift my elder sister in his arms and carry her away.

Arthur Your Highness would be accompanying us as well, and the attention from those around us continued unabated.

Once we reached the antechamber, the towels I had requested earlier were draped over me.

My elder sister was set down upon the chaise. The white dress that had been spotless moments before now bore crimson-purple stains along the hem—stains that would never wash away, easily imagined.

At first I had not noticed, but the liquid that had struck me was wine vinegar. It was strongly acidic, and the skin it touched stung sharply.

“Is this a sour drink?” I asked,

“That’s right,” my elder brother replied. “I’ve heard common folk drink vinegar for recovery from fatigue. Stella requested it, and we discussed it at the venue. Perhaps sour drinks will be popular this year.”

In an instant, my mind raced to the worst possible outcome. I spoke before I could think.

“Someone! Water! Bring a bucket of water at once!”

“Hey, Spica! What’s wrong with you?!”

My brothers looked bewildered at my sudden outburst. But I had no time to spare. I fumbled at the clasp of my necklace, my fingers clumsy with haste and dampness, unable to release it.

Arthur, seeing my distress, said, “Just take it off, then,” and unfastened it for me.

The moment the necklace was in my hand, the maid arrived with a bucket of water.

Without hesitation, I plunged the wine vinegar-soaked necklace into the water and began to wash it clean.

All stood there, bewildered, as if unable to comprehend. My actions must have seemed like madness.

Only the maid, who grasped the situation, offered a dry towel without a word.

"I apologize. This piece of jewelry was borrowed from someone of great importance, and I cannot return it damaged. Especially this time—vinegar has touched the pearls, and that is their greatest enemy. I was terribly distressed. I am sorry for the sight."

Elder Brother said nothing, her voice sharp. "I didn’t know! So why scold me so harshly? Why be so cruel? Are you still holding a grudge over the dress I borrowed? How unkind of you!"

I gently shook my head, trying to soothe her, insisting I was not blaming her. But the closer I drew, the more she flared into anger. I gave up, and asked Elder Brother to send word ahead that I would return home first.

Even if we were to borrow hot water and a dress at the Imperial Palace, it would still take nearly as long as our scheduled departure time.

This time, rather than merely supporting Stella-sama’s shoulder, he took on the responsibility of the message.

I proceeded, escorted by Your Highness to the carriage waiting area, and that day returned home alone.