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The women from Elegance Atelier were seasoned, and had rarely seen someone as both kind and authoritative as Sophie. Even less common was a bride with such stunning beauty.
When Sally noticed the hint of sadness fading from Sophie’s face, she smiled and said, “Today is a day of great joy for you, my lady. No matter what worries you might have, set them aside for today. Focus only on being happy and looking forward to the future. Nothing else matters right now. Your life will only get better.”
Sophie understood that this was a roundabout way of comforting her. Seeing that there were no close relatives around, Sally likely felt a pang of sympathy. Sophie wouldn’t disregard their kindness-in a world often so cold, such goodwill should be cherished.
So, Sophie responded with a smile, “With your blessings, I’m sure my life will continue to improve.”
“Indeed,” Sally agreed. “The Hell Monarch is brave and resolute. You are indeed fortunate, and His Highness is also fortunate to have you as his wife.”
Those who had seen much of the world spoke with great consideration.
Sophie herself found it almost surreal-marrying into royalty was something she had never imagined.
“Did you have a local fortune teller prepare your hair last night?” Sally asked as she applied a layer of powder to Sophie’s face, preparing it for makeup. “We had one of the elders from the Devin family do it,” Sophie replied.
“The Devin family is indeed fortunate,” Sally said as shifted her seat closer. “Bear with me. There might be a slight discomfort.”
“Alright!” Sophie closed her eyes and let the staff member expertly work on her face. The discomfort was indeed minimal, barely noticeable.
“My lady, you have such fair and smooth skin, so it doesn’t require much effort,” Sally commented while deftly threading Sophie’s face. Sally’s skill was impressive, and she spoke clearly despite working on her task.
Before long, Ryan returned in his new clothes.
Over the past few months, he had grown taller. The outfit, which had been custom-made, fit him perfectly. The white silk satin was embroidered with rabbits, and the outfit featured a small cape made of leather with a black exterior and blue lining. The hood of the cape, when draped over his back, gave him the appearance of a young hero. His hair was tied up with a blue silk ribbon, making him look both adorable and festive.
“Let me see,” Sophie said, holding his hand and inspecting him from top to bottom. His freshly powdered face was still flushed and warm, but he wore a beaming smile. “Gosh! Is this our boy, Ryan? I almost didn’t recognize you. You look truly wonderful.”
Ryan blushed slightly. “Those are just things to say to little kids, Aunt Sophie. I’m not a little kid anymore.”
“Of course you are,” Sophie said with affection. “In my eyes, you will always be a little kid.”
She hugged him, feeling the warmth of family.
Sally smiled, and added, “Lord Ryan, you look so handsome. When you grow up, you’ll surely be a brave and formidable man-a true hero.”
Ryan loved being called a hero, and he immediately offered a piece of candy he had been saving to Sally. “Here’s some candy, miss. Thank you for all your hard work.”
Sally took the candy with a smile. “Thank you, Lord Ryan. This candy is very sweet.”
Lulu took Ryan’s hand. “Alright, let’s go play. We’ll come back to see your aunt once she’s finished dressing.”
The dowry would be carried out at three in the afternoon, and forty-five minutes after that, the bride would depart. So, it was about time to get dressed in the wedding gown and apply makeup.
The wedding would take place at dusk, around five in the evening. Since it was winter, they should reach Hell Monarch Estate by then and begin the ceremony. Although it wasn’t a rushed affair, preparations had to be made early due to the snowy weather.
Perhaps Lily’s prayers had worked, for by noon, the snow had stopped. The sky began to clear, and the bright sunlight reflected off the snow, creating a dazzling sight.
After midday, Sophie was fully dressed in her wedding gown and wore her phoenix crown.
The skilled staff at Elegance Atelier had indeed done an excellent job. Sophie’s skin, naturally fair, had taken on a healthy rosy hue after some time. This vibrant complexion required only minimal makeup. Her beauty mole was subtly enhanced at the corner of her eye, and a delicate rose was painted at the center of her brow-its petals vivid and full of life. The rose and the beauty mole added a touch of allure to her pure and stunning face. Her eyes, naturally slightly upturned, already held an air of charm without needing much enhancement.
As Sophie changed into her wedding attire and had her makeup done, the ladies from the Devin family gathered to observe. They were in awe of Sophie under the deft hands of Elegance Atelier’s staff, and they couldn’t help but tease and joke.
“To be called the most beautiful woman in the capital is truly not an exaggeration.”
“How can Sophie be so beautiful? When her veil is lifted tonight, her appearance might just steal the Hell Monarch’s heart!”
“Isn’t that the truth? A girl this beautiful-whoever marries her is truly blessed.”
“They’re indeed fortunate. They will surely have a wonderful marriage and lifelong happiness.”
Sophie gazed at her reflection in the mirror, and was stunned. She knew she was attractive, but she had never prided herself on her looks. Beauty was merely a superficial attribute-it wasn’t something she had earned through effort, so there was little reason to be proud.
Yet today, seeing herself dressed in a wedding gown and wearing the phoenix crown, she felt as though she didn’t recognize herself.
Was this…the image of a fairy?
How had they managed to transform her into someone both ethereal and enchanting?
Sophie took a deep breath, and sighed, “There’s a reason Elegance Atelier charges such a high price. It’s well worth it.”
Sally chuckled softly. “Your words are the greatest praise we could receive.”
Lily invited the staff from Elegance Atelier outside for a meal. The banquet had already been set up, and people needed to eat in advance as the bride would need to set out in the evening.
After the meal, the staff from Elegance Atelier wouldn’t leave immediately. One of them would accompany the procession to Hell Monarch Estate.
After partaking in the nuptial wine, the bride and groom would need to offer wine to their elders as a show of respect. Given the numerous guests at Hell Monarch Estate and the constant movement for the traditional ceremonies, it was crucial to have someone on hand to ensure the bride’s makeup remained intact.
When it was three in the afternoon, it was time for the dowry to be sent out.
The sound of drums filled the air as the Devin family’s younger members personally carried out the dowry. With sixty-four loads of valuables and treasures, including one precious painting by Kyle, it was a sight to behold.
Silverstone Estate and Northwatch Estate were only two streets apart, and the Earl of Silverstone’s family were also dispatching their dowry at the same hour.
Viola was already dressed in her wedding attire, and she awaited the moment when Blake and his entourage would come to collect her after the dowry had departed. She had sent someone to check whether Sophie’s dowry had also been dispatched and to confirm if it matched the sixty-four loads.
Her maid, Yvonne, counted and confirmed that indeed there were sixty-four loads. Viola couldn’t help but smile.
“Hmph, even the esteemed duke’s daughter has a dowry less impressive than mine.”
She hadn’t anticipated the value of Sophie’s dowry, thinking it would merely consist of the usual items.
Just as Viola was feeling a sense of pride, the loud sound of drums sounded through the air as someone announced, “The Spencer family from Ebonflow has added to General Devin’s trousseau-fifty bolts of brocade, three sets of gold and emerald headpieces, a pair of crystal figurines, and eighteen pairs of stag and dove motive bangles.”
Viola was startled.
Who was making such a commotion? Could this be a joke?
Before she could send someone to investigate, another loud announcement echoed, “The Emerald Guild has added to General Devin’s trousseau-two obsidian blades, one spear, a gold and emerald knife, and a box of gold and silver jewelry.”
The voice was clearly amplified by inner force, as it was even louder and more resonant than the drums.