37 Wedding Gown
‘Miss, it is really alright?’ Marie asked sheepishly from behind me. I turned to her and laughed and nodded.
However my reply did not satisfy Marie for she was still grumbling about the why and wherefores. I could hear her but I merely shrugged.
We were intruding upon General Brennan’s town house. We were here to iron out the details of my entry into the household. But Volker has been held up at work and could not be here. So it was Father, Mother, Marie and me with Volker’s parents, and Mr Xavier, Volker’s butler.
After I get married to Volker, Mr Xavier will teach me about the running of the house. I would like to take over the management of the household gradually. Marie is coming with me as my personal maid, so I have no problems.
I made sure to tell my parents that they didn’t have to do a flashy announcement. At this moement, Volker’s parents were busy arguing.
Although it was the first time I had met them, they were very kind to me. His father said, ‘To get such a lovely bride, Volker is the Kingdom’s luckiest man!’
And his mother said, ‘We are getting such a lovely daughter in law!’ with joyful tears.
Volker had said told me it was going to be alright, but I could not help the feeling of trepidation meeting his parents. Would they already had the opinion that I was the upstart nouveau riche Viscount’s daughter? This kind welcome was both touching and embarra.s.sing.
I didn’t want a showy wedding.
When I told Volker he seemed very disappointed. But as a person how had been dumped by her high status fiancé, I didn’t want to call too much attention to myself. Although, I didn’t say, I am thinking of Volker.
Because of the Duke’s people spreading bad rumours, Volker was now seen as “the last great single man that was rushed and drew a super-nope lottery” or something like that. (Zuben: I don’t think he feels that way)
Even though Volker knows about it, he knew that it was best leaving things along or it would escalate if he denied it. Volker is being made fun of because of me, I’m sorry.
So have a quiet dinner party and only publish the announcement of marriage. One day, the rumours will die down. Just because I am getting married doesn’t mean I have to wear a proper wedding dress, I am happy just to be marrying Volker…to be his wife.
Although he is reluctant, it really isn’t necessary to make a fan fare of our wedding. But I wonder if it is okay.
‘Miss Fredericka, are you alright.’
I gave a little start at my future mother in law’s voice.
‘Yes, mother in law.’
Jennis, my future mother in law, in reality, is Volker’s aunt. She is a wonderful person who exudes great elegance. I lose face just by being beside her.
Jennis clasped my hands in hers and said, ‘After all, I think it would be better to show off. It’s a once in a lifetime event; every girl’s dream.’
It’s not that I don’t have a longing to wear a wedding dress, but I am going to be weight against Volker, there is nothing I can do.
I grasped her hands and tried to smile as prettily as possible as I said, ‘Mother, I am so happy that I am going to be Volker’s wife that if I wear a wedding gown I think my body will explode with joy!’ (Zuben: Hahahaha, what a terrible excuse)
And we won’t be able to get married quickly.
Jennis laughed and winked mischievously.
‘It is a wonderful dream to welcome a lady like you as my daughter in law.’
It seemed like she agreed with me. It seemed that she understood, that was good. I was feeling relieved until Jennis said,
‘At least, let me handle the dress you wear for the dinner party. It has been a long held dream to sew my daughter’s dress. It’s not too flashy, is it?’
I thought back to the wink she gave me earlier, she was as cute as a young lady.
I nodded. There was no answer, Jennis embrace me and thanked me. Just then, Volker entered the drawing room,
‘Sorry to have kept you wait- Fredericka, not to Mother but to me!’
Everyone gave knowing smiles as Volker s.n.a.t.c.hed me. I was very embarra.s.sed as Volker pulled me into his arms for a tight hug. (Zuben: Don’t make her faint again, ah)
38 In your arms
Volker took a seat and as though it was natural, held me to him very close. Though it is, I am still a bit shy because he is doing it in front of our parents, but they accepted at as though it was very natural.
Natural? Are we used to it? That-that is scary!
‘Um Volker, today I’m going to sit on my own.’
Volker turned to me with widened innocent eyes and asked, ‘Why?’
Er, why do you have such a pure expression? It makes it look like I am in the wrong.
‘Volker, do you always do that?’
Awesome tsukkomi from father in law! Next, there was a glint in Mother in law’s eye!
I should have talked about this with Volker before marriage! It may be too late. No not yet! We may still be able to do something about it.
‘Yes, he is always like this.’ I said. My heart beat with a dull sound but I have said what is in my heart.
I wanted him to say it was a coincidence today, but I don’t know the kind of things that embarra.s.ses Volker…I wonder if he is shameless.
‘I-I’m sorry.’ I apologised to Father in law quietly. I’m sorry I am such a bride. I’m shy but I’m happy!
‘Oh no, don’t apologise Miss Fredericka.’ Father in law said to me, and he looked up at Volker, ‘Volker, how much do you want to disregard propriety? ’
‘Fredericka is embarra.s.sed, too.’ Father in law continued quite naturally.
Oh thank you, father in law!
There was a sound of disappointment over my head and I instinctively wanted to hold his hand.
‘I’m sorry Fredericka; I know I should only do this when it’s just the two of us.’
You don’t have to mention it!
He let me go, and I went to sit between my parents.
‘Fredericka, don’t sit so far away.’ Volker called with a gentle voice. His mother jabbed him in his side with her elbow, but he was still insistent.
Uuun, I’m afraid of your eyes, and I cannot give you face. My mother chuckled, and my father said under his breath, ‘Please go sit next to him.’
Nooo, leave me alone till the hot spots on my face fade away.
We all had dinner together.
Afterwards, the parents were sitting together having more discussions.
Marie was speaking to Mr Xavier.
Volker came up to me, ‘Let’s take a walk in the garden.’
Wow, we are going to have a garden date!
Walking beside Volker, I could not hide my nyonyo[1]. I have to be careful not to spoil the visage of good daughter as much as possible.
But then I guess it was useless, because Volker is chuckling beside me.
[1] nyonyo: laughing secretly, gloating, secretly grinning.
‘What is it?’
I looked up to his hazel eyes that were narrow with mirth. His previously neatly dressed forelocks had been disarrayed by the strong breeze and they now fell over his fore head. Oooh, how very nice~!
‘Sorry about earlier, I’m relieved that you are in a good mood.’
Ah, it was so. I stubbornly did not sit next to Volker.
‘You weren’t angry, were you? Were you…shy?’
I squeezed his hand tighter; I wish I could transmit my feelings through where we are touching.
‘I’m sorry…’
Hmm? Why are you apologising? I’m not angry
‘Fredericka’s embarra.s.sed expression is very lovable.’
What does that mean? Does he do it on purpose? (Zuben: To bully you a little)
‘Fredericka may not know this: but when you are embarra.s.sed you become red from your cheeks to your ears and all around your neck,’ he said as his fingers stroked the parts he was talking about. My face was so hot; his fingers felt especially cool, ‘It is an extremely beautiful vermillion against your white skin.’
‘I want to see how it looks from the neck down when you’re dyed red.’
Bufu!!
Wait just a moment, please! Why are you looking like that all of a sudden? We are in your garden, Volker! It is an open area!
‘Volker?’
‘Come…’ he said as he pulled me along. I did not resist.
He kissed me behind a big tree. It was a strange sensation that tickled and stimulated my skin. I trembled as he wrapped he held my waist and I wrapped my hand around his neck.
‘In truth, I would like to see you in a wedding dress.’
If possible, a dress that showed the beautiful line of her shoulders and her hair dressed beautifully.
As if he could imagine a concrete look, Volker fingered my hair into disarray.
I was going to make my hair really cute, I thought. But as he played with my hair, we got caught up in each other. I eventually had to cool down and groom myself under the shade of the tree.
‘Uu~n, but, there are various obstacles, aren’t there? That’s why…’
And it’s all my fault. I don’t really care if I wear a wedding dress as long as Volker was with me and I was held in his warm arms.
I looked up and there were leaves in Volker’s hair. I tried to reach up to get it, but he was too tall.
‘Volker, lift me up a little.’ I said as I put my hands on his shoulder. He lifted me easily so I could reach the leaves in his hair, but as I tidied him up. I felt a sharp nip at my collar bone.
‘Hi~ yau~.’
I was bitten. Did Volker just bite me?! (Zuben: No, it was a mutant mosquito)
It was a sweet bite, but I was so surprised I cried out.
‘I’m sorry it was…because it was right there in front of me.’
I suppose it is my fault, but why is there a mischievous light behind the hazel.
‘I suppose if it wasn’t deliberate, it’s alright. I’m also bad for having my clavicle in front of a man’s eyes.’ I said with a smile, ‘I will wear clothes that cover up to my neck from now on.’
I have to defend myself so it doesn’t happen. (Zuben: A lot of things sound so dodgy)
‘No that’s a problem!’ he said.
I don’t know what to do anymore. Volker trying to stop me from wearing nun-like clothes is very cute! I laughed out loud.
*
‘It’s not good, is it?’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘You cannot withdraw as it is.’
‘…if that is the case, let’s do this again.’
‘Right.’
‘Confidentially this time.’
‘Hehehehehe’
‘Fufu hahahaha.’
pinterest.com
39 I will not show off
Although I was in a hurry to marry Volker, the day came very quickly.
The day…
I officially become Volker’s wife…
Is here!
We will have to file a notification of our marriage for approval. The truth is I only know Volker. Yes, as you guessed, not yet.
By submitting the marriage certificate Congress would formally establish our marital status after the general engagement period, after which we would get a blessing at the church.
Usually one would hold a ceremony afterward. It could be a grand event where all friends, acquaintances, relatives, a few local elders and leading aristocrats and notable people are invited.
There would be fireworks if upper aristocrats turn up to the wedding. The general populace would turn it into a carnival and put out stalls to sell food, trinkets and play games. There would be fights, thievery, it will be a lot of trouble.
It is kind of a status thing but I don’t want such a flashy event with such dangerous elements.
If one does, it is best to take safety measures; have security through the party if the announcement is a pandoriented delivery. (Zuben: I dunno what the panda is about[1]) Organise the merchants, have free flowing drinks so that the citizens can enjoy and you can also show off at the same time. Wouldn’t it be nice? I would like to run such an event. (Zuben: Honestly this paragraph stumped me; it was just a confusing mish-mash of words)
But, couldn’t you do it in the panda?
But from a girl’s point of view it is useless, it is not a bit disappointing for Volker to become a panda[2]. Volker is more n.o.ble and graceful, his ident.i.ty is that of a stronger animal that anyone else!! (Zuben: a bear)
Usually, Volker doesn’t seem to like flashy things either. He is usually complaining about having to wear the heavily decorated uniforms of the Royal Guard, and curses who ever thought of it. I think he looks good, but Volker was dissatisfied.
Alright, it’s a beautiful day; perfect for submitting our certificate to Parliament. Mr Sun, thank you!
When we were at Parliament submitting our certificate there was a bit of a commotion; His Majesty the King appeared.
He found Volker and I, and casually approached.
‘Brennan, you’re here.’ He said in greeting. He has a smile on his face and his gray-blue eyes were narrowed with it. Stefan takes after him very much. But his smile looked very much like Volker’s. Perhaps Volker’s hazel eyes are from his mother.
A little surprised, Volker bowed to the King while giving a glare to the guard behind his majesty. I curtsied. What is this? No, it’s not unusual for his Majesty to come to Parliament, right? Hie~e, I can’t raise my face.
Perhaps it was Volker’s men? I wonder because he had a frown but it was only for a moment.
“Why are you here?”
“Sorry! I couldn’t stop him!”
Maybe it was like this?
‘Your Majesty, why are you here? The time of audience…’
‘Don’t be so stiff, Brennan. I wanted to see the reputed lady you became absorbed with. Don’t you want to show her off?’
What, me?!
What is this about "reputed"? You care about the marriage? Eeeeeh!
Hey, do you mind if I raise my face?
‘Wife, you can raise your face.’ The king said coming closer to me and touched my chin
Fu ~ai
I raised my face and my breath was caught,
‘I am Fredericka Castley. It is nice to meet you, your Majesty.’ I managed to say.
‘Hmm…you’re such a pretty wife. It is regrettable for Brennan.’ His Majesty said.
It was flattering. I laughed. His majesty has an irresistible charm. (Zuben: resist it) Was his Majesty even human?!
Beside me, I felt something swell. There was a strong killing intent from Volker! (Zuben: don’t turn Volker into a yandere!)
‘Hey, I’m joking. She suits you, Brennan.’ His Majesty said with a laugh as he hit Volker’s shoulder. He left after that, his guards chasing after him. It seems like he just came to see us.
Buufuu~ I was so nervous.
I mean, his Majesty the King, the supreme power of the nation comes over and raises my face! And I would never have imagined Volker would show a killing intent to his Majesty!
Anyway, I am greatly relieved that is over.
‘Fredericka.’
I turned to Volker, he didn’t even look bothered.
That face; what dial indicator did you use to interact with your Majesty earlier? I was about to ask when I realised there were disturbing panicked words coming from here and there.
“His Majesty was seen in person!"
“Are the King and General so close?”
“This…must be revised!”
“No way, do I have to fawn over and flatter the nouveau riche?!”
“Is the army getting increased funds?!”
“Is the balance between the Military and Parliament broken?!”
We can hear you, you know?
We just came to submit our marriage certificate.
I think being a great person is troublesome. They don’t even think about the direction they are going. Too much time spent on the power game.
Volker and I exchanged a glance; we didn’t know what to do about the panicking Lords.
I did not want them to rain on my happiness.
Such a tactless thing, I don’t want to tell Volker something like that.
With that said, should I mislead you?
‘Eeee~ Lady, I’ve been told; today, I realised that Volker-sama is getting married to me today.’ I gave an embarra.s.sed laugh. Volker raised a brow and frowned. He looked sullen at first glance, he had an expression that smoothing it over would likely fail.
The great people around me, “What a strange way to look at his bride, are they a masked couple?”
I am sorry but I will not tell you.
Shortly after submitting our certificate, we went to the church for our blessing. We knelt before the Father who performed his prayers.
And that was all there was to it. Now I will head to Volker’s house! Just then Marie beckoned to me from the side; I went to her and was pushed into a small room. Can I enter here without permission?
‘Please wait a while, Brennan~!’ Marie said with a meaningful chuckle. Volker watched me with a dumbfounded expression as the door was shut in his face and locked.
What was going on?
I was about to asked Marie how had bolted the door, when someone called me from behind
‘Fredericka,’
I turned around to find Jennis standing there. I thought everyone had gone to the house beforehand. Why was she here holding a white dress in her hand?
‘We don’t have much time, Fredericka, we need to get you changed quickly.’ Jennis said. Marie had already started undoing the b.u.t.tons of my dress. Mother appeared carrying a few things.
‘Mother, you’re also here?’
‘I will take off your necklace and undo your hair now, Miss.’ Marie said. Marie undressed me with a finesse she rarely displayed in recent years.
‘Please don’t get dazed, Fredericka, we just doing a little make over, right?’ Jennis said with a smile. Jennis was always gentle. Her smile represented neither presence nor absence. I could only give a non-committal reply.
I was stood before a full length mirror as my mother, Jennis and Marie dressed me. Before I knew it I was dressed in what could only be called a wedding dress.
‘What is this?’ I asked. How could a dress have been made in time? Yet it fit perfectly like it was made for me.
The bold strapless design was the kind Volker liked. The bodice was figure hugging with clean lines with a full skirt that was layer upon layer of silk and tulle. There was delicate embroidery all over it. It was very cute.
My hair was beautifully tied up; it looked nice and glossy somehow.
‘Is this…?’
‘The dress for the dinner party. I told you to leave it to me, didn’t I?’Jennis said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Her smile looked very pleased and beautiful; like she was happy the dress suited me.
But, the dress for the dinner party at this level? This was a wedding dress!
‘My sister…Volker’s mother could not wear her wedding dress,’ Jennis said with a sad smile.
Because Volker’s mother could not marry the previous king, even though they were in love; due to societal pressure.
A girl sure dreams of a happy marriage, how sad that she could not have that.
‘I didn’t mean to make you unhappy, but I thought that it would be said you not wearing a wedding gown.’ Jennis continued, ‘Is this meddling?’
I embraced mother-in-law unconsciously.
Could I really wear this?
In such a beautiful wedding dress, I wonder if I truly have become Volker’s Bride?
Uuuu~ I really endured it.
Because of the matter of being jilted troubled mother and father, and there were strange rumours that affected Volker, I hadn’t dared dream I could. I really wanted to wear a wedding dress. I wanted to show the world I was in love like everyone else, but I was afraid it would be more troublesome.
I didn’t need it, I thought, I did not need anything as long as I could be with Volker, I would be happy.
‘Thank you, mother in law.’ I said to Jennis.
I couldn’t say more…that she thought of me so much…
Oh, now I’m crying. My make-up would be ruined.
‘I didn’t expect to be wearing such a beautiful dress.’
Jennis smiled as she wiped my tears with her handkerchief.
‘Fredericka, did you mother do a good job?’
Hehehe, mother with her usual smile lifted the gossamer veil over my head. It was exquisite with a crown of my favourite flowers.
‘My beautiful Fredericka, I am proud of you. Go be a bride with confidence!’ my mother declared.
‘Mother…’
Tears spilled down because I could not endure it anymore.
My make up was fixed. I took a deep calming breath and stepped out of the small room. Volker was waiting for me. He had also changed.
The ceremonial uniform of the Royal Guard is also wonderful but this was very close to a groom’s suit, isn’t it? Mother in law also prepared Volker’s well.
‘Wow, Volker you look wonderful.’ I said as I ran to him holding my hands out. I jumped into his arms and he twirled me around.
‘It is you who looks wonderful Fredericka – how beautiful!’
The skirt my dress spread fluffily and the fabric twinkled brilliantly in the sunlight. As we headed to the doors, I could hear lots of people outside. There was a pretty large crowd watching.
Eh?
‘Come let’s get you into the carriage.’
When I looked at the carriage I realised the reason for the crowd. We had come in an ordinary carriage, and had planned to take it back.
But this was a fairy tale carriage; it was a white open top carriage with glittery decorations and Oliver was driving it.
What is this?
I couldn’t keep up!
‘Lady, get on please.’
It was very graceful, but why was our very competent butler driving the carriage as thought it went without saying.
A cheer went up as I was escorted to the carriage by Volker. Marie and our other maids started to shower us with colourful petals. It was beautiful – beautiful but so conspicuous!
‘Congratulations, Miss!’ Marie shouted.
‘Ma, Marie!’ I cried trying to stop her, but it was in vain as other girls with similar baskets started throwing flowers as well.
What kind of preparation was this?!
But doing this was so showy, Volker might find it unpleasant. I looked at him next to me. He looked happy.
He held me gently as we got on the carriage. Volker is so sweet! Everyone is so sweet! I am so very happy my heart is about to explode.
Zuben: So much lost in translation stuff in the past few chapters, I was honestly distressed. Anyway, hope it makes sense. Enjoy.
Panda [1] もしやるなら安全に配慮した、警備も万全なお祭りイベントがメインで、お披露目が客寄せパンダ的な位置付けなら、割り切って出来るかもしれませんね。商家は潤って市民が楽しんでついでにお披露目が出来るなら三方良しで、あら、いいじゃない？そんなイベント取り仕切りたいなぁ。
Panda [2] あ、パンダじゃ仕切れないな？
Panda [3] ……でも令嬢的な観点からいうとダメなのかな、フォルカー様もパンダになっていただくにはちょっと役不足な感が否めない。フォルカー様ならもっと高貴かつ優美、しかしてその正体は誰よりも強い動物になれましてよ！！
♢ Chapters 40-42
