Not long after, the carriage arrived at the gates of the Baldwin Mansion. Cheryl was taken aback by how much busier it was here than in the palace. It could be argued that the palace was only used for the wedding ceremony, with the real party taking place at Bladwin's Mansion.
Many people gathered on the left and right sides of the gate leading to the Mansion. Cheers erupted from the crowd as Cheryl's carriage passed through the gate. Some young women purposefully carry flower baskets and scatter flower petals on the bridal carriage.
Edgar was more concerned with his newly married wife's expression than with the rousing welcome. Edgar couldn't help but laugh when he saw how perplexed the young woman was. Edgar whispered in Cheryl's ear as he moved his body closer to her.
"What makes you so surprised?"
Cheryl turned her head and saw Edgar's face right in front of her. Cheryl shifted her seat nervously, then gave up because the space was so small. Of course, Edgar was aware that Cheryl was uncomfortable, but he refused to move and insisted on remaining until she responded.
"Of course I was surprised, it's very crowded," Cheryl replied.
Cheryl was right to be surprised because it was so crowded. She had only seen this on television at royal weddings before suddenly experiencing it herself. How could she not be taken aback?
"Why is the princess so tense when she doesn't have to do anything? All you have to do is smile and wave your hand. Such as this." With a big smile on his face, Edgar raised his hand and waved to the crowd. The cheers became even louder after the Marquess waved.
"They're also anticipating your wave, Princess. Give it a shot."
Cheryl was quite embarrassed. She didn't want to disappoint the people who had come, so she also waved her hand. Her smile was a little shy, but it was enough to get the next round of applause going.
"See? They are fond of you."
The carriage arrived at the main door of the Mansion. Edgar stepped out first, then circled to the door on the opposite side of the carriage, where he picked up Cheryl.
Cheryl exited the train, holding hands with Edgar. Cheryl was led through the main hall to the bridal throne, which had been prepared.
There was a famous painter named Osborne waiting for him. Osborne had a brush in his hand as soon as the bride and groom walked through the door. He bowed in front of Edgar and Cheryl, introducing himself and congratulating them.
"I'm Osborne, a painter, and I'd like to congratulate and bless the Marquess and Marchioness on their marriage. May you be happy for the rest of your life."
Edgar was content with his simple prayer. He waved and smiled warmly. "Osborne is overly polite. Thank you for your blessing."
Besides, Cheryl remained silent. She was still perplexed by the new title that had been bestowed upon her. She discovered that, aside from changing her status to that of a wife, she still carried the title of Marchioness on her shoulders.
Edgar did not chastise the daydreaming Cheryl. He had previously gathered information about the Fifth Princess. Edgar already knew how she lived in the palace. It's no surprise that this young lady was taken aback by this lavish and festive lifestyle. He thinks it'll be fine because there will be plenty of time to adjust. Edgar secretly promised to spoil this young woman until she felt like the luckiest woman on the world.
Osborne had begun to open the paint case, preparing to paint the newlyweds.
Cheryl's gaze was drawn to Edgar after he grabbed her hand.
"Does the Princess feel uneasy?" Edgar inquired, his voice low and at close range.
Cheryl lowered her head in an attempt to avoid Edgar's mocking stare.
"Yes, a little," Cheryl replied.
"Could you please hold it in a little longer? Let Osborne handle the wedding painting."
Cheryl frowned slightly. "Why take the painting now? Shouldn't we greet guests?"
"I can't wait to capture our wedding day. So I hope you don't mind."
Cheryl had nothing more to say now that Edgar had said it. She gave Osborne a sidelong glance. The bearded man moved his hands quickly across the canvas.
Even so, Cheryl believes that painting takes a long time. Maybe she had to sit there all day so she could be painted. She wanted to refuse, but there was no way she could say it in front of Edgar.
Edgar could tell what Cheryl was thinking because he was good at judging other people. He reassured Cheryl by patting the back of her hand, which she was holding.
"Don't worry, Osborne is a brilliant artist. He can complete a painting in under an hour."
When Osborne heard Edgar's words, he immediately raised his face in surprise. With a puzzled expression, he looked at Edgar. Was the Marquess teasing him? How could he finish a painting in less than an hour, despite being a genius?
The Marquess was unconcerned. Instead, he returned his gaze to Osborne and casually stated, "I didn't do anything wrong, Osborne?"
The gentle words of the Marquess concealed a threat. Osborne broke out in a cold sweat as he realised the Marquess wasn't joking. He frantically nodded.
"Yes, yes, yes. That's correct. It's all over in less than an hour."
That's all. The painting session was over in a flash. Cheryl was escorted to her room by a group of maids to change into another party dress because she still had to greet the guests outside.
The lavish and heavy wedding gown was removed and replaced with another luxurious gown. Cheryl, on the other hand, chose the dress she desired. She disliked dresses that were too noticeable because they were inconvenient. So she pointed to a gold dress that was a little out of place.
Cheryl didn't look old-fashioned after wearing it; instead, she looked like she was cosplaying as a Greek mythological goddess. Very attractive. Cheryl suddenly remembered the engraved bracelet Edgar had given her some time ago as she looked in the mirror.
Edgar had informed her earlier in the trip that Cheryl's belongings had also been packed and shipped to the Baldwin Mansion. Remembering that, she requested that the maid open the jewellery box from her pile of things, which were mostly not jewels. The box in question was quickly located by the maid.
Cheryl slid it open. A red velvet cloth and a uniquely engraved ruby bracelet appeared before her eyes once more. Unlike the first time she saw it and thought it was ordinary, she suddenly realised that this bracelet was very beautiful the second time she saw it. Cheryl put it on her right wrist right away. It's only a piece of jewellery, but it appears to be the missing piece of the puzzle. Cheryl's appearance and aura appeared to be flawless. Her spirituality felt much calmer as well.
Cheryl was so preoccupied with admiring herself in the mirror that she didn't notice the maids had left and a man stood in the middle of the room staring at her.
It turned out that, in addition to Cheryl, Edgar had noticed that the Fifth Princess had changed. Again, he had no idea where the difference was. However, the familiar aura grew stronger, making Edgar's heart pound as if thousands of horses galloped through the meadow.
In front of the mirror, the man approached the young woman. He hugged Cheryl from behind, as if compelled by an unseen force. He buried his face in Cheryl's neck crook. Edgar became agitated as he smelled the delicate scent of the woman's body. Something in his heart jolted him awake. Not something impure, but a longing that grew stronger as his embrace grew stronger.
It's like reuniting with a long-lost love. Yes, such a sensation.
Cheryl froze for a moment after being unexpectedly hugged. Without saying anything or moving, Edgar tightened his embrace, making Cheryl feel as if she were being held tightly. She couldn't take it any longer. Cheryl struck the hand that was wrapped around her body. She didn't mind whether Edgar was offended or not, as long as he was released first.
Edgar was startled when he felt a tap on his arm. The man let go of the young woman's petite body.
Cheryl took advantage of the situation and turned to face Edgar. She arched her brow. Then she scolded, "What are you doing? Do you regret marrying me and then want to kill me by pinning me like that?"
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