Reborn As Noble Chapter 1256: Sacred Vows Beneath the Tree ( 1256 )

Javier narrowed his eyes, directing a hushed remark towards Athine. “Hey. Get a hold of yourself, Athine. The entire nation is observing this.”

“Oh?” Athine offered a smile, her gaze drifting upwards to meet Aelius’s, radiating a soft, adoring light. “I’m merely admiring my soon-to-be husband.”

“Hold on with the wedding jitters. Let’s wait for the formal blessing to commence before you start melting into his embrace.”

“Hmm?” Athine tilted her head, her smile imbued with an innocent air. “I’m not sure what you’re implying, little brother. I’m simply being my usual self.”

“Right, right. As if I don’t know you were practically ready to dash over and embrace him the second you were close. Obviously,” Javier scoffed, rolling his eyes.

A delicate flush crept onto Athine’s cheeks. “I… I don’t understand what you’re suggesting.”

“Heh… like I haven’t noticed your feet fidgeting, your body leaning forward, and the involuntary twitch of your fingers. You two haven’t been apart for mere days, and already you’re acting like this.”

Javier shook his head, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

“I do wonder what will transpire once you are wed, and your belly swells, rendering you unable to accompany Aelius in his duties overseeing the merchant guilds, managing the nation’s economy, and undertaking crucial trade negotiations. You’ll be confined to home while he navigates the complexities of the economy. You are already this clingy now; how will you manage then?”

Athine let out a breath, rolling her eyes before casting a mock glare and puffing out her cheeks towards Aelius.

Aelius simply responded with a soft chuckle, his eyes brimming with warmth and devotion.

Just as Athine prepared to voice a reply, Javier interjected once more.

“Alright, alright. Both of you, exercise some restraint. The High Priest of Armand is present, your parents are watching, and delegations from all of Armand’s allied nations are in attendance. Let’s conclude this wedding ceremony with proper decorum so you two can revel in your time together~” Javier declared, a teasing grin spreading across his face.

Aelius smiled, casting a loving and anticipatory glance at Athine.

Javier intervened again, punctuating his words with an eye roll and an exaggerated sigh.

“No… no… refrain from exchanging such glances. Not yet. At the very least, wait until the vows are exchanged, you lovesick fool.”

“Ugh… little brother, must you constantly disrupt the moment?” both Aelius and Athine admonished in unison, fixing thorny glares upon Javier from Aelius’s side.

“What?” Javier retorted, his eyes rolling once more. “What I’m stating is the truth. Can’t you two possibly wait until the sacred blessing concludes before indulging your desires at night? At the very least, you are to be married in…” Javier consulted his mana-infused watch, “…mere minutes. Honestly. Control yourselves now, and indulge yourselves after the ceremony.”

Aelius let out a sigh. “Very well.”

Athine pressed her lower lip between her teeth and shot Javier a resentful look. “Hmmph! You are fortunate you are our younger brother and the one who…” She glanced towards Aelius, then at her magnificent wedding attire, her expression softening considerably. “…crafted this exquisite ensemble for us.”

“Naturally,” Javier declared, puffing out his chest with pride. “This wedding attire, were its value to be assessed, would surpass the entire treasury of any noble house within the other human kingdoms.” He playfully wiggled his eyebrows, a smug smile gracing his features.

The High Priest of Armand made his grand entrance, his resplendent robes of white and gold cascading elegantly as he ascended the altar situated beneath the venerable ancient tree. He held aloft a sacred staff, intricately adorned with luminous crystals, and his mere presence imbued the solemn occasion with an aura of profound reverence.

Positioned at the altar's center, his gaze, both warm and imbued with ancient wisdom, settled upon Aelius and Athine.

“Prince Aelius. Princess Athine. Kindly step forward and stand together for the sacred blessing.”

Aelius and Athine advanced, their hands instinctively seeking each other. Athine delicately intertwined her fingers with Aelius’s arm, her touch resting with comforting warmth against his sleeve.

The High Priest offered a gentle smile, unfurling the sacred scroll to commence the ceremony. However, just as he was poised to speak, Athine softly intervened, a gentle blush coloring her cheeks.

“Your Holiness… would it perhaps be permissible to… expedite the lengthy discourse and proceed directly to the blessing and the exchange of vows?”

The High Priest paused, then let out a warm chuckle, albeit shaking his head. “Ah, the eagerness of young love. Very well, I suppose we can…”

He was on the verge of acquiescence when Javier’s voice cut through the air from the side. “No, no~ Let us conduct it with due solemnity.” Javier’s eyes narrowed in Athine’s direction. “And you, Athine. Do not simply bypass the significant rituals of your life out of impatience. The entire kingdom bears witness.”

Athine responded with a pout and a playful sticking out of her tongue towards Javier, while Aelius merely inclined his head with an affectionate smile.

The High Priest’s smile widened, and he nodded in Javier’s direction. “As you command, Your Highness. We shall proceed with the complete ceremony as ordained.”

The ceremony commenced, the High Priest’s resonant voice echoing through the tranquil garden as he formally recited the sacred vows.

Meanwhile, within the confines of a private chamber.

Liana released a prolonged sigh, her gaze shifting to Gracelle, who was now reclining on a specially prepared bed. Gracelle’s eyes remained fixed upon the Holo TV screen, wide with expressions of awe and captivated wonder.

“Liana! Liana! Look at this!” Gracelle exclaimed, pointing with animated excitement towards the screen, her voice brimming with the uninhibited joy of a child.

Liana surveyed her surroundings, heaving another deep sigh. Why was she stuck here simply because this girl had insisted on her company?

Sigh…

She was supposed to be with the Young Master…

Gloria arrived, accompanied by several maids, and began pushing a trolley laden with food from the kitchen towards the room. More maids trailed behind her, busying themselves with arranging the dishes on a table nearby.

Noticing Liana's quiet demeanor, Gloria offered a smile as she observed her settling into a chair next to Gracelle's bed.

“Ara~ Liana? It seems your new responsibilities are proving a bit taxing~”

Hearing this, Gracelle turned her gaze towards Liana, her lips forming a pout as she feigned a sorrowful expression.

“Liana… am I a burden to you?” she inquired, her voice soft and laced with pitifulness, her eyes wide and beseeching.

Liana narrowed her eyes at Gracelle. “I don’t know… perhaps yes, perhaps no.”

Gracelle’s lips quivered, her eyes glistening with fabricated tears. “I… I’m sorry…” She looked up at Liana, her pleading eyes resembling those of an innocent puppy.

Liana let out another sigh. “Stop making that face and just focus on the screen!” she retorted sharply.

Gracelle's voice trembled. “A… are you going to leave me here all alone?”

“Ugh! Such an annoying girl. No, I won’t leave you. Besides, if I did, there are plenty of Armand maids or healers who could keep you company.”

“B… but…” Gracelle pouted, her eyes welling up. “I want *you* here.”

Liana opened her mouth to respond, but no words emerged.

Gloria chuckled softly, witnessing Liana's visibly frustrated expression as she found herself utterly incapable of refusing Gracelle's persistent, clingy demands.

( End Of Chapter )

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