Diana grabbed the strong arm holding her and looked up at the man with tired eyes. The man was none other than her father, Baron Fenwick.

His face looked calm, but there was something heavy in his gaze.

He looked at her for a long moment before speaking softly. "This might be the last time you see me."

Diana frowned slightly, not sure what he meant.

"I might not be able to come back," Baron Fenwick said with a deep voice. "I know you hate me and may not believe me, but I am not lying this time."

He took a slow breath, his voice filled with guilt. "Though it was an exchange, I am not heartless enough to just throw my daughter away to any random man."

He turned her face gently so she looked at him. "That man you are marrying… you might never get a chance like this again if you let it go."

Diana saw the faint trace of sadness in her father's eyes. For a moment, her heart softened, but she quickly looked away. "I don't know if what you say is true," she replied quietly.

"Maybe you are still lying. But as someone born into this life of nobles, I have already accepted it. I can live without love if I have to, as long as I can adjust. But I won't do anything wrong for your sake."

Baron Fenwick smiled weakly. His eyes were filled with regret. "Don't worry," he said. "I won't trouble you anymore."

Moments later, the two appeared on the stage for the ceremony. The guests whispered in surprise. The bride had arrived first. That was rare for such a wedding.

Just as silence filled the hall, a loud voice broke through.

"Sorry! Sorry!"

Everyone turned their heads. A young man rushed into the place, carrying three children over his shoulders. His white hair shone under the lights, and his blue eyes sparkled like ice. His noble attire was clean and elegant, but his hurried steps made the scene a little chaotic.

"Sophia! Lia! Aunt Nina!" he called out, his voice both desperate and amused. "Please take these away! They aren't leaving me!"

The children clung to him tightly. Nerion, Hera, and Leo laughed while Ethan tried to shake them off carefully. Sophia and Lia rushed over, pulling the kids away, while the people watching couldn't help but chuckle.

Diana froze for a moment.

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

She had expected a proud or arrogant nobleman, but what she saw instead made her pause.

Ethan looked dazzling.With white hair, sharp blue eyes, and a noble face that seemed calm and confident. His uniform was finely made, with golden buttons and a dark blue cloak that fluttered behind him.

But more than his looks, it was the way he treated the children.He was gentle, patient, and caring that made her heart skip.

When Ethan finally stepped onto the stage, he gave her a warm smile. "Lady Diana," he said politely, bowing his head slightly. "It is an honor to meet you. You look beautiful today. I am lucky to have such a kind and graceful bride."

Diana blinked, slightly taken aback. His tone carried no mockery, no false sweetness. It was calm, honest, and warm. She looked away quickly to hide her blush.

The crowd around them broke into cheers. People in the audience clapped and shouted with joy.

After a short wait, the priest finally appeared at the altar.

"Huuh! You seem to be a new face," Ethan said, raising a brow.

The man smiled and bowed slightly. "Priest Karmen has gone for a special duty. I am Priest Mureno. I will oversee the ceremony today."

As he smiled, a flash of golden teeth gleamed from his mouth, catching the light. The strange glitter made several guests stiffen unconsciously. Something about his smile felt unsettling, but the ceremony went on.

"Hmm..Let's proceed then."

Priest Mureno opened the holy book and began chanting the vows. His voice echoed softly in the hall as the guests watched in silence.

The gentle scent of incense floated in the air. Ethan and Diana stood before each other, side by side, their hands lightly joined.

Mureno's words carried the usual blessings — of unity, trust, and divine witness. The candles around flickered, casting a warm glow over the stage.

As the ceremony continued, Diana tried to keep calm, though her heart pounded in her chest. Her fingers trembled slightly, and Ethan noticed it. He gave her hand a small squeeze of reassurance.

When the final chant ended, Priest Mureno closed the book and looked at them with a small smile. "Now, by the blessing of the Gods, the bride and groom may seal their vows with a kiss."

A small murmur spread through the crowd. All eyes turned toward them.

Ethan stepped forward slowly. He leaned closer, but just as their faces neared, he noticed the unease in Diana's eyes. Her breath quickened, and her shoulders stiffened. He stopped, then smiled softly.

Instead of kissing her lips, he leaned down and gently kissed her forehead.

Diana's eyes widened in surprise. "My Lord…" she whispered, her voice shaking slightly.

Ethan looked at her with a calm smile. "Are you uncomfortable?"

"No," she said softly, lowering her head. "It's just that… it's my first kiss, so I'm a little nervous."

Her cheeks flushed pink. Ethan chuckled quietly. His glow under the golden lights made him look almost unreal. The brightness of his white hair and blue eyes seemed to light the whole hall.

"Then we'll leave it at that," he said gently.

But Diana suddenly grabbed his hand. "No… I want to continue, but slowly."

Ethan's eyes softened. He leaned close, whispering something into her ear. She nodded shyly. He then guided her carefully, showing her what to do, his voice calm and patient.

Finally, he closed the distance and kissed her softly on the lips.

The hall erupted in cheers and laughter.

"This new mother looks so lovely," Miranda said with sparkling eyes.

"She is," Sophia replied with a warm smile, patting her daughter's head. Hera and Nerion tugged at her dress, chanting, "Mother, pat… pat…"

"Haa… you two," Sophia chuckled, bending to hug them.

...….

When the ceremony ended, Priest Mureno approached Ethan with a wide grin. "I have always wanted to meet you, my Lord."

Ethan smiled politely. "You seemed to be quite curious about me."

"Of course it does," Mureno said. "Your story is like a tale from legends."

"A hero rising from nothing..

He extended his hand. Ethan reached out and shook it, but the moment their hands met, a faint frown crossed Ethan's expression.

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