Lalisa was dazed. All thoughts of the crowds watching them completely flew from her mind. The only thing that filled her field of view were Jungkook's blazing sapphire eyes.
After a while, his lips, hot and greedy against her own, finally fell away. Lalisa gazed at him in astonishment, while Jungkook wiped her damp lips with his thumb. The gesture felt so natural that her red eyes trembled.
'What on earth...'
What was this man thinking?
Her numbed brain shattered into a whirlpool of thoughts. Perhaps Jungkook didn't think a simple kiss was an option, contrary to Lalisa's notion. Maybe he just thought a wedding was supposed to end in a strong kiss. Or perhaps he decided he needed to display a convincing love affair with her.
Lalisa tried untangle Jungkook's psychology in her head, but there was no way of knowing which theory was right. Suddenly, she remembered what he had said the day they were alone on a boat together.
— If you have any questions, ask me anything. I'll be honest with you.
She stared at Jungkook with wide eyes, and spoke in a soft voice that was audible only to him.
"...What are you thinking?"
Jungkook's eyes still burned with a warm heat. He gazed unflinchingly at her.
"I want to do it one more time."
"...!"
Lalisa's eyes widened even more. She dimly registered the storm of applause and cheers for the couple who had just shared their kiss of oath.
"Waaaaaah—"
Soon there were popping sounds, and fireworks dazzled the blue sky. When Lalisa looked towards the guest seats, she saw Roseanne whooping with a radiant look, her brother Namjoon wearing a conflicted expression, and her father with his usual solemn face.
There were many others she also knew. Marchioness Marissa and her close friends from the south. Hwasa, who was one of the most influential people in capital society, and Lady Eunha, who was the Madonna of the ball in the previous life. Lalisa also spotted Yerim and Tzuyu glaring at her.
Lalisa had to remind herself that today was her wedding. She felt as if she had entered another realm for a moment, and then was dropped back to reality.
Jungkook truly was a mysterious man. Even today, Lalisa felt possessed by him like a ghost. Fortunately, her shaking heart began to subside, and she quickly took control of her confused feelings and waved to the crowd. She murmured to Jungkook from the corner of her mouth.
"I'll allow you to kiss me once, but not twice."
Jungkook's forehead wrinkled at her words, then he laughed.
"My bride is so astute that it's troubling."
Lalisa blinked at his words. If she didn't pull herself together, she would be going at Jungkook's pace.
'I'm sure he's a playboy.'
He seemed so skilled with women, while Lalisa, on the other hand, had no experience and stumbled whenever a situation caught her off guard. However, it shouldn't have to be this way, when they may be doing more than kissing in the future. She didn't want to be startled by this level of touch. Moreover, she had allowed this kiss, and in this situation it really was unavoidable.
Lalisa set aside her thoughts of that searing kiss. She had many more things to take care of.
'Such as the Empress and the Second Prince...'
Lalisa's vivid red eyes reflected the image of Emperor Gongyoo and Empress Ophelia, with the Second Prince Mingyu sitting behind them. There were still many enemies to face. And although he wasn't here, Namgil would be the last.
Lalisa could never show weakness. There were countless enemies who would rip her throat the moment she revealed the slightest crack. From now on, she would begin to take the revenge that she had failed to fulfill in her last life. This marriage was her first major step forward.
Jungkook's open hand appeared before Lalisa to escort her from this point. She looked at his face and discovered that he was smiling, his eyes soft. She gazed at him curiously.
"You look happy."
"You're saying the obvious. Today is our wedding day."
She didn't know what it was like to be in a contract marriage, but she didn't mind his warm gaze on her. She took Jungkook's hand, and they slowly paraded through Bellouet Square. She glanced at Empress Ophelia and Prince Mingyu, then turned to look at Jungkook again.
"I feel happy having a partner like you, too."
It was the same feeling she had after Mingyu's party. She was lucky to have chosen Jungkook. Many enemies stood in their way, but if they walked together as they did now, they would overcome the most challenging of adversaries. Jungkook smiled gently as he looked at the will burning in her eyes.
"My bride says something very admirable."
*
*
*
Lalisa and Jungkook were carried back to the imperial palace in a carriage. The wedding was a performance, but now it was the start of politics. Lalisa didn't get to formally greet the guests in the morning, but the reception at the Imperial Palace was her opportunity to meet the nobles and foreign envoys in person.
Upon arrival at the palace, she changed from her diamond wedding dress into a simpler, more elegant gown, which alluringly revealed her back.
Jungkook was already waiting outside when Lalisa hurried to attend the reception. He looked carefully at Lalisa's waistline and spoke softly.
"This was not what I expected."
Lalisa remembered Jungkook's words at the wedding and responded teasingly.
"Why? You don't want others to look at me again?"
However, Jungkook's expression was serious as he nodded.
"You know."
Lalisa couldn't help but chuckle. Somehow, this situation was amusing to her. Jungkook truly delivered his compliments seriously. He probably wanted to dig out the eyes of the people who had seen her.
"Today is our first day of marriage. My husband shouldn't interfere with what I wear."
Jungkook expression softened at Lalisa's playful tone.
"You look good in what you wear because you're already beautiful. You're far more stunning than the dress."
Lalisa blushed at the forwardness of his compliment. Jungkook lowered his head towards her and whispered in her ear.
"But if you can, I only want you to wear it when you're with me. Or my eyes would white out in jealousy."
"...?"
"If you're with another man while I'm away, he won't be safe with you."
Jungkook's words sounded too bloodthirsty to be a joke. She remembered something else Jungkook had said in the past.
—... I'll kill them all. All the men who came into contact with you. If I were the only man in the world, then perhaps you would look at me then.
Jungkook had said that if Lalisa had an affair, he would kill all the other men. Lalisa still remembered how strange it was when he said he wouldn't touch her. His words now felt a bit like that moment. He wouldn't interfere with what she wore, but he wouldn't forgive the men who looked at her.
She looked up at him.
'...Is he playing with me?'
He had to be joking, and surely Jungkook didn't desire Lalisa to this excess. She smiled and answered lightly.
"Then in the future, you'll be busy taking care of all the men I'm seeing."
"I guess I'll have to keep a close watch on you today."
Jungkook spoke in a pleasant manner, but there was a dark shadow to his words. Lalisa was curious by it, but before she could think on it further, Jungkook kissed the back of her hand.
"It's all because you're so beautiful."
"Kookie!"
She was not used to receiving these kinds of compliments from Jungkook. Although marital respect was essential in a relationship, royal men did not give more than necessary for fear it would undermine their authority. For Jungkook to kiss the back of her hand meant he respected her and was dedicated to her.
She looked on, speechless, and he continued with a smile on his lips.
"Shall we?"
She came to her senses and finally nodded.
"Yes."
It was time for the main characters to enter.
As Jungkook and Lalisa approached the hall, a guard gave a low bow and opened the door.
A palatial room came into view, lavishly decorated under Lalisa's direction. Lalisa glanced around to check for any minor problems, but everything seemed to be going as planned. The guests who already arrived at the reception turned their attention to the arrival of the couple, and the Emperor spoke first to greet them.
"My son and his wife have finally arrived."
The crowd clapped and warmly congratulated the couple on their wedding day. At the scene before her, Lalisa smiled and moved with Jungkook toward Gongyoo. Emperor Gongyoo and Empress Ophelia sat at the head of the table, and there was a vacancy beside them.
"You must have had a busy wedding schedule. Thank you, sweetheart. Sit and rest for a while. "
"Yes, Father."
Jungkook made a curious expression at the familiar way they addressed each other, but Lalisa made no mention of it and wore a large smile.
If the wedding was a show, this was the theater stage. Lalisa wanted to command confidence in her debut performance as a member of the Imperial Family. Soon after, Jungkook and Lalisa took their seats, and Gongyoo addressed the room.
"Well, then let's begin."
"Yes, Your Majesty! First is the delegation from the Kingdom of Freegrand."
A young ambassador stepped forward and gave a formal bow. Lalisa's interest was piqued at the mention of Freegrand. She was curious about the other kingdoms as well, but Roseanne had said she would consider going to Freegrand to study design.
"It is an honor to stand before His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire!"
The ambassador was a graceful and beautiful woman with her hair tied to one side. Envoys were typically men, but Freegrand, as a free and prosperous kingdom, in rare form had sent a woman to represent their country. Perhaps it was because the kingdom was known for their fashion, but the ambassador wore a smart uniform instead of a gown, which captured Lalisa's admiration.
"It must have been a long and difficult journey all the way here for a woman."
"Not at all, Your Majesty. Gender is not important. It is an honor to meet with His Majesty the Emperor of the Ruford Empire. "
She spoke in a steady voice, then glanced at the others behind her to signal them to bring forward the gifts.
"I present to you the most precious fabric from the Freegrand kingdom. I hope that it pleases you, Your Majesty."
"The Empress would prefer a fabric from Freegrand more than I do."
Empress Ophelia answered with a soft smile.
"It is still the Emperor's property, no matter how small the gift. If you desire to gift it to me later, you have my gratitude."
"Hahaha, I'll keep that in mind, Empress."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
The conversation seemed harmonious, but there was a subtle discordant note to it. The ambassador then turned towards Jungkook and Lalisa.
"To celebrate the wedding, we also offer gifts to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Please kindly accept them."
Fine fabrics were also carefully presented to the couple, which seemed natural for a kingdom that had no special goods other than fashion. Lalisa gave her gratitude, her expression soft.
"Thank you."
Was it because of Lalisa's friendly bearing? For a moment, Lalisa and the female ambassador's gaze met in midair, but then the moment broke as the ambassador stepped away. A young official standing near Gongyoo heralded the next guests.
"Here is the delegation from the Kingdom of Carthenia."
There was no time to waste, as there were many delegations from various other kingdoms. The Freegrand ambassador backed away, to be replaced by the ambassador from Carthenia, the poorest kingdom on the continent. In contrast to the unique uniforms of the Freegrand delegations, the envoys from Carthenia were dressed more commonly.
"Hail to His Majesty the Emperor. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire."
The Carthenian representatives also brought a gift to the Emperor, as well as a gift to celebrate Carlisle's wedding. The congratulations were a constant stream.