The Brellof family was extremely busy from early morning.

It was because today was Noxia’s wedding day.

The schedule was already tight, and with the added investigation into Harrison, Noxia’s wedding seemed to have arrived in the blink of an eye.

I approached Noxia, who had just finished all her preparations alongside Ascan. Dressed in a pure white wedding gown, she looked as beautiful as an angel.

Her radiant silver hair, the splendid tiara, and the sacred aura of the wedding dress perfectly matched the image of the female protagonist I had long imagined from the novel .

I gazed at the dazzlingly beautiful Noxia and sincerely marveled.

“Wow, you’re so gorgeous I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Noxia blushed as if embarrassed and replied.

“Oh, it’s not that much.”

“It really is. I’m sorry I didn’t help more with the wedding preparations. You must’ve worked so hard preparing all this alone.”

“No, thanks to you, I managed to tie up so many loose ends. Just having you by my side on a day like this gives me so much strength.”

It was Noxia’s wedding day, yet I couldn’t understand why my heart fluttered so strangely.

Suppressing the tingling sensation at the tip of my nose, I gently embraced Noxia’s shoulders and spoke with genuine sincerity.

“Congratulations on your wedding, my little sister. Live happily ever after.”

“Yes, thank you, sister.”

Just as we finished our tender farewell, Ascan, who had been watching quietly beside us, spoke up.

“Congratulations. I’ve prepared a separate gift for you.”

“A gift? You really didn’t have to go that far….”

Noxia tried to wave her hands dismissively, but her eyes widened when she saw the jewel case Carlton brought in.

Inside the case lay a glass orb the size of an adult man’s fist.

Its interior was so transparent and beautiful, it felt as if one were gazing into the depths of the ocean.

Even at a glance, it was clearly no ordinary object—it was one of those treasures people called “gifts of nature,” priceless beyond measure and impossible to obtain even for millions.

“Ah, no, this is….”

Recognizing the orb’s true nature, Noxia was too astonished to continue speaking.

“I heard this orb carries wishes for a happy future, so I prepared it. It wasn’t easy to obtain—I barely managed to have it ready in time for the wedding.”

“I’m so grateful for such a precious gift—I don’t even know what to say.”

This was undoubtedly the most valuable wedding gift Noxia had received. No empire, no noble, had sent her anything nearly as precious.

“For Tanashia’s sister, this is nothing at all. And considering our past connection, I wanted to repay the kindness.”

Noxia had treated Ascan without prejudice even during his days as a slave.

Even now, long after he had become Tanashia’s lover, she still held no preconceptions against him.

Of course, if one judged Ascan by what he possessed now, he was unquestionably a top-tier suitor—but those who remembered his past as a slave might have seen him differently.

Only then did Noxia smile knowingly.

“I’ve always been on my sister’s side. So I trust the man she chose. Today is my wedding, but soon I’ll be looking forward to good news from the two of you as well.”

Caught off guard by Noxia’s words, I instinctively glanced at Ascan.

I had never imagined marrying anyone other than him, but actually picturing our own wedding now felt strangely exhilarating.

Without the slightest hesitation, Ascan replied.

“I’ll have to live up to your expectations, then.”

His calm response inexplicably made my face flush—it felt as though he, too, had been eagerly anticipating a wedding with me.

And so, as if we’d made a silent promise, Ascan and I exchanged smiles, gazing at each other.

Noxia laughed affectionately at the happy aura we radiated.

“Sister, when I return from my honeymoon, I’ll arrange a gathering for the four of us—your Highness included.”

“Alright. Don’t get too nervous today—I’ll be nearby. Call me anytime if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

As we were talking, a crisp knock sounded from outside, followed by the voice of Laura, Noxia’s closest handmaiden.

“Miss, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived.”

At Rohel’s arrival, Noxia’s face brightened visibly—anyone could see how delighted she was.

“Please bring him in immediately.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Shortly after Laura’s reply, the door opened, revealing Rohel dressed in an elegant tailcoat.

The moment Rohel stepped inside and saw Noxia, his eyes widened. Unable to contain himself, he narrowed his eyes fondly and spoke with overflowing affection.

“You’re so beautiful—it’s almost a shame to let anyone else see you.”

Noxia, befitting a blushing bride, replied with a joyful smile.

“Flattery or not, it still feels wonderful, Your Highness.”

“Your Highness? Starting today, call me Rohel. You’re my one and only partner.”

Even among married couples, in a noble society rife with political marriages, granting permission to use one’s personal name carried special meaning.

Noxia gently curved her eyes and spoke softly.

“Rohel.”

Rohel smiled even more deeply as he heard his name from her lips.

“Did you know? Today is the happiest day of my entire life.”

Watching the two of them exchange sweet, affectionate moments filled me with quiet pride—it felt like witnessing the happy ending of right before my eyes.

Shortly afterward, Orland entered the room.

He hesitated momentarily at the sight of Tanashia, Ascan, and Rohel all gathered together, but then strode confidently toward Noxia and spoke.

“You look beautiful, my daughter.”

“Of course. Whose daughter do you think I am?”

At Noxia’s coy reply, Orland chuckled softly. Somehow, his usually cold eyes—befitting the man called “the heartless one”—were moist with emotion.

But Orland didn’t cry. With the steady expression of a dependable father, he gently caressed Noxia’s lovely face and offered his congratulations.

“Don’t be nervous. Nothing will change even after marriage. I’ll be by your side—and Tanashia’s—until the day we die. Lean on me whenever things get hard.”

Hearing this, not only Noxia but my own heart swelled with emotion. Orland’s love for us was unmistakably clear in every word.

And so, blessed by many, Noxia’s wedding ceremony proceeded.

Orland walked down the aisle holding Noxia’s hand, dressed in her pure white wedding gown. At the end of the path stood Rohel.

The ceremony was officiated by a highly respected archbishop.

“Rohel, Crown Prince of the Arwen Empire, do you swear to take Noxia, second daughter of House Brellof, as your wife, to love and cherish her for all your life?”

“Yes, I swear.”

“Now, to Noxia, second daughter of House Brellof: Do you swear to take Rohel, Crown Prince of the Arwen Empire, as your husband, to love and cherish him for all your life?”

“Yes, I swear.”

Thus, their vows were sealed.

The archbishop proclaimed loudly before all assembled:

“From this day forth, Rohel, Crown Prince of the Arwen Empire, and Noxia, second daughter of House Brellof, are officially wed!”

Rohel’s wedding—as the future emperor—was grand and magnificent. The meticulously formal, century-defining ceremony concluded at last.

Before the wedding, we had briefly gathered as family to exchange warm congratulations, but afterward, they were surrounded by delegations from various nations and Arwen Empire nobles, making it nearly impossible to approach them.

Rohel and Noxia’s official schedule wasn’t over yet—they still had a parade prepared to appear before the citizens of the Arwen Empire.

Large portraits of the two were displayed prominently. I knew from hearsay that it was precisely these portraits that had allowed me to notice Harrison’s crime.

As I watched Rohel and Noxia smiling happily atop the parade carriage, my own heart felt deeply content.

‘I’ve long hoped this novel would end with a happy ending—and now, it truly feels as if I’m witnessing it with my own eyes.’

The true culprit behind Charles’s murder in the labyrinth had been caught, and a plan to counter the Kalua Empire had been secured.

Above all else….

I turned to look at Ascan standing beside me. Tilting my head slightly upward to meet his taller frame, our eyes met instantly.

Reflected in Ascan’s deep, abyss-like eyes was my own image. I didn’t need him to say “I love you” aloud—it felt as if his gaze alone conveyed everything.

I felt profoundly happy, grateful for every moment I could spend with him like this.

“Ascan, as we talked about before—shall we go on a trip?”

There were still some lingering tasks, but all urgent matters had been resolved. I wanted to take some leisurely time off with him.

As if he’d been waiting for those exact words, Ascan nodded readily.

“Sounds good. The mere thought of spending relaxed time with you already feels wonderful.”

I clasped hands with Ascan. The novel’s protagonists seemed to have found their happy ending—now it was my turn.

“Hmm, where should we go?”

“As it happens, I’ve had a place in mind ever since our last conversation.”

“Really? You’ve already picked a destination?”

At my question, Ascan tilted his head slightly and whispered softly into my ear.

“Yes. This time, just follow me.”

I smiled brightly back at him.

After enduring so many hardships, it was finally time to be truly happy.

While the entire Arwen Empire buzzed with excitement over Noxia’s wedding, Bar nen, Tanashia’s mentor, trembled alone in anxiety.

It was because of the threatening letter he had received not long ago.

If you tell anyone, you will never see Matela again.]

Matela was Tanashia’s tutor—and to Bar nen, she was the only daughter of his one and only friend.

Though their relationship might seem distant at first glance, the two had cared for each other for years, developing a bond closer than family.

Even while Tanashia was away in the Kalua Empire, Bar nen and Matela had guarded the laboratory and distributed magical engineering weapons on her behalf.

But recently, Matela had vanished without a trace. Just as Bar nen’s worry burned fiercely inside him, he received this threatening letter.

Naturally, he could only intuit that something terrible had happened to Matela.

‘Could she have been kidnapped?’

But by whom?

There was no one bold enough in the Arwen Empire to dare lay hands on Bar nen or Matela. The greatest problem was that he had no idea whatsoever who the perpetrator could be.

Ultimately, after agonizing alone, Bar nen decided to follow the blackmailer’s instructions.

He briefly considered informing Tanashia, who had recently returned to the Arwen Empire, but the fear of never seeing Matela again again stopped him.

Besides, he was confident he could handle any ordinary foe with his magical engineering weapons. Bar nen might be old, but as long as he held a weapon, he feared no one.

And so, fully prepared, he set out….

Thud!

Bar nen was struck on the back of his head before he could even react, and instantly lost consciousness.

Even though he wasn’t trained in swordsmanship, the fact that someone had approached without a trace and knocked him out in an instant clearly indicated a professional’s handiwork.

When Bar nen opened his eyes again, he found himself in an unknown location.

He was tied to a chair, his entire body aching with no spot left unbruised.

“Ugh….”

As Bar nen groaned unconsciously and scanned his surroundings,

Clomp, clomp—the sound of approaching footsteps grew closer, and from the shadows emerged a man.

With dull blue hair and ashen eyes, it was none other than Bill, currently serving as Captain of the Kalua Empire’s Royal Guard.

Since Bar nen had never seen Bill before, he didn’t recognize him.

“W, who are you?”

Bar nen asked with a face full of caution, but Bill gave no reply. With an expressionless face, he simply stared at the now-conscious captive and spoke only what he wished to say.

“So you’re Bar nen Ad Teinan? The magical engineering mentor of the Brellof young lady, I presume.”

“Before asking about others, state your own identity first!”

Even in captivity, Bar nen refused to yield. He had lived long enough—he wasn’t afraid of dying here.

Sensing his unyielding resolve, Bill gave a slight nod and said,

“Think carefully before you answer. Don’t forget why you’re here.”

“…Ah!”

Bar nen’s mouth fell open as he looked where Bill pointed.

There, tied up and looking utterly exhausted, was Matela. Her complexion was pale, her energy drained—clearly on the verge of collapse.

“What is this madness! Untie Matela at once!”

“If you cooperate obediently, both you and that woman will be released.”

“What kind of cooperation are you even demanding…!”

“The core of the Brellof young lady’s magical engineering weapons is the magic stone. Only she can create it, and it performs far better than conventional magic stones.”

All of Tanashia’s weapons were designed specifically around the magic stone.

Naturally so—just as Bill said, the magic stone lasted far longer than traditional magic stones and could only be operated by her alone.

Bill had meticulously investigated every detail concerning Tanashia—and discovered one critical fact.

“Originally, magical engineering weapons were locked to prevent use by others. I heard the magic formulas engraved on the Brellof young lady’s magic stones make them impossible for anyone else to operate.”

This was common knowledge.

Bar nen couldn’t understand why Bill was suddenly bringing this up.

But the next words from Bill’s mouth turned his entire body rigid.

“They say… you were the one who created those magic formulas engraved on the magic stone.”

Though Tanashia had reinforced them, it was Bar nen who originally developed the magic formulas engraved onto the magic stones. It was his pride and joy.

Bar nen stared at Bill with a puzzled expression and asked,

“What exactly are you trying to say?”

“Unlock the lock on the Brellof young lady’s magic stone. Render it useless so no one else can use it.”

“What absurd nonsense…!”

“Unwilling?”

A faint, sinister smile crept onto Bill’s previously expressionless face. He glanced meaningfully toward Matela once more and continued.

“If you refuse, that woman will die.”

In that instant, Bar nen found himself utterly speechless. Risking his own life was one thing—but another’s life, especially someone precious, was an entirely different matter.

“Choose. Will you let the woman die, or unlock the magic stone’s lock?”

Bill gazed at the frozen Bar nen and smiled deeply.

“Well, judging by your expression, the answer seems obvious already.”