Outside the window, the sound of rain quietly tapped against the palace glass.

It was a wedding day, but the bells ringing were not for a blessing. They were the bells signaling the end of the war, the bells announcing the day the princess would depart for the victorious kingdom.

“You must go.”

The maid's trembling voice echoed in the room.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror. A dazzlingly brilliant pure white gown, adorned with intricate embroidery.

To someone else, it might be the attire for a once-in-a-lifetime happy day, but to her, it felt like shackles symbolizing her country's defeat.

A few hours later, at the massive cathedral.

Nobles and knights from both nations watched the two in bated breath. At the end of the long red carpet stood a man in a black suit.

Chrollo Lucilfer.

He watched her quietly, unshaken by the commotion around him. His eyes held no readable joy, pity, or sense of superiority.

That very composure made her dislike him even more.

Finally, the ceremony ended, and after all the formal greetings were finished, the two were led to a private drawing room prepared by the royal family.

As the door closed, silence finally descended.