The Monster Duke Mistook Me for His Wife Chapter 157 - Side Story Chapter 14

Side Story Part 3

A crisp, cloudless autumn sky stretched overhead on this clear fall day.

Today was the result of Aaron’s careful planning—a day of blessings. It was also… my wedding.

As a bride in October, I looked down in distress at the soft sobs coming from beneath me.

“Nathan, stop crying.”

“W-who’s crying?!”

Nathan sniffled loudly and whipped his head around.

Well, of course. Who else would be sobbing and sniffling below my feet?

“This is unacceptable. I raised her so well… so why—why now?”

“But Dillian proposed, and you helped!”

Technically, we almost ruined it—but all things considered, surviving Dillian’s terrifying glare was the real miracle.

“I didn’t think it’d happen this fast!”

Nathan exploded, furious at being “betrayed” by Dillian.

‘He is right. It was quick.’

Dillian, having just proposed, powered through the wedding preparations in under a month—as if this was what he’d been waiting for.

While Nathan was still saying “wait, what?”, the wedding day had already arrived.

“I was duped! That sly fox!”

I grabbed Nathan and gently straightened his loose bowtie.

“We’re not losing Ria forever. She’s still right here with us. Why are you so sad?”

“This is different! You’ll understand when you have a child of your own—the feeling of letting them go…”

Nathan trailed off, tears welling in his large eyes. Just then, as I dabbed at his face with a handkerchief—

“Hahahaha! Is Nathan really crying?!”

“Eek! Is he actually crying?”

“You’re too old for this foolishness.”

“Don’t be so harsh. It’s okay to cry.”

The divine beasts, who had gathered in the bridal prep room before the ceremony, burst into laughter.

“Don’t laugh!”

Nathan, embarrassed, screamed, and Samiel clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“Ria isn’t going anywhere, so why the tears?”

His confident tone cracked as he spoke—and then, suddenly—

“She’s—she’s getting married…!”

Tears like chicken droppings fell from Samiel’s eyes.

“Hahhng! Why’s she leaving already! RIA!”

Whity tried to circle in and cuddle me, but Nathan gently blocked her with his foot.

Thud. Whity landed on the floor and yelled in protest.

“Are you insane, Nathan?!”
“Don’t mess up her dress with snot!”
“Oops!”

Whity, shocked, quickly wiped her face.

“Hmph, you all are so dramatic.”

“Arrest! You’re crying too!”

The waiting room, once echoing with laughter, quickly turned into a flood of tears.

“Why are you all crying? Please don’t. Don’t cry.”

I hurried to comfort them, but it was Aina—who sneaked in late—who helped the most.

“Alright, everyone, that’s enough. The ceremony is about to begin. As divine beasts, remember your dignity.”

“Aren’t you sad, Aina?” Mika wiped her tears subtly and asked.

Aina tilted her head.

“Yes. Today, Ria is the happiest person in the Empire. Of course I’m happy for her.”

“Aina…”

Moved by Aina’s warm words, I tried to smile—only to hear a deadly threat next.

“But if the Duke ever makes you cry, I’ll kill him.”

Her threatening words hung in the air.

“If the Duke makes things hard, you come tell me. Okay?”

“Uhm….”

Ainah gave me an awkward nod and then opened the waiting-room door wide with a bright smile.

“Right—Ria, it’s time.”

 

****

 

 

 

In front of the ceremony hall, Therze was shielding his eyes with his hand as soon as he saw me.

“…Grandfather, you’re not crying, are you?”

“I wouldn’t cry on a day like this.”

Therze glared in surprise. Good—seeing the divine beasts crying before the ceremony had already made my heart race.

“Thank you for holding my hand, Grandfather.”

“You’re thanking me for everything. It’s my duty!”

Unlike brides walking in with their fathers, I had no family—so Dillian planned to enter with me. But knowing my situation, Therze insisted on walking me down the aisle himself.

“My granddaughter is becoming a lady of the duchy. I could die in peace now.”

“If you say that one more time, I really will count to a hundred.”

“Ah. Ahem. That’s just how happy I am.”

Blushing, Therze smiled and offered me his hand. I took it, tears shimmering in my eyes.

“I’m glad to become family with you, Grandfather.”

Clears throat.

When I looked up, I saw tears in his reddened eyes.

“…Let’s go.”

Almost immediately, the grand doors of the largest chapel in the temple swung open.

A thunderous cheer echoed through the hall.

And at the end of the long aisle stood Dillian, on the altar.

Just as my gaze naturally fell toward him, someone stole my attention.

“Ria! You’re beautiful! You look amazing!”

Maymie sprang up and tried to run forward, but Schumann and Harris quickly restrained her.

Relieved, Schumann winked at me and gave a thumbs-up, elbowing Harris. After a moment’s hesitation, Harris also gave a thumbs-up.

It seemed they’d grown close since the proposal incident.

On the opposite side, I spotted Aina and Cassis sitting beside the weeping divine beasts.

While Aina seemed genuinely happy, Cassis looked tinged with bitterness.

He must have thought the proposal would come first from him—and that he’d marry first too.

He hopes it’s not too late—otherwise Daisy’s sharp gaze might kill him.

Ivan looked uneasy, gently tugging Daisy’s hand. She finally smiled at me.

“Look—Dante is calling you.”

Therze pointed toward Dante, who beamed and waved.

“Teacher! Congratulations!”

“Ria! Getting married! To Dillian! Yay!”

Dante and Whity bounced with excitement as Giselle clapped enthusiastically.

Next to her were some familiar faces: Bianca, who still hoped to adopt me, and Harris’s father, Lloyd, both smiling and offering congratulations.

“Hehe. I see everyone’s already envious of you.”

Suddenly receiving sincere praise from so many, Therze’s grin widened. He seemed even happier than I felt.

But all my focus stayed on Dillian, standing on the red velvet carpet.

Seeing him in a black tuxedo, my heart felt like it might explode.

It feels like that morning when we said, “Let’s have a wonderful wedding”—that was only a dream, right?

How did I think I’d stay composed?

Thankfully the veil hid my flushed face.

Tightening my grip on Therze’s hand, I felt him speak quietly.

“Nervous?”

“No—he’s just so handsome…”

“You two are truly meant for each other.”

I barely registered the sound of his laughter.

Faces burning with heat, I drew my gaze downward as I approached him.

Then, Dillian stepped forward.

He moved as though he could no longer wait.

“Miss Ria.”

Hearing that sweet call, I raised my head slightly. Dillian beamed at me like he owned the world.

His gaze shone warmly—like sunlight streaming through a giant stained-glass window.

“Who’s standing there?”

“Th-the Duke?”

As rigid and impenetrable as ice, my composure melted—and gasps rose from the crowd.

“May you live in happiness.”

With care, Therze placed my hand in Dillian’s.

“And if he ever makes you cry, tell us!”

Why does everyone think he’ll be the one making me cry? I’m already smiling just looking at him.

Dillian tightened his grip on my hand and whispered softly.

“Don’t worry, Miss Ria. I won’t, but if I ever do, feel free to beat me up until you’re satisfied.”

“Dillian, why are you like that?”

At least he promised not to make me cry, even jokingly!

“You can keep hitting me until I’m forgiven and then fall into my arms, okay? We’ll be married soon.”

“What do I do? I kind of want to punch you right now.”

“Not on such a wonderful day.”

Clasped hands, sparkling eyes—it felt like a dream.