A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 7 (Part 3)

     Days and nights passed. The weather gradually became warmer as the sun's rays turned brighter every new dawn. As days flew by, Oliver and Sophia's wedding practice continued for a week until it was finally time for their marriage.

     Inside the Fuers' household, Oliver prepares in his bedroom, buttoning his red plaid waistcoat and black breeches before putting on a vest with lime-edged stripes. He steps towards his mirror and brushes his fingers across his fiery hair. He then sprays and applies cologne to his outfit.

     Oliver hears a loud but gentle knock on his door. Oliver immediately walks towards his doorway and opens it. He then sees Evan standing on the other side of the door, smirking at him.

Evan gasped as he gazed at Oliver's outfit. "Wow, I must say, you are a fine-looking gentleman!" Evan said, patting Oliver's shoulder. "I'm pretty sure you will be able to please Sophia with that fine figure."

"Heh- thank you so much, sir," Oliver replied, scratching the back of his neck.

Evan stepped inside the room. "Anyways, are you ready, Oliver?" he asked.

Oliver let out a shuddering sigh. "...Yes," he answered.

"Good for you," Evan said. "My daughter is still having trouble putting on her stays."

     Suddenly, Oliver and Evan heard a loud yelp in the other room. The two men's eyes widened as they peeked into the hallway. But, everything instantly turned eerily silent, causing them to stare at the door with their brows furrowed.

     Inside a room, Aria laces Sophia's stays on her back. As Aria fastens the lacing, the corset tightens, causing Sophia to gasp and grunt in pain. Sophia's eyes wince shut as she holds onto a wooden pole. Her breath trembles and quivers as she pants sharply.

     Meanwhile, Layla and Amelia stand at the side of the room. They watch Aria fasten the laces on Sophia's stays. They glance at each other, smirking as they wave their white fans before their faces.

"...Ouch! Ouch!" Sophia groaned as her stays became tighter every second.

"Don't worry, dear! Hold your breath!" Aria said as she swiftly fastened the lace, causing Sophia to grunt.

"Yes, make her slimmer!" Amelia giggled as she stepped near Sophia. "She looks pretty! Oh, my daughter! I'm so proud!"

"Mother, this isn't how tight stays should be!" Sophia said while gasping for air.

     Aria pulls the strings of the stays, causing Sophia to yelp as she squeezes her palms. Sophia closes her eyes shut, expecting the corset to crush her ribs. But, nothing comes afterwards.

"Finally, it's done!" Aria secured the laces and placed her hands on her hips.

     Sophia glances at her back, feeling the laces on the stays tied and secured. She then lets out a relieving sigh. Closing her eyes, she gathers her breath.

"Oh! Ladies, Layla and I will be downstairs, understood?" Amelia said as she flapped her fan vigorously.

"Understood!" Aria said as she grabbed a petticoat on the chair.

"Alright!" Amelia grinned as she left the room with Layla.

     Aria then approaches Sophia with the white petticoat. Then, she puts it above Sophia's head, sliding it down her body. Aria begins fastening the strings as Sophia glares at the window.

     Turning around to a chair, Aria takes the wedding dress. She then steps towards Sophia with a bright smile. Aria clears her throat and nods.

"Okay, up!" Aria ordered with a polite, humble smile.

Sophia immediately raised her arms as Aria slid the dress to her body. "I never knew the stays would be this tight," Sophia said timidly.

"I never expected it as well, dear. You seem uncomfortable with it," Aria responded.

"Indeed, I am uncomfortable, Madame," Sophia sighed.

As she dusted the wedding dress with her hands, Aria saw Sophia's glistening ring and noticed its diamond sparkle. "Oh, my. Even today, I am still surprised by how big that diamond is!" Aria grinned. "Your future husband is so rich. Huh, dear?"

     Sophia forces herself to smile. But she wants to cry, knowing Oliver can spawn precious stones, yet he is treated poorly. Sophia sighs as she glances at Aria with her glistening eyes.

"Yes..." Sophia tightened her smile.

"I can't wait for the wedding!" Aria exclaimed. "Now, let's get your hair done! Quickly!"

     Sophia and Aria approached a vanity table. Aria pulled a chair to give Sophia a seat as they gave each other a kind smile. Then, Aria began brushing Sophia's golden hair with a hairbrush.

"...Madame?" Sophia glanced at Aria.

"Yes, dear?" Aria replied while combing Sophia's hair.

"May I ask you a question?" Sophia asked with a polite smile.

"Yes, dear," Aria nodded.

"...What would you do if you're forced to like someone...?" she asked, slightly bashful.

"I'll stand up, of course," Aria answered.

"Oh, how?" Sophia wondered.

"Well... I have my story," Aria said. She then narrated, "When I was only a young lady, back in my home country... Geveria... I was in an arranged marriage as well. I, however, want to be an independent lady. So, I told my father... I don't want to get married. Do you know what he said?"

"He said, 'No,' didn't he?" Sophia guessed.

"Yes, child," Aria replied. "But that doesn't stop me. I invested some money to leave my place and arrived here in Asbranne. Here, I opened a boutique."

"Wow. I must admit... you're a strong woman, indeed. But how are your parents now?" Sophia said, astonished by Aria's story.

"My parents realized their wrongdoings and regretted what they'd done. Gladly, they changed, and I visit them yearly," Aria answered. "Things will change at the right time. But, it will take gradually."

     Sophia nodded lightly. She stared at her reflection in the vanity table's mirror. As Aria began braiding Sophia's hair, there was a sudden knock on the door, and the doorway swung open. Amelia burst in with a broad grin.

"The groom is already heading to the church!" Amelia said with an eager smile.