Kaizen found himself swamped with wedding preparations after the blood test at the temple. Despite most tasks being delegated to Vellian, there were crucial decisions Kaizen had to make personally, such as selecting the wedding dress.
Traditionally, the bride's family commissions the wedding gown. However, Kaizen was determined to present Astelle with the finest attire himself.
"Commission the wedding dress from the capital's premier dressmakers. Instruct them to spare no expense in creating the most magnificent gown," Kaizen instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Vellian replied with a weary expression. As this was his first time overseeing wedding preparations, Vellian had been toiling day and night to ensure everything was in order.
As Vellian juggled the mounting workload, he found himself inundated with preparations for the Emperor's wedding. Despite the already hefty workload, Vellian diligently noted down the Emperor's directives.
"It's fortunate that the national treasury is flush with funds and there's ample budget available," Vellian mused to himself. The Emperor spared no expense for the impending nuptials, generously pouring funds into the wedding arrangements.
With such lavish resources at their disposal, the upcoming wedding promised to be a grand affair, unprecedented in the nation's history. Yet, amidst the flurry of planning, Vellian couldn't shake a nagging concern.
'I wonder if Lady Astelle will appreciate it,' he pondered. Despite the grandeur of the wedding and the luxurious wedding dress that awaited her, Astelle didn't strike Vellian as someone who would be easily impressed by such extravagance.
After finalizing details about the wedding dress, Kaizen inquired about another matter. "What about the pony? Is it ready?" he asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I have prepared it outside," Vellian replied promptly.
Satisfied with the response, Kaizen made his way outside. Waiting at the entrance to the garden was a small white pony, ready for whatever purpose Kaizen had in mind.
• 🍁 •
Astelle strolled down the hallway, giving Hannah instructions as she went. "I'll leave the wedding preparations to you, Hannah."
Since the blood test at the temple, Astelle had been focused on managing the Empress Palace. While she knew the main wedding ceremony was being prepared at the Imperial Palace, she still had to take care of details such as makeup, jewelry, and the newlyweds' bedroom at the Empress Palace. These minor matters did not concern her much; she preferred simplicity, as long as it adhered to protocol.
"Yes, Lady Astelle. I will take responsibility and ensure everything is prepared," Hannah replied dutifully.
As they walked down the hallway by the garden, something caught Astelle's eye through the window overlooking the garden.
"Theor?" she exclaimed, hurrying over to the window.
Astelle saw Theor playing in the garden, riding a white pony. Concerned, she opened the window and called out, "Theor, what are you doing?"
"Mom!" Theor exclaimed, waving to her from atop the pony.
"You have to hold it properly. You can't let go of this," Astelle instructed, noticing Kaizen standing beside him.
Kaizen was holding the pony's reins, guiding Theor as he rode around. "You have to keep your upper body upright," he advised Theor.
Astelle quickly made her way into the garden. "Your Majesty, what are you doing?" she asked as she approached them.
