The Luna is a Villainess

Chapter 18: Engagement Ceremony

Chapter 18: Engagement Ceremony

ONE WEEK has passed since Apollo returned, and it’s now finally that time. Selene took one last glance of herself in the mirror before she left her room.

“You’re really a goddess, Milady! Paniguradong mabibighani na naman ang duke sa ’yo,” excited na wika ni Amara.

“Thank you, Amara.”

Pagkalabas niya sa mansyon ay naabutan na niyang naghihintay roon si Apollo. As usual, he looks dashingly handsome in his white suit with a golden sash and embellishments. Naghihintay naman sa likuran nito ang sasakyan nilang karwahe. It was an open carriage.

Selene took a deep breath. She can’t believe that she’s really attending her own engagement ceremony now.

Nakangiti naman siyang nilapitan ni Apollo. Bakas ang paghanga sa mukha nito. “You really look like a goddess. The dress suits you perfectly.” Inilahad nito ang kamay sa harap niya. “Shall we?”

“You’re not bad yourself. You look handsome in your suit.”

Napatikhim siya bago inabot ang kamay nito. Ngunit nahigit niya ang hininga nang bigla na lang nitong halikan ang likod ng kaniyang palad habang magkahinang pa rin ang kanilang mga mata.

I guess I should’ve gotten used to his gestures already.

Ilang sandali pa ay lulan na sila ng karwahe. There are a huge number of knights and guards guarding them on each side, front and back. Bitbit ng mga ito ang simbolo na kumakatawan sa House Heinrich. Kasama rin nila sina Levi at Finn.

Selene can’t help but feel nervous and excited at the same time. Panigurado kasi na may mga tao pa rin na hindi siya tanggap bilang magiging asawa ng duke. But she’s excited to see the capital. Matagal-tagal na rin kasi magmula noong huling punta niya roon. Now that Apollo is back, she could finally go outside again.

Pero natigilan siya sa pag-iisip nang maramdaman niyang inabot ni Apollo ang kamay niya na nasa kaniyang kandungan bago mahigpit na pinisil ito.

“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine,” he assured, as if he knew what she’s thinking.

Tipid niya lang itong nginitian.

Hindi nagtagal ay nakarating na sila sa capital. Selene was overwhelmed with the large number of people waiting for them at the side of the streets. They’re all cheering them on with congratulations.

“Congratulations!”

“Long live to the duke and future duchess!”

Napansin niya ang malawak na ngiti ni Apollo sa bawat madaanan nila habang kumakaway. She’s not really used to doing such things. But it seems that she needs to change some of her gestures now.

Punong-puno ng kasiyahan ang mukha ng bawat tao na nadaraanan nila. Selene didn’t really expect that kind of warm expression for her. But somehow, she managed to let out a small smile as she lifted her hand to wave back.

Pagkatapos ng naging parada nila sa capital ay dumiretso na sila sa lugar kung saan gaganapin ang pormal na engagement ceremony.

Muling napahinga nang malalim si Selene nang tumigil na sila sa tapat ng pinto ng banquet hall.

“Your Grace, Duke Apollo Heinrich, and Lady Selene Quincy have already arrived!”

Pagkapasok nila sa naturang hall ay sabay-sabay na yumuko ang mga bisita na nandoon. The hall was full of nobles.

Kahit papaano ay medyo nasasanay na rin si Selene sa presensya ng mga nobles. Kaya naman ay taas noo lang siyang naglakad habang nakahawak sa braso ni Apollo. Nginitian naman niya ang mga magulang nang makita ang mga ito sa bandang unahan malapit sa stage.