A Summer With Bitter Rivals - Chapter 128

Chapter 128: I’m Very Happy Right Now

The royal chapel was more splendidly adorned than ever before.

It had been several years since it was last used for a wedding—the Crown Prince’s ceremony—making today’s event even more special.

People made time from their busy schedules to attend.

“A wedding between Lady Delzeier and Marquis Trancium? There’s no way I’d miss it.”

Their story was rather unusual.

From the beginning, they were children of rival families.

No one could have guessed that Emeline Delzeier and Zenon Trancium were in a tender relationship.

And certainly not that they would end up marrying.

Thanks to whispered stories that had gradually spread, nearly everyone now knew of their tangled and intricate romance.

Even if not every detail was public, one thing was certain: their love story was romantic enough to win the kingdom’s heartfelt support.

“They say Marquis Trancium risked his life to save Lady Delzeier twice. How can love be so devoted…?”

“What was even more impressive was Lady Delzeier during the recent exhibition accident. Did you hear? His Majesty personally commended her.”

“Oh, of course I did! Who hasn’t? Even while injured herself, she rescued the former queen and several others, they say.”

The tale of how Emeline led people out of the collapse had stirred the entire kingdom.

Her bravery played a major role in the public’s excitement over the couple’s marriage.

Of course, there were also opposing views, saying that as the daughter of the building’s owner, taking responsibility was only natural.

Nonetheless, for her actions in courageously saving lives, Emeline was honored by the king with a reward and a noble title.

She was no longer the Baron of Basilk, but a Count.

Through that process, the story of how she had once held a title and defied her father to pursue her dreams also became widely known, earning her the admiration of many noblewomen.

Emeline Delzeier had become the first woman in the kingdom to walk such an independent path.

“Oh my, it’s starting!”

The chatting ladies fell silent.

As the murmurs gradually died down, the officiant began the ceremony with a few solemn words.

Zenon, impeccably dressed, entered.

He was smiling brightly, seemingly in a wonderful mood, and his radiance shone more than usual.

While the crowd was captivated by his appearance, the bride entered the hall escorted by her brother, now officially the new Duke Delzeier.

As they walked the long virgin road, the couple finally stood side by side before the altar.

Emeline gripped her white bouquet tightly, her hand tense with nerves.

After a lengthy speech and the exchange of vows, the moment for the ceremonial kiss arrived.

Emeline turned and stood facing him.

She suddenly heard the faint sound of his tense breathing.

Zenon lifted his hand and gently pulled back the soft veil over Emeline’s face.

Emeline noticed his hand trembling with nerves.

‘So I wasn’t the only one feeling anxious.’

She smiled softly. As the veil was lifted and she looked up at him, Zenon froze.

His gaze, his breath—everything paused as if time had stopped.

“What are you doing?”

She scolded him quietly, playfully, and Zenon finally snapped back to himself.

“Sorry… you’re just so beautiful. I thought I was dreaming.”

Realizing he felt the same as she did, Emeline let out a soft laugh.

Then Zenon gently cupped her cheek. Every gesture was delicate, like someone showing affection for the first time.

As Emeline closed her eyes while he leaned in, their lips met.

The sound of applause followed, like a blessing from the crowd.

Even the weather seemed to celebrate them—it was a wonderfully fresh and vibrant day.

Zenon, having pulled away from their kiss, gazed at Emeline. Their eyes met slowly, lingering.

Then Zenon, whose expression had been stiff as a statue, relaxed and smiled in pure happiness.

“I love you, Emeline Delzeier.”

“I love you too.”

Very much, with all my heart.

They looked into each other’s eyes, silently vowing their future.

A future filled only with love, happiness, and peace.

One made even more certain because they had defied the fate that once bound them.

***

“Emeline.”

A familiar voice called her in the early morning.

Buried beneath blankets and pillows, Emeline mumbled a reply.

“Mm…”

Since getting married, Emeline and Zenon had shared an ordinary life, but one filled with deeper affection.

“Wake up, okay?”

At the sweet whisper, Emeline smiled sleepily a moment later.

She could feel Zenon covering her face with kisses.

She wanted to sleep in a little longer, but Zenon’s persistent coaxing finally made her open her eyes.

“I’m awake…”

Emeline lifted her gaze and looked at Zenon.

As always, he looked incredibly handsome, sitting at the edge of the bed, watching her.

But today, he seemed even more cheerful than usual.

“Did something good happen?”

“Yeah. Something just as good as marrying you.”

“…What is it?”

For something to rank as highly as marrying her in Zenon Trancium’s life?

Emeline grew curious. Even she wasn’t sure such a thing was possible for someone so deeply in love.

“Look at this.”

He revealed a letter he had been hiding.

Emeline, puzzled at first, suddenly widened her eyes and hurriedly sat up in bed.

It was the admission result from Robelque University’s entrance exam held a week ago.

Zenon handed her the envelope and sat beside her, leaning back against the headboard.

“Open it.”

“Wait, what if it’s not good news?”

Emeline looked at him with a slightly downcast expression.

She hadn’t even opened the envelope yet, but Zenon was already smiling as if it were something wonderful.

Seeing her anxious gaze, Zenon said, “There’s no way you didn’t get in. Just trust me this once.”

He gently wrapped his hand around hers, still holding the letter.

Left with no choice, Emeline tightly closed her eyes and opened the envelope.

The sound of paper rustling filled the silence for a moment, then stopped as she unfolded the contents.

Still, Emeline couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes.

Zenon, who had already checked the result, leaned his head against hers with a smile. A ticklish kiss followed.

Then he whispered, “Congratulations, Emeline Trancium.”

At his words, Emeline opened her eyes.

Right in the center of her vision, she saw the word:

[Accepted].

“Z-Zenon, I…”

Her voice trembled with emotion.

Uncharacteristically stammering, she looked at Zenon with teary eyes.

“Yeah, you did great. The mailman from Robelque told me earlier—you ranked first.”

“Really…?”

“Who else but you would top the list? I wasn’t even among the applicants.”

At Zenon’s teasing, Emeline laughed through her tears.

It wasn’t a light smile like usual—it was one that came from the depths of her heart.

Her former self could never have imagined something like this.

Now that she had finally achieved her dream, it felt indescribably precious and sweet.

Emeline said to him with sincerity, “It’s all thanks to you that I could go to university… Thank you.”

She was still tearful, yet her smile was unwavering.

Zenon wrapped his arms around her waist like water flowing.

He drew her close and whispered with gravity, “No. This is the result of your own efforts.”

His quiet voice and breath tickled her.

Moved by his sincere and gentle gaze, Emeline nodded with a joyful smile.

“Mm…!”

Zenon kissed her cheek, then slid lower to deeply kiss her lips.

Emeline closed her eyes and held him tight.

Before Zenon, if Emeline had been accepted to university, perhaps only Angel would have celebrated with her.

But now, things were different.

Zenon said it was all thanks to her hard work, but Emeline thought a little differently.

It was because of his presence that she had changed—and that change had led to this miracle.

***

Countless reporters with cameras gathered in the Robelque University auditorium.

The kingdom’s top university had just admitted its first-ever female student.

And she had been accepted at the top of her class.

The student had agreed to share a few words and give an interview about her achievement.

As the reporters waited, camera shutters began to fire off rapidly.

Flashes went off in all directions, filling the air with excitement.

A woman stepped calmly onto the stage and stood before the podium where a microphone had been prepared.

Unshaken by the crowd, she wore a poised smile.

“Please welcome Mrs. Emeline Trancium, who has entered Robelque University as the top student.”

“Hello. First, I’d like to thank you all for preparing such an honorable occasion.”

Emeline gave a polite bow to the gathered audience.

With graceful, flawless gestures, she ended her greeting and smiled brightly.

To say she hadn’t been nervous would be a lie.

But standing here now, she felt steady—because someone had come with her.

The university moderator began to speak.

“You are our school’s first female student and entered at the top of the list. You’ve also recently made headlines with many remarkable achievements. May we hear how you feel about this milestone?”

Emeline let out a quiet breath before opening her mouth.

“I know many were surprised that a woman like me was admitted to Robelque University for the first time. But I’ve dreamed of this moment for a very long time and worked tirelessly for it. So I want to say to everyone: it’s too soon to be surprised.”

She saw people jotting down her words and cameras clicking without pause.

Even with countless wary and skeptical eyes upon her, Emeline smiled with pride.

“This is not the end. I will go even further, and every step I take, my husband will walk with me.”

Her gaze passed over the crowd and locked onto a man standing in the far back.

Zenon, realizing their eyes had met, smiled proudly at her.

Emeline looked at him and spoke from the heart, “Having finally achieved my dream, I’m very happy right now.”

And not just now. She would surely remain happy in the future, too.

Because at her side, always, would be her unwavering supporter—Zenon Trancium.