Chapter Forty-Six (Final Chapter)
When We Attain Happiness: 2
* * *
The reception was incredibly lavish, not out of vanity, but born from sheer happiness and excitement. Marshall and Mir were the ones who took charge of the ceremony, and they had gone overboard in their enthusiasm...
"What do you say? Will you make your son my heir and my disciple?!"
"Lord Marshall, I don't want to force such a thing on a child who hasn't even been born yet..."
Mir sighed for the thousandth time. His wife was pregnant, and it was highly likely the child would be a mage. Marshall was determined to make the unborn child his disciple to teach him Runic magic. Marshall felt that he had grown old and needed someone to pass down the teachings his family had carried for centuries—the magic that protects the Empire...
Marshall patted Mir's back and said kindly:
"Finding a suitable person will be difficult, but I will wait for the birth of your son..."
Mir sighed with relief and left the stubborn Marshall, while Marshall smiled cunningly, muttering:
"I will be the one to plant the idea in the child's head from the very moment he arrives into this life..."
* * *
Ariana finally descended in a soft turquoise dress. Despite its simplicity, it was incredibly elegant; the low, flowing sleeves and the absence of any corsets made it comfortable. Raphael held her hand with utter nobility, his face smiling with joy as they descended the stairs. The guests were in awe of their beauty. Raphael had slightly abandoned protocol, wearing clothes in shades of black and gray, and surprisingly, it only increased his handsomeness and charisma...
Raphael and Ariana greeted the attendees and began to wander here and there, enjoying the party and receiving congratulations from those who hadn't attended the morning ceremony. Raphael moved toward some noblemen, while young women surrounded Ariana with enthusiasm; nevertheless, Ariana maintained her poise...
Ariana felt eyes piercing through her. There were no ill feelings; it felt like someone who knew her. Her intuition was always true. She turned instinctively and was surprised by a noble lady with light pink hair and bright pink eyes, carrying a very small girl who looked just like her. The beautiful woman approached them, giving a small bow due to the child...
"Duchess Liliana Rathan... greets Her Majesty and offers her congratulations."
"..."
"And Princess Elida Rathan... greets Her Majesty."
Before Ariana could respond, Liliana spoke in a kind manner, gesturing toward her child. Ariana smiled and returned the greeting:
"I am happy to have you both here..."
The noblewomen were excited by the presence of the Duchess of Rathan, as she had been the center of many rumors: a woman from the bottom tiers who became the Duchess of one of the most important Duchies in the Empire. Liliana knew everything said about her but didn't care; she had come to see the Empress...
Ariana sensed the atmosphere around them and spoke in a kind, considerate way:
"Perhaps the environment isn't suitable for the little one. Shall we go somewhere quiet?!"
Liliana smiled and followed Ariana. Ariana sighed as they walked toward the Empress's private lounge...
"It is annoying to have rumors stirred around you..."
"The rumors are true..."
"Huh, how?!"
"I was the daughter of a lowly, bankrupt Viscount, and I seduced Leo and married him..."
Liliana spoke with a playful smile and eyes full of both love and pain. Ariana felt she might have overstepped...
"I apologize..."
"You are very kind..."
Ariana found nothing to say and noticed when the maid opened the room. She looked at Liliana:
"Please, Duchess..."
"Thank you..."
The Empress's lounge was luxurious and very elegant. Before Liliana sat down, she spoke in surprise:
"It seems Ellie has fallen asleep..."
Ariana looked at the sleeping little girl and stroked her cheek, then pointed to a sofa that resembled a bed due to its comfortable cushions...
"Perhaps it's better to place her there so she can rest."
"Good."
The lounge was equipped with everything the Empress needed; no one was allowed to enter without the Empress's permission, not even the maids except for Marian, who had prepared everything Ariana needed before the party...
The child was placed down and covered with a small blanket. Ariana and Liliana sat at one of the tables, which was prepared as usual with tea and sweets...
"Does Her Majesty wish to speak with me?!"
"Yes... I feel that you know who I am..."
Liliana laughed sincerely and spoke in a playful tone:
"It seems it's hard to deceive your intuition, Aya. I know you very, very well..."
"..."
Ariana felt a complex emotion... she wanted to ask her, but she hesitated... the illusion would be difficult...
"I remember when we stalked your brother on his first date, and when we found out who the girl was, we ruined the date... We were scolded severely by your parents, even Siyun scolded us for interfering..."
Ariana put her hand over her mouth. She was astonished and couldn't believe it; she thought it was another dream. She tried to compose her feelings and said in a cracking voice:
"Yurim..."
"..."
"I'm not imagining it... right?!"
"I am real..."
Liliana smiled and held Ariana's hands to try and calm her. Ariana smiled widely and said, trying not to cry:
"How did you know it was me?!"
Liliana's face changed, and she lowered her head with a sense of confusion and guilt. After swallowing her words several times...
"Actually, it was my fault..."
"...?!"
"Aya.. Aya, I am the one who wrote the novel and caused all of this... I am truly sorry..."
"I don't remember you writing the story at all..."
"I didn't write it when we were friends... I mean.. in the previous life..."
Before she could remember Logan's words, Liliana spoke with a heavy heart. Ariana understood Logan's words more clearly now; she knew why it was her—Lili was her friend...
"How was your life?!"
"Very bad. Because of Hayun, I wrote the novel..."
"Because of my brother?!"
"Ha... it's complicated. But have you ever felt that Elliot reminds you of Hayun?!"
"Always..."
"Then why did you write all that?!"
"I don't know. I was confused, unstable... because of me, many were hurt."
Ariana somewhat understood Yurim's life; the distraction and selfishness, but she didn't know what Yurim's life was like before the time reversal. She held her hands and said comfortingly:
"I shouldn't blame you, you were impulsive..."
"Aya!!"
"Ah, when did you realize I had returned to my body?!"
"When the news of your broken engagement spread..."
"..."
Ariana raised her eyebrow in surprise, while Liliana smiled playfully and continued...
"The Ariana who hadn't seen anything would be content with her fate, while the Ariana who lived in the modern era... would never be satisfied with such a destiny..."
Aya laughed, feeling embarrassed. After some light reproaches, the two friends returned to routine, everyday talk...
* * *
"Aren't you going in, Miss Belmere?!"
It was the curious Casper who asked Marian, who was wearing an elegant and luxurious apricot-colored dress. Although she was the honorary maid of the Empress, Ariana wanted Marian to enjoy the party like her younger sister, but it seemed the stubborn girl was shy in this situation; she remained stuck on one of the balconies, avoiding the crowd...
"I don't know where Her Majesty is. It's difficult..."
Brian had been there for a while but hadn't initiated a word. He looked at her and then looked away while speaking:
"The Empress is speaking with the guests. You should enjoy the party..."
Casper stifled his laughter because he was somewhat aware of the situation. He said playfully:
"Miss Belmere, do you know what happens on closed balconies?!"
Marian, who had heard many maids talking about such matters, moved quickly to exit the balcony, followed by Casper and Brian walking close to her. Casper whispered in Brian's ear:
"Why don't you ask her to dance?!"
"And why would I do that?!"
A slight redness appeared on Brian's ears, prominent because of his light wheat-blonde hair. Casper stifled his laughter and said:
"Fine then. I thought you were thinking of Miss Belmere, so there's no harm in asking her to dance..."
Casper didn't wait a second before Brian stepped forward—Brian, whom Casper had previously told that he wasn't thinking of marriage but rather enjoying himself as much as possible, and then he would marry if he found the right girl. Brian hurried and whispered in Marian's ear; her cheeks flushed, and she nodded in agreement. When Brian looked at Casper again, Casper gave him a "well done" sign.
Refreshment and joy spread across Brian's face as he set off with Marian, while Casper felt truly happy: the Emperor was happy, and his friend was happy. He sighed with relief, and a deep voice spoke...
"You look like an old man..."
Casper looked at the source of the voice and was surprised to see his father. He hugged his father like a small child and tried to justify himself with embarrassment, but the Count patted his son's back and said...
"I didn't know you had started giving love advice..."
"Father!!!"
Casper felt embarrassed, but his father smiled with pride because his son had become mature. His son was very clever, and haste had always landed him in trouble. He had allowed him to go to the capital so he might learn how to behave, and it seemed he was right. The presence of many people, especially Brian, around him made him learn faster. His son had faced many hardships that almost cost him his life, but he returned strongly and proved he was better than his father...
* * *
Elliot was, as usual, surrounded by many nobles. He had become one of the most sought-after bachelors because of his status; not only as the maternal family of the future Emperor, but also as a former Minister of Finance who saved the Empire from the brink of poverty, and a young man of high standing as the Marquis of one of the strongest families in Cassian...
He would emerge from one group only to be surrounded by another, even more annoying. Even the young noblewomen began to flirt with him. He felt annoyed; he had promised his sister he would find a suitable girl, but he still found it difficult... the girls he encountered were either superficial or spoiled. In the midst of his escape to a less crowded area, he felt a sudden collision...
He initially thought it was an attack, but it was a girl who looked close to his sister's age, with dark gray hair and beautiful hazel eyes. Her features looked very innocent. She stood with genuine apology and embarrassment, and it was clear she hadn't intended it...
"I am truly sorry... I apologize so much, I didn't mean to..."
"..."
"I was a bit in a hurry, I am truly sorry... I must be more careful."
"It's fine. It wasn't the lady's fault alone; I should have walked more carefully myself."
The girl looked at Elliot with a deep sense of gratitude...
"Thank you very much, sir, and I apologize again..."
Elliot smiled and was about to leave her, but he noticed she seemed a bit foolish, yet she wouldn't act this way without a reason. He felt some curiosity:
"And why was the lady in such a hurry?!"
"I wanted to see Her Majesty..."
He felt like a meddler, but the girl spoke with enthusiasm and shining eyes... Elliot was puzzled. Usually, some girls feel envious of Ariana because she married the young and handsome Emperor. He said out of curiosity...
"And why do you want to see her so badly?!"
"I've heard so much about her, in the academy or at home. My father says she is beautiful and wise."
"...."
"Even though he often says beautiful women are superficial."
The girl finished her words with a cute pout. Elliot stifled his mockery; he somewhat shared that view, but he asked in confusion, for the girl before him had certainly made her debut at least. Perhaps she didn't know she had attended the Emperor's birthday party, but many nobles attended the engagement, so he said...
"Did you not attend His Majesty's birthday or the engagement ceremony?!"
The girl pouted and spoke with a sense of resentment, then sighed...
"During His Majesty's birthday, I was at the academy, and during the engagement, it was the final exams period and I was preparing for them. I didn't leave the academy, despite graduating, until the epidemic ended."
The girl was talkative, but Elliot found that talking to her pleased him; her words carried no affectation, they were simple and spontaneous. He sighed sympathetically and said...
"Perhaps if we move a bit, we might see Her Majesty..."
The girl smiled and nodded in agreement and greeting. She bowed quickly and gracefully; it was clear she was trained to be a strictly perfect aristocratic girl...
"I forgot to introduce myself. I am Serena Ariston. I am pleased to meet you, honorable sir."
Elliot was surprised that the girl before him was the daughter of Duke Ariston. He felt embarrassed because he hadn't introduced himself, and he felt it would be boasting if he told her he was the Empress's cousin, so he smiled and said:
"Let's go, Miss."
Serena raised her eyebrow in confusion; even the least polite person would introduce themselves, but she wasn't a demanding person, so she followed him quietly until they approached the inner hall, which was less crowded. Before Elliot could ask about Ariana, he found her walking with a noble lady and seemingly engrossed in conversation. He looked at Serena and pointed out Ariana's location...
Serena, seeing Ariana, brightened with enthusiasm. She didn't wait for Elliot but moved with steady and somewhat quick steps toward Ariana. As soon as she got close and noticed her, Serena felt somewhat shy and almost stuttered, but she gathered her courage and bowed elegantly...
"Serena Ariston meets Her Majesty... and the honorable lady."
Liliana's eyes widened playfully, then returned to her usual features as the young girl introduced herself, seemingly unaware of the rumors about her or not caring...
Ariana spoke elegantly and with a kind smile:
"I am pleased to meet you, Princess Ariston."
Serena smiled happily and tried to act with decorum, saying in a very enthusiastic tone...
"I've heard so much about Her Majesty—that she contributed to saving the citizens and proposed many ideas to address matters in Cassian after the first and second disasters..."
Ariana knew she had done a lot secretly, but publicly she had done very little. Besides, hadn't a look of severe assessment appeared in Duke Ariston's eyes when the wedding letter was sent? she didn't think he had praised her.. But she smiled with slight shyness:
"I did nothing. It is my duty..."
"You are very kind..."
Serena's slightly spontaneous way, which broke out of the formal framework, was kind, making her overlook it...
"Thank you to the lady..."
She saw Elliot coming with slow steps, so she stopped and smiled warmly toward him. Serena looked at Ariana's field of vision and was puzzled by the presence of the man who guided her...
As soon as Elliot reached the girls, Ariana smiled widely while Elliot felt some embarrassment...
"Brother..."
Serena's eyes widened, and Liliana stifled her laughter. Elliot smiled embarrassedly at Serena then turned his face away...
"Ah, brother, let me introduce you. This is Duchess Liliana Rathan, and this is Princess Serena Ariston..."
"I am honored to meet you, ladies... I am Marquis Elliot Silas."
When Elliot bowed to the ladies in an elegant manner, Liliana composed herself and responded with the same elegance...
"Liliana Rathan, Duchess of Rathan. Pleased to meet you, sir..."
"A-ah, Serena Ariston, Princess of the Duchy of Ariston.... I thank the gentleman for helping me meet Her Majesty..."
Ariana was puzzled, but Liliana nudged her and whispered a word in her ear, leaving Ariana even more perplexed...
Serena looked at Elliot with a sense of embarrassment, then looked at Ariana and politely excused herself:
"I beg Her Majesty's leave; I must return early..."
"No matter. I hope to meet you again..."
Serena left quickly. Ariana looked inquiringly at Elliot while Liliana burst into laughter. When she realized the situation...
"Aya.... I'll see you another time. I will send my maid to return your shawl..."
"No problem."
Liliana left, followed by her maid carrying the little one covered in Ariana's shawl. Elliot was embarrassed, not even noticing that the Duchess his sister had just met had become such close friends. He looked at his sister like a punished child...
"It's nothing. I bumped into her and then guided her to you because she seemed excited to see you..."
"But she looked upset, why?!"
"I thought she would think I was boasting if I told her you were my sister..."
Ariana smiled and said skeptically...
"That's not like you..."
"Huh?!"
"You don't care about others' opinions of you..."
"I..."
"No problem. Apologize to the lady and tell her the reason; she will think you were mocking her..."
"Fine..."
"Ah, you could ask her to dance; it's an opportunity to talk..."
"I'll think about it... fine..."
Elliot was trying to evade, not out of irresponsibility, but because he felt embarrassed; how does one explain oneself to someone?
* * *
"The day has finally ended..."
"The important thing is that everyone enjoyed themselves until the last moment..."
She was standing on the balcony, looking at the full moon sparkling in the clear night sky. She looked at him with a smile and then continued...
"I am truly happy..."
He felt it was a dream: saving the Empire, the fall of the Temple, and his marriage to her. How, in that life, had he not loved her? He was annoyed when she told him she was actually part of this world, despite not remembering anything now about her life after that period...
The idea that she had lived a life and shared her heart with another man remained annoying, even if it was in another time. He didn't tell her about his silly jealousy, so as not to upset her. He took a deep breath and embraced her from behind, saying:
"Spring is still in its beginning. The night is very cold..."
She looked at him while in his arms with a warm look and said...
"How did I not love you in my previous life?!"
Raphael tightened his embrace as if telling her he felt some jealousy. She laughed gently and held his hands...
"Raf, do you think my family in that world is happy?"
"..."
"If I have one wish now, I want to tell them now...
...Father, Mother, my sister Siyun, and my dear brother Hayun, I am happy..."
"Your feelings will reach them. Everyone loved you and knows how much you love them."
"Thank you, Raf..."
"I did nothing... come, let's go inside. The air will grow colder..."
He kissed her forehead warmly, making her feel shy...
* * *
That night, I woke up before dawn, and when I went out to the balcony, I felt my body being pulled elsewhere. When I turned, I found myself in a cemetery, but it wasn't in Cassian; it was in the modern era. As I wandered among the graves, it was very early and no one was there. When I approached a bit, I glimpsed the name:
"Yong Haeran. Date of Birth: December 11, 1996. Date of Death: January 5, 2024."
I felt a strange sensation standing before my own grave. I could feel my body, my long honey-brown hair, and my pale skin. It was Ariana's body—what am I doing here?!...
I heard nearby footsteps and hid behind the tombstone. I was astonished when I saw several people: Hayun, Siyun, her husband, and there were people with them—my parents and several children of different ages. It seems years have passed since my death...
"Happy birthday, sister..."
It was Hayun who spoke, and he spoke a lot. A little girl stepped forward, and Hayun placed her in front of him:
"Haeran, this little one is also named Haeran. I haven't even brought my daughter before, but she was the one who insisted on visiting you."
I truly felt like crying. I felt that Hayun's eyes still told of much sadness. It seems about ten years have passed; they have all grown. Why hasn't my brother moved on yet? I realized they couldn't see me, so I stepped toward Hayun and held his cheeks. If he couldn't see or hear me, at least I wanted him to feel me...
"Brother, I am happy. I am fine... In another world, I live a beautiful life... Do not carry this deep sadness; it is painful... You know, I married a very handsome man. Didn't I tell you about my dreams in the past? Brother, be happy."
I don't know if my message reached Hayun or not, but his beautiful eyes shed quiet tears. My confusion increased. I heard a small whisper...
"Am I imagining things?! Sister, be very happy in your other life..."
I smiled with a deep sense of satisfaction when Hayun smiled. I felt that sensation pulling me back again. When I opened my eyes, I was lying on the bed, and Raphael was moving me, looking worried:
"Aya, are you okay?!"
"Perfectly fine. I had a strange dream..."
Raphael embraced me with a deep sense of concern and warmth, and I told him what happened. Raphael didn't comment, but he smiled at me. I attained happiness because of this man...
Since that night, other dreams began to come to me, as if telling me what I had missed...
... THE END ...
The official book is finally finished...
I'm thinking of writing the side stories of the novel to clarify any information that was vague, besides I want to write about Yurim and how I wrote the story
I hope you enjoy it, and if you would like to see the photos of the characters, you can visit my channel on Telegram
@sara_luffy11