Chapter 30 - The Ceremony

The time had come for even the noise of the market to subside. Venio frowned slightly, and looked at Laila, feeling troubled.

Laila looked at him quietly and asked, “Please. What are you thinking?”

He was thinking that he didn’t want to send her back. Venio, who could not get these words out of his mouth, suddenly asked, “You should probably return home, right?”

“Home? Yes, I should.”

In response to Laila’s reply, Venio looked at her silently, then suddenly smiled softly. Laila blinked.

“Laila, actually, I am.”

“Huh?”

“I am the type of person who has to act immediately after making a decision.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Lila was puzzled at first, then nodded. In fact, in the original novel, he always had a rough appearance, sharp and angry, but he didn’t seem to be one who acted hastily.

But after interacting with him recently, she realized he was a person who would scale the walls of a duke’s manor. Perhaps that was because the situation was urgent.

“So, I am thinking about it now. It seems like this is something I should also hear your thoughts on, Laila.”

“What is it?” Laila asked, tilting her head slightly.

The thought that she looked cute flashed in Venio’s mind, then he replied slowly, “Our engagement ceremony. ”

Laila’s eyes widened. Seeing her astonishment, Venio felt strange. When he had said it out loud, his heart strangely began to tickle slightly.

After being speechless for a moment as she stared at Venio, Laila spoke.

“Would a ceremony be necessary?”

It was an engagement that would end in three weeks anyway. Even from Venio’s point of view, who did not know her story, the time was short. It was definitely not enough for the ceremony.

“Ah. Well. Yes. It takes time to prepare for a ceremony. That’s right.”

Venio was surprised at himself for overlooking such an obvious thing, but he said matter-of-factly as he stared into her eyes, “Then, we shall just exchange vows. I know people usually do that.”

“That’s good,” Laila nodded with a brightened face. Venio looked at her mysterious eyes and smiled. If they didn’t have to prepare for a ceremony, then there was really nothing more to worry about.

“Then, that’s even better. The engagement vows— I’m thinking of doing it now. What do you think?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“The temple is always open.”

After finishing her vows, she would probably never have to go back to her dreadful dwelling. Venio felt better at the thought of that.

“But, that…”

“Everything else we do will be fine after we exchange vows, right?”

Laila couldn’t find anything to say because he was right. She had been out all day today, but the world she belonged to hadn’t changed. When she returned, she would be there, the dwelling, which would be her grave.

As soon as she thought about how it was a grave, Laila bit her lip. Yes, she had said she would disappear and she had said she wouldn’t stand out. It was a promise she made firmly to her family. Either way, she was sure it wouldn’t change.

Laila nodded without saying a word. Venio laughed happily.

“Then, shall we go?”

So, they headed to the temple. Even though the market was already winding down, the place was still lit up by soft lights. Walking together with a blanket wrapped around Laila’s shoulders, they stood out in the crowd.

Laila was feeling awkward with all the attention on her, so Venio took her by the shoulders and gently pulled her into his arms, shielding her from others’ eyes.

If the sun had a scent, this would be it, Laila thought as she walked with his arms around her. Those who saw them smiled, and Nevira’s people who were spying looked and shook their heads.

Along the way, anything Laila showed curiosity towards or seemed to like, Venio noticed and ordered them to be delivered to the temple. Of course, Laila was unaware.

So, contrary to their initial intention to only exchange vows in front of the priest, the number of deliveries heading to the temple gradually increased.

There were bouquets and wreaths, a fine indigo-blue cloth imbued with incense, a small veil embroidered with gold thread, and a cute tiara. It wasn’t a very luxurious item because it was from the market, but it suited Laila well.

Although he was surprised when he arrived at the temple, he gladly accepted them and decorated the small front yard of the temple.