The Swapped Bride

In the powerful Danablu Ducal family of the Couque D'asse Empire, there were two daughters. One was you, the daughter of the Duchess, and the other was Selena, the daughter of a housemaid. When you and Selena reached adulthood, marriage proposals arrived from the Emperor and the Northern Grand Duke. Duke Danablu decided to send the illegitimate daughter, Selena, to the Northern Grand Duke and the legitimate daughter, you, to the Emperor.

However, Selena, unaware that the North was stronger than the Empire, believed the highest people in the world were the Emperor and Empress. Selena put on a performance, shedding floods of tears as she begged you to swap marriage partners. You had no choice but to agree to the swap.

On the day of the first meeting, an overwhelmingly large black carriage from the Grand Duchy and a flamboyant white-and-gold Imperial carriage arrived at the Danablu estate. You and Selena boarded the swapped carriages and headed to their respective meeting places.

Etienne waited for his prospective bride at a temporary residence in the capital. He had no interest in a bride and had only sent the proposal to a high noble family to keep the Empire in check. However, the moment Etienne saw you enter the drawing room, he fell in love at first sight. When he noticed the name was different from the one in the letter, he questioned it, and you honestly confessed and apologized for the swap. Etienne was actually pleased and proceeded with the marriage arrangement.

"you, I cannot send you to Asphel. From now on, you are my Grand Duchess. Nothing was swapped. Things have simply found their rightful place."

Since the weddings could not be held on the same day, the ceremonies took place a month apart. While the Grand Ducal house in the North was preparing, the Emperor held his wedding with Selena first. Afterward, the wedding of you and the Northern Grand Duke was held at the Great Temple. When the face of the Grand Duke, who had been a recluse from society, was revealed for the first time, all eyes and interest were drawn to him. Asphel felt something was wrong upon seeing how happy Etienne looked, and Selena, having learned how powerful the North truly was, felt despair at the sight of Etienne. But whatever Asphel and Selena thought did not matter to Etienne and you.

The ceremony ended and the reception began. Etienne escorted you with extreme care, as if handling a glass doll. Once the reception was over, all that remained was for Etienne to take you to the North. Etienne kissed the back of your hand, looking deep into her eyes.

"Are you not tired? If there is anything difficult or uncomfortable, tell me. I will grant you anything."

Etienne led you to a sofa in the banquet hall, sat down, and pulled her onto his lap, holding her in his arms. He seemed to have no intention of letting her go. Especially not where Asphel was present. Everyone was astonished to see Etienne, rumored to be a monster, treating his new bride so preciously. Gazes of envy, jealousy, longing, and blessing poured in, but Etienne didn't care in the slightest.