Instead of My Stepsister, I Have Become Engaged to the Son of a Marquis, Who Is Said to Only Have a Year Left to Live - Chapter 34

Chapter 34
On a Bright Day

“Wow! Sister-in-law Edith, you look just like a princess.”

　Arche’s face lit up, and she ran happily towards Edith, who was wearing a pure white wedding dress.
　The bright white silk dress, shining in the sunlight coming in through the window, was specially ordered by Lionel from the best tailor in the capital and accentuated the delicate beauty of the pale and delicate Edith. The delicate lace at the hem fluttered softly with each step Edith took. The diamond ring given to her by Lionel sparkled beautifully on the ring finger of her left hand.
　Edith gently stroked Arche’s lustrous black hair as she looked up at her with flushed cheeks.

“Fufu, thank you, Arche-sama. You are truly cute, Arche-sama. That pale pink dress suits you very well.”

　Arche smiled happily and turned around.

“Oh! Brother Craig and Lady Eugenie were also there.”

　As Arche waved to them, Craig was smiling broadly, and Eugenie’s eyes were teary with emotion as they held each other’s arms.

“Edith, you look so beautiful… It’s only because of your support that we’ve been able to reach this day. Please continue to take good care of my brother.”
“Thank you, Lord Craig. I am grateful to Lord Lionel for helping me reach this happy day.”

　As Craig and Edith exchanged smiles, Eugenie, her big eyes filled with tears, held her hand tightly.

“Dear Edith! How beautiful you are. Lord Lionel is doing well, and the two of you can finally be together… This is all the result of your strength and deep love. Congratulations.”
“Lady Eugenie, thank you for always supporting my aristocratic education. I hope to continue to count you as a good friend and as a future family member.”

　Eugenie looked up at Craig with a shy smile, happy to hear Edith’s words as she smiled warmly. Arche also looked up with a smile, watching the three of them.
　When Arche noticed the figure appearing from behind her, she broke out into a particularly large smile.

“Big Brother Lionel!!”

　Arche ran up to Lionel and embraced him, and Lionel embraced her back. Then he turned his gaze to Edith and narrowed his eyes at her, as if he were blinded.

“Edith…. Oh my, you’re like an angel. You’re incredibly beautiful.”
“Lionel-sama, you are truly wonderful…!”

　Lionel, dressed in a midnight blue tuxedo, was so handsome that it took her breath away. Edith gasped in admiration at how handsome he looked in his tuxedo up close, but Lionel chuckled happily, took her hand, and gave it a light kiss.

“Edith, are you feeling a little nervous today?”
“Yes, a little. But after talking with Arche, Craig, and Eugenie, my tension has eased.”

　Craig and Eugenie both smiled at Lionel.

“Brother! Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Congratulations on your marriage, Lord Lionel.”
“Thank you, Craig and Eugenie. …Your turn is next.”

　Seeing everyone smiling happily and cheerfully, Edith felt something well up in her heart. Their relationship, which had been somewhat awkward and cold before, seemed to have warmed and melted.

(Ahh, finally, everyone can laugh together from their hearts like this. I’m glad…)

　Marquis Granvelle, who had been watching the whole scene from a short distance away, was overcome with emotion. He wiped the tears from his eyes and walked over to Lionel and Edith, calling out to them.

“Congratulations today, Lionel and Edith. … Lionel, I am so happy that you have regained your health and can celebrate such a happy day…I cannot put it into words.”

　After he hesitated for a moment, Marquis Granvelle gave Edith a smile of gratitude.

“Edith, you supported Lionel during his most difficult time, and you brought light to the Marquis of Granvelle family. I don’t know how to express my gratitude to you. Thank you so much.”
“I am truly grateful for the warm welcome I received from the Marquis of Granvelle family. Also, meeting such a wonderful person as Lord Lionel is the greatest blessing of my life.”

　Lionel exchanged a smile with Edith, then looked at his father.

“Father. I’ve caused you so much worry up until now. Thank you for still believing in me.”
“Of course, you’re my precious son after all. Now, everyone is waiting for you.”

　Nodding at his father’s words, Lionel gently took Edith’s arm and looked up at the clear blue sky outside the window.

“Edith, let’s go then. I’m sure your parents are watching over you from above.”
“Yes. I feel the same way, Lord Lionel. And I’m sure your mother does too.”
“Yes, that’s right.”

　On this dazzlingly clear day, Edith could almost picture her parents smiling down on her, blessing her from heaven.
　As Edith turned her gaze to the blue sky and narrowed her eyes with deep emotion, Lionel whispered in her ear.

“I will make you happy, my dear Edith.”

　Lionel smiled a brilliant, beautiful smile and gently pressed his lips against Edith’s forehead.
　Edith, her cheeks flushed lightly, looked up at Lionel with a big smile on her face, took his arm, and stepped off into a hopeful future.