บท 245: [50.3] Familial Duty
As I strolled down the hallway, I came across my father first. He looked at me sternly, "Do you remember your duty?"
I nodded, "Yes. I have to offer the ring to you and Mother when the music starts."
"And you still have the ring?"
I pulled out the box and opened it up, "I do."
He slowly reached out and picked up the ring. He spoke in a gentle tone as he stared at it, "This ring belonged to my mother and all the women before her. It's a priceless heirloom that originated from the start of the Marlow family."
I gazed into the precious gemstone that looked as if it contained a galaxy inside. It wasn't an overly decorated ring, but the dark blue gem would shimmer in the light to change colors.
As I was appreciating it, suddenly my surroundings changed as my memories overlapped with reality.
My hands were different.
They were covered in calluses, contradicting the ring with a beautiful diamond.
-Ugly hands for such a beautiful ring-
My heart chilled and I shook my head to rid myself of the memory.
I quickly stored the ring back in my pocket and smiled at the Headmaster, "I will protect it with my life."
He gave my shoulder a comforting pat, "Just keep it safe."
He left without another word, but judging by his scowl-free face, I could tell he was in a good mood.
Time to check on my mother to make sure everything is going well with her preparations.
I continued down the hall and entered the room where my mother was getting ready. I paused as I appreciated her beauty. Her long hair was braided with a variety of white roses decorated throughout it. Her dress was silk and cinched at the waist, remaining modest but eye-catching.
Wow!
She looks so beautiful…
Like an angel.
She felt me staring and turned to me with a smile that curved her eyes, "Am I that beautiful?"
I laughed and joined her side, "That dress really embodies your personality."
My eyes slowly gazed down and caught sight of the ghastly red necklace that contradicted her pure white wedding dress. I averted my eyes, "Did you invite Hazel?"
"I did… Should I not have?"
I let out a sigh, "She and Zephyr are in a big fight. We caught her lying about- about something important."
My mother quickly explained, "I had no idea! I thought the three of you were good friends-"
Seeing her panicked expression, I smiled to calm her down, "You couldn't have known. Don't worry. She won't cause problems."
"...And Zephyr?"
"He also won't cause problems…" I thought for a moment, "I think."
She let out a sigh, "What a relief. I was worried for a moment."
I suddenly thought of something, "Um. Did you invite Felix?"
She nodded, "We invited their entire family… Unfortunately, they said they couldn't make it due to a personal issue."
I bit my lip anxiously, "Did they mention Felix's condition?"
She looked at me sympathetically, "They didn't… I'm sorry, my darling Rei of sun. Oh, but I'm sure your little friend is alright."
This isn't good.
No one has heard a thing about Felix after the cave collapse.
Something had to have happened.
My mother realized my anxiety, "After the wedding, why don't you go pay a visit?"
My heart picked up, "Do you think they'd allow me over?"
She laughed, "If they don't, just use your father as ammunition. Duke Newman has always respected your Father."
I smiled despite my inner turmoil, "I guess it's worth trying."
Will using the Headmaster really allow me to see Felix?
If it doesn't work what will I do?
Break in?
Will Duke Newman be mad if I do?
…And what if I find something I don't want to?
"Try not to worry so much, my darling Rei of sun." She gave me a kiss on my cheek, "I'm sure everything will be alright."
She went in front of the mirror and looked over her appearance with a bright smile. She was beaming with joy as she looked over her dress.
I smiled weakly, "You look happy."
"I'm very happy. I never thought I would ever have a chance to find the one who would light up my world as your father has." She turned to me with an affectionate gaze, "When you find the light in your life, promise me that you'll embrace it. Don't run away."
What is she going on about?
Why is she acting so cheesy?
Eh. Weddings make you sentimental, I guess.
She smiled slyly, "-Or maybe you've already found your light."
Music started playing, alerting everyone to enter the main room where the wedding would be held. My mother quickly went over to a case with a white robe inside. She grabbed it and returned back to me, placing it on my shoulders.
I looked at it, "What's this?"
"It's for the ceremony. All Honorable Maidens wear this ceremonial robe when they hand over the ring. It's tradition."
I ran my hand over the smooth surface, "It feels so ancient. Is it a relic?"
"I doubt it." She shooed me, "Now go get in your spot. We are going to start soon."
I nodded and left her behind to finish getting ready. When I stepped towards the main lobby which was right before the atrium, I felt muddle-headed.
My mother seems so happy and yet I…
I feel so anxious.
But what am I even anxious about?
Marriage doesn't change much.
It's just a signature on a document…
Right?
I felt someone bump into me and caused me to trip, "Ah!"
The tall and lanky man who had no presence looked at me apologetically, "Sorry."
I didn't acknowledge him and merely nodded half-heartedly.
His burnt orange eyes briefly glanced over my body before walking into the main auditorium.
I heard a voice behind me, "Nervous?"
I flinched and turned around to see Cyrus staring at me with his calm blue eyes piercing into mine. He held out a hand to help me up.
I shook my head and took his hand, "No… I was just distracted."
He chuckled lightly, "That doesn't surprise me… What is distracting you this time? What kind of food will be after the ceremony?"
I let out a sigh, "That's the least of my worries… Although I am curious now."
His lips curled into a smile, "I heard that the King is hosting the reception at the Palace. I'm sure there will be more than enough delicious foods and delicacies."
"I can't wait to find out." I looked back at the main lobby and noticed it was now vacant, "We are starting soon. You should probably find a seat."
He nodded and gently reached out to run his hand through a strand of my hair, "I will find you after the ceremony."
I heard my heart pounding in my ears as his face drew close to mine. He stared at me teasingly before giving me a brief kiss.
Ah! I don't think I can ever get used to that!!!
He laughed at my red face and went to leave, "Good luck."
I anxiously put my hands into my pockets.
Suddenly I froze.
"WAIT!"
I reached out to grab him in a panic. He turned back to me, "What is it?"
My face paled, "I… I lost the ring."
ความคิดของผู้สร้าง 
Nekoru
Nekoru *keeps eye on ring for several weeks*
*loses ring on the day of the wedding*
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