NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11
❈ ❈ ❈ After dressing up, Sophina stood in front of the mirror and stared at herself. In the reflection there was a strange girl with an awkward smile. ‘Wow, it’s pretty!’ White flowers in full bloom placed in between the sky blue hair that was neatly braided to one side. Sophina’s brown eyes glowed clearly. She spun around as she grabbed the hem of her ankle-length white dress. Whenever the light shone on it as if something was sprinkled on her, the skirt sparkled. It was absolutely perfect. No seams torn, no scratches. ‘That’s why it’s more suspicious…’ Once again, Sophina scrutinized her dress. There was nothing wrong with it. She looked at the heel of her shoe, stomping on the floor, just in case. ‘It’s also fine?’ Sophina’s face crumpled with wonder. ‘The maids wouldn’t stand still.’ She even put on the task of handling the dress if they wanted to do something. At that time, there was a knock. She cleared her throat and pretended nothing had happened, and she said calmly. “Come on in.” Khan and Ricardo opened the door and walked in. Sophina greeted the two with round eyes. ‘This family was genetically selfish.’ Like a ruler, her mother who’s full of charisma, and a boy who boasts a refreshing beauty. It felt like my eyesight was improving somehow. Sophina slowly approached her mother and in a flattering manner. “Mother, you’re gorgeous today!” Sophina meant it. My mother was such a wonderful person that anyone would fall in love with her, seeing such beauty. Khan, who heard the compliment, swallowed with a blunt expression. Her eyes were fixed on the bluebird dressed adorably. My mother bit her lips as she tried to look elsewhere, perhaps embarrassed by my compliment. “…Daughter-in-law, you also look pretty.” ‘You mean I’m pretty, right?’ Sophina’s cheeks heated up. It was the first time she had heard such a compliment from her mother, and somehow, a corner of her heart tickled. Sophina grabbed Khan’s sleeve and smiled. “Thank you!” “-Cough…” At that, her mother coughed and avoided Sophina’s gaze. “Was that a real flower?” At that moment, Sophina heard a clear voice that seemed to contain a little curiosity. The owner of that voice was Ricardo. Sophina carefully took one of the smallest flowers he pointed at and showed it. “…Yes. It’s a real flower, why?” “It suits you very well, those flowers.” Ricardo replied calmly. It was also suddenly shortened in tone. Sophina’s eyes were round as a baby bird startled by a small presence and stared at him. He had a much more gentle face than yesterday. A wrinkle-free white shirt and straight suit made Ricardo look a little more mature. Like a flower just beginning to bloom. ‘I think you’re the one who goes well with the flowers.’ Sophina tried to turn her gaze pretending not to stare at Ricardo. Ricardo, who was looking down at her carefully, suddenly stretched out his arm. Then he took the real flower in Sophina’s hand and put it in the front pocket of his suit. On a wedding day, it usually looked like a boutonniere in the groom’s suit. [N: Boutonniere- a floral decoration, typically a single flower or bud, worn on the lapel of a tuxedo or suit jacket.]
Ricardo beckoned at Sophina. “What are you doing? Aren’t you going?” Woah! You’re talking respectfully again! ‘Hey, what’s with this kid?’ Soohia sighed and hesitated with slightly open lips. Khan, who was observing the subtle confrontation between the two, watched them in amusement. Then, Khan led Sophina gently. “Come on, let’s go. My daughter-in-law.” “…Yes!” Sophina, who came to her senses half beat late, followed her mother and Ricardo into the garden. A table with flowers, a wedding road covered with various petals, and pretty decorations fluttering in the wind. The scenery of the garden in full bloom of colorful flowers was very lovely. It looked so amazing that you could immediately know that a wedding would be held here. ‘I’m really getting married.’ As soon as I realized that fact, my fingertips turned cold. In addition, it was the first time I’ve shown myself to others, so my mouth felt dry. It felt like my tail feathers were about to pop out. My arms were shaking. Just as I was about to take a deep breath, Ricardo spoke to me. “Hand.” “Yes?” “I have to hold it, Lady.” What’s this? Sophina stared dazedly at Ricardo. Because she wasn’t familiar enough with him to hold his hand. It’s only been three days since we first met. “Why?” “Then my wife should escort me.” He pointed towards the wedding road in front of us. ‘Ah, he was forced to say it as a courtesy.’ It would be strange if the bride entered without holding the groom’s hand. Only then did she graciously accept Ricardo’s escort. Ricardo’s hand, which seemed to be a span wider than his peers, covered Sophina’s palm. It was said the male lead had been holding a sword since he was young. Ricardo’s knuckles were covered with calluses. The warmth of someone was felt through the skin. Thanks to this, my body gradually stopped trembling. It wasn’t a bad feeling. No, actually, I suddenly thought it was better. ‘Holding hands with someone was more reassuring than I thought.’ At least I don’t think I’d slip while walking. One step at a time, Sophina walked along the path sprinkled with petals. The low-heeled, black enamel shoes walking in the grass, created a rustling sound. Her eyes filled with various emotions. Sophina straightened her shoulders and went to the podium where her mother was standing. ‘So it’s time to become Sophina Chadwick now, it was bound to happen anyway.’ Khan picked up champagne and began her opening remarks. Ricardo and Sophina picked up the fresh orange juice. “Today was a remarkable day to announce the union of these two to heaven. I hope you enjoy it without any fuss.” Khan raised the champagne high and the crowd slowly dispersed. “If I hear even a small fuss, I would severely accuse you of being guilty.” Words containing the charisma that was restrained like the lord of the lions, but that would become a disaster if they disobeyed her orders. The boisterous atmosphere calmed down in line with the courtesy towards each family. Khan happily smiled in satisfaction. Then she gently loosened her expression and hugged Sophina’s shoulder affectionately. She whispered in a small but clear voice. “Think of them all under your feet. They’re not from the Chadwick family, but you are.” Both eyes widened. ‘Did mother just say that as encouragement?’ Khan tapped her son’s arm. Ricardo glanced at his mother and gently covered his ears. Then he accepted the ring from the servant and put it on Sophina. Ricardo fixed his gaze on the ring that was beautifully placed on the white, slender finger of Sophina. “It fits perfectly.” Sophina glanced down at the diamond ring on her finger. The transparent gem shone brilliantly. Now it was Sophina’s turn. She carefully entwined the ring on Ricardo’s finger. The ring also fit Ricardo’s finger perfectly. Applause- An applause poured out from the crowd. With that, the shapeshifters once again raised their glasses of champagne as a cheer for the wedding. Sophina also drank her orange juice. ‘Mother said I had to leave half of the manners of the lions I’ve learned for a month.’ She laid down a nice-looking fluttering drink on the table. Then the brown-haired maid with the tray quickly approached and collected the glass. She must have been one of the maids who were plotting the conspiracy. ‘She’s a temporary maid, so she seems to be helping with the wedding.’ Sophina felt a little anxious. Just as expected… “Oh, huh?” The maid suddenly tried to fall over to the Sophina, holding the tray with half drinks left. It was a deliberate movement, not being tripped on a stone or bumping into someone. Sophina quickly turned her body and used her ability. Thanks to this, the glass of champagne and crystal cups, which had fallen on Sophina, turned towards the maid. “Ahhh!” The maid screamed. Sophina stared at the crouching maid with her body covered in a sticky drink. ‘Did you plan to do this from the beginning?’ The maid bit her lips as if she didn’t know what to do next. Then for a moment, she hurriedly cleaned up the broken pieces of glass and bowed her head politely. “I’m sorry, Miss Sophina.” “Huh? Yes.” ‘I thought you’d be angry.’ Contrary to expectations, Sophina replied in an unconcerned manner. ‘…Was I being too sensitive?’ Maybe it was really a mistake. Just at the same time, another maid rushed over trying to rectify the situation. She was also one of the maids who gossiped about Sophina. “I’m sorry. I’ll help you, Miss Sophina.” She laid flat and arranged the hem of Sophina’s dress. The maid looked carefully to see if the drink splattered on Sophina’s shoes. She was so polite that her face heated up. ‘If I don’t forgive them, I’ll be the only bad person.’ Sophina smiled and and spoke to the maids, “You’re the ones who suffer more than I am. I’m fine.” “I’m really sorry.” Sophina lowered herself to help lift the maids up. Sparkling- ‘Huh?’ Meanwhile, I found something strange.