*You are cordially invited to the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Astrid*

The temple hall exudes a pure and solemn ambiance. The wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Astrid is attended by the closest vassals of the dukedom. An approximate attendance of a hundred of the highest nobility in the northern kingdom.

At the altar, the Pope is waiting for the royal couple to enter. He will officiate the wedding ceremony, which will be followed by the Duchess's coronation.

The nobles inside the hall are extremely thrilled to witness the unexpected wedding of this century.

A murmur could be heard, and it became loud when the Monchy family entered the hall. The Marquis Henry, Luther, and Marchioness Lily Ann Monchy received a blessing from the Pope and were escorted to the royal seat alongside the high priests of the temple.

The nobles' jaws drop as they watch the exciting events unfold in front of them. The Archbishop announces the Duke of Astrid's arrival.

"His Majesty, the Duke of Astrid is entering."

The Duke, wearing his crown and scepter, entered the hall while the crowd bowed their heads.

While Sebastian is waiting at the altar, the archbishop announces the arrival of the duchess.

"Her Majesty, the Duchess of Astrid is entering."

The door opens and the duchess walks slowly out. Everyone in the hall stopped breathing when they saw how celestial she looked in her wedding gown.

Her ball gown silhouette provides a regal queen style with its intricate embroidery beaded with the highest quality of diamonds. The three-quarter sleeve with thin lace embellishments featuring a bateau neckline exudes elegance and prominence.

While she walks, the royal veil length astounds the guests for it is layered with a moving sprinkled diamond.

Rachel resembles a celestial being that has fallen from the heavens.

As Rachel walked down the aisle like a mystical goddess, Sebastian's heart began to itch. He can hear the sound of his heart, 'badum badum badum'.

As she reached the altar, the Pope cast a blessing and proceeded to announce their matrimony.

"Your Majesty, will you take Lady Rachel Lily Monchy to be your wife?" Will you love her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live? "

Sebastian looks at Rachel intently and answers, "I will".

"Lady, will you take his Majesty to be your husband?" Will you love him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live? "

Rachel looked Sebastian in the eye and said, "I will."

"By the power of the holy Goddess of Light, I hereby declare you husband and wife. You shall now kiss the bride".

Sebastian opened the veil and slowly reached for her chin and bent down to kiss her gently. Once he tasted her mouth, he began to probe deeper until she lost her breath and opened her eyes. It was a short and passionate kiss, and the people around them were moved not to make a sound.

Sebastian chuckled under his breath as Rachel blushed in embarrassment.

The Pope smiled when he saw the warm exchange between the royal couple. He then proceeded to take the crown and placed it on Rachel's head and said,

"By the power of the Goddess of Light and as the royal power of the Northern Kingdom, I hereby vested you as the royal mother of the north, her majesty the Duchess of Astrid."

"Please bow and give your devotion and loyalty to the Duke and Duchess of Astrid."

The nobles bowed their heads and chanted, "We give our devotion and loyalty to his majesty, the Duke and Duchess of Astrid."

The royal couple stood gracefully and extended their hands to be kissed by their subjects. The importance of the crowning ceremony and its association with great power astound Rachel.

'So, this explains why noble families crave royal power so desperately. However, receiving this weighs heavily on me.'

Rachel sighed deeply and thought that she had only one year to bear this burden and perhaps live a normal life again in her previous world.

"Your majesty, please accept my greetings as your humble subject." Marchioness Lily Monchy bowed her head as she kissed Rachel's back hand.

Rachel looked at the mother of this vessel, and she felt a soft pinch in her heart. The vessel recognizes the family relationship with such affection that she reaches out automatically to hold her mother's hand.

"Please rise, Mother." Rachel smiled warmly and squeezed her hand. The emotion she senses is the same affection she felt for her original mother in her previous world.

'Somehow, "Rachel" and I are connected even if we live in a parallel universe. Her family felt like my own, as if my soul recognized the origins of this vessel.'

Marchioness Lily Monchy almost choked in tears of happiness. She finally had the chance to see her precious daughter again.

Following the greetings, her father and brother did so while displaying longing emotions in their eyes.

It was a very emotional family reunion for this vessel. Her soul felt at home and was relieved of all the fears and worries she had been experiencing for the past year since she transmigrated here.

Author's note: 😭 😭 😭

Wedding Playlist Song: Can't help Falling in love by Kinna Granis

P.S. I have uploaded Rachel's wedding gown for your reference. All rights reserve to Praise Wedding for the image used.