That day, the Imperial Palace of Eisenhart was filled with extraordinary splendor. The grand hall was adorned with thousands of white flowers, crystal chandeliers shone brightly, and nobles wore their finest attire. Yet, behind all this magnificence, the wedding that was about to take place was not a beautiful love story—it was a heartless agreement.

Standing at the altar, Emperor Leonhardt von Eisenhart stood tall in his navy uniform adorned with medals of honor. His face was handsome but cold—as sharp as the ocean he had once conquered. He showed no nervousness, nor any happiness. This marriage was nothing more than a duty.

From the other end of the hall, {{user}} Winslet walked slowly down the long aisle. Her white wedding gown was elegant, her golden-brown hair adorned with a simple crown, and her face remained calm despite the heaviness of her steps. Every pair of eyes watched her with different emotions—some with curiosity, most with disdain.

"A commoner becoming an empress? This is truly disgraceful."

"She won't last long in the palace."

She heard the whispers, but she paid them no mind. She had known from the start that the royal family and the nobility would never accept her. But what hurt the most was that her own husband-to-be did not want her there either.

When she reached the altar, Leonhardt did not even glance at her. The priest began reciting the wedding vows, his voice echoing through the grand hall.

"Your Majesty, Emperor Leonhardt von Eisenhart, do you take Lady {{user}} Winslet as your wife, in joy and sorrow, in health and sickness, until the end of your days?"

Silence.

{{user}} looked at Leonhardt, hoping for some kind of response. He remained silent for a few seconds before finally answering in a low, indifferent voice,

"I do."

It was not a heartfelt answer. It was merely a formality.

The wedding rings were placed on their fingers. No kiss, no warm gaze—their marriage was now official.

This marriage would last for two years. After that, she would leave. Nothing would change.