While impersonating Avril, her stepsister—Corinna—treaded slowly down the aisle towards Dylan Lancester, the duke who’d become Avril’s husband.

…That dress looks really pretty. As expected of the dress Lord Dylan had tailored for me. The embroidery, along with the rhinestones placed all over the pure white, silk fabric are gorgeous…!

Even in that situation, Avril found herself fawning over the dress that Dylan gifted to her.

—No, I mustn’t get distracted! This isn’t the time to be swooning over a dress! I’m sorry, Lord Dylan… Even though you especially gave it to me, it was stolen by Corinna…

On the other hand, Corinna—who had disguised herself—advanced towards the beautiful duke. The moment she laid eyes on her husband-to-be, she squealed.

Rather than a cry of disgust, it was a cry of adoration…

—Understandable. Lord Dylan is quite comely. Not only that, he also exudes limitless kindness and nobility. Corinna acting like that is only to be expected. I mean, this is Corinna we’re talking about…

Before she knew it, the music had stopped, replaced by a terrifying silence.

Certainly, from a distance, Corinna could be mistaken for Avril, but from Dylan’s expression, it was obvious that something wasn’t quite right.

“Who are you? Where’s my beloved Avril?”

...’My beloved Avril’…!?

His words, which resounded throughout the church, made Avril forget to untie the rope.

…No, that wasn’t the first time.

He had made similar remarks before. However, she dismissed them, thinking he was just playing his part as her contractual husband.

But after considering Carol’s words… For the first time, Avril began to entertain the possibility that Dylan might feel something towards her, and gasped.

Corinna’s wavering voice could be heard from the other side of the door.

“L-Lord Dylan, I’m Avril. Don’t you see? My cherry-colored hair, my blue eyes—they are of the Avril you love! As you can see, nothing is unusual about me!”

“…You dare to proclaim yourself as my Avril?”

After a laugh of derision, Dylan sternly continued.

“You, do you think I wouldn’t recognize the face of my beloved? You could be imprisoned for desecration—but first, tell me where Avril is. I won’t repeat my question twice—answer!”

“…What!?”

Corinna was so frightened that she collapsed onto the floor, powerless.

T, the dress…! If you do that, the dress will get dirty…!

Avril, who was watching from the gap between the door, bit her gag as she threw herself against the door.

—A dull, fleeting noise…

Did it reach him, or did he follow the direction of Corinna’s trembling fingers?

“—Avril!?”

Dylan casted Corinna aside and ran over towards Avril. With a thud, Corinna crumpled to the floor.

Upon arriving in front of the door of the staircase, Dylan pounded on it.

“Avril, are you there!? …Hey, what is behind this door!?”

“There’s a staircase that leads to the basement.”

“I heard a suspicious noise. My wife might be locked in there! Unlock it right away!”

—This door will open soon…! I’m saved…!

Eavesdropping on the conversation, Avril instantly undid her binding and removed her gag. After that, she rushed to untie Carol.

“I wish you had figured it out sooner.”

“I’m sorry!”

Avril had refused to untie the rope until she was sure it was safe. After all, she didn’t want to get caught again. …However, she shouldn’t have fallen asleep in the process.

In short, Carol had a point.

Then, she looked at her own appearance. She was wearing her usual dress.

…My outfit is too lackluster for a wedding.

While she was wondering about that, the door was unlocked. After it was opened, light flooded in.

“Avril!”

---

***T/N: Tension what’s that.

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