Page 307 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

The House of Cryos has a combination of light blue and white in two concentric circles. On top of the color scheme is a black dagger with one skull on the top right side and another on the lower left side.

If I were to marry Mine in an Aperite fashion, my wedding gown would feature a dress with that color combination as well as the crown that’s been in my family for eons—a crown made up of a succession of small skull daggers.

When I was a fledgling, I was fascinated by that crown, and I have, on occasion snuck into the artifact room to try it on. Back then it was too big for my head, but I still loved the regal aura it lent me.

Alas, I will never wear that now.

Still staring at that wedding dress, I pop the last bit of the croissant into my mouth, lick my fingers, and decide to stride inside.

“May I help you?” someone immediately asks.

“That dress. I want to try it on.” I point to the mannequin.

“Excellent choice! It’s the new style. It just came in on Friday.”

The sales lady takes me to the fitting room and brings me the dress in my size.

“Let me know if you need anything,” she adds as she closes the door, leaving me alone with the dress.

It’s even more stunning in person. The beads are arranged with such care and craftsmanship that I’m almost wary to touch it.

After shedding my dress, I slowly put it on, using my powers to pull up the zipper at the back and button myself up.

The dress is a little long, though given my short stature, most ready-to-wear dresses in this world are on the longer side.

I close my eyes and think back to Mine’s secret closet. Choosing one of the heeled sandals, I manifest them in the cabin with me and put them on.

Patting the skirt down, I’m impressed by how soft the silk is and how well it fits my body.

I take a step back and regard myself in the mirror.

Can I picture myself wearing this while getting married to him?

The answer is an immediate yes. And it’s not just the dress. It’s also because it’s him.

Perhaps I am an idiot, but there isn’t much that would turn me off him. He could be anything; even an ogre for all I care—though I hear those live in a different world.

With this dress on, the intention materializes deeper and deeper in my breast.

I will trust him no matter what. And I will marry him no matter what, too.

“I’ll take it,” I tell the sales lady after I’ve changed into my own clothes. Of course I’m once more paying with stolen money, but the joy of having a wedding dress of my own is too strong for me to care.

I’m a thief, so what? To be with Mine, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t become. Rule breaker? Check. An outcast? Already done. Inter-realm criminal? Already done that too. Killer? Well, I was one long before him if we’re talking about demons. Mortals, though? For him, I would do that too.

Smiling to myself, I grab the bag with the dress from the cashier and leave.

I think I’ve been gone long enough now. I should go back so he doesn’t worry too much. I should also apologize for my reaction and assure him I will trust him, whatever it is that he is hiding from me.

With that in mind, I hide my presence from mortals and prepare to teleport.

But that never happens.

The hair on the back of my neck stands up. A current of energy travels through me, shocking me into submission.

I cannot move. A familiar sensation.

Within seconds, my hunch is confirmed when Cerenios appears in front of me.

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