Chapter 279

"A transport portal?"

The term was unfamiliar to her. Seeing Yelena's confusion, Sidrion elaborated, "Simply put, it's like a magic circle that allows teleportation without a magician."

Yelena's eyes widened. "Is that even possible?"

"Yes, but it can only be activated once every three days, and I would need to maintain it every six months."

"That's remarkable," Yelena murmured genuinely.

"You've already been with my sister?"

"Pardon?"

Yelena paused, glancing at the parcel Sidrion held. She swallowed. Was she about to receive an invitation from that parcel to her sister's wedding? With her sister and Sidrion? Her mind raced as she awaited Sidrion's next words.

Without any hint of bragging or arrogance, Sidrion calmly said, "Do you remember commissioning the Black Tower to analyze the gem powder?"

"Uh?"

"Yes, I remember."

'So, it's not about the wedding?'

Inspecting the parcel, there was no hint of a hidden wedding invitation. Yelena gestured for him to continue.

"Thanks to you, the damage to the Black Tower was less than anticipated. We owe it all to you."

"What do you mean?"

Sidrion explained. The red gem powder, laden with the power of teleportation magic, was a challenging spell known only to some skilled magicians. And now, it seemed they could use such magic without a magician — something Yelena had never imagined.

"We're thinking of starting the installation of the portal today. It might take some time, though. Would that be okay?"

"Yes, that's fine."

"We were thinking of installing it in the backyard."

"That's fine."

As Yelena was about to reply, she looked sharply at Sidrion. Despite making such a groundbreaking statement, he seemed so nonchalant. A smile crept onto Yelena's face.

Of course, for someone worthy of her sister, he had to be exceptional.

'When will he give me the wedding invitation? He'll give it eventually, right? I should mentally prepare myself.'

Yelena chuckled softly.

Sidrion appeared curious about her sudden laughter, but he didn't ask.

It took exactly two weeks for Sidrion to install the transport portal in the ducal mansion's backyard. The portal was completed a day before the celebratory feast. It seemed almost planned.

And finally, the day of the celebratory feast arrived.

+++

"Madam, you look absolutely stunning."

"Especially the dress, it suits you remarkably well."

After getting ready, Yelena stood amidst the flurry of her maids. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Mary, who complimented the dress with genuine admiration.

"Leave it to me! I'll ensure you shine brighter than anyone else at the ball."

Upon learning of the invitation from the royal palace, Mary had been bursting with enthusiasm. Her zeal resulted in the very dress Yelena now wore: a pearly hue with a subtle tinge of sky blue. The dress snugly fit around her body and gracefully flared just above the knee, reminiscent of the elegance of a clamshell.

"She does have a talent."

Every time Mary crafted a dress, the result had never been less than satisfying. Yelena offered a smile to Mary and her other attendants before leaving her chambers.

As she stepped into the corridor, she noticed Kaywhin, who had just finished his preparations, halt in his tracks upon seeing her. His gaze remained fixated on her, almost tethered. Yelena cleared her throat subtly before approaching him.

"Shall we head out?"

"...Yes."

Kaywhin, still unable to take his eyes off Yelena, extended his hand. As she gently placed her gloved hand atop his larger one, she gazed up at her husband. Beneath his neatly combed black hair were deep blue eyes reminiscent of the ocean, and an exquisitely chiseled face, as if crafted with precision by an artisan.

Soon, everyone would recognize this face. Amidst her fluttering heart due to her dashing husband, there was also an underlying tension. Sensing her apprehension, Kaywhin tightened his grip on her hand.

"Are you alright?"

Yelena looked up at him, tracing the contours of his soft eyes, high nose, and down to his reddish, smooth lips.

Breaking the silence, she admitted, "No, I don't think I am. So, could you help ease my tension?"