Elsie sat in her room at the dressing table, the soft morning light filtering through the lace curtains, casting a gentle glow over her. Around her, Heine, Lila, Juliet, and Irene bustled with quiet efficiency, each attending to a different aspect of her preparation. The air was filled with the scent of flowers and the faint hum of distant birdsong, a stark contrast to the nervous fluttering in her stomach.

Heine was the first to approach, holding a small brush with delicate fingers. "Just a touch of blush," she murmured, "to bring out your natural glow."

Elsie smiled weakly. "Y/n doesn't really like it when I wear makeup, and honestly, neither do I. I'd much rather marry him in my usual clothes."

Juliet who held Elsies hand was carefully tending her nails, on Elsies request and a long debate she setled on keeping it natural, with clear nail polish instead of the dozens of different colors that honestly all looked the same to Y/n, which had always puzzled the girls.

Irene, standing nearby with a critical eye, raised an eyebrow. "I don't remember having raised a tomboy," she said with a teasing lilt in her voice.

Elsie tilted her head curiously. "What's a tomboy?"

Irene chuckled softly, moving closer. "A tomboy is a girl who doesn't abide by the usual feminine behavior. She might not like wearing dresses or makeup and often has the same interests as a boy, like sword fighting or roughhousing."

Elsie's eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh, I see. Well, I guess that does sound like me. I was raised just like a prince would have been, so there is that."

Juliet, carefully applying a hint of lip balm, laughed softly. "I suppose that explains a lot. But today is special, Elsie. A little bit of makeup won't hurt."

Lila, busy arranging Elsie's hair, nodded in agreement. "Besides, we're only enhancing your natural beauty. Y/n won't even notice the makeup, just how stunning you look."

Elsie glanced at her reflection, seeing the slight shimmer on her cheeks and the subtle enhancement of her features. What had caught her eyes the most was the hint of mascara that darkened her lashes more and made them fuller. It wasn't too much, just enough to highlight her best attributes without overwhelming her natural look. She sighed softly, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. In her mind she already knew that Y/n wouldn't notice it. He actualy rarely said anything about her looks.

"I appreciate all of you helping me," she said quietly. "It's just... this whole wedding feels like a performance, and I want it to be real. I want Y/n to see me as I am, not as some dressed-up doll."

Irene stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Elsie's shoulder. "I understand, Elsie. But sometimes, these little traditions can help mark the importance of the moment. You don't have to change who you are, just let yourself shine a bit brighter today."

Elsie met Irene's gaze in the mirror, seeing the warmth and understanding in her mentor's eyes. She nodded slowly, feeling a bit more at ease. "Okay, but just a little. I don't want to feel like I'm hiding behind a mask."

Heine smiled, setting down the brush. "We promise, just a little. You'll still be you, Elsie. The same brave and beautiful girl we all know."

As they continued their work, the room buzzed with soft conversation and laughter. Elsie felt her nerves gradually giving way to anticipation. She knew this was just the beginning of a new chapter, and despite her reservations about the wedding's formality, she was eager to step into it with Y/n by her side.

As she sat there, memories flooded back of all the times she and Y/n had tussled playfully, engaging in mock sword fights that often ended with them lying in each other's arms, giggling with happiness. Those moments were some of the most cherished of her life, and they always made her feel closer to him.

When they finally finished, Elsie looked at herself in the mirror one last time. The makeup was minimal, enhancing her features just enough to make her feel special without overshadowing her natural beauty. She turned to her friends and mentor, a genuine smile spreading across her face. But to Elsies dismay the wors had yet to come. 

Elsie stood before the full-length mirror in nothing but her lingerie, her gaze locked on the wedding dress that hung delicately on the ornate wooden hanger. The gown was stunning, with intricate lacework and delicate beading that shimmered in the soft light filtering through the window. But what caught her eye, and caused her to shudder involuntarily, was the tight corset that formed the mid section.

She turned to Irene, her brow furrowed with concern. "Mom, this dress is beautiful, but the corset... I'm worried. I can barely breathe just looking at it. What if I faint during the ceremony?"

Irene approached her, a gentle smile on her lips. "Don't worry, Elsie. This dress has a history. It's been in my family for generations. Both your grandmother and I wore it on our wedding days. It's a tradition."

Elsie's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? How is that even possible? The corset looks so... constricting."

Irene chuckled softly, reaching out to touch the delicate fabric. "I understand your concern. It may look tight, but it's designed to provide support and shape, not to suffocate you. My grandmother and I both managed to survive our ceremonies without fainting, and so will you and to top it off we all have the same exact measurements."

Elsie still felt uneasy, her mind racing with images of herself collapsing in front of all the guests. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I've never worn anything like this before. What if it's too much?"

Irene placed a reassuring hand on Elsie's shoulder. "I promise you, it will be fine. We'll make sure the corset is adjusted just right, so it's snug but not too tight. And if at any moment you feel uncomfortable, we'll have someone there to help you. Trust me, Elsie, you'll look and feel stunning." Irene smirked mischieviously. "And you surely want Y/n to be all red and flustered when he sees you." She teased.

Elsie nodded slowly, her tension easing slightly under Irene's calming presence. "Alright, I'll trust you. But I have to admit, this is all very overwhelming."

Irene smiled warmly. "I know it is. But remember, this day is about you and Y/n. Everything else is just a backdrop to your love story."

Elsie glanced at the dress again, this time with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. She couldn't deny the beauty of the gown, nor the honor of wearing something with such sentimental value. Despite her worries, she wanted to honor the tradition and make the day as special as possible.

"Okay," she said finally, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Let's do this. But please, make sure it's not too tight."

Irene laughed softly. "I promise. We'll take it one step at a time. And remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here to support you."

Elsie's eyes scanned the wedding dress, carefully laid out beside her. The gown was a masterpiece, a true princess wedding dress with layers of delicate fabric, intricate lace, and shimmering beads. Irene and the others gathered around, ready to help her into the dress.

The first layer was the petticoat, a voluminous undergarment designed to give the skirt its full shape. Elsie stepped into it, lifting the layers of fabric as Irene and Heine adjusted it around her waist. The petticoat rustled softly as it settled into place, already making her feel like she was floating.

Next came the crinoline, a stiffened petticoat that added even more volume. Juliet helped guide it over Elsie's head, arranging the hoops so they flared out evenly. Elsie could already feel the weight of the dress increasing, but the anticipation of seeing herself fully dressed kept her going.

Lila held up the main skirt, a cascading waterfall of satin and tulle. "Ready?" she asked, a playful glint in her eye.

Elsie nodded, taking a deep breath. "Ready."

The skirt was carefully lifted and lowered over her head, settling atop the crinoline and petticoat. Heine and Juliet busied themselves smoothing the fabric, making sure every fold and pleat was perfect. Elsie could feel the skirt swishing around her legs, the sensation both foreign and exciting.

"Now for the bodice," Irene said, holding up the delicate, lace-covered piece. Elsie turned her back to the group, allowing Irene to guide the bodice over her shoulders. The soft fabric felt cool against her skin, contrasting with the warmth of the room.

Irene began fastening the tiny buttons up the back, each one slipping into its loop with a satisfying click. Elsie focused on her breathing, feeling the bodice gradually tighten around her torso. Once all the buttons were done, Irene stepped back to admire her work.

"Almost there," Irene said, picking up the corset. "This is the final piece."

Elsie braced herself as Irene wrapped the corset around her midsection. She prayed for it not to be too tight. The stiff, boned structure hugged her tightly, and Elsie could feel the tension as Irene began to lace it up. Heine and Juliet held the sides steady while Irene worked, pulling the laces tighter and tighter.

"Hold on, Elsie," Irene murmured. "Almost done."

Elsie took slow, deep breaths, trying to stay relaxed despite the constricting sensation. The corset cinched her waist, enhancing her curves and giving her the perfect hourglass shape. Irene gave one final tug on the laces and tied them off with a secure knot. Elsie could swear she heard and felt a few ribs crack on the final pull, probably even break.

"There," Irene said, stepping back to survey the final result. "You look stunning."

Elsie turned to face the mirror, her eyes widening in awe. The dress was everything she had imagined and more. She felt like a true princess, every detail perfectly in place. But then Irene's comment broke the moment.

"You know, Elsie," Irene said with a teasing smile, "it seems like you've either gained a bit of weight or your chest has gotten bigger."

Elsie pouted, crossing her arms over her newly enhanced figure. "It's definitely my chest," she replied with a mock huff.

Irene laughed, giving her a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Of course, it is. Now, let's get you ready for the final touches. You're going to take Y/n's breath away."

Elsie smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The dress was perfect, and despite the tightness of the corset, she felt beautiful.

Elsie admired herself in the mirror, still adjusting to the feel of the intricate wedding dress. Irene moved gracefully around the room, her eyes scanning a selection of heels laid out on a velvet-lined tray. She picked up a pair of elegant white heels with delicate lace detailing, holding them up for Elsie to see.

"These should complement the dress beautifully," Irene suggested, her voice calm and reassuring.

Elsie eyed the heels with a bit of trepidation. "I'm not used to wearing heels this high," she admitted, biting her lip.

Irene chuckled softly. "You'll be fine, Elsie. Just take it one step at a time. Besides, they'll make you look even more stunning."

Elsie sighed and sat down, lifting her skirts slightly as Irene helped her slip into the heels. She wiggled her toes, trying to get comfortable. As she stood up, feeling a bit wobbly, Irene held her arm for support.

Just as Elsie was beginning to find her balance, Heine burst into the room, holding a large, colorful book. "Elsie! We need to talk about the bouquet!" she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over.

Elsie turned to face Heine, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "The bouquet?" she echoed, trying to process everything at once. "Yes, the bouquet!" Heine flipped open the book to a page filled with pictures of various flowers. "The color and type of flowers you choose are very important. They symbolize different things, and we need to make sure it's perfect."

Irene stepped back, giving Heine room to show Elsie the options. Heine pointed to a picture of a bouquet made of white roses and lilies. "White symbolizes purity and new beginnings, which is perfect for a wedding."

Elsie nodded, trying to keep up. "That sounds lovely, but..." Heine flipped the page, revealing a bouquet of red roses mixed with baby's breath. "Red represents love and passion. It's a classic choice, but it might be a bit bold."

Elsie's head was spinning with all the choices. She looked to Irene for guidance. "What do you think?" Irene smiled warmly. "It's your day, Elsie. Choose what feels right to you. Both options are beautiful, but think about what you want to convey."

Elsie took a deep breath, looking between the two bouquets. The white roses and lilies were elegant and timeless, but the red roses... they spoke to her. They reminded her of the deep, passionate love she felt for Y/n. She traced her finger over the picture of the red roses.

"I think I'll go with the red roses," Elsie decided, her voice growing more confident. "They represent how I feel about Y/n." Heine clapped her hands together, beaming. "Perfect choice! Now, let's talk about the arrangement. We can add some baby's breath to soften it a bit."

Elsie nodded, feeling more at ease. She glanced at Irene, who gave her a supportive nod. With her friends' help, the daunting task of planning the wedding was starting to feel manageable. And most importantly, it was beginning to feel real.

As they continued to discuss the details, Elsie felt a growing sense of excitement. This was really happening. She was going to marry Y/n, and everything was coming together beautifully. The wedding was still a few days away and only the final touches had to be done.

. . .

Y/n sat at his desk, a stack of papers and documents spread out before him. He had spent the last several hours piecing together a puzzle that painted a disturbing picture of Lord Carrington's business partner. He was lucky enough to stumble onto them after Carrington had left his office. As he read through the records of fraud, extortion, and illicit dealings, a deep sense of unease settled in his gut. This was no ordinary business alliance; this was a partnership built on deceit and corruption.

Determined to get to the bottom of it, Y/n took his sword and strapped it to his side before gathering the incriminating documents. He made his way to Carrington's study, his steps purposeful and resolute. The mansion was quiet, the soft glow of the evening sun casting long shadows across the polished floors. His footsteps echoed softly in the corridor, a prelude to the confrontation that was about to unfold.

Reaching the study, Y/n knocked firmly on the door. "Lord Carrington, may I have a word?"

"Come in, Y/n," came the reply from within.

Y/n entered, finding Lord Carrington seated behind his large mahogany desk, reviewing a ledger. The older man looked up, his eyes sharp and inquisitive. "Is something troubling you, Y/n?" Carrington asked, sensing the gravity of the young man's demeanor. "Yes, sir," Y/n replied, placing the stack of documents on the desk. "I've done some research on the man for whom we're organizing this wedding, Lord Hadrian. What I found is... concerning, to say the least."

Carrington's gaze shifted to the documents, and he began to peruse them. Y/n watched as the lord's expression remained stoic, even as he read about Hadrian's fraudulent activities, his extortion schemes, and his connections to illegal operations.

Y/n's hand moved to the hilt of his sword, his grip tightening. "Lord Carrington, you need to explain yourself. Why are we involved in this man's schemes?"

Carrington looked up from the documents, his expression calm but his eyes wary as he noticed the sword. "You've uncovered what I already know."

"You're aware of all this?" Y/n demanded, drawing his sword and pointing it at Carrington. "Then why are you working with him?"

Carrington raised a hand, gesturing for calm. "Put the sword down, Y/n, and I'll explain everything." Y/n hesitated for a moment before lowering the blade, but he kept his hand on the hilt, ready for anything. "Start talking."

Carrington sighed, steepling his fingers. "This wedding is not what it appears to be. It's part of a larger plan. Hadrian believes this marriage is a legitimate attempt to merge our families and businesses. In reality, it is a carefully orchestrated ruse to gain his trust."

Y/n frowned, trying to piece together the implications. "So, you're planning to expose him?"

"Precisely," Carrington confirmed. "Once Hadrian believes he has secured an alliance with us, he will lower his guard. That is when we will strike. We will gather irrefutable evidence of his crimes and ensure that he faces justice. At the same time, we will take over his business operations and reform them, making sure they are conducted ethically and responsibly."

The magnitude of the plan dawned on Y/n. "And you need our help to pull this off."

Carrington nodded. "Yes. Your roles in the wedding lend authenticity to the facade. Hadrian must believe that everything is proceeding as planned. But rest assured, I will not allow any harm to come to you or Lila."

Y/n's resolve hardened. "I understand. I'll do everything I can to help. But what about Lila? How does she fit into this?"

Carrington's expression softened slightly. "Lila's presence is essential. Hadrian knows of her and she would be wed to him if he wasn't already married, and he believes this wedding is a genuine attempt to unify our families. But Lila will be kept safe throughout this ordeal. I will make sure of it."

Y/n nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and determination. "Thank you for explaining, Lord Carrington. I'll ensure that everything goes according to plan."

Carrington gave him a nod of approval. "Your diligence is appreciated, Y/n. We must be cautious, but with your help, I believe we can bring Hadrian to justice and secure a better future for everyone involved."

Y/n sheathed his sword and left the study with a renewed sense of purpose. The stakes were higher than he had imagined, but knowing the true purpose behind the wedding gave him a clear goal. He would protect Elsie and Lila, and he would play his part in taking down Hadrian.

Y/n wandered through the expansive corridors of Lord Carrington's mansion, his thoughts heavy with the recent revelations. He needed to find Elsie and Irene to share what he had discovered about Hadrian. His footsteps echoed off the polished floors, mingling with the distant murmurs of conversations and the occasional clink of glassware.

As he approached the suite where he knew Elsie and the others were preparing, he could hear the soft hum of feminine voices, the rustle of fabric, and the occasional peal of laughter. He reached the door, hesitated for a moment, and then knocked lightly.

The door opened a crack, and Heine's face appeared. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Y/n! What are you doing here? You can't be here! Elsie's getting into her dress!"

"I need to talk to her," Y/n said urgently, trying to peer past Heine. "It's important."

Heine slipped through the door, closing it behind her and blocking his view. "You know it's bad luck to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony."

"It's not a real wedding," Y/n protested, but Heine's stern look made him pause. "Fine, I won't look. But I need to talk to her."

Heine glanced back at the closed door and then sighed. "Alright, but you'll have to stand outside. And no peeking!"

Y/n nodded, and Heine disappeared back into the room. A moment later, he heard Irene's voice, authoritative and calm. "Heine, who was at the door?"

"It's Y/n. He needs to talk to Elsie."

There was a rustle of fabric and a flurry of movement. Y/n stood patiently, his hands clasped behind his back, as he waited. The door creaked open slightly, and Irene's head appeared. Her eyes softened when she saw him. "Y/n, what is it?"

"Irene, I found out something important about Lord Hadrian. I need to tell Elsie."

Irene nodded and stepped back, allowing the door to open just enough for Y/n to see the divider set up in the room. Elsie's silhouette was visible behind it, a soft shadow amidst the flurry of white fabric.

"Elsie, Y/n needs to talk to you," Irene said gently.

Elsie's voice came from behind the divider, curious and tinged with concern. "What's wrong, Y/n?"

Y/n stepped closer, careful to keep his eyes averted from the divider. but he couldn't help it. "I did some digging on Lord Hadrian, the man this wedding is for. He's involved in some serious criminal activities. Fraud, extortion, you name it. This wedding isn't just about business; it's a ploy to take him down and take over his operations."

There was a pause, and Y/n could hear the rustling of fabric as Elsie adjusted her position. "Why didn't Lord Carrington tell us this from the start?"

"He needed to make sure everything appeared genuine," Y/n explained. "If Hadrian suspected anything, he'd be on guard. This way, we can catch him off-guard and gather the evidence needed to bring him to justice."

From behind the divider, he heard Elsie's sharp intake of breath. "So, we're part of this plan?"

"Yes," Y/n replied. "But I promise, I'll protect you. We'll get through this together."

There was a moment of silence, then Elsie's soft voice, steady and determined. "I trust you, Y/n. We'll do what we need to do."

He felt a surge of relief at her words. "Thank you, Elsie. Just... be careful. We're dealing with dangerous people."

The door opened wider, and Irene stepped out, followed by Heine, Juliet, and Lila. They ushered Y/n away from the door, ensuring he couldn't see Elsie in her dress.

"You'd better go now," Irene said, her tone gentle but firm. "We have to finish getting her ready."

Y/n nodded, but before he turned to leave, he called out softly, "Elsie, I'll be right outside if you need me."

"I know," came her reply, filled with warmth and reassurance.

As Y/n walked away, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of anxiety and determination. They were on the brink of something huge, and he needed to stay focused. For Elsie, for Lila, and for everyone caught up in Hadrian's web of deceit. Still one question remained on his mind, should he wear his military clothes from the academy or a suit.