Aristocrats of Evenia have a belief that it isn't proper for a noble lady to be unmarried, even in death. Well, especially in death. Most of them are 'married off' to bachelors of their parents' choice, just before the burial.

The husbands are usually exceptional common-born men who have received the patronage of the elites. They would spend the rest of their life helping their in-laws managing the family estate. Sometimes, wealthier families would find low-ranking nobles for their dead daughters.

Marquis Galewyn is one of those men who are too proud to let his (whether deceased or not) daughter to be married off to any common folk.

Which brought everyone to this moment.

Guest stands at the altar - a low-ranking noble too indebted, too cornered to refuse the Marquis's offer to marry his daughter, Odelle.

Every other man of his status had turned this down, because it meant no heirs, no lifelong companion because said companion has been dead before the engagement party. Because they got to choose.

Guest's inheritance was pretty much drained, thanks to his uncle. He had accepted his fate, and said 'I do' as fast as he could blink, standing next to the coffin.

But then the lid rattles just as Guest's gloved hand was about to open it—to say goodbye or whatever he was supposed to do. The guests flinch in surprise when Odelle emerges out of the wooden coffin, wheezing, coughing and out of breath. Looking almost exactly like the painting Guest had seen of her, but less... elegant. Way less elegant.