Ch.246-6. Wedding Ceremony (4)

# -6. The Wedding (4)

She barely managed to calm her surging emotions.

With her breathing finally returning to normal, she brought the microphone close to her lips.

“When you first appeared before me, it’s true that you caught my eye, but I didn’t think of you as particularly special. You had skills clearly different from others our age, but at that time, that was all there was to it.”

Naturally, she didn’t have those feelings from the beginning.

At first, she was merely interested in his suspiciously proficient combat style.

“So initially, I saw your combat abilities and thought you’d be a valuable asset to the Empire, which is why I tried to recruit you into my party. When I went to watch you fight again… you started crying at the sight of me. And I was just observing from a distance.”

Hearing this, Albert was apparently so embarrassed that he bowed his head deeply, deliberately avoiding their gazes.

“That alone was quite surprising, but it didn’t end there. When I asked you to join my party afterward, you flatly refused. It felt like I’d been slapped in the face.”

From her perspective, it must have truly been bewildering.

After all, he had bluntly rejected an invitation to join a party that most people couldn’t enter even if they wanted to.

“So my interest grew. I had so many questions. Then the semester began. But you showed more interest in me than I expected. Plus, someone asking me on a date… that was a first for me.”

This was especially surprising considering he had just rejected her party invitation.

Looking back, it was quite a brazen move.

“So I decided to go along with it just once, and… it was more fun than I expected. I had always been trapped under countless burdens, constantly trying to figure out how to bear them. I was living in a constant whirlwind.”

The pressure she faced as the future empress would be impossible for ordinary citizens to comprehend.

Perhaps only heroes could understand such a burden.

“I think I was always depressed because of it, unlike other children my age… But after you appeared before me, things changed quite a lot. I was happy. The boring academy and my tedious daily life became something to look forward to, something exciting.”

After his appearance, many aspects of her life changed.

She loved that transformation immensely.

“It was always a different experience, which made it fun. It was the first time I’d felt that way. So I started to feel drawn to you. The unique experiences and daily life we created together, the way you saw me for who I am. And…”

She looked straight into his eyes.

Her eyes were growing red, but she wore an equally bright smile.

“I looked so happy enjoying and anticipating those changes, and I still feel the same way. Many things will continue to change because of you. I want to live that future together with you.”

A modest wish unbefitting the name of an empress.

Albert watched her express this wish with a contented smile.

“I want to live together pursuing simple happiness, crying over little things, laughing over little things. I want us to be reliable walls for each other, leaning on each other and being spoiled by each other.”

Reinhardt looked at her.

With each word she spoke, he felt more strongly that his daughter was leaving him.

But he didn’t feel any pain in his heart.

Perhaps he might have felt a little sad before, but after hearing this vow, he didn’t feel that way at all.

Rather, he felt grateful to Albert for bringing them to this moment, and even a sense of relief.

He kept those feelings in his heart as he listened to her final words.

“So… as you said earlier, let’s live well together. And I love you. Truly…!”

As her turn came to an end, thunderous applause erupted for them.

-Clap clap clap clap!!!-

“How moving…”

“Am I crying…?”

“I’m envious…”

The guests showed various reactions.

After a brief intermission, as if they had just watched a movie, the host proceeded with the next part of the ceremony.

-Following the marriage vows, we will now have the declaration of marriage pronouncing these two as husband and wife. The officiant will read the declaration.-

Aelin, today’s wedding officiant.

She began speaking so naturally that one might doubt she was the same person who had walked so awkwardly earlier.

Everyone in the venue was listening attentively to Aelin’s words.

“Declaration of Marriage: Groom Albert Veros and Bride Elizabeth Michael have firmly sworn before their families, relatives, and guests gathered here today to become husband and wife who will share life’s joys and sorrows through their vow of love.”

Her voice was different from usual—solemn and serious, perfectly suited for this ceremony.

Of course, regardless of that, her appearance made many people smile.

“As with their previous vows, I believe that these two will be a wise couple who overcome any difficulties in their future with faith and love for each other. I solemnly declare before you all that their marriage has been successfully completed here today.”

Aelin finished the reading with a bright expression, relieved that she had made no mistakes.

“April 3rd, 679. Please give them a big round of applause.”

-Clap clap clap clap!!-

As the applause poured out, Aelin breathed a sigh of relief.

But at the same time, she realized it wasn’t over yet.

-With the officiant’s declaration, these two are now officially husband and wife. Next, we will have the officiant’s address. Guests, please lend your ears.-

Aelin held the microphone with hands that were noticeably more awkward than before.

Then she began her address in front of everyone.

“Honestly… I’m still not sure if I should be doing this, and I wonder if this isn’t something that should be done by someone with more life experience… but since you asked, I’ll do my best.”

Usually, people as young as Aelin don’t serve as officiants, and therefore the address is typically given by someone who has lived much longer than the bride and groom…

Someone with more life experience.

But today’s wedding was a bit different.

“When I was younger, I never thought my brother… would become such an impressive person. He was always cooped up at home playing games day and night, barely listening to what I said.”

The awkwardness of Aelin saying “brother” and Albert’s embarrassment about his past were amusing to everyone watching.

Elizabeth listened intently despite already knowing the story, while those who didn’t know were surprised.

“It’s hard to believe that such a person has grown so much, but I believe he can accomplish anything. Um… I’m not sure if I should be saying this, but I’ll offer some advice of my own.”

It took quite a long time to prepare this advice.

But having asked both sets of parents repeatedly, the advice should be helpful.

“I don’t think you’ll fight much, but if you do, the one who’s wrong should apologize first and ask for forgiveness. You both seem quite proud, but in those moments, please set your pride aside.”

Hearing this, the guests began to laugh one by one.

And so did the couple.

“Especially you, Albert. Now that you’re a proper groom, please refrain from doing strange things and make an effort for your bride. If I ever see tears falling from my sister’s eyes… I won’t let it slide.”

It sounded like something Reinhardt would say, but it came across very naturally.

In fact, Reinhardt burst into laughter upon hearing it, suggesting he hadn’t put her up to it.

“Sister is busy with many things besides married life, so the idle groom should support her well. Couples seem happiest when they’re together.”

Aelin had seen both good and bad examples around her, so she had enough experience to form such thoughts.

And both of them were aware of this.

“And as for children… you can wait a while. I’m not ready to be called an aunt yet.”

Though it sounded like a joke, Aelin’s expression was deadly serious.

This made him wonder if she was actually serious, even as he laughed.

“Now that you’re married and have become a couple, you won’t be at home… but please come visit occasionally. I think I’ll be lonely by myself… And live well, eat well. That’s the best filial piety you can show.”

-Clap clap clap clap!!-

No one could disagree with that.

After all, staying healthy and living a long life without illness is the greatest filial piety.

The wedding concluded with the bride and groom thanking their parents and guests, followed by the final procession.

Now the two had finally become husband and wife.

Everyone present sincerely blessed their marriage.

***

The intense emotions didn’t fade until we returned to the castle after the wedding.

After finishing the wedding reception, we returned to the castle.

Normally we would have gone on a honeymoon, but given the current situation, that wasn’t possible.

“That’s a shame. I was looking forward to it.”

“…”

Apart from the wedding being over, it was a night like any other.

But her attitude was quite different from usual.

For some reason, her face was flushed red, and she was fidgeting.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well… tonight is… the first… first…”

“Night?”

“Yes…! That…!”

Now I understood why she was acting this way.

I approached her as she stood there, tense.

I grabbed her arms and pushed her down onto the bed.

“..!!”

Thinking about it this way, it did feel different from usual.

It felt like the first night we spent together. My heart was racing madly, and my face felt hot.

Our rough breathing and moans filled the bedroom as we surrendered to our instincts.

Looking at the spectacular view that only I could see, I thought:

‘I won’t be able to grant that wish after all…’