Chapter 493
The Duke’s wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime big event for the Imperial nobility.
Thus, the titles of the guests who adorned the wedding venue were also glamorous. High-ranking nobles of the Count rank and above, Executive Managers and higher from the administration, generals of army corps rank and above, and even judges responsible for a court in the provinces. Most of the Empire’s leadership gathered.
‘Half of them are unfamiliar faces.’
In fact, the guests weren’t limited to domestic figures. There were also plenty of foreign dignitaries thrilled to join Trixie’s celebration as if it were their own.
Thanks to this, checking the guest list was a chore. To attend from beyond the borders meant they greatly respected Trixy, and being one of the many wizards meant they were quite a big deal. It would be rude not to recognize their names as Trixy’s husband. No need to awkwardly start relationships that could be potentially fruitful.
A minor issue was that since these guests were gathered from all over the continent, some were bound to have grudges against each other, but—
“Today will be remembered as the happiest day of my life, and I hope esteemed guests gathered here feel the same.”
With Trixie’s subtle warning, even the filthy rivals exchanged handshakes with smiles on their faces.
They probably cursed each other’s parents, cousins, and extended families internally, but what could they do? The legend of the industry personally warned, “If you mess up this wedding, I swear I’ll end you,” so they had no choice but to comply.
Moreover, regardless of industry legends or personal feelings, ruining someone’s wedding is just plain uncouth. Thankfully, wizards are obsessed with magic, but they’re not total idiots.
“I sincerely congratulate you, Duke Marcilio. This is a blessing for the Empire and joy for the continent, so as one who respects you and has nurtured dreams inspired by your example, I’m honored to be here today.”
Representing the wizards who crossed borders, Duke Kilanas bowed.
His age, title, position, reputation, and the might of his homeland made him more than qualified to represent the wizards gathered at the wedding. It’s a strange sight seeing such an important figure bowing in the Empire, but I suppose I’ll just have to get used to it; after all, I’ll be looking at this sight for a lifetime as Trixy’s husband.
“If I have contributed to excellent students like you, there could be no greater joy. And now, if such students come to celebrate my joy, it becomes a beautiful moment that will linger in history.”
With his 90-degree bow, Trixy responded with a smile.
Seeing students who’ve dreamed while looking up to her come all the way from the other side of the continent must surely be gratifying for Trixy.
*
The wedding of the Minister and Duke was splendid—yet simultaneously quiet.
‘Feels like I’m in a worship hall.’
It was such a thought that crossed my mind. While it’s common sense not to cause a stir during a wedding, the atmosphere felt incredibly serious and solemn, even by that standard.
It was impressive. Is this the Duke’s grip on the situation? Despite the high number of quirky wizards, it was completely peaceful. This is something that would’ve been impossible even if I, the Emperor, were there.
‘Anyone would find this tough, but…’
Even the great hero, Grand Emperor Amanca, couldn’t control the carefree spirit of the founding Duke Katoban, so it seems only the pinnacle wizard, the Duke, could achieve such a feat.
‘This time, it should go smoothly.’
In the back of my mind, a sprout of hope began to grow. I was worried this wedding would end up chaotic like the last one, but it seems this wedding is going to wrap up without any commotion. Truly, a relief!
I had honestly worried a lot. Rather than foreign wizards crowding around, I genuinely feared that Enen’s blessing might manifest again.
I know it sounds crazy. If the me from a year ago had heard this, I would’ve laughed at such absurdity. However, there had indeed been a blessing during the Minister’s wedding. Ignoring a precedent is lazy and irresponsible.
‘…Of course, it’s unlikely that the blessing would come upon the same person twice.’
But as the wedding started to wind down without any signs of a blessing, I let out a silent sigh of relief.
Right, this makes sense. For someone to receive blessings not once but twice? If that happened, they’d better be walking down the path of a priest, destined to become the next Pope or something.
Of course, I have no intention of sending the Minister to the Holy Kingdom. No matter if they create a position in the government for a Faith Minister, I’m never letting him go.
“—The two individuals have sworn eternal love in front of all. With such pure and passionate vows, even the celestial Enen is pleased to declare that a couple is born today.”
As Cardinal Mario, the head of the Servette Archdiocese, announced, faint cries were heard from the back.
Without even turning around, I knew who it was. Count Cecilia, the steward of the Servette Principality. She had been tearfully wiping her eyes since before the ceremony started, and now she finally broke down.
And upon listening closer, I realized the cries weren’t limited to just one place.
‘Loyal vassals indeed.’
Trying to think positively, I ignored the sounds of crying.
If I, myself, find it astounding that the Duke is marrying, how much more so for the vassals who’ve served through generations? They would feel emotions that transcended mere amazement.
*
The wedding held at the villa concluded without incident.
‘Thank goodness it ended without a hitch.’
I internally sighed in relief. I had been genuinely worried that Enen might unexpectedly show up during this wedding, but thankfully, that concern ended as just a concern.
It sounds like a crazy thought, but what can you do? It’s not totally irrational to be cautious of something that has actually happened. Of course, just worrying, “What if a god blesses during the wedding?” doesn’t exactly sound sane, and I’ve never shared that worry with anyone. What kind of lunatic worries about that?
As I awkwardly exchanged greetings with the guests, Rizie approached me with a bouquet, grinning widely.
“Master! Congratulations on your wedding!”
“Thank you, Rizie. Since I’m your teacher, let me congratulate you first. Look forward to it!”
Trixy smiled as she patted Rizie’s head.
‘This feels so alive.’
I glanced at the bouquet Rizie was holding.
It’s a bouquet I recognize very well. The one that Mar handed to Trixy around six months ago now in Rizie’s hands. It still feels vibrant, whether the magic made it last or not.
So, it feels strange. I know the bouquet has a strong symbolic meaning, but isn’t it a bit odd to keep passing the same bouquet around? People might think it’s an extreme form of thriftiness.
‘I can’t just take it from her.’
I looked back and forth between the grinning Rizie and the bouquet she was clutching. Can I really snatch it from a Rizie that happy? I can’t be that cruel.
Plus, if I took it away, Rizie would probably smile in front while crying behind my back, and that would break my heart even more.
‘…I’ll use it when my kid gets married.’
Eventually, I reached a rather unique conclusion. Since Trixy’s bouquet was enchanted, it should last for decades.
From today on, that bouquet belongs to the House of Krasius. Let’s show this continent that reusing a bouquet over decades, even centuries, can be considered an art.
The wedding in the Elf Residential Area will take place five days later. To be honest, I would’ve liked to have the villa wedding followed by that one right afterward, but my grandmother insisted that the fifth day is an auspicious day, and I couldn’t refuse.
Moreover, unlike the general interspecies protected areas open to tourists, access to the Elf Residential Area is strictly restricted for outsiders. Given the special consideration of marrying in such a place, it’s only natural to adhere to my grandmother’s preferred schedule.
“What do you think? Is my outfit inappropriate in any way?”
Amidst the brief respite, my mother sought Trixy’s opinion on her attire countless times.
Technically, she wasn’t exactly getting her outfit inspected but was requesting Trixy’s opinion unilaterally. Still, Trixy responded dutifully without showing any signs of annoyance or embarrassment.
“It’s perfectly fine. The culture of elves isn’t too different from that of humans, so Mother’s outfit is sufficiently elegant and proper.”
At her words, I unconsciously turned away.
The cultures of elves and humans are significantly different. If I couldn’t grasp that, wasn’t I the one who suffered a debacle for publicly touching Trixy’s ears?
“Is that so? Then how about this—”
“Lady, I appreciate your sentiments, but since the elven daughter-in-law thinks it’s okay, I believe it suffices as it is.”
Just as my mother was about to raise another article of clothing, my father firmly intervened.
It was a timely interruption, so I offered a slight nod towards my father. Had he not intervened, we would’ve been stuck in a forced fashion show until at least dinner.
“But Billy, it’s not just anyone; we’re meeting my daughter-in-law’s grandmother. It wouldn’t do to present ourselves sloppily.”
“What are you talking about? No matter what you wear, you look perfect in my eyes. What’s sloppy about it?”
His straightforward compliment caused my mother to momentarily shut her mouth before she quietly lowered the clothing.
I was genuinely touched. So my father was capable of expressing such affection, too.
‘Once Erich graduates, I guess there’ll be a youngest one as well.’
Once Erich graduates, he’ll become a substitute member of the Imperial Council, and my father will completely detach from his duties there. He’ll then just sit around in the territories doing nothing.
I can’t help but wonder what would happen if a laid-back father spent twenty-four hours a day with my mother. My heart races just thinking about it.
*
A few days later, the honorary priest will arrive here.
“Please! Please!”
I found myself praying with desperate sincerity. It’s odd for a god like me to be praying, but at this moment, I truly want to lean on another god.
Please, please let nothing happen during my honorary priest’s wedding! I can’t lose my last remaining asset!
‘Constantina has the fairies and elves, right?’
If the World Tree revives, the spirits will reappear on the continent!
So please Enen, for the sake of the kindness I showed you back in the day, I beg you!
“Heavenly auntie, heavenly auntie.”
“What’s up? What’s going on?”
As I started my desperate prayers, the mischievous little brats of that devil called Constantina crept in next to me.
Are you all trying to take away my honorary priest with your innocent faces? I see through you!
But I won’t be taken! The noble heavens would never lose to greenery growing from the ground!
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