Chapter 83 - Matrimony of Lerish

And just as we expected, thanks to all the residents volunteering for the preparation of the princess' wedding, the whole city transformed in a short period of time. Lanterns of all size, shapes, and colors lined each and every street, giving off life and warmth to fend off the cold air of impending sunset. Banners and makeshift arches congratulating the princess in advance for her wedding and wishing the couple good luck, can be seen in every neighborhood. Adding to the festivities is the long line of tables set at the middle of the main road, for the feast that will happen after the wedding.

"It's my first time to see the capital city being this bright," Saku spoke in awe about the scenery around us.

"...Nn. So bright my eyes hurt," Aoi also commented.

"Uuuu...seeing all of them having fun makes me so envious," Saki sighed in dismay.

"We have no time now to celebrate. Let's get ourselves prepared already."

Hearing that, despite feeling upset--they all nodded in agreement.

While packing our things inside the carriage that just came from the repair shop, we heard a voice from behind us.

"Where do you think you're going, huh?"

""""Pops?!""""

Standing in front of the door with his arms crossed, the old man's frown was visible thanks to the light of the lanterns. Seeing him like that, made us feel a slight fear in our hearts.

"I'm asking you, where are you kids going? You don't look like you're going to join in the celebrations, aren't you?"

Saku replied, "P-Pops, you see...we..."

"Just don't be late, okay?"

'Eh?!' All of us opened our mouths wide when we heard him say that.

Pops' frown quickly softened, and turned into a gentle smile. "Whatever you're planning to do, please come back as soon as you're done. We'll be having a small feast for this occasion, you see?"

""""Pops!!!"""" All of us hugged him tightly. Even Aoi who insulted him the first time we met has finally accustomed herself to him.

"You brats..." he sighed and said, "you should go now already. You'll be late for your business tonight if you keep on swarming around me."

""""Okay!!!"""'

Then, filled with motivation, we finally started on tonight's business. As we leave we told him to not worry about us, as we'll make sure to protect each other whatever happens.

Pops, we promise...we'll finish this as soon as possible.

-----

"Your Highness, it's time to go."

Inside her room, Lerish has been staring at herself in front of the mirror for hours already. Putting emphasis in showing her natural look, her face is covered only with light coloring. Her flowing hair is tied into a single bun, and adorned with flowers and jewels. A long gown of pure white, representing her youth and innocence, also gave off an atmosphere of a young woman.

The image reflected on her mirror showed a very beautiful woman at this fateful moment, yet her face showed no joy nor anticipation for what's about to come.

"Your Highness, it's almost time now. We have to go."

"You don't need to remind me again, Granz. I can go there on my own," she replied bitterly.

She stood up, and all of her attendants quickly bowed their heads at the imposing aura she emits. Granz on the other hand remain unfazed, as he calmly guided Lerish out of her room.

As part of the ceremony, the princess has to ride a palanquin as she and all her attendants parade their way to the venue. Seeing the extravagant-looking palanquin just outside the palace, made her feel more upset.

While sitting on the conveyance carried by four people, she saw thousands of people outside the palace gates eager to see the princess in all her glory while the procession is ongoing. She frantically looked, but she couldn't find any of his presence.

'Where are you...'

Upon reaching the grand hall where the wedding ceremony is to be held, the whole place became enveloped with a very solemn music from the hundreds of musicians lining up the entrance of the hall, signaling everyone that the bride has arrived. Lerish's heart thumped very fast, as if rivaling the beat made by the musicians' drums.

As she get off the palanquin, she discreetly asked one of her trusted attendants. "Have you already sent the letter?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I made sure no one will notice."

"Very well," she felt a slight relief in her heart.

'Last chance,' she thought. 'Tonight's my last chance to make things right...'

Walking along the carpet set for the occasion, she tried not to show her distressed look to everyone. She glanced from left to right once more, hoping to see any familiar faces before she enter the large doors of the hall.

'The moment these doors close behind me, my future will be sealed along with it...'

*criiiieeekk*, the large doors slowly opened as soon as she stood right in front of the entrance.

Kreeeeeennnnngggg!!!

The music changed once more. At that instant a lighthearted song started filling everyone's ears. 'The Song of Marriage,' a popular song among the commonfolk. Lerish became more sullen, as each and every music prepared for the ceremony are chosen to fit her 'sweetheart of the masses' image perceived by the people, while sounding magnificent and royal at the same time.

"Your Highness, let's go."

"Nn."

She took one step inside the hall. Quickly everyone who's inside the hall welcomed her as they stood up and bowed their heads deeply as she slowly walk down the aisle. The guards also raised their swords at the same time, as a sign of respect.

Such sight around her made her feel uncomfortable, as if being dragged back.

'These people...'

Without moving her head she glanced at the ones who are present. There are nobles of all ranks from all parts of Narashel who came here just to attend the wedding, wealthy merchants hoping to secure favor from the nobility and the royal family, important military figures, and representatives from other countries. Except from the guards and attendants standing around the venue, there are no commoners inside. This is a royal's world, they have no place here.

'Father...'

Sitting on the throne at the frontmost part of the hall, the king of Narashel looked down upon her, watching each and every step she makes. His emerald green eyes that she shared with his daughter shone faintly, causing his daughter to feel intimidated when their eyes met. Beside him is his wife the queen, who's trying not to spill her tears in front of such respectable people.

Then lastly...

'This man...'

Wearing a pompous black suit with a long cape, her groom-to-be brimmed with happiness as she walk closer to the front. His handsome looks would surely swoon any woman, yet in her eyes she could only see malice coming out from him.

She stopped for a moment and glanced over her shoulder for the third time. The doors has already closed, meaning that no one will be allowed to enter anymore.

"You're beautiful as always, Your Highness. Seeing you walk down the aisle makes my heart flutter," the young man praised her.

"..." Lerish instinctively looked down, not letting him have a better look on her face.

"It's no use, you know? Resist all you want, but all of this has already been decided."

'Tonight, you'll be totally mine...Lerish.'

'Kuh,' she flinched at his words. Having him call her by her first name, Lerish felt like rejecting her name and her entire identity altogether.

Trying not to show her displeasure to everyone, she took a deep breath and stood right beside him, who showed a devilish smile.

"Very well then, the ceremony shall start now," the king announced with a very clear voice.

Dug, dug, dugugugugugugudug!!!

The low, throbbing sound of the drums signaled the start of the ceremony. The people who are present held on tight to their seats, in anticipation.

"I am the one delegated by His Majesty to officiate the wedding ceremony," a bald man with a long beard said as he stood between the princess and the young man. A monk by profession, he wore a white robe with charms wrapped around his arms and neck.

"You? Aren't you just a ragged old man?" the young man instantly spoke vile of him. Lerish on the other hand kept herself quiet, extremely displeased with his show of rudeness to such a person.

'Is this the man I'm going to marry? I'd rather die than become a laughingstock to my ancestors...'

The monk, having come all the way from a very far away place, merely ignored his taunt and instead focused on his duty. "Everyone, what you're going to witness is the union of two people in matrimony, withstanding barriers so as to be together on this fateful night..."

'Union...how regrettable...' Lerish muttered under her breath.

The ceremony started with the monk giving objects to the bride and groom-to-be as the two kneel in front of him. The monk placed a sword and a bag of coins on the young man's hands, while the princess was given a veil and a child's clothes.

"These objects represent the two primary duties the husband and wife has to fulfill: the sword represents the responsibility of the husband to protect his wife and family from all danger, while the coins represent his role as the main provider for the family; at the same time, it is the wife's role to support and serve the husband in everyday life, as well as to bear the future that is their children. As long as you fulfill those duties, the family will survive."

The two bride and groom are then asked if they would accept the gifts from the monk or not. The groom immediately said 'yes', while the bride maintained her silence along with her downcast gaze.

Afterwards, two attendants came from the back as they carried a golden rope. The monk then tied a large noose and placed it over the two people's shoulders, while telling everyone that the rope symbolizes the bond between the two people who are to be united which will not be easily broken. 'A noose,' the princess thought, 'such a splendid foreshadowing, this is.'

Meanwhile, the music changed depending on the rite that is being executed. From solemn hymn to a merry beat, the accompaniment induced the emotions of everyone as the climax comes near.

The ceremony continued with the confirmation of both side's willingness in marriage. The monk asked the two people to stand up and face each other, with the groom holding the bride's hands. Lerish's hands were already cold and clammy, but the young man didn't mind it at all as he enjoyed the softness that is being transmitted from his palms.

Clearing his throat, the monk spoke: "Have you two, with utmost honesty, come here for the purpose of marriage, without coercion and of your own volition?"

"Yes!" the groom proudly answered.

"..." once more, Lerish kept her silence.

Surprised with her actions (or lack thereof), the monk raised his eyebrows for a moment before continuing: "Are you two prepared to love and honor each other for as long as you live?"

"Yes!"

"..."

Displeased, the young man whispered: "What are you doing? Why are you not responding?!"

Meanwhile on their seats, the audience are starting to show doubts about the princess' willingness to marry the man. The king, overseeing everything from his throne, gripped onto his armrest as he felt increasingly worried for her daughter.

With the tension slowly building up, the monk frantically wiped his bald head with a towel as he also started to feel anxious.

"D-Do you...with all your heart, take this woman as your wife, to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?"

Hearing the question he has been waiting for ever since the wedding ceremony started, the groom stood in front of the crowd watching them and said:

"I do! I do!!! This woman is, and always will be, my wife for all eternity! You hear that? I've been dying to declare that to everyone!"

Shock! Everyone gasped at his boldness. 'How shameless!' the nobles started to chatter among themselves, as they look at him with eyes of scorn.

"That man...what is he trying to do?!" The king grumbled angrily. His wife on the other hand covered her mouth in shock, as she also couldn't believe that he can do such thing in front of all these people.

The young man then turned over his shoulder and raised his eyebrow at the monk, implying him to also ask the bride the question. The monk reluctantly nodded, and asked Lerish: "Do you, with all your heart, take this man as your husband, to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and to honor him all the days of your life?"

Everyone became silent at that point, waiting for the princess' reply. With everyone looking at her, Lerish felt extremely nervous and afraid. She glanced to her father, who then returned a very sharp gaze.

'What should I do now?' her mind screamed at her in panic. All her life, she devoted her all to be of great help to the nation, going as far as to become betrothed to a person she doesn't know at all. Now that she fully know the taste of defiance, how would she act accordingly to her situation?

'A [yes] and a [no] for an answer would lead to doom either way. If that's the case, the one that takes a longer path is...'

"I...I..."

CRRRAAAAASSSSHHHHHHH!!!!!

--?!

All of a sudden, a loud crashing sound exploded inside the hall. 'Explosion! Explosion!' everyone screamed, but they realized almost instantly what happened.

'A...carriage?'

No doubt about it. From the sky, a carriage came crashing down and fell into the groom, who was caught off guard by the loud sound coming from above. The resulting pile of dust and debris caused much confusion and fear among the crowd, afraid that they might be attacked by someone. Guards quickly mobilized themselves around the king and the guests, prepared to defend them to the last breath.

However, unlike everyone--one soul became heartened by the sight in front of her.

"Sorry, Your Highness...am I late for your wedding?"

Standing on top of the debris, a young man looked at her, and spoke with a bold expression on his face. The princess, with tears flowing down, returned a blissful smile and said:

"No...you arrived just on time, Ren."