December 10th, 628

  I slowly woke up as the sun peeked past the edges of the curtains. A long, natural sleep with a week’s worth of winding down had me feeling refreshed.

  My breathing deepened as I came to full wakefulness, Umara stirring just as I did. She had been sleeping longer too, but today, we were about as relaxed as we could be.

  Of course, the reality of what was occurring today was quick to rouse us. Umara and I looked at each other, her chin lifting so she could look at me from where she rested on my chest.

  We both smiled, her breathing quickening until she got too excited to keep acting casual.

  She let out a cute squeal.

  “Aaahhhh! Hahaha! Today’s the day!! Six! Long! Years! Later!”

  She rolled over me, spinning around a few times before straddling me and leaning down to face me from above.

  She had a wide smile, which I returned.

  “Six years later. Well, and four days.”

  “We didn’t go on that mission and have our first date until four days later anyway. So it can be considered six years exactly.“

  “Ah, right. When I got wounded by the spiked wolf and lay on your lap in the Crawler. Man, those were some fun times. Different times.”

  “I know. And six years later, here we are.”

  She lowered herself down, lying on top of me and staring into my eyes.

  Six years ago, on December 6th of the year 622, at the small base called Nagalev Bastion, Umara had asked me out on a date.

  Now, six years later, we were finally getting married.

  It truly had felt like an entire lifetime. I could hardly recognize myself, or the world, compared to back then.

  The two of us had gone through too much together. We had fought for each other, fought for our relationship, managed to secure it against all odds, not even Anarchy capable of ruining us.

  Our very beings hinged on the success of our relationship.

  Now we were taking the final step. At this point, it could be considered merely symbolic. There would be few things different after this. However, our marriage was precisely one of those markers for success. It could be considered the marker for success.

  It was extremely important to both of us that we were married. And mere hours from now it would be happening.

  There was only one downside.

  I smiled at Umara as she started pressing against me, thin clothes doing little to mask the sensations.

  “Careful now. We still have the entire day left.”

  “I get more impatient by the minute. But yes, I suppose it must wait.”

  She sighed and rolled off of me, standing as the monitor devices for our room sent off little alarms that people were approaching our door.

  She muttered under her breath.

  “God forbid we consummate in a building full of Sovereigns. That’s a great way to get watched without knowing.”

  “Thankfully we have a jet to put some healthy distance between us. We can leave the reception early. Just gotta wait until then.”

  I stood with her, giving her a peck on the lips before we suddenly heard knocks.

  “Umara! Clock is ticking, babe!”

  I heard Jaya’s voice, giving Umara a small smack on the rear before letting her go.

  “Time to get ready. I’ll see you at the Chapel, my lovely bride.”

  “As will I, my lovely groom.”

  We shared another kiss before I let her scamper off, the girls taking her to Tana’s house where they had all set up camp for preparations.

  After she was gone, I started getting ready myself.

  I cleaned up with a long shower and shave before donning my suit. It had been custom made by Hans Meier, who had made my other suits. I knew no better couturier, and this suit had demanded both his utmost skill as well as an eye watering price tag.

  Umara was going to be wearing a more conventional white dress, but that was only more conventional by this world’s standard. As for myself, I had a plethora of options to choose from when designing the suit.

  I could have dressed in military garb, wearing a dress uniform with my ranks, awards, and plenty of other icons earned from my time in both the Kingdom’s military as well as Iron Legion.

  I didn’t care to do that though. I wasn’t going to wear anything from the Kingdom and I would rather match my bride than wear something tacky that was inspired by Iron Legion.

  That left standard suit designs, and mine was a more conventional white and black tux. Accented with purple to match her eyes, made with the finest fabrics this continent had to offer, and then enchanted a dozen times over for both style as well as preservation, the suit was nothing less than an artistic masterpiece. Flowing purple enchantments that blended with the black fabrics, perfectly conformed to my body, and not a single square inch left without intention. It was an incredible suit by any standard, no matter how basic the color palette was. Just like good beef didn’t need elaborate seasoning to be a top tier steak, my suit found its excellence in quality, not flashy styles or schemes.

  My suit was on within minutes. I spun a few times in the bathroom, which was outfitted with enough mirrors to see my entire body, and made sure not a fold was out of place.

  With that, I was ready to get married. Didn’t mean everyone else was, though.

  I stepped out of my bedroom, leaving it behind after activating just about every enchantment inside of it there was. That included the studies. We were going to have Sovereigns over and just like how Umara and I wouldn’t be having sex where we could be spied on, I wouldn’t leave behind anything that could be taken, no matter how unlikely. Both of our studies had already been cleared of anything with even remote substance. They were just about desolate, and I didn’t care what it might look like to others. If a Sovereign peeked and saw nothing, then it only proved that I was right not to trust them. If none of them did, then they’d never know the precautions I took, and all would be happy.

  Still, it’d be some time before I trusted the building again. Who knew if any of them would leave something behind? I’d have to keep an eye on Hallowlight. She was the one who worried me most, being a Warlock. Knights were easy to predict because their arsenal was limited. Warlocks had limits only as great as their imagination and expertise.

  And all of them had Auras I couldn’t fathom. No amount of caution was too great.

  After walking out of my bedroom I found many of the maids and butlers running around making final preparations. Every inch of the estate was being cleaned to perfection, and supplies were being prepared for this evening. The ballroom was the busiest by far, but no spot would go unattended.

  Of course, there were more than just my own maids and butlers working. We had brought in triple the staff and a wide variety of chefs. Some of the chefs were famous, having been hired days ago so that they could prepare well in advance and ensure service was impeccable.

  With enough money, it was incredible the level of quality one could achieve. Right now, I was the richest man in the world, richer than even Sovereigns, and only matched by the King and Pope in terms of movable wealth. That’s what revolutionary technological advances and monopolies did for a man, and for a week now I had been wielding all the power that amount of money gave me to make this singular day as special as it could be.

  Back on Earth, there were entire jobs dedicated to simply managing the moving parts of a wedding. Here, I was doing it all myself, and it was hardly stressful thanks to both money and my greater mind.

  And Erhan, of course. The man had been working nonstop for days with the rest of the staff.

  None of the workers nearby greeted me as I walked past, focusing on their tasks as they had been trained. I made my way down to the living area, and once the door opened I could see all of the men getting ready.

  Most of them were in their suits, or most of their suits. The ones here were Vetsmon, Feiden, Kwon, Song, Ponteck, and Blackblood.

  The others wore their own suits, but Vetsmon and Feiden were my two best men, and they were wearing two custom made suits that looked similar to mine.

  It looked like they were chattering when I came in, drinking too, if the flask Blackblood quickly hid was any indication.

  They all stood when I entered, Vetsmon laughing.

  “The man of the hour! Looking good!”

  “Feeling good. We’ve got the ceremony in three hours. We almost ready to leave?”

  “Seems like it. Not much to do other than get dressed. It’s the ladies who are running around like the world is on fire. I don’t dare go near that house.”

  Vetsmon chuckled wryly, the others nodding in agreement.

  I just shrugged.

  “Well, let’s not give them anything to complain about, or they’ll have us all by the balls. So, Blackblood, I hear Jaya is your date today.”

  The man choked on his sip of liquor behind me. We all turned to him, which clearly put him on the defensive.

  “Hey, who else was I supposed to take?! Being stuck on the frontlines leaves little room for mingling, especially when all the Sector Four agents we work with are helmeted. And it’d be more embarrassing to not have a date at all!”

  “Hey man, I’m not judging. To each their own. I’m just surprised she even accepted.”

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?!”

  “Eh, don’t get your panties in a twist. Just don’t disappoint me either.”

  I walked to the side as his brain churned, trying to figure out what I was getting at.

  I stopped behind Feiden, who sat in a chair already fully dressed.

  “As for you, big boy.”

  My hands came down, slapping his shoulders before my fingers moved to massage around the area.

  He shivered under my grip.

  “Oh hell no.”

  He tried to get up, only to be shoved back down into the seat.

  “I didn’t say you could go anywhere.”

  “When the fuck did you get so strong…”

  “I heard a little something from the grapevine about your date too. Care to elaborate on why it's not me?”

  “...Huh?”

  He let out a weird sound, turning around to face me and receiving my stink eye.

  “Don’t ‘huh’ me. You only got three hours to tell me how you really feel, because when I take those vows, that’s it, mister. This thing we got going on? No more after that.”

  “Wha… What thing?!”

  “Always playing dumb. Maybe you’ll understand what you’re losing after I’m gone.”

  “I dont… huuhh?”

  I stepped away, leaving Feiden sufficiently confused.

  I checked my Aerial, seeing that it was about time for me to leave.

  “Alright, be ready and don't keep everyone who is about to be at the Chapel waiting. I need to leave so that there’s someone there to greet everyone.”

  “Well, we can leave with you.”

  “No no, you all need to escort your ladies. Except for you, Ponteck. Your lady is waiting at the Chapel, so you’ll follow me.”

  “You asked Katta?!”

  Blackblood blurted out in surprise, Ponteck shrugging.

  “I quite like her.”

  “She’s a fucking psycho.”

  “I think you’re just mellow, but keep talking like that. See how far it gets you.”

  “Hm, nevermind. You’re insane too…”

  Blackblood waved him off as Ponteck brandished a knife, my steps already taking me to the door.

  “Let’s get going. I can’t be late.”

  “Sure.”

  Ponteck followed with large strides, the two of us leaving and taking ourselves to the airfield where we boarded a plane. Erhan was too busy to drive us, so I just drove myself.

  Ponteck and I settled into the plane, soon in the air and pointed to the Holy See. I’d need to install a teleportation nexus in my estate when I got the chance next. Not like Umara’s family wasn’t known for doing exactly that, so soon I wouldn’t have to fly absolutely everywhere, just most places.

  The two of us sat across from each other, Ponteck staring out the window as I stared at him for a bit. I knew he had something on his mind, despite his best attempts to trick me otherwise. He wasn’t yet nuanced enough in the way of mentality to hide from me.

  Eventually, he finally spoke.

  “I have something to ask about, as awkward as it might seem.”

  “Well I see no reason to make it weird. Shoot.”

  He pondered in silence for a second, eventually facing me.

  “I know we were both in the Calamity Class. Maybe we have a neutral relationship since I didn’t do anything abhorrently dishonorable during our retreat from Anarchy, balancing out with our rivalry. Still, I’m confused as to why you think I’m high enough on your list to be invited to your wedding. In fact, I wondered the same thing when you accepted me into Sector Four. Back then I justified my approval as you wanting my talent. But this isn’t the same thing, obviously.”

  “You don’t think we’re close enough to warrant the invitation.”

  “Put simply, yes. I’m wondering why you think we are.”

  “Hmm, anybody else might think you’re telling them off.”

  I smirked, Ponteck shrugging and leaning back.

  “You’re too smart for such misunderstandings.”

  “Indeed I am. Well, let me think.”

  I gave the question a small ponder before responding.

  “You saved our lives during the retreat from Anarchy, when everyone else abandoned us to use us as bait. You were an honorable opponent during the Magisterium tournament. Then after you came to Iron Legion, you proved yourself to be a trustworthy knight for us to fight alongside. I brought you to the Island of Continuance, which continues to be one of my top secrets, and thus far you haven’t betrayed my trust. As for any so called rivalries, I hardly considered them such.”

  “Even though I was one of Umara’s suitors?”

  “You and half the nobility. You were hardly special, but more notably you were one of the few who didn’t move on her. It was everyone else who was trying to pit us against each other, all those with special interests in seeing my head on a platter for daring to do what I did.”

  “But then you beat me.”

  Ponteck concluded, making me nod.

  “Yes, I beat you. I did it fair and square in front of the entire Capital and wiped out every collusion against me with brute force. After that was Anarchy, and by then all those things hardly mattered. It was never personal in the first place anyway, for either of us. Which is why I didn’t let it get in the way of us developing a relationship. Both of us were too smart and too talented to let the petty politics get in our way. Because we both knew what really mattered.”

  “The Scourge?”

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “Well, that and personal power. Even wiping out the Scourge comes secondary to cultivating power, because they can’t be wiped out without top end Authorities. I don’t expect everyone else to be as hellbent as I am on destroying the Scourge. Want it, yes. Expect it, no. But I do care that when the time comes and the Scourge is marching across our lands, there are those who are capable of putting up a fight in the first place. And as far as I’m concerned, any reason that makes someone work for and cultivate their skill and power is a good reason to me.”

  I took out a cigar and pointed at him with it.

  “You have that. I respect you, Ponteck. It’s why I brought you on. And now, after enough time in Sector 4, I consider us friends. I don’t have very many of those for obvious reasons, so sure, I may not be as close with you as I am with those like Feiden and Vetsmon, but at this point it would be weirder for me to not invite you to my wedding. I’ve fought for life and death beside you at Continuance, and you’re an important member of my Desert Eagles. Don’t underestimate what that means, and don’t underestimate yourself either. Katta might end up losing interest in you if you start losing confidence.”

  I smiled and lit the cigar, Ponteck shifting a bit uncomfortably.

  “Was I that obvious?”

  “No, she was that obvious. You should be careful though. She’s basically a princess, daughter of the Church’s most powerful and prestigious General Valdemar, who holds the rank of Sovereign despite being a Summoner. You have access to her file, so I’m sure you’ve read it. Her name demands greatness, and her personality, well, I’m sure you know full well how much it demands. Either way, at my wedding, you’re not going to be allowed to slouch those shoulders. Her father is going to be there, primarily to meet me, but don’t think you’re going to be able to escape him. He loves his daughter very much, and he’s no less powerful or intelligent than I. We’re in extremely similar positions, after all.”

  Ponteck sighed as I puffed some smoke, feeling the weight of his decisions bear down on him. It made me chuckle a bit.

  “Next time don’t go for the highest daughter of the land.”

  “I didn’t actually know who she was at first… And that’s awfully hypocritical of you.”

  “Hey, it’s not like Umara is the King’s daughter.”

  “But you were still a commoner. At least I’m the son of a Marquess. It’s proportional.”

  “Eh, semantics. Still your fault, and now you get to have a world renowned master of strategy bore into your soul with the power of a summoner.”

  He groaned again, making me laugh as the jet continued streaking through the sky.

  Before long, we had landed in the Holy See.

  And I prepared myself for the next handful of hours.

  ……

  …

  “It’s good to see you, mother dearest.”

  “You’re still an hour too early to be calling me that.”

  Talexia reached up so she could hug John, a smile on her face, consequence of the infectious atmosphere of the Chapel.

  It was almost the middle of December and yet the sun was bright in the sky. The Sacred Chapel, the most famous and desired landmark for weddings, funerals, and other such occasions, was glistening with polished stone architecture, metal inlays, engraved accents, and beautiful renditions of Christ in stained glass. Every surface was lightly coated by the morning snow that hadn’t yet melted, the nearby streets filled with cars carrying all those in attendance of the event.

  The two separated, Talexia glancing around. She wasn’t the only one of high status here, far from it. She could already see Anderson lingering about with other high names of the Church.

  After John had greeted Ikhor, she asked.

  “Where’s my daughter?”

  “She’s in one of the preparatory rooms, third down that hallway.”

  “Then I will stay out of your way. Can’t keep your incredible guests unattended.”

  “Heh, just wait until reception.”

  John chuckled, Talexia walking off to find Umara, leaving Ikhor behind.

  She quickly found the door, her gaze turning inquisitive when she heard the dense chatter beyond.

  She knocked, getting a quick response.

  “No more visitors unless you’re the mother of the bride!”

  “I am she.”

  “Oh.”

  The door opened, Talexia seeing Jaya, one of Umara’s friends who apparently loved low cut dresses. It was a bit jarring, the dichotomy between her unbearably cute face and treacherous body.

  Jaya beamed when she saw Talexia.

  “Auntie’s here! Everyone, shove over! Let the mother through!”

  The chatter hushed noticeably, Talexia stepping in to see a dozen girls all about the room in their dresses and touching on their makeup, Faey among them.

  Talexia recognized most of them, but didn’t care much to glance through them all.

  At one end of the room, sitting behind a large vanity table, was Umara. The bride met her gaze through the mirror, unable to contain her smile.

  Talexia silently walked over, stopping behind Umara and brushing her nails through Umara’s flowing hair.

  The white dress she wore was pristine. Made from pearlescent fibers, it had lace covering the chest up to the neck and sleeves that went to her wrists, protecting against the cold and enchanted suitably. Talexia was afraid to so much as touch her, as if her mere skin oils would stain the dress's cleanliness. It was such a perfect white, and Umara’s hair flowed into it like they were made for each other.

  It was a masterpiece. Talexia had been slightly worried since she hadn’t given any oversight to the creation of the dress. John said that he had someone to handle it, and she had worried that they wouldn’t be skilled or dedicated enough to do a job worthy of her daughter.

  But quite the contrary, Talexia had never seen such fine work done on anything but those dresses made for the King’s own daughters, dresses made through projects that lasted upwards of a year.

  She was relieved, her eyes not able to pick out even the slightest flaw. Everywhere she looked, from the seams to the designs, was flawless, created with purpose and masterful hands.

  “I have no words, my dear. You look wonderful.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I’ve been ready for an hour now. Just waiting for the ceremony to start.”

  “Have you talked to John?”

  “No, we haven’t seen each other since we woke up this morning. Next time I see him will be in the aisle.”

  Umara flushed a bit, Talexia smiling even though she was a bit confused about why they wouldn’t see each other beforehand.

  John was probably busy. He was running the wedding, after all. It was no small event.

  The chatter around them picked back up a bit, Talexia unable to find anything to ask.

  There were simply too few doubts about it all. A part of her wanted to think that it was too good to be true, but they already had 6 years to think about it. She certainly had, and she knew both John and Umara had given it many weeks and months of thought.

  She believed in both of them, which was why she was okay with letting it be out of her hands.

  She stayed with Umara for a while longer before eventually letting Ikhor in. That’s also when all the girls evacuated the room to find their seats in the main hall.

  It was only a half hour to the ceremony.

  Talexia went to her family, most of whom were from their closest ties among the branches. The Ancestors would have her by the throat if she dared to leave them out, and John had said it was okay, so here they were. By now, nobody in the family was capable of saying anything about John. Iron Legion had long been too successful, and John was too rich. And if satisfying their materialistic and political sides wasn’t enough, then there was little to say about his character. John had fought tooth and nail to be with Umara, which was saying far more than any other noble boy who had once been her suitor.

  While she started mingling with her family, she noticed John talking to a few other people. They were Anderson and Luna, Hallowlight who seemed to be by herself, and another couple.

  That couple was General Valdemar Korpela and his wife, a pair of faces Talexia did not expect to see today.

  She knew about him. Just about everyone worth their salt did. He was a Summoner at Authority 10 who was bestowed the rank of Sovereign for his deeds in the war against the King of Temptation. He strategized and orchestrated the death of the only King to die in the last several centuries, earning him the Icon of Victory, the highest military honor known which put his authority and influence near the level of the Pope.

  So there they were, three Sovereigns, three of the most powerful people in the world. Talexia wasn’t sure how the hell John had made such connections. He told her little about what he did, not that she had been pressed to know before.

  She hadn’t even known that Luna was related to Anderson. Based on how she was holding his arm, with rings on their fingers, they had to be married. That was a news flash to her, and its implications made her neck tingle.

  She wasn’t sure what to do, so for the moment, she decided to ignore them, letting John handle his high profile friends.

  She’d put them off for now, and hopefully they would disappear before the reception, so she wouldn’t have to see them long. There’s no way a Sovereign would stay to party at a reception, right?

  John bounced from one group to another. Some of them were Talerria family friends, others were from the black markets, some were from the military. There were a variety of people in attendance, and while most of them were there for the Talerria side, Talexia was relieved to see that John had plenty of friends show, almost enough to match them.

  The old Tavera Patriarch, with his wife, his grandson who currently held the Patriarch position, and his wife.

  Maxwell Albarain, John’s mentor and teacher.

  Plex and Libitus, from Divine Distribution, who John had started out with.

  The Puppet Master Benedict Altruit, from the Magisterium, the mentor of the Calamity Class as a whole.

  Chief Ironheart, close ally to the Talerrias and ally of Iron Legion.

  Pollina Demerius, John’s close friend and strategic confidant, second in command of Sector 4 alongside Jasmine.

  Vetsmon and Feiden, both of whom had their parents here.

  Tana, who had invited her mother and sister, barring her father.

  Sawn Sverrir, head of Sawn Industries, partnered with John.

  And… the wall?

  Talexia noticed John talking to what seemed like the wall at some point, but paid it little mind.

  The Chapel wasn’t full. In fact, it was far from it. The pews could hold 5 times the number of people and still be comfortable. The amount in attendance was incredibly small. Talexia had gone to weddings with thousands of people in attendance. More people usually meant higher status, not that it seemed to matter in this place.

  John was young, so his connections weren’t plentiful. Most importantly, his family wasn’t here. Talexia felt great sadness at that fact.

  Either way, there were fewer than 100 people in the Chapel. John had said he wanted to make the wedding low profile, attracting little attention. He had certainly achieved that, even though he actually opened it up. He hadn’t originally wanted the bulk of the Talerria family to come, but changed his mind later.

  A small wedding, but no less substantial than any other.

  “Everyone, please take your seats.”

  Talexia’s heart thrummed when she heard the announcement, her steps taking her to the back. The time had finally come.

  Everyone besides those who were to walk down the aisle rushed to sit, most spots already designated. With enough room, nobody was crammed and the Sovereigns were able to claim their desolate corners behind everyone so they could look cool and mysterious.

  Then, the organ started playing.

  It resonated through the Chapel, enough to fill every ear and stir the body, yet not enough to be overwhelming. It invigorated the soul, the sound bouncing off the architecture in a way that amplified the harmonics of the song.

  Then, the officiant stepped forward.

  Recommended by Vetsmon, his name was Father Jared. He walked with altar servers, veiled in thick robes that covered their faces and body, all except their hands.

  They took their place at the altar, and John stepped out.

  Linked with his arm was Talexia. Without his parents, there were few others suitable to be by his side. Since the father was to walk his daughter, the mother was free.

  John smiled widely as he walked with her, measured steps taking them down the long aisle.

  When they arrived at the front, Talexia turned to John, her smile taking on a hint of sadness.

  “I’m sorry your parents couldn’t be here for this, John. I know we’re no replacement.”

  “Maybe not, but after this, I’ll finally have people to call my family.”

  “Indeed you will. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

  She brushed a hair on his forehead back into place before the two hugged. Then Talexia went to her seat.

  After them were the groomsmen. First was Vetsmon, who walked with Tana. The bridesmaids wore dark purple dresses that matched well with the black tuxes of the groomsmen.

  The two wore flushed smiles as they took on the gazes, moving to their positions to the sides of the altar, Vetsmon bumping fists with John as he passed.

  After them was Feiden, and to the surprise of many, Faey.

  Feiden’s face was neutral, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Faey, as opposed, was flushed as she barely held herself together.

  The two moved to their positions, Shadowbane walking down next with her father, Chief Ironheart.

  Shadowheart moved to make three bridesmaids, as opposed to John’s two groomsmen.

  Behind them trailed the flower girl, who had been designated such after she herself nearly begged for it. She was Katta Korpela, and her steps took her skipping across the aisle, white rose petals being flung out of the basket by the handful, her enthusiasm earning a few chuckles.

  Then, the organ suddenly shifted symphonies. Those who hadn’t been completely turned around shifted.

  Ikhor stepped out, Umara linked to his arm, her face veiled by white lace. The two stepped down the aisle, children’s eyes glowing at the sight of Umara and her pure dress.

  John watched the two, an uncontained smile on his face, as they stepped to the altar.

  He moved to meet them, reaching out to accept Ikhor’s handshake.

  “I know no better man, John. I could hardly wait until we could call ourselves family.”

  “As could I. I will care for your daughter with my life and more.”

  “I know you will.”

  Their hands squeezed tight before Ikhor released Umara, turning to her and giving her a kiss on the forehead.

  “I’m glad that you can finally be happy, my lovely girl.”

  “I was never unhappy, Dad. I love you all.”

  Umara gave him a hug in response, the man seeming to age a decade in that instant.

  With a wide smile he let her go, Umara turning to John and linking arms with him.

  They moved to the altar, to stand in front of the priest with their hands together.

  And so, the invocation was given.

  “Brothers and Sisters, we are gathered here today for the holy matrimony between John and Umara…”

  He gave his opening. As a heavily religious ceremony, in the heart of the Holy See no less, words of sacrament and holiness were spoken. Unlike what John had often seen on Earth, there was no creativity or spontaneity with the process. The process was deeply rooted in many centuries of tradition and sacred practices.

  After the priest’s opening remarks, John and Umara kneeled on plush pillows before each other, and Father Jared underwent the process of Mass. Speaking the scripture and preparing the attendants for the reception of communion, the ceremony was not just a union, but the joining of two souls in the presence of Christ.

  They had to receive Him before they could be joined.

  And so they did. After the Mass was carried out, John and Umara had been prepared by rite. So they stood once more, and Father Jared gave a few more words before moving to the next step.

  “Now, we shall hear the vows of the bride and groom. John, are you prepared?”

  “I am.”

  Father Jared motioned, John squeezing Umara’s hands just a bit tighter, and speaking smoothly with perfect confidence.

  “Umara Arika Talerria. When I asked you to marry me, I believed I was selfish in my proposal. But perhaps back then, I hadn’t truly understood what that selfishness of mine meant. I’ve spent months thinking about what I would say here, what I would vow to you, and being here, in the presence of those we call family, friend, and ally, I think I finally understand what I need to say.

  “Umara, I will place you above everything and everyone short of our creator, God Almighty. I will place you above myself, place you above any other being on this planet and any possible material or concept. However, perhaps more importantly, I will place you even above my fight. I think what I hadn’t quite understood before was that dedication meant more than just giving you my time or my love, but also my goals and ambitions. To be joined with you means that I am to give you these things that give me purpose. You will become my purpose, the reason I fight, and the reason that I may forsake all else. Nothing of mine will come before you, and nothing I do will happen without you, whether that’s physically or spiritually.

  “I think that this way, I’ll be able to justify the selfishness of giving you my life and then receiving yours in turn.

  “I love you Umara, and I want to spend the rest of our lives proving it.”

  The Father nodded, turning to Umara and motioning for her to speak.

  She stood there silently for several seconds before everyone heard a sniffle come from her.

  John smiled a bit wider, speaking quietly.

  “You okay, love?”

  “I-I’m just trying not to ugly cry. I’m kinda glad I have the veil now.”

  “Hehe, take all the time you need.”

  They waited as Umara composed herself. Eventually her shuddering breaths calmed, and she cleared her throat, finally speaking her vows.

  “John, I think the one consistency throughout these last six years of knowing each other is that I’ve always been trying to match you. I can’t count the number of lessons that you’ve taught me in what it means to be better than I am. As a person, as a soldier, as a partner, you’ve shown me what it takes to be someone more than who I was. So many chains I didn’t know I had, most of which I had put there myself, were broken simply by watching you, learning from you. Now, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to match you, but I’m going to spend our entire lives trying. I’m going to spend our entire lives supporting you in everything you do. I’ve heard that the greatest form of love is not only unconditional, but that which you sacrifice for. So, if you’re to give everything to me, then I’m to give everything to you. No matter where we go, no matter what we do, even if the entire world is against us, I will always be at your side, and you will always be able to trust that you have my everything. No matter what happens, always and forever.

  “I love you John, and I can’t wait to tell you every day for the rest of our lives.”

  She finished, Father Jared nodding as the two stared at each other with wide smiles.

  “Now, the declaration. John, if you would.”

  He motioned, John nodding and reaching out.

  He lifted Umara’s veil, barely suppressing a chuckle when he saw a tear streak down one of her cheeks.

  After that, Father Jared guided John and Umara through their declaration of intent to marry, a special one born from the tradition of the Church that was both religiously and legally binding.

  Once finished, it came time for the rings. Vetsmon and Tana stepped out, handing John and Umara their rings, contained in crystalline containers.

  John opened his container, took out Umara’s ring, and handed the container back to Vetsmon. Umara did the same, and the two turned to each other, rings in hand.

  Then, Father Jared brought out holy water, which he sprinkled upon the presented rings.

  He motioned.

  “Please, exchange your rings.”

  John went first, Umara presenting her hand and allowing John to slip her ring over her finger. The ring was a masterpiece of both design and enchanting, a translucent Crystal shell that twisted around itself, within which was actively flowing liquid gold. It released no discernible magical signature, invisible to the senses, yet brilliant to gaze upon.

  It slipped over her finger flawlessly, fitting itself just slightly, snug but not constricting.

  Then Umara placed John’s ring on his finger. Yet another masterpiece, yet much more subtle than her own, John’s ring was made of pitch black crystal, within which shimmered blinking stars of white and purple.

  They both spoke.

  “Receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

  So the rings were on, and Father Jared led them in a final prayer, resounding through the Chapel.

  And so it was announced.

  “By the power of the Lord and declared by the authority of the Holy See and his Holiness the Pope Eracle Syagrius, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Father Jared stepped away, allowing John and Umara to step toward each other, embracing in their first kiss as a married couple.

  The Chapel roared with the sounds of the organ, the windows resonating and announcing to the world the foundation of a new marriage.

  All those in the pews stood and clapped, the groomsmen and bridesmaids stepping down as John and Umara separated from their long kiss.

  The five of them lined up on either side of the aisle, and were quickly joined by Ponteck, Blackblood, Jaya, Katta, Aki, Kwon, Song, Aria, Ilinca, Polly, and Jasmine.

  With eight on either side, Vetsmon suddenly called, his voice dominating even the organ.

  “PRESENT! ARMS!”

  All of them drew their weapons, ceremonial longswords on their waists, regardless of whether they were knight, warlock, or summoner.

  The longswords went up, forming an arch above the aisle as John and Umara stepped down from the altar.

  A salute, not as friends, but as soldiers.

  John and Umara paused for a second, staring at the unprompted display. It made John chuckle, but he said nothing and simply walked.

  The two passed under the swords, and once past, Vetsmon called again.

  “ORDER! ARMS!”

  The swords went down to be sheathed. With that, everyone started filing out of the pews, John and Umara leaving the Chapel.

  They stopped outside and turned, waiting as everyone exited. Once they were all outside, John spoke up.

  “Everyone! I thank you all for being at this wedding once again. The cars are here and ready to transport you to the airfield where you’ll be flown to my estate for the reception. It will be a quick flight, I promise. The party is only starting, so you all can go ahead and start filing in to be driven. As for those who are stopping here, I’d like to give you all goodbyes, so please come see me to the side.”

  John stepped away, Talexia taking charge of the Talerria family and moving everyone along. The rest moved with her command, everyone moving toward the cars lining the streets and piling in.

  John met with the ones who weren’t interested in going to the reception. He said a quick goodbye to the Key Master, who promptly disappeared with the promise of a gift that was still being prepared. Then there was General Valdemar, who naturally didn’t intend to visit the estate to party, even if his daughter was going.

  Some others were similar. However, John didn’t expect that not only would Anderson and Luna be going to the reception, but Hallowlight would be joining them.

  He had half expected them to leave, but fate had different plans. He was glad he had already prepared for such a scenario.

  And so everyone boarded a vehicle, heading to the airfield where a large transport plane was waiting and boarding people as they came.

  Once the last of them were in, the hatch closed.

  And they were off to the Whetted City, the ballroom of John’s estate promising a night of extravagance.