Chapter 123: The Marriage Ceremony
And today has finally arrived. It is the day of my wedding with Rio. Clad in a deep blue jacket adorned with golden and silver threads, paired with pristine white trousers, I walk alongside Rio, who is dressed in a pure white off-shoulder lace dress. Together, we make our way to the Temple.
“I’m a little embarrassed…”
According to the innkeeper, everyone changes into their ceremonial attire before heading to the Temple. It seems there isn’t a changing room at the Temple itself.
“Hehe… but I’m also a bit happy,” Rio replies, her eyes sparkling as she smiles up at me while linking her arm through mine.
As we stroll along the path to the Temple, passersby offer us cheerful congratulations and playful jests like “Congratulations!” and “You two are quite the lovebirds!” Hearing such kind words from the people around us makes me realize that not everyone in this world harbors ill intentions.
“You’re right. If I hadn’t been summoned to this Otherworld, I wouldn’t be here with Rio like this. It turns out, not everything has been bad.”
“Yeah.”
Before being summoned to this Otherworld, Rio and I had no connection whatsoever. We were technically classmates, but I hardly remember ever speaking to her.
“Welcome!”
As we arrive at the Temple, drawing attention from the gathered crowd, we are greeted by the elderly priestess who had assisted us during our previous visit.
“Good morning. Thank you for today,” I say respectfully.
“Hehehe, no need to be so formal. We can start right away, but do you have any guests you wish to invite?”
“Ah, yes. I believe they are already here, so it should be fine.”
On our way to the Temple, we stopped by the Rashiyu Trading Company, where we were informed that Fleur had already headed to the Temple.
“Very well then. Let us begin. You may watch from here,” she says, directing her words to Nil, my tamed monster.
Upon hearing this, Nil obediently sits down and lets out a big yawn.
“After a while, the bell will ring. That will be your cue to walk slowly towards the altar,” the priestess instructs.
“Understood.”
As I listen to the other procedures and important notes, the sound of the bell resonates from the roof above—Galan Galan. The sudden tolling heightens my tension. In a way, this bell might be the signal.
I glance at Rio beside me, and we nod in unison. Once I feel her grip on my arm tighten, I focus on the goddess statue at the altar ahead and begin to walk slowly forward. I can sense the presence of people entering the Temple behind us, but in this solemn atmosphere, I cannot afford to turn around. I hear Nil’s voice from behind, but I’m sure he is wishing us well.
The window behind the goddess statue seems to cast a radiant light, creating an illusion that the statue itself is glowing. As I squint against the brightness, the priestess, who had just been explaining the ceremony, appears at the altar, draped in a slightly more ornate robe. Her expression is serious, as if she senses the gravity of the moment.
As we approach the altar, she kneels before it. Seeing her nod, Rio and I join our hands together and close our eyes. I can feel the priestess slowly turning to face the goddess statue, and then I hear her voice, resonant and clear, as she offers a prayer. Gradually, I sense a brightness behind my eyelids, but I cannot open my eyes just yet.
The murmurs of the crowd grow louder around us. What could be happening? I had observed a wedding ceremony before, but I only vaguely remembered the goddess statue glowing. Is it truly shining now?
As I ponder this, I sense the priestess finishing her prayer and turning toward us.
“Shu, and Rio, you may open your eyes.”
As I do, I gasp in astonishment. The priestess is radiant. No, it’s the goddess statue that is glowing brilliantly. What is happening?
“Now, we shall continue with the vows to the goddess.”
“Y-Yes,” I reply, though I have many questions, I cannot interrupt this sacred moment.
“Do you vow to love and cherish each other in times of happiness and hardship, in wealth and poverty, in sickness and health, until death do you part?”
Yes. I will live in this world with Rio from now on. Even if strange things happen, this is a magical Otherworld. The priestess is proceeding with the ceremony as usual, and nothing particularly strange seems to be occurring.
With that thought, I feel a wave of relief wash over me. I turn to Rio and smile, and she returns the gesture with a warm smile of her own. Everything is fine.
“Yes. We vow,” we say in unison.
“Then, for the final vow, the kiss.”
Standing up, we face each other before the goddess.
“Rio, extend your left hand.”
“Huh?”
She questions me, but obediently extends her left hand, which I take gently. From the Dimensional Box, I retrieve the ring I acquired yesterday and slide it onto her left ring finger. It adjusts automatically, fitting perfectly.
“This…”
“Yes. It looks beautiful on you.”
The ring, crafted from Orichalcum, glimmers with a golden hue, and the gem set within it radiates a soft blue light. This ring is known as the “Substitute Ring.” It is said to protect its wearer from a fatal blow, but only once.
“Thank you.”
I return Rio’s smile as she gazes at the ring with delight. Placing my hands on her shoulders, she meets my gaze and slowly closes her eyes.
As I lean in, we share a kiss—and in that moment, the goddess statue shines even brighter, and my vision is engulfed in a blinding white light.