Chapter 104: Marriage
“It took a bit of trouble to persuade His Majesty, but it was a relief that my son and granddaughter were surprisingly enthusiastic. My granddaughter, though I say so myself, is a fine young woman. I’m sure you’ll be satisfied. Now, Lord Baumgarten. Let’s go.”
It was only then that I finally realized I’d been tricked by General Altmeier.
The reward… is General Altmeier’s granddaughter?!
What about the national treasure? Isn’t there a Holy Sword?!
“Congratulations, Lord Baumgarten!”
“Congratulations!”
“Truly joyous!”
“Congratulations!”
I wanted to go home right this instant, but the atmosphere didn’t seem like it would allow for that.
“What’s wrong, Lord Baumgarten? The treasure of House Altmeier awaits, you know? I wouldn’t think it possible, but… surely you don’t find my granddaughter unsatisfactory?”
There, unbefitting this joyous occasion, stood an Asura. Of course, it was General Altmeier. Scary… So much so that my body couldn’t help but tremble.
“I-I was trembling with joy at the prospect of becoming related to you, General…”
“Is that so, is that so! Well then, let’s go!”
General Altmeier, in high spirits, clapped me on the back twice, and I stepped onto the red carpet. There’s no escape route for me anymore…
I’ve never been married, not even in my previous life. Or rather, I’ve never even dated anyone of the opposite sex. To think my first marriage would be decided so forcefully…
“Congratulations!”
“Congratulations!”
While being congratulated by everyone, I walked towards the Pontiff feeling like a death row inmate about to be executed. At the Pontiff’s side, I could see the back of a delicate-looking girl already dressed in a white gown.
Come to think of it, who is the bride? I hope she’s at least a decent person…
Beyond the bride’s white veil, which I looked at without much expectation, I unexpectedly saw the faint outline of a familiar face.
“Lady Cassandra?”
“Grandfather must have made an unreasonable demand, hasn’t he? I am truly sorry.”
Cassandra said apologetically, her eyebrows lowered. But she carried herself with dignity. Just as General Altmeier said she was enthusiastic about the marriage itself, it felt like her resolve was already set, perhaps?
I wish she’d share some of that resolve with me…
“The bride and groom are both present. Well then…”
Once the Pontiff confirmed Cassandra and I were there, he began to chant what seemed to be a prayer to the Goddess in a clear, sonorous voice.
“Lady Cassandra, I heard you were enthusiastic about this marriage, but is that true?”
I whispered to Cassandra beside me. I’ve met Cassandra-jou several times, but we’ve rarely spoken directly. Does she really want to marry me, with whom she has such a tenuous connection?
If Cassandra-jou is being forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, then I…
In the first place, I have absolutely no confidence when it comes to romance. Including my previous life, I’ve never even dated a woman. Thanks to Cornelia, who’s been with me since before I was born, I’ve gotten somewhat used to dealing with girls, but for that to suddenly turn into marriage…
I can’t see any vision of this working out at all…
As if to laugh away my anxieties, Cassandra showed a faint smile.
“I was born as the daughter of a noble. It’s inevitable that I would marry someone someday. Please don’t worry. I, too, have my own reasons for choosing you as my marriage partner.”
“Huh…?”
A dumbfounded sound escaped me at Cassandra’s unexpected answer.
And then, I felt a shock as if I’d been hit on the head with a brick.
Cassandra wants to marry me for her own purposes. It’s not that she loves me.
I thought I understood it intellectually. Noble marriages are political marriages. It’s rare for love to be involved. And that young ladies with a pragmatic mindset like Cassandra are the majority.
But somewhere, I had been hoping for love in it.
I’m worried if Cassandra and I can get along…
But then, I noticed. Cassandra’s smile lacked brilliance. The Cassandra who was near Claudia should have had a more natural smile.
And looking closely, I noticed her body was trembling slightly.
That’s right. Cassandra is leaving her home to join the Baumgarten family. She must be feeling even greater anxiety than I am.
I have to pull myself together.
“Lady Cassandra, it might not be possible right away. But I will definitely make an effort to love you. So, I want you, Lady Cassandra, to also make an effort to love me. Let’s be happy together. So much that everyone will be envious.”
“!”
Cassandra’s body jolted.
“As expected of the Princess’s… I was caught off guard and my heart fluttered for a gentleman. This is the first time this has happened. I thought you might dislike me. However, I will also try to make an effort to love you. A harmonious family is the most important thing, after all.”
I felt like Cassandra’s expression softened just a little.
It’s good news that Cassandra will also try to love me. I hear that arranged marriages have lower divorce rates than love marriages, and we might surprisingly be able to build a good family.
I hope we can build one… No, we will build one!
“Then, the vow kiss.”
“Eh?”
The vow kiss? That famous vow kiss exists in this world too?!
What should I do?! Or rather, is it really okay to kiss her?!
“First, please lift my veil.”
As I was hesitating, I heard Cassandra whisper in a small voice.
I simply followed Cassandra’s instructions and lifted her veil.
“!”
Perhaps she was embarrassed to kiss in front of so many people, Cassandra’s exquisitely beautiful face was slightly flushed red.
Her beauty was such that I involuntarily gasped.
Is someone this beautiful really going to be my bride?
Cassandra, who was about the same height as me, gently closed her eyes. It was the so-called “waiting for a kiss” face.
That’s right. This is a wedding ceremony. And this is the vow kiss. There’s no way I can run.
Brace yourself, Dietfried Baumgarten!
Clack!
“!?”
“!?”
Perhaps I misjudged the distance due to nervousness; I ended up bumping forcefully into Cassandra’s mouth. Our teeth clashed through our lips, making a small sound.
My first kiss tasted just a little bit like blood.