Chapter 124: The Super Speed Wedding
Upon arriving in the bustling city of Lanct, I immediately grasped the significance of Eleonora’s words: ‘If I can’t get married, I’ll die’.
As I attempted to pass through the first gate, adorned with its pristine white stucco walls, a celebratory banner fluttered in the wind. It read, 「CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MARRIAGE, PRINCESS ELEONORA!」
The pressure was intense.
Without any need for explanation, the entire city—its white stucco walls and red brick streets—was steeped in a festive atmosphere. I didn’t want to explain it, nor did I need to.
The street vendors confirmed my suspicions. They peddled strange items like ‘Silesie Hero Cookies’ and ‘Wedding Anniversary Cakes’.
By the way, the wedding cake was a shortcake with sliced strawberries inside, while the hero cookies had a bitter, almond-infused flavor. I couldn’t help but sample them; it’s the nature of a merchant-hero to check out new products.
「Here you go.」
Eleonora handed me a glass of juice. It was ‘Princess Knight Eleonora Juice’ supposedly flavored with white peach and supposedly derived from Eleonora’s image. But let me tell you, this was just plain wrong.
Embarrassingly, every product bore the stamp: ‘In Honor of Princess Eleonora’s Marriage’.
「Why are you, of all people, buying Eleonora Juice?」 「Because it’s the town’s signature product! Surely you’ve noticed.」
Fair enough.
With the city in this state, there was no turning back from marriage. If anyone dared to cancel the wedding now, riots would erupt.
Eleonora, known as the ‘War Maiden of Lanct’ was the daughter of a lord without a prospective groom. Half her title was a derogatory nickname, but the other half was a term of respect.
Despite being scorned for forsaking womanhood to fight for her domain, she was loved by the people as if she were their own daughter.
This sensation is quite peculiar. In my world, it’s somewhat akin to the situation where a popular voice actor, who missed out on marriage due to overwhelming popularity, is told, ‘Someone, please marry her already!’.
Despite being adored by the masses, the princess knight couldn’t find a suitable partner for marriage. Now that she’s finally tying the knot, it’s no wonder the city is celebrating.
The renowned tomboy princess of Lanct has found a long-awaited match, and the townspeople are genuinely rejoicing. The heartfelt goodwill is palpable.
Normally, being treated like this, Eleonora, would be swinging her sword in protest. But perhaps it’s difficult to object when the intentions are so pure.
As for the merchandise, it seems to sell quite well. Even replicas of the ‘Black Cedar Wooden Sword’ I crafted have made their way to storefronts. Undoubtedly, they spin tales of duels and romantic encounters, peddling them to curious tourists.
Lanct remains an enterprising city, resourceful enough to turn anything into a tourist attraction. It never ceases to amaze me.
「Hey, Takeru, it’s time to shed that grubby black robe.」
「True, ‘grubby’ might be a bit much, but I do need to greet the father and ask for his daughter’s hand.」
「Ugh, what are you saying?」
「Ouch! Stop with the punches… I thought my shoulder dislocated.」
Eleonora remains a formidable fighter.
Her punching power rivals that of Dyson. She just needs to reconsider her choice of attack methods.
The invisibility effect of the black robe has served us well throughout the city. But now, it’s time for a temporary farewell.
Farewell, wandering black marksman Drift Gunner. Perhaps we’ll cross paths again someday.
-0-
Upon entering Lanct Castle, we were greeted by a line of attendants in the grand entrance hall—Duke Emehart and Butler Knight Kato, among others.
「This is an honor, Your Excellency General King. Thank you for gracing us with your presence.」
Before I could even utter the words ‘Please give me your daughter.’, the father knelt before me.
I’m utterly lost in this unfamiliar situation.
「Ehto, Duke Emehart. Or perhaps I should address you as ‘Father’?」
「Do you dare call me ‘Father’!」
The composed leader of the union of lords, whom I’d always thought of as unflappable, now stood before the servants, tears streaming from his azure eyes, soaking the carpet.
This emotional outburst—though seemingly incongruous with his personality—confirmed that Eleonora, the princess knight, was indeed his daughter.
Without warning, the duke shuffled over and enveloped me in a bear hug.
「Oh, son-in-law, please take care of our somewhat headstrong daughter, Eleonora. Take care…」
「Understood, but just to clarify, I’m the one asking for her hand. Do you hear me, Duke Emehart?」
「Y-yes, my precious, I entrust mypreciousdaughtertoyouuuu!」
「Duke…」
It’s hopeless. His disheveled hair and overwhelming emotions render communication impossible. Even Emehart, who was once the epitome of composure, has succumbed to the princess knight’s influence.
「Hey, Kato-san!」
I called out, hoping the silver-haired, unflappable old steward would come to my rescue. But to my surprise, he had a handkerchief pressed to his face, stifling sobs. And upon closer inspection, all the servants were in tears too.
「Father, I found happiness.」
Eleonora summarized. At her words, the entire assembly crumbled into emotional wrecks. All that remained were their heartfelt repetitions: ‘Thank you for taking her’ and ‘Our princess is fortunate’.
The castle’s beloved princess had been the subject of such marriage worries. What on earth had she done to warrant this?
Merely contemplating marriage had plunged us into this infernal maelstrom of emotions.
Eleonora, you’ve worried everyone far too much…
※※※
「When will the wedding take place?」
「Right now!」
Duke Emehart, his handkerchief soaked, wiped away the tears with a towel handed to him by a maid. Then, with newfound vigor, he declared, ‘Let’s proceed immediately!’.
This suddenness was overwhelming.
「But surely there are preparations to be made.」
「Everything is ready. And fear not, Your Excellency General King, your attire is here.」
A whole closet on wheels was wheeled in.
How many outfits were in there?
A single tuxedo would suffice, but apparently, variety was the order of the day.
「However, it’s quite late today.」
「Nonsense! If today isn’t enough, we’ll continue tomorrow. Let’s hurry with the ceremony!」
Why was everyone so frantic about this marriage?
Duke Emehart, usually composed and unruffled, seemed to have undergone a character transformation.
「Hey, Kato-san, tell the Duke to calm down. 」
「Hero-sama, we have already reserved the wedding venue. This is Her Eminence Archbishop Marea of the city of Lanct. 」
Hey, hey, why are you bringing the archbishop already? Are you planning to hold the wedding here?
Kato-san is giving instructions to the butler and maids in the shadows and hurriedly moving things around while smiling cheerfully at us. Even Kato-san seemed to be in a hurry. 」
「I think we should hurry up, otherwise Takeru might change his mind. 」
「Why is Eleonora in a hurry too? 」
Even if you don’t rush, I’m not going to run away and I’m not going to change my mind.
How much of a lax man do they think I am?
-0-
Incidentally, the metropolis of Lanct is home to one of the six cathedrals of bishops in the world.
The royal city of Silesia also has a cathedral, but from an archdiocesan point of view, it is incorporated into the cathedral of the bishop of Lanct, which is of the higher rank.
The Archbishop Marea, wearing a splendid bishop crown and an archbishop’s uniform that was a gorgeous white and silver jeweled version of the sister’s uniform worn by Ria, was a sister with long sepia colored hair.
She appeared youthful and beautiful, but as a sister of the Asama Church, her age remained an enigma from the moment she devoted herself to the goddess (apparently, some divine precept ensures this—typical of our revered deity).
「Hello. It’s nice to meet you, Archbishop Marea.」
「Well, well, congratulations on this occasion. Silesie’s Hero Takeru-sama.」
The archbishop knelt, her pure white vestments billowing. Seeing her here, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was on par with that homo archbishop.
For a moment, I considered asking about her colleagues, but I refrained. Asama Church’s upper echelons likely grappled with reconciling diverse viewpoints due to their commitment to intellectual freedom. When believers are granted liberty, it inevitably gives rise to staunch proponents who take radical actions akin to the New Cult.
「I wonder if the congratulations are in order. I’m about to marry for the seventh time—hope that’s acceptable.」
「Asama is a magnanimous goddess. As a hero, you’ve had your fair share of brides. Please, hold a generous heart.」
I always think this: Asama’s generosity knows no bounds.
It’d be easier if they scolded me for my indiscretions. When they insist, ‘Please, go ahead.‘ I find myself hesitating.
「Ehto, about the wedding ceremony—will it take place in the grand cathedral?」
「Yes, hero-sama has yet to visit Lanct’s cathedral. While not overly large, it boasts a rich history. As the bishopric is located here, I, a humble novice, am honored to serve as the archbishop.」
The term ‘novice’ sounds like a reminder that she’s still young.
Well, I do harbor some biases against Asama Church personnel.
「Thank you for your assistance.」
「By the way, Hero-sama, since you’ve taken Steriana as your wife, she is no longer a sister. One could interpret this as creating an opening for a new Hero’s attendant sister.」
「I won’t bother you with that.」
「Kuh. I am unparalleled in divine magic power, to the point where even a group of priests in this area would be unable to defeat me. I hold the esteemed rank of First-Class Certified Hero Support. Please favor me with your trust, as I am here to be of service.」
Before the wedding, Archbishop Marea inexplicably began job hunting to become a Hero’s attendant sister.
Isn’t she already serving as the Archbishop of the historic Cathedral? Her divine magical abilities could be put to use for the city.
But no, I can’t let my guard down around the Church of Asama personnel.
-0-
Feeling rushed by everyone, I half heartedly selected a black tuxedo and changed into it.
This is already my second wedding, so I’m used to it.
After changing, I emerged to find Eleonora had switched from her ‘Flame Armor’ to a pale peach-colored wedding dress.
「What a quick change.」
The notion that women take a long time to change clothes doesn’t seem to apply to Eleonora.
Being battle-hardened, she’s naturally swift at everything. After all, survival in her world demands it.
「A wedding dress is a woman’s battle attire.」
「Well, considering that, it suits her quite well.」
While I had insisted on a pure white wedding dress, the soft pink hue isn’t bad either.
Eleonora, who fights covered in both enemy and ally blood, evokes an image of crimson.
Her spirited demeanor combined with the elegant yet understated dress and the pink veil gives her a gentle femininity.
Now, if she just keeps her head down silently, who would ever guess that this bride is none other than the Princess Knight Eleonora?
Indeed, the fashion sense of the Lanct Duchy is truly admirable.
Rather than a fox borrowing the tiger’s might, it’s more like the tiger is wearing a cat disguise.
-0-
Following Archbishop Marea’s lead, we were paraded through the streets in a carriage.
The preparations weren’t a lie or a joke; as we left Lanct Castle, a velvet path adorned the red brick streets, leading all the way to the church.
The festive crowd had already gathered, tossing colorful seasonal flowers and cheering enthusiastically.
Just moments ago, they were leading their normal lives—where did all this preparation come from? It’s almost too perfect.
「Things escalated quickly, it’s hard to stay calm.」
My grumbling was drowned out by the citizens’ jubilant cries of ‘Congratulations on your marriage!’ and their repeated cheers.
The city was putting forth its full effort to ensure Eleonora became my bride as swiftly as possible.
The pressure to keep me from escaping was intense.
This entire city is intimidating.
But well, this is my second grand wedding, so I know the drill.
I’ll respond to the citizens’ cheers dutifully and make my way to the cathedral.
Becoming accustomed to weddings like this—can it really be a good thing? No one’s stopping me, so I’ve unintentionally become a serial groom. Is it truly appropriate to celebrate?
As we persevered through the parade, the grand cathedral came into view, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I won’t complain now, but public ceremonies like this are definitely not my forte.
「It’s quite beautiful.」
「Huh? You mean me?」
I thought he was referring to the church, but well, let’s just say it’s about Eleonora.
Archbishop Marea’s pride is well-founded—the square church with its white stucco walls exudes a solid elegance compared to other churches obsessed with extravagant spires.
The subtle silver embellishments on the church’s white stucco walls, tastefully arranged, likely cost more than stained glass. Yet, their unassuming presence is almost infuriatingly charming.
In the medieval fantasy world, it might seem odd to say this, but the cathedral’s sense of history coexists harmoniously with a modern touch.
Its dignified yet fresh appearance truly befits Lanct, a city renowned for its cutting-edge cultural and technological prowess.
-0-
After the fervent cheers of the crowd, stepping into the cathedral felt like a sudden drop in temperature. The atmosphere is divine.
The slightly dim interior, with its red carpet, allowed the light streaming through the stained glass to dazzle brilliantly.
The wooden ceiling displayed intricate marquetry, depicting the city’s history. The level of detail achieved using inlaid wood alone was breathtaking—a testament to the painstaking effort and advanced craftsmanship.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to donate spontaneously—truly worthy of Lanct.
Though it’s not my place to say, I secretly relished the idea of a solemn wedding in this serene atmosphere.
Archbishop Marea conducted the ceremony with the gravity it deserved, exchanging vows: In sickness and in health.
As I lifted Eleonora’s delicate veil, I glimpsed an unquestionably beautiful princess.
Wedding dresses must be the most enchanting attire for women worldwide. After all, they’re meant to be worn only once in a lifetime.
When I kissed Eleonora’s soft, crimson lips—so sweet it felt lethal—I resolved to dutifully accompany this troublesome princess for life.
As the saying goes, ‘If you’ve already swallowed poison, finish the plate.’ So, no more hesitation.
「Truly, you’ve become my wife.」
「What are you saying now?」
I won’t be crass enough to remind her that she was the one who insisted on marrying me.
After the vows, Eleonora, momentarily dazed, looked adorably lost.
Indeed, everything proceeded at an astonishing speed.
It’s no wonder Eleonora, unable to keep up, appeared bewildered.
Since she’ll likely revert to her usual knightly self soon enough, I want to cherish this slightly adorable version of Eleonora just a little longer.
Though it’s something I shouldn’t do repeatedly, weddings seem like an exception.
And so, with the combined effort of Lanct’s citizens pushing us forward, we raced through each stage at breakneck speed, and I became Eleonora’s husband.