Chapter 19: Marriage (3)

 

The following day, I completed the training session with my comrades.

 

Since dawn, the cold air pierced deep into my chest.

 

It was amusing to let the cascading water from the waterfall wash over my body.

 

I couldn't train the entire mercenary unit, so I gathered my top 30 subordinates and woke up early.

 

“Vice-captain, isn't this going too far? Training even on the day of the marriage ceremony. Ah... You have no mercy, really..."

 

After finishing the training, a member from the leading group, lying down with a refreshed expression, spoke.

 

Even if he made such a relaxed expression and said those words, I didn't pay much attention to it.

 

All the members of my unit were people who enjoyed sweating.

 

Baran also sat down on the ground, breathing heavily.

 

"...As the kids said, I didn't expect it to be like this even today. Can't we take a break for a day?"

 

I said to Baran with such a request.

 

“There is nothing wrong with sweating. It increases appetite and clears the mind..."

 

Baran, lying prone on the ground, briefly smiled upon hearing those words.

 

"Ah, this is because of your first love, isn't it?"

 

“…What?”

 

"Your mind became complicated, so you carried on with the training. Is that what you're trying to say?"

 

I shook my head and remained silent.

 

'Why did Adam Hyung have to say something like that to this guy?'

 

The other members of my Head Hunter Unit also laughed lightly at Baran's joke.

 

With the strict atmosphere broken, mischief began to appear on everyone's faces, one by one.

 

Shawn, who was skilled in horsemanship, chimed in.

 

"Vice-captain, didn't you meet the woman who will be your wife yesterday? How was she? Is she pretty?"

 

"See for yourself. You'll get to meet her today."

 

"Oh, I'm curious to know how she appears in the vice-captain's eyes. Please tell me."

 

Giggling laughter filled the air.

 

Jackson, who was quick to grasp the situation, also joined in.

 

“Vice-captain, was she pretty? Shouldn't there be a reason why you are going to marry her and pushed other women away?"

 

In the end, I was also swept away by that atmosphere.

 

After such intense training, there was a blossoming friendship through exchanging lighthearted jokes.

 

I smiled, responded to the atmosphere, and finally answered.

 

"...She was pretty."

 

Expressions of pure admiration appeared here and there.

 

Some members made a fuss again.

 

"It's the first time I've heard the vice-captain say that a woman is pretty."

 

"Wow, I'm looking forward to it. If someone ugly shows up after saying that..."

 

Baran also laughed and singled out members to fit the remark.

 

"What ugliness can there be for someone who is going to be the vice-captain's wife? Ugliness?"

 

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way."

 

I interjected, raising my voice to wrap up the situation.

 

"Alright. The training is over now, so everyone should go back and tidy up. Let your wet bodies dry a bit. The battle day is coming soon, so take good care of yourselves."

 

Upon hearing those words, a solemn atmosphere was once again created.

 

"As you all probably already know, our comrades only survive when we perform well. You all understand that this time it's on a larger scale, right? We need to be mentally prepared more than ever before. So keep your spirits up."

 

"It seems like Lord Gidon Blackwood is also participating. How is that going?”

 

Someone asked.

 

“It’s none of our business. It’s not like he is joining our Head Hunter Unit.”

 

Everyone nodded at that answer.

 

"Alright. Training is over. Let's go back."

 

In response to my words, everyone shouted a spirited reply and stood up one by one from their positions.

 

Taking care of our swords and percussion instruments, I also began my return to the lodging.

 

Baran, as always, stayed by my side and asked, while patting the moisture off his head.

 

"Are you ready now?"

 

"Yes, I am."

 

"Well, is there anything I can help with?"

 

"No. Just... Ah."

 

Following Baran's question, I suddenly felt the urge to ask him for a favor.

 

Baran wiped the moisture from his face and looked up at me. It seemed like he sensed that something was on my mind.

 

I looked around and whispered quietly to him.

 

"...It's not an important request. If there's any problem, you can give up on it."

 

“Just tell me.”

 

I recalled the moment when I met Ner and Gidon after dinner last night.

 

Ever since then, a lingering uneasiness had been circling in my mind.

 

So, it was purely out of curiosity.

 

There was nothing wrong with getting to know Ner Blackwood better.

 

"Could you... find out a bit about the relationship between Ner Blackwood and her siblings?"

 

“The relationship between your wife and her siblings?”

 

"Wife... Haa... Yes."

 

Baran chuckled and nodded.

 

“That’s easy. I will find out soon and let you know.”

 

“Yes, thank you.”

 

****

 

"This moment has finally come."

 

Adam Hyung looked at me intently and spoke.

 

I was getting ready for the final preparations, wearing the ceremonial attire we brought from Stockpin, our place of residence.

 

The unfamiliar sensation of the uncomfortable clothes clinging to my body made me feel awkward. It was my first time dressing up like this, so it felt strange.

 

“…Berg.”

 

In the midst of that, Adam Hyung quietly called my name. I could sense the seriousness in his voice.

 

As I looked at him, Adam Hyung had a small smile on his face as he gazed at me.

 

“Congratulations.”

 

There was no childish laughter or mischief in his words, just sincerity.

 

I didn't respond to his somewhat awkward remark.

 

However, his words made me suddenly realize how long we had been together.

 

Did I ever think that we would become close enough to attend each other's wedding ceremonies, starting from when we met in the slums?

 

Taking my gaze away from Adam Hyung, I glanced at my clothes again.

 

At that moment, he said to me.

 

"...I'm sorry."

 

“…?”

 

"...Because you're sacrificing yourself for us. When the other party..."

 

"-Not that again."

 

The more Adam Hyung got to know Ner Blackwood, the more he felt sorry for me.

 

Starting from the fact that she couldn't attend the first meeting due to being sick, to the silence during last night's dinner.

 

Certainly, Ner Blackwood hadn't been in the best condition lately.

 

I pondered how I could convey that I was fine, but I decided to give up on it altogether.

 

In the first place, the more we exchanged such words, the more uncomfortable I became.

 

"Then buy me expensive liquor or something."

 

Instead, I requested something in return. It would be easier for Hyung to alleviate his guilt this way.

 

“Because it won’t work with what we had last time.”

 

"...Hahaha."

 

Only then did Hyung finally smile and lighten the atmosphere.

 

"Got it."

 

To be honest, there were things that were truly okay.

 

Until now, Ner Blackwood's actions hadn't bothered me that much.

 

Perhaps because I was in a similar position, I understood her feelings, and that could be the reason.

 

The bigger challenge was how to navigate our married life.

 

And that, I thought, could only be determined by experiencing it firsthand, whether it would be difficult or easy.

 

Furthermore, the purpose of this marriage was not for my happiness.

 

It was for the future of our mercenary group.

 

I had to remember that.

 

“Berg. So, do you really want to skip the officiating ceremony?”

 

“Exactly.”

 

"I know you don't believe in gods, but... still, shouldn't you receive blessings? Your Hyung also brought someone to officiate at your ceremony.”

 

I shook my head.

 

I appreciated Hyung's efforts, but I didn't want to have a wedding ceremony ritual.

 

Wedding ceremonies were usually conducted by followers who believed in the goddess of purity, Hea.

 

"I can do well without such blessings."

 

At that moment, Baran walked into the room.

 

He looked me up and down and nodded his head.

 

“You look good. You look like a new groom.”

 

I smiled at him and asked about what I had requested in the morning.

 

"Did you find out?"

 

"Yes, it's not much of a secret."

 

“So?”

 

Baran shrugged his shoulders.

 

"She is being disliked or should I say hated by her siblings. It seems like the problem was that Lady Blackwood passed away while giving birth to your wife."

 

"What are you talking about?"

 

Adam Hyung showed a momentary interest.

 

Baran explained the situation to Adam Hyung.

 

On the other hand, I was putting new points to remember in my head.

 

Ner Blackwood was going to be my wife from now on.

 

I was starting to get a rough idea of how to take care of her better.

 

****

 

Time passed, and the moment for the ceremony was just around the corner.

 

Adam Hyung and I, along with several high-ranking members of our mercenary group, were waiting behind the entrance door, waiting for everyone to be ready.

 

On the other side of the door, the mercenaries were already holding their glasses and laughing loudly, and the atmosphere was filled with anticipation.

 

- "Berg! Berg! Berg!"

 

- "Berg! Berg!"

 

It was a bonus to hear my name being called like a chant.

 

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

 

Thanks to that, my heart became much lighter.

 

- "Now, now, pay attention!"

 

And at that moment, Baran's voice echoed from outside.

 

Since we had decided to have a simple wedding, many processes were omitted, especially the wedding ritual for blessings.

 

Accordingly, Baran took it upon himself to proceed with the marriage process.

 

It would have been better if someone older and more experienced took charge, but the wedding of the humans had to be led by the humans, and there weren’t too many older people in our mercenary group.

 

It wouldn't have been bad if Adam Hyung led the ceremony, but he chose to stand by my side.

 

Baran's voice continued to resonate outside.

 

I let out a sigh at the strange pressure that came over me in an instant.

 

I had a very important vow of my life right in front of me.

 

It was natural for anyone to feel nervous.

 

After all, it was about finding someone to spend a lifetime together with.

 

It would take time, but we had to be each other's strength.

 

...This time, I hoped it would be possible.

 

Although it wasn't a marriage made out of mutual love, there was no law saying we couldn't love each other for a lifetime.

 

Since we were getting married anyway, I wanted to dream of a happy future with my partner.

 

Adam Hyung discreetly opened the door and checked outside, nodding at me.

 

The moment had come.

 

I nodded as well, and at the same time, the door opened.

 

As soon as it opened, Baran was visible in front, while the door to Ner Blackwood's side remained closed.

 

There was a large wall on the right, and guests were sitting on the left.

 

As we walked towards the altar, the door on the opposite side opened wide as well.

 

Ner Blackwood stood there, dressed in a white suit.

 

She had heavier makeup and a more determined expression.

 

It was definitely better than yesterday.

 

Ner Blackwood looked into my eyes for a while, then began to walk out, looking at the ground.

 

When I made my slightly faster appearance, the members of the mercenary group cheered and applauded, but as soon as Ner Blackwood appeared, one by one, their mouths closed.

 

I could understand their reaction.

 

Because Ner was a beauty in my eyes too.

 

Actually, from the first time I saw her at dinner yesterday, I felt that Adam Hyung’s words, “I've never seen such a beautiful person before,” Weren’t nonsense.

 

I walked to the center of the altar first.

 

And I stood there, waiting for Ner to arrive in front of me.

 

Behind Ner stood Gibson and her brothers.

 

They were smiling, but there was also a subtle mockery mixed in.

 

It was so faint that if Baran hadn't told me about their relationship, I wouldn't have known.

 

Soon, she also stood in front of me, but she didn't look up at me.

 

“Vice-captain! Your wife is so pretty!”

 

“First night! First night! First night!”

 

“Vice-captain, you must be happy!”

 

During that time, the mercenary members who had regained their composure started throwing annoying jokes again.

 

Ner Blackwood, somehow accepting it, hunched her shoulders and lowered her head.

 

It was a familiar sight of swallowing her fear.

 

Soon, Baran proceeded with the wedding ceremony.

 

Since the two of us only had to stand there, there wasn't much for us to worry about.

 

I looked down at Ner, who was hunched over, and whispered quietly enough for only her to hear.

 

“…Sorry.”

 

“Yes?”

 

Ner looked up at me in amazement.

 

Our eyes met for the first time.

 

Her pointed ears folded backward.

 

“…”

 

I didn't bother explaining the reason for my apology.

 

Even if she only caught bits and pieces of the excited members shouting from the side, it was clear why I was apologizing.

 

There was confusion in Ner’s eyes as she looked up at me.

 

I averted my eyes because I didn’t want to put unnecessary pressure on her.

 

I didn't know why she was acting that way, but I thought she would figure it out on her own.

 

“Come on, vice-captain.”

 

And so, our small wedding entered its final stage just before the feast.

 

As a man of a household, it was time to make vows to my wife.

 

One by one, the members silenced their voices.

 

A profound silence filled the air, almost unbelievable considering the number of people present.

 

Even the sound of my breath seemed to reverberate.

 

Along with that resounding breath, I recalled the words of the vows.

 

Several years ago, these were sentences that I had repeated hundreds of times.

 

And then, looking at Ner Blackwood, I opened my mouth.

 

Everyone in attendance became witnesses.

 

"...In exchange for your love, I will give you everything I have."

 

Our eyes met.

 

As if reaffirming it to myself, I slowly and carefully uttered each word.

 

"...No matter what happens, I will stand by your side and protect you from any threat. Whether you are beautiful or not, healthy or ill, I will love and cherish you equally. We will give our children honorable and pure names, and we will teach them a wise and compassionate life. I will be the pillar you can lean on, the roof you can rest under, and the foundation you can trust."

 

I took out the ring I had prepared and extended my hand to her.

 

Ner Blackwood slowly extended her left hand to me with a trembling, hesitant hand.

 

It took a while for her hand to reach mine.

 

That was how much she hesitated.

 

As soon as her hand touched mine, I gently held her hand and began to put the prepared ring on her ring finger.

 

I could distinctly feel Ner Blackwood's hands shaking as I touched.

 

But I still uttered the words I had memorized until the end.

 

"...Until my last breath leaves me, I dedicate my life and honor to you."

 

Soon, the ring I had given was placed on the deepest part of Ner Blackwood's ring finger.

 

Ner looked at the ring quietly, then looked up at me.

 

Numerous emotions passed across her face.

 

As a result, I couldn't discern exactly how she felt.

 

Ner Blackwood immediately responded to my words by nodding her head.

 

Even this was part of the marriage process.

 

And Gibson handed Ner the ring they had prepared.

 

Ner also carefully took hold of my left hand.

 

One hand supported my hand, while the other held the ring.

 

Once again, her hand trembled without restraint.

 

The ring began to slowly fit onto my ring finger, shaking uncontrollably.

 

As I had sworn, it was now the moment for me to accept.

 

There was no turning back anymore.

 

"You are now husband and wife!"

 

As the rings were placed on each other's fingers, Baran shouted loudly.

 

Cheers erupted, and the feast began.

 

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”

 

“Kiss her! Vice-captain, kiss her!”

 

And at a human wedding, there was a story about a kiss that was indispensable.

 

I looked at the crowd, a mix of mercenaries and Blackwood residents, and reached out my arm to Ner.

 

Putting my hand on her cheek, I turned my body slightly.

 

I showed my back to the people.

 

Then, I brought my lips close to Ner’s.

 

I intended to go along with the atmosphere and make it a light and passing moment.

 

However, Ner, whose body had spun around because of me, was stiffening all over.

 

Our faces were so close, as if they were about to touch.

 

The expressions we exchanged were only visible to us.

 

“…”

 

And then, I saw it.

 

Ner's frozen expression broke, revealing her frightened state.

 

She trembled, biting her lips tightly and squeezing her eyes shut.

 

“…Please…”

 

She whispered quietly, as if talking to herself.

 

Her earnest breath brushed against my cheek.

 

“…”

 

Looking at her like that, I lightly brought my nose to touch hers instead of our lips.

 

And then, as if we had shared a kiss, I turned my body and looked at the crowd offering their blessings.

 

"...Huh?"

 

Ner Blackwood seemed confused, as if she didn't understand what had just happened. But I simply wiped my lips and pretended as if the kiss had happened.