"Should we commence the marriage ceremony then?" came the voice from beside me, pulling me out of my thoughts as I turned my gaze away from the Empress towards a priest who seemed to be from the sole religion of this world, part of the only god who was worshipped and had some monasteries dedicated to him.
"Yes, father," I nodded, taking my position, only to see the confused look on the priest’s face, as well as those of the princess and other servants, who kept looking at me.
Initially confused, I later realized that I had just called the priest "father," which was not usual to hear here.
"God is the almighty father of us. So indeed, I just referred to him to bestow blessings upon us as a couple to love each other for eternity," I uttered whatever came to my mind in an attempt to divert their attention towards my words, which seemed to have an effect, as the maids were clearly surprised.
The groom had just confessed himself in front of the bride, who, through those sapphire eyes, kept looking at me.
"....." Hearing my words made the priest clearly surprised, along with the princess, who seemed not to believe what I had just uttered.
Considering there were very few cultivators who subscribed to any religious belief, given there was no holy energy or anything equivalent in this world—to be considered a miracle.
Indeed, this whole religion was just a bland name without any divine power, unlike what some saints or saintesses possessed to heal someone.
It was simply a name worshipped mostly by non-cultivators who wanted to believe in some form of miracle.
"Wow, I am honored that the Prince has interest in our god?!" Another voice, loud enough to cause me to reflexively cover my right ear, screeched, as I turned towards the priest.
A moment ago, he appeared composed and clearly professional; now he had stars in his eyes, as if a child had seen candy, looking at me with the gaze of an exhausted man who had thirsted for water in the desert.
’You are an adult man; don’t be this excited,’ I thought, looking at the priest who swiftly grabbed my hand, causing me to pull it away.
It was natural for them with a religion I only saw as being believed by weak people who wanted the facade, a name of someone in a higher position.
Given everyone was busy in cultivation, here I was, the soon-to-be husband of a princess, stating that I was a theist and believing in theirs.
But to be honest, I just wanted to cover up that mis-lipped "father" comment while using it to tell those around in the lower nobility, guests, and maids that I was deeply in love with the Princess.
This was to create an image where I had an advantage in this relationship, where, as per my contract with the princess, if I were to engage in polygamy, people would hardly believe it was due to me.
Given how, first, I was weaker than the princess, and second, I just showed my love for her in front of so many people.
Naturally, they would have crafted a narrative that the princess, to gain favor with other noble families, was using her husband, or something similar, given that here power was supreme, not gender.
"Yes, yes, I will visit the monastery soon enough," I stated, ’To take the holy grail hidden there.’
"So, for now, please focus on my marriage," I promised, as I was naturally going to visit the monastery to retrieve an artifact from there, which at least would be secured.
Given until the rise of ascent no one would be able to discover it, but knowing its location as I did with the progeny stone, I was going to claim it for at least its healing powers, which was its primary ability.
Having divinity in it would at least provide some favor to me.
"Oh, yes, please as you desire, Prince!" He once again nodded with that excitement.
Even though he was the priest here, it made me see how desperate he was, and how foolish not to understand.
Showing such a stance of himself here would only weaken his bargaining power.
I just ignored him before turning towards my bride.
"You look beautiful," I said, finally setting my eyes on Aleriana, with a smile since it was a genuine compliment.
It would have made me feel good if it had not been for her wanting to kill me sooner.
Unlike Olea, I did not expect any future with Aleriana, particularly considering what I could see through her character, which appeared to be filled with hatred for all the men who tried to propose to her, as per the original storyline, and ended in several small pieces.
It was clear that perhaps she was not interested in love, so wasting my efforts on her was futile.
But at least getting a wedding ceremony for the first time in my life felt different.
Girlfriends, hookups, one-night stands, and whatnot I had done in my past life during my college days.
But they were fleeting and just momentary pleasures.
As I grew older and saw everyone settling down with children and wives, I at least understood that no matter how one enjoyed these pleasures.
The feeling of being a groom and having a wedding was different from anything else.
Though one knows they are going to be bound by responsibilities, it felt soothing to be a groom rather than a guest at a wedding.
"You too," Aleriana replied, catching me off guard.
From the moment she had arrived here, I never saw her looking in any other direction except mine.
Though it was hard to understand what was going on inside her mind, it was definitely not love or care.
Seeing those softened eyes fixed on me without even turning away, I tried to make a lame joke to lighten the mood.
"I could be handsome, not beautiful—"
’!?’
But before I could complete my words, I suddenly felt her coming forward with speed visible to the eye, grabbing my collar and pulling me towards her, not even giving me time to understand what it meant.
Was she attempting to murder me in front of so many people?
’Shit—’
"Mmmfhhh—!?"
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She pressed her lips against mine, the forceful contact of her soft lips against mine lasting only for a second—just a soft, fleeting touch—before pulling back slightly.
But that second was enough.
"Oh my!?"
"D-did the princess—"
Gasps rippled through the hall, sharp and unrestrained.
The maids had their hands over their mouths, the noblemen stiffened, their eyes widening as if they had just witnessed the impossible.
My gaze darted to the side, catching their stunned expressions, and only then did the realization hit me.
’She… kissed me.’
’Did she really just do that? Right here, in front of everyone?’
My mind stumbled over itself, trying to piece it together.
Aleriana, the cold and untouchable princess, the one who had spent the entire ceremony staring at me like I was prey—had just kissed me.
It was confusing, as I could not understand why, given there was no mention of love or interest, nor did this happen in the original plot. Something had changed, but what exactly, as I could not recall any butterfly effect caused by my presence.
She had taken the first step on her own, something completely unexpected.
I felt her breath ghosting over my lips as she lingered close, her sapphire eyes unwavering, watching me like a hawk.
Not a single flicker of hesitation.
Not a single sign of embarrassment.
She meant to do this.
And to confirm that was her voice, which came low like a whisper, "Now you look handsome with that flushed face, hubby."
’....What?’