After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 133
Chapter 133: At the Church
On the day of the wedding, the weather was clear with not a cloud in sight.
However, it was already winter. Despite bracing myself for the chilling cold inside the grand church building on a day like this, it turned out my worries were unnecessary. Thanks to the efforts of the palace’s resident mages collaborating on fire and wind spells since early morning, the inside of the cathedral hall was warm and cozy. It was a relief from the bottom of my heart… I’m really not good with the cold.
Oops, got carried away for a moment. Right now, I’m standing sandwiched between the beautifully dressed couple, Beatrice on my right and Gretel on my left, enduring the lengthy prayers of the elderly cardinal at the altar.
Of course, finally being able to have the long-awaited wedding with these beautiful fiancées fills me with emotions. But being placed at the center of such a grand and solemn ceremony, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed. In my past life, weddings were casual affairs held at local shrines with just family, but today’s cathedral is packed with nobles and high-ranking officials, all eyes on every move we make.
And outside the church, under this cold sky, thousands of people have gathered to witness our appearance, eagerly awaiting us. It’s like they’re saying, “Enough already,” but I guess marrying the future queen comes with enduring such things.
“Beatrice, the Second Princess of Berzenbrück and the future queen.”
“Yes.”
Oops, it seems the scene changed while I was lost in thought. The elderly cardinal turned towards us from the altar, prompting us to swear our vows. Since it’s a special wedding, the vows aren’t the usual ones but an original creation by the cardinal.
“Do you pledge, before the Supreme God, to stand by this man, Ludwig, as his spouse, to hold hands together, guide and enrich the people of Berzenbrück justly, protect them from external threats, and bring them peace and happiness? Can you promise, until the day your life’s flame extinguishes, to cherish, support, and respect each other?”
“Yes, I swear before God.”
Today, Beatrice is in a different mode than usual. Instead of the curt expression she usually directs at us, she’s polite and even smiles slightly at the elderly cardinal.
Usually, it would be my turn as her spouse to recite the vows… but today’s ceremony is a bit different. The elderly cardinal now speaks kindly to the girl standing on my left.
“Margarete, the daughter of the Duke of Hanover and known as the ‘Reincarnation of the Hero,'”
“Yes!”
No, no, this is a solemn cathedral, not a schoolyard. You don’t have to answer so energetically.
Well, I guess that’s understandable. She’s been shouting every day, urging us to hurry up and have the wedding, working tirelessly like a human bulldozer. Now that it’s showtime, she’s getting pumped up.
“Do you pledge, before the Supreme God, to stand by this man, Ludwig, as his wife, to regard Princess Beatrice as your sister, to understand your place in the hierarchy, and to respect and support the couple? Can you promise, until the end of your life, to cherish, deeply love, and protect this man? And to protect the kingdom and its people, which your husband and sister, Beatrice, rely on, with your bravery?”
I see, as a concubine, these are the kinds of questions you get. It’s like being told to step back and consider your position. I hope Gretel doesn’t get angry at being told such things.
“Of course, I swear! I’ll protect you, Ludwig, and Princess Beatrice, and even the country!”
Ah, it seems being the second doesn’t bother her at all. In fact, she seems excited about the cardinal’s original message, like, “You think your bravery can protect them?” Her gray eyes, directed at me, are sparkling… It makes me want to reach out to her instinctively.
“It’s too early for the wedding night, you legendary stud.”
Laughter echoes from all corners of the cathedral at the cardinal’s quip. I’ve made quite the embarrassing blunder.
“Now… Ludwig, son of the Duke of Stuttgart, also known as the ‘Hero of Flame.’ Do you pledge to take Princess Beatrice as your spouse and, until the end of your life, respect, consider, deeply love, and support her? And to protect the kingdom and its people, who rely on your wife, Beatrice, with your bravery?”
Sigh, in this world, a man’s vows turn out to be like this. It’s a bit of a sigh, but I already love Beatrice from the bottom of my heart, and I respect her as a royal. If I can, I want to support her as much as I can, as long as my power reaches.
“Yes, I will support you for a lifetime.”
“Very well. Now… Ludwig. Do you pledge to take Margarete, known as the ‘Reincarnation of the Hero,’ as your wife, to love, comfort, encourage, and support her for all eternity? If so, this hero will protect you with his life until the end.”
This doesn’t seem like a standard phrase of this era… It’s completely tailored for Gretel alone, isn’t it? Yes, my role towards Gretel is just to understand her emotions and provide comfort.
“Of course, I swear.”
Beside me, Gretel exhales deeply. I notice her breath trembling, and I’m moved unintentionally. It feels like she’s conveyed how deeply she longed for me.
“Attendees! Let us offer our prayers of gratitude to the divine wisdom and compassion as these three young and noble individuals are joined together in matrimony!”
The attendees all perform the prayer pose, crossing their hands over their chests in reverence to the Supreme God… In this solemn atmosphere, I feel a sense of solemnity myself. And just as the pipe organ player prepares to play a hymn of praise…
“Well, Ludwig. You will soon take many women as wives, not just these two. I have but one wish… Do not make any of them cry. Your ‘Divine Seed’ was bestowed upon you by God to bring happiness to women.”
“Y-Yes…”
“Don’t seem so uncertain. Well, it’s best to keep the number of women reasonable. Make sure the woman standing to your left doesn’t cause too much trouble.”
With the king’s words, laughter erupts in the once silent cathedral. So, in the end, am I just a joke to everyone?