CHAPTER 73: THE WEDDING

On the day of the imperial princess’ wedding, all kings and queens, as well as governors around the continent gathered at Mavir Port City. Battalions of protective soldiers surrounded the whole place as if the five most powerful clans weren’t enough to keep any trouble at bay. At that moment, this beach might have been the safest place on the planet in history.

Furthermore, the princess’ groom was none other than Dheinyrus Theocheirós, the God Tamer, the strongest human in the world. Who would even dare disrupt the peace in a place where the biggest names in the empire gathered?

Everyone, even those who were just tourists from other continents and empires, witnessed the ceremony. They stood with bated breath, waiting for the wedding to start.

It began with Axerion Theocheirós’ sermon. Today was the day of Divine Values, which taught about the way humanity should be. It dated back to the earlier stages of human evolution, when the first cavemen were beginning to learn how to communicate via the ancient language.

Divine Values was the reason why injustice was never rampant in this world, even before laws were created. The stronger, bigger humans and the small and weak ones feared a singular common entity: the divine. Therefore, no matter who they were, everyone was equal.

The religion preached about love, compassion, gratitude — it taught humans how to not be selfish, and it gave them the ability to sympathize with one another.

Axerion told the masses how this grand wedding served as an example of Divine Values. It wasn’t a mere ceremony between two parties, but a catalyst for change in the lives of many people.

He emphasized how love could result in power, and power could then breed more love. It was harmonic and perpetual, driving humanity into prosperity.

After two hours of sermon, a beautiful melody played on the piano. The crowd lit up when the holy servants arrived, bearing candles with azure flames. It marked the real beginning of the wedding.

They walked in an organized and rehearsed fashion, the pace and distance between each one were precise. They then surrounded the front of the altar, forming two parallel lines with Axerion in the middle who was holding the holy grail.

And then, who walked through the red carpet next made the crowd almost erupt. A striking young man in a luxurious white suit held a small golden cup in his hands. Inside that cup was an azure light that emitted a mysterious smoke.

Dhein spotted familiar faces around him. His mother, the scions and their families, some of the new citizens that came from the slums, were all clapping and cheering. Zarria herself was visibly happy and sullen at the same time.

He stopped in front of his father who proudly looked at him.

Axerion then uttered:

"Dheinyrus Theocheirós, child of divinity — it is within your knowledge that from this day forth, your life will no longer be yours alone."

He extended his arms holding the holy grail, and Dhein lifted his cup higher.

Axerion declared:

"Should the holy water of purity deem you worthy of this vow, half shall flow into your cup. Only those with pure intentions deserve the blessing of the gods."

Dhein was confident in the purity of his intentions, but it still made him pretty nervous.

Everyone saw that, without fail, the mysterious liquid swirled in the air before flowing into the cup in Dhein’s hand, defying the laws of physics. The light inside the cup reacted, and a bright orb rose and levitated above Dhein’s head.

"The gods have granted you their blessing," Axerion stated.

Dhein lowered his head before stepping aside.

And then, the princess appeared. Face covered in a silk veil, she elegantly walked on the carpet, letting the fading white train of her long gown slide on the floor. She wore a fiery crimson long sleeved gown, and a small, light-emitting golden cup was also in her hands.

Dhein’s heart raced, watching her slowly take her steps. It crossed his mind what would happen after this.

The night before the wedding, he spent hours planning for their life. Now, the closer and closer they get to being married, the slower time also seems to pass!

Finally, his bride reached the front of the altar and stood beside him.

He found himself staring. For some reason, he found the challenging task of catching a glimpse of her beautiful face rather exciting.

Until Axerion’s voice snapped him back to reality.

"Shina Venilon, the imperial princess of this land — It is within your knowledge that from this day forth, your life will no longer be yours alone."

The high priest then extended his arm, reaching out the holy grail to her. Shina lifted her cup to accept the water of purity.

"Should the holy water of purity deem you worthy of this vow, the remaining half shall flow into your cup. Only those with pure intentions deserve the blessing of the gods."

As Dhein waited to witness the magical water again, silence filled the air.

But nothing happened.

He glanced at his father who was still holding up the grail, and then he looked at Shina who was still also waiting.

A few seconds passed, and the water of purity didn’t move.

Gossiping spread among the crowd.

Through the thin veil, Dhein saw Shina’s eyes widening.

"W—Why...?" she muttered.

Dhein looked at his father.

"What’s going on?" he asked.

Axerion looked at him with a troubled expression.

"I... I know, something must be wrong," his father replied.

"This is impossible," he added.

It comforted Dhein, knowing that it was just a technical issue. The problem wasn’t Shina... right?

The girl was also able to breathe.

As Axerion summoned some servants to troubleshoot, Shina looked at Dhein and whispered.

"Does this happen often?"

Dhein shook his head.

"This has never happened before. But don’t worry, father is already on the case."

Shina lingered for a moment and then a few seconds later, Axerion returned.

They repeated the process.

But once again, the water didn’t move.

Their faces were filled with shock.

"The princess is..." Axerion said, shaky but loud enough for everyone to hear.

"...unfit to be Dheinyrus’ wife."