Chapter 333 – Oath and Blessing

Amid the cheers of the citizens lining the streets, the carriage carrying us eventually arrived at the temple.

Around Elliot’s carriage, colorful petals, bubbles, and sparkles danced before swirling upward into the sky… After a brief pause, only the petals came drifting down like a blizzard.

Simultaneously, the melody played by Irmhild and the others came to an end.

In the modest temple, the gentle-looking head priest and Head Shrine Maiden watched the spectacle with wide eyes before eventually breaking into delighted smiles. The several priests and shrine maidens lined up in the temple’s front square to welcome us reacted similarly. The barony’s retainers led by Kennel, along with Father and the other invited guests watching from inside the temple, were also smiling and applauding. Camilla’s father, Donato, wore a serene expression as well.

After disembarking from the carriage, Elliot and Camilla were guided deeper into the temple by shrine maidens, while we joined the line of invited guests.

“First… allow me to express our joy at safely reaching this blessed day. And welcome back. It is wonderful to have you return to us, Elliot-sama.”

The head priest greeted Elliot and Camilla with words of blessing.

“Thank you. I too am delighted to have returned to my homeland together with Lady Ashley and Camilla. I am deeply grateful to have received such warm congratulations from so many people. To all present here today, I offer my deepest thanks and appreciation once more.”

“It feels as if I’m dreaming. I cannot express enough gratitude for being able to experience this day and for receiving such warm blessings from so many people.”

“The Lady Shuas must have been watching over your feelings for Elliot-sama, Camilla-sama. This is truly a joyous occasion.”

In response to the Head Shrine Maiden’s words, Camilla bowed quietly. Even if Elliot hadn’t returned, she would have continued waiting for him, so the citizens’ enthusiastic blessings were understandable.

“Moreover, we hear that even the High Spirit Tephra-sama has come all the way from Silvatoria to offer her blessings. It’s like something from a fairy tale or play—an exceedingly rare occurrence—but combined with Lady Shuas’s blessing, she will surely watch over you both.”

The temple had been informed that Tephra would be coming to offer her blessings. As the Head Shrine Maiden spoke, everyone’s gaze turned to Tephra, who responded with a cheerful smile.

“Indeed. I heard that a dear one of my ally Theodore was getting married. The warm atmosphere filling this land is good. Truly good.”

Her frankness was something unimaginable from the title of High Spirit. The head priest and Head Shrine Maiden’s expressions relaxed at Tephra’s good humor, breaking into smiles. And to think the goddess Shuas herself was also present. The actual person, Claudia, simply sat with a gentle smile, remaining quiet.

“Now then, you two, please step before Lady Shuas.”

As Elliot and Camilla approached the statue of Shuas, the shrine maidens made gestures of prayer. They were offering prayers to the goddess Shuas, asking her to bless the couple’s future. A radiance of the goddess’s blessing enveloped Elliot and Camilla.

“Elliot-sama, please make your vow of love before the goddess Shuas-sama and the Spirit Tephra-sama.”

“I, Elliot Rodias Silun, vow before the goddess Shuas and the Spirit Tephra to take Camilla Elgrim as my wife and love her for all my life.”

“Camilla-sama, please make your vow of love before the goddess Shuas-sama and the Spirit Tephra-sama.”

“I, Camilla Elgrim, vow before the goddess Shuas and the Spirit Tephra to take Elliot Rodias Silun as my husband and love him for all my life.”

At their words, the head priest and Head Shrine Maiden nodded with satisfaction. Each time they finished their vows, the blessing’s radiance enveloping them grew more powerful.

“Now, exchange your vow rings.”

Elliot to Camilla. Camilla to Elliot. Each took the other’s hand and slipped on a ring. They were matching Mithril Silver rings. The settings held vivid blue gems… perhaps sapphires?

“Now then, the vow kiss.”

Elliot lifted the veil, meeting Camilla’s tear-moistened eyes.

Then—their faces slowly drew closer, they closed their eyes, and quietly exchanged a kiss. The blessing’s radiance reached its peak, spreading explosively throughout the entire temple as they kissed. The rings they wore now seemed to have gained some magical power from this, emitting a faint, hazy glow that wasn’t merely light reflection.

Cheers and thunderous applause erupted from the attendees. Kennel was dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief, and Ashley was also applauding with teary eyes.

The smiling head priest waited for the applause to subside before solemnly speaking.

“At this very moment, blessed by both goddess and spirit, a new couple has been born here. Once more, let us have your warm applause!”

Another round of loud applause erupted. Then the wedding ceremony moved on to congratulatory speeches from the attendees. First was from the lord, Ashley.

Ashley stepped before everyone, picked up the hem of her skirt to curtsy, then raised her head confidently with a smile as she delivered her speech.

“Elliot brother-sama, Camilla sister-in-law-sama, congratulations on your marriage. I am truly delighted that we have safely reached this celebratory day. I am also proud of everyone’s efforts that made this day possible. From me as well, I offer my thanks once more.”

Ashley smiled toward Kennel. Kennel responded with tearful gratitude. Then Ashley quietly closed her eyes. After one or two breaths, she opened them and spoke.

“Thinking back… I imagine both Elliot brother-sama and Camilla sister-in-law-sama endured great hardships to reach this day. However, your story of overcoming those hardships will surely give courage to many citizens and provide vitality for tomorrow. I believe Father-sama and Mother-sama would be truly happy. Really… congratulations.”

Loud applause erupted from everyone. Yes. With content acknowledging the efforts of the prepared retainers and mentioning the citizens, it made for a good speech from a lord, didn’t it? The word “hardships” could apply to various aspects of the barony and baronial family too.

“Accordingly… we have decided to provide food and drink for the citizens in the square, so please make the announcement.”

“Yes! Understood, Ashley-sama!”

As Ashley spoke with a smile, a guard saluted cheerfully and ran off to deliver the message. It wasn’t exactly all-you-can-drink-and-eat, but as a gesture of gratitude from the baronial family, it would further boost the celebratory mood. Those who wanted more drinks or food would have to pay out of their own pockets, but surely the citizens’ and adventurers’ purse strings would loosen today. It would undoubtedly be a day-long festival.

Next, Princess Stephania stepped forward, curtsied gracefully, and delivered her speech.

“I have come as a representative of my father, His Majesty Melvin. Congratulations on your marriage this time. I offer my felicitations to the House of Silun.”

Then Princess Stephania mentioned Elliot’s future.

“Sir Elliot, despite suffering injuries in a ship accident and losing his memory, made a name for himself in Silvatoria’s renowned Magic Knight Order—and has now returned to Verdgar like this. His martial prowess and courage. The connections he built in Silvatoria and his sincere character—my father spoke very highly of them.”

“Such undeserved praise.”

“Going forward, we expect that martial prowess to serve him well as Commander of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order, and that character to greatly contribute to friendship with Silvatoria. My father also mentioned eventually wanting to entrust him with a northern region.”

An “Ooh…” of astonishment escaped from the retainers. For Princess Stephania, who had prefaced her remarks as representing King Melvin before such a crowd, to state this so explicitly—it was equivalent to King Melvin’s guarantee. Though they were congratulatory words, the mention of future matters meant… the baronial family’s retainers wouldn’t have to worry about various concerns anymore. Since the territory would be distant, there would be little conflict of interest with Ashley either.

The baton of speeches passed to Princess Adriana. Princess Adriana also curtsied before speaking with a smile, her voice ringing clearly.

“I am Adriana, entrusted with fostering friendship with your nation as a representative of my father, King Eberhart. This was truly a wonderful wedding ceremony. I offer my congratulations to you both. As Her Highness Stephania said, Silvatoria looks forward to Sir Elliot’s future achievements. Please become a bridge of friendship between our nation and yours.”

And this was the final confirmation from Princess Adriana. With both Verdgar and Silvatoria sides speaking, it increased the credibility and certainty of the matter.

Conversely… objecting to this decision would mean having complaints about the intentions of both King Melvin and King Eberhart. Well… no objections would likely come from anywhere.

“Such excessive consideration for a junior like myself. I am truly grateful. Though lacking in talent, I will devote my full efforts.”

Elliot returned a bow, and loud applause erupted. Elliot waited for it to subside before speaking again.

“And—I would like to express my gratitude to the Otherworld Ambassador, Sir Theodore, who made such a wonderful ceremony possible. Without Sir Theodore, I would not be here today. To His Majesty Melvin and His Majesty Eberhart. I intend to strive diligently so that I may repay the great debt I owe Sir Theodore.”

“Thank you. Congratulations on your marriage. I look forward to our continued association from now on.”

Elliot’s words also referred to recovering his memories. Though he couldn’t speak too much about it… it concerned both Ashley and the Demon-Slaying Knight Order. I answered with those two meanings in mind. Another round of loud applause and cheers arose from the attendees.

Yes. Regarding the Barony of Silun… there should be no more worries now. The applause and cheers continued on and on, seemingly without end.