Both Lord Viol and I had fallen in love with that silver clasp the moment we laid eyes on it. Its craftsmanship was so beautiful and intricate. Lord Viol wears it daily, and every time I see it, I get a little hit of dopamine.
I wanted our wedding rings—vital jewelry that we would each wear for the rest of our lives—to be made by the same artisan who’d crafted that cloak clasp.
Lord Viol had inquired about the artisan’s name at the shop where I’d bought the clasp, and it was relatively easy to find their workshop. Together, Lord Viol and I visited Minkrana, a village in the north known for its artisans, and made our request directly to the artisan in question, a young man by the name of Rote.
He looked around the same age as Lord Viol, but he had a passion for his work that was at odds with his young age. He listened intently as Lord Viol and I described what we were after, and then he started drawing up sketches and designs on the spot.
Sweet little flowers intricately intertwined around a moon. The design was beautiful and in the same style as the clasp that Lord Viol wears daily. And the finished rings were even more beautiful than the design.
Each petal, leaf, and steam were intricately carved, making the flowers pop against the rays of moonlight. Rote had upped his game even more from the time he’d crafted Lord Viol’s cloak clasp.
The rings featured engraving work that was even more detailed than the clasp. The linework was amazingly thin and delicate, indicating radiant moonlight. Such elegant work. Something I’d like to gaze at for the rest of my life.
I heard myself sighing with awe again as I looked at them.
As Lord Viol picked up the ring, I noticed his fingers trembling slightly. Oh… Even Lord Viol is nervous, I realized, but then he regained his composure.
Are you all right? I looked up at him and smiled, hoping he’d know what I was thinking.
Whenever I was overtaken by nerves, froze up in fear, or felt despondent and struggled to move forward, Lord Viol always encouraged me and made me feel brave.
Lord Viol was someone I could rely on. I could overcome anything with him by my side.
I wanted to be that for him, as well.
When his eyes met mine, Lord Viol’s fingers stopped shaking. Now that his hands were stiller, I could see the beautiful moon and flower engraving as he slipped the ring onto my fingers.
Oh. Oh… I’m so happy.
I picked up Lord Viol’s ring and slid it onto his slender, bony finger. Then I looked up at him, bursting with joy. I could see his midnight-black eyes glistening.
He’s just as happy as I am… That’s what he’s thinking right now, isn’t it? My eyes crinkled up as a smile overwhelmed my features.
Both of us grinning large enough to burst, we signed our marriage certificate together, then looked on as our families and the king and queen added their signatures. Then, the certificate was placed in a glass case, and with that, we were officially husband and wife.
I was so overwhelmed that I was on the verge of tears. I tried to hold them back, but I couldn’t help sniffling.
“Congratulations.” The king offered us his sentiments in a soft tone. “Now, you two are finally husband and wife. There will be a royal ball this weekend to celebrate your marriage.”
The king’s statement took me off-guard, and I could only gaze up at him in shock.
“Th-Thank you.” Lord Viol sounded surprised, too. Well, who would have imagined I’d be officially announcing my marriage to Lord Viol at an actual royal ball?
In the first place, I wouldn’t have even dared hope to have the king and queen blessing our marriage like they were today. And yet… As I gazed up at the king in shock, my eyes no doubt bugging out, a warm hand cupped my cheek.
It was the queen.
“Dearest Seren. Live your life on your own terms. Be ever so happy.”
The queen’s eyes were warm, and I could see tears welling up therein… An indescribable emotion filled me.
Even though I’d broken off my engagement to Prince Helios for selfish reasons and chose to part with both the king and queen for my future…
Why, still, did they continue to watch over me so warmly?
“…Thank you…!”
It was all I could do to choke down my emotions and hope that my words conveyed the depth of my appreciation.
“Archmage Viol. You have my full trust. I ask you to continue to look after both Seren and the safety of this kingdom.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Hearing the king and Lord Viol speaking together, I struggled to blink back the tears that threatened to spill forth.
“So… The wedding ceremony is completed without incident, and a new couple has been forged in this world. Please support one another always and live long, happy lives together.”
I nodded with enthusiasm. The king’s words were so kind.
I wanted to be like the king and queen. Like Mother and Father, too. I wanted Lord Viol and I to become a steadfast, loving couple who always supports one another.
Lord Viol took my arm to head for home even as I continued struggling to control my tears. As I clung to his arm, it felt so strong and secure, and when I gazed up at him, he looked back down at me with infinite softness in his eyes. I felt a swell of relief and happiness fill every inch of me.
Everything would be fine with Lord Viol by my side.
“I’m your wife, now, Lord Viol, aren’t I…”
“Oh, Seren!”
I’d found myself burbling my happy thoughts aloud, and when Lord Viol responded, it was to call my name… The first time he’d called me by my name while looking into my eyes. I was suddenly happily embarrassed.
“P-Perhaps it will take a while to switch from ‘Lady Seren’ completely… However…”
I couldn’t look him in the eyes a second longer! I bowed my head, but Lord Viol leaned in close and whispered in my ear.
“How adorable you are…my darling wife.”
“…!!!”
It felt like my cheeks were about to burst into flame! I never thought Lord Viol would say something like that…!
Apparently, Lord Viol found my tomato face amusing. He grinned and sighed.
“I can’t wait to get you alone.”
“…Eee…”
His breathy voice in my ear… It was so stimulating that I couldn’t let out more than a squeak. My husband… is a far naughtier man than I’d ever have imagined…