"The five families unite through marriage, sealed within one hall, forging lasting bonds and harmonious matches."
"On this day, amidst radiant peach blossoms, may your homes flourish and prosper, foretelling future abundance, growth, and thriving success."
"With vows as enduring as the sun and moon, inscribed upon grand parchment, let the red leaf alliance be recorded in the marriage scroll."
"By... this proclamation!"
With solemnity yet a hint of mirth, Welt delivered the wedding vow slowly from his position at the center of the golden hall, smiling warmly towards the gathered crowd below.
The vows were crafted by the hand of Fuxi, chosen for their concise yet profound ancient style after consulting with all five parties involved. This choice reflected both their understanding and shared sentiments.
Among the attendees stood twelve Heroic Spirits, drawn from both the World of Elysium and the Present World, along with some Herrschers, familiar figures like Einstein, Tesla, and Raiden Ryoma—veterans of Anti-Entropy's old guard—and acquaintances such as Vera, Amber, Chen Tianwu, Cheng Lixue, Li Sushang, Rita, Himeko, among others.
Though not numerous, the quality of these guests was unparalleled.
None of the five principals intended for a grand affair; externally, only a simple notice announcing the emperor's marriage adorned the Hub. In reality, the wedding arrangements were remarkably modest.
In fact, after enduring so much, it was precisely the quiet simplicity of happiness that all five individuals collectively yearned for.
Soon, Welt stepped down from the stage to join Tesla and Einstein at their banquet table.
Zeke appeared on the platform, facing the wide, straight red carpet.
Then, three black portals adorned with golden edges materialized at the end of the carpet.
The first to emerge was Fu Hua.
Dressed in solemn, elegant deep-blue robes, her slender figure radiated ethereal grace, akin to an immortal maiden stepping out of an ancient painting. A touch of vivid crimson accentuated her delicate lips, adding a hint of bashfulness, while her pristine gray eyes overflowed with love.
Nuwa and Fuxi trailed behind, holding up the hem of her long gown, as the Book of Fuxi accompanied her side. Fu Hua walked step by step towards Zeke, gently lifting her sleeves to place her hand in his grasp.
"Zeke, I've kept you waiting."
"No, it's me who has kept you waiting."
"I...I am rather dull and rigid, lacking any notable skills beyond basic martial arts. Often, I inadvertently cause trouble for those around me. I...with my ineptitude..."
"But I love you."
These gentle words struck Fu Hua's heart like a thunderous hammer, yet also felt akin to sunlight melting away millennia of solitude.
Tears welled up instantly in Fu Hua's eyes, streaming down her cheeks as she failed to notice the radiant smile gracing her face.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
"Give us a kiss! Come on, just one!"
Enthusiastic applause filled the air, led by the Heroic Spirits—Elysia, Eden, and others joined in, urging them on.
Zeke lifted Fu Hua's chin gently and slowly leaned in towards her lips.
Soft, with a sweet fragrance reminiscent of refreshing spring water, it was a taste that never grew old.
"Rooooar!"
The cheers and shouts at the scene intensified even further.
Zeke parted from Fu Hua, softly caressing her hand before taking it gently and leading her beside him, reluctantly letting go only then.
The other three representatives from Taixuan Mountain stepped back.
Next through the gate came Cocolia, guiding Bronya and Sin, followed closely by Seele and Wendy holding their white dresses' hems.
Bronya had grown taller; over these three years, she nearly matched Fu Hua's height. Her curves and figure also matured significantly, resembling a fruit on the cusp of ripening—tempting with its crispness and sweetness.
Sin, however, was different. The Fusion experiment conducted by Mobius left some lingering side effects. She remained petite and adorable, like a perpetually unripe fruit, seemingly lacking something yet exuding her own allure through that very innocence.
Approaching Zeke, Cocolia pursed her lips. On one hand, she felt somewhat displeased at how Zeke had stolen not just two but several of her daughters' hearts, evident even to her keen eyes. On the other hand—she genuinely dared not express this discomfort, fearing that before Zeke could react, Sin, the orphanage's fiercely protective daughter, would already sink her teeth into anyone who crossed them!
"Zeke, Bronya is here!"
"Zeke, Sin is so, so happy!"
In truth, there was no need for Cocolia to say anything as Bronya and Sin ignored her completely, eagerly placing their hands in Zeke's grasp.
A faint smile involuntarily spread across Zeke's face.
"I've kept you waiting too long. From now on, I will cherish and protect you both forever, unwavering until death."
"Zeke..."
"Zeke!!"
Their reactions were strikingly similar, filled with overwhelming excitement, tears glistening joyously in their eyes like bright stars—yet they held only room for Zeke, none for others.
Zeke gently lifted each of their chins and claimed their kisses.
Just as countless tender nights from the past, the kisses were infinitely sweet.
Bronya and Kyouya then positioned themselves behind Zeke.
Lastly, the "Winter Princess," wearing crystal shoes reminiscent of a fairy tale dream, gracefully stepped onto the red carpet, captivating all who watched her.
Kiana blinked, scanning the crowd below, receiving countless warm smiles filled with goodwill and blessings.
She returned their grins with her own radiant smile.
Placing both hands on her chest, she tried to calm her heart pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of her body. But as soon as she saw Zeke across the aisle extending his hand towards her—Kiana knew there was no calming this heartbeat.
Accompanied by Cecilia, Siegfried, Theresa, and Durandal, she took each step deliberately towards Zeke.
Kiana couldn't even recall how she managed to traverse the entire red carpet; only when she regained her senses did she realize her hand had already met Zeke's, white glove overlapping black, forming a picture-perfect union.
"Ba-thump!"
It felt like Kiana's heart momentarily stopped.
Zeke gazed at her, and she looked back at him, their icy blue eyes locked together in a long, silent moment.
Just as the audience began to worry something might be wrong, Kiana let out a giggle, and like pearls, tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably.
"Zeke..."
"Yes, I'm here."
"I'm the biggest dummy—silly, impulsive, always insisting on doing things my way. You're constantly cleaning up after me, getting headaches from my antics, even finding yourself in danger because of me..." Wiping away tears with one hand while tightly gripping Zeke's other, she lamented, fearing he might suddenly let go.
Smiling gently, Zeke reached over to dry Kiana's tears. "I too am stubborn and self-centered, often scolding you for no reason, teasing you, belittling you, and expressing disdain just to see your dejected expression, which secretly brings me joy."
"And I can't do housework; everything I cook turns out horribly, making it impossible for me to take care of myself—I'm always causing trouble for others..."
"You don't need to handle household chores. My greatest skill is probably taking care of you."
"I'm trouble incarnate, always causing harm. Even so, even with all that... I truly love you more than anything! Can I... can I be with you forever?"
All attempts to wipe her tears were futile. On her wedding day, Kiana sobbed uncontrollably, her trembling body resembling a helpless child.
The lengthy journey through time, unimaginable struggles and pain, and the constant fear and despair of losing Zeke for ten years—these experiences carved deep wounds into her heart like chisels on stone.
Such scars could not simply vanish once physical injuries and consciousness healed.
In the time since waking up, she found herself fixated on Zeke, oblivious to everything else. Only by his side did she feel her own existence, driven by the extreme dread of losing him again.
Kiana understood that one reason Zeke chose this moment for their wedding was likely to reassure her.
"Can I really...really do this?"
"You shouldn't ask such questions."
"Huh?"
"Kiana Kaslana, you must understand that nothing in this world can take you away from me—whether it be fate, death, time, Honkai, or even your own whims. Your destined path is to forever stay by my side. Marry me; I love you."
Zeke lifted Kiana's chin, wiped away her tears and sobs, then leaned in for a deep kiss filled with his eternal affection.
On tiptoe, Kiana wrapped her arms around Zeke's neck, disregarding any embarrassment or shyness as she embraced him wholeheartedly, reciprocating with equal fervor fueled by emotions nearly bursting from her heart.
That day, Kiana married Zeke.
Amidst applause and heartfelt blessings, the quintuple wedding concluded.
That day, Zeke started his family.