A crisp chime sounded throughout the hall. A few Bloodsisters, all dressed in fine red dresses and dark ornamental accessories, led the guests to their spots.
There was quite a disparity between the two parties. Usually the families of one partner would be on one side and the other partner's family on their own side. A gap between them would be filled as the bride walked down the walkway.
However, while many Song Vassals (and Seishan's sisters of course) took up the places on her side, there wasn't anyone truly appropriate to fill up the seats on Gehrman's side.
Milo, Oskar, and Caster were exceptions. Gehrman also considered those of the old Forgotten Shore Cohort to be good friends, so they were also granted spots near the front. Other than that, all Government agents, and the representatives of Valor and the House of Night would also be on his side.
This made sense, as Gehrman had built a solid rapport with each of these factions through dealings with the New Workshop.
Suddenly, the lighting of the venue changed. Gone was the deep red, as it was replaced with resplendent, pure light. It was not blinding by any means, but it did take a moment for everyone's eyes to adjust. And by the time they did, they found that the groom had made his way to the altar.
Gehrman wore a very standard, yet incredibly expensive, three-piece-suit. A classic black coat and white undershirt. Only the tie kept the blood-red color that was so prevalent throughout the night.
He looked out over the crowd, noting everyone present, and lingering on the Vassals of Valor. So far, they have yet to make a move. However, so had Mordret.
The guy was somewhere in the Jade Palace, probably waiting for a trap to spring. Gehrman did not want to leave one of his groomsmen out of the festivities, so Mordret was possessing some body that stood among the Vassals of Song. However, even Gehrman did not know which one was him.
Though he could check with [Eyes on The Inside], he did not want to potentially reveal anything to Valor. So he kept his curiosity in check.
The crowd, for their part, seemed momentarily stunned at Gehrman's appearance. Not because it was sudden – they had expected a dramatic entrance – but instead because he looked handsome. There was quite simply no other way of putting it. The young man had somehow obtained a great amount of allure.
This was partially due to Gehrman tidying up his hair and wearing an outfit that fit his frame perfectly, but it was also due to the fact that the rings of yellowish-orange madness surrounding his pupils had all but disappeared, making his eyes appear sharp and beautiful.
In that moment, he never looked more human.
The music picked up as the stark clicking of heels resounded throughout the hall.
Beastmaster walked with a seductive stride, her hips shaking ever so slightly, tantalizing and capturing the audience as she took her place behind the altar.
Of course, she was not the one getting married, she was the officiant.
"Please rise," she said, her voice a smooth melody.
As they did, Gehrman caught her giving him an appraising glance of great scrutiny. Gehrman raised an eyebrow, and after a moment Eunbin gave a slight nod, indicating approval.
The music grew louder as the clacking of heels sounded once again. This time though, it was who everyone had been expecting.
Gehrman involuntarily swallowed when he saw her.
Seishan had been stunning on their date. However, if Gehrman was being honest, he always thought she was more sexy than anything else. There was something more carnal about her when compared to some of the Song Sisters such as Moonveil and Hel.
However, in that moment, she was nothing short of an ethereal beauty.
The white dress was off-the-shoulder with an open back. It was incredibly ornate, and some of the patterns were etched with a tiny amount of red, making it look like roses were blooming across her body. The gown itself was longer than usual, very befitting a classical dress, yet she seemed to struggle not a bit with the walk.
However, some would note with a decent amount of confusion that she had her elbow jutted out, as if someone was wrapping their arms through hers.
This was because someone was.
Gehrman smiled warmly.
Ki Song's ability allowed the corpses of Nightmare Creatures to keep the majority of their abilities so long as she could sustain the strain of using them. This was more difficult with things like Titans or those of the Great Rank, but doing so with Demons and Devils was fairly easy.
The trick they settled on to completely remove Ki Song from any prying eyes involved one of her corpses and a Memory of Gehrmans. It was a bit unfortunate to give it up, but [Harrowed Requiem] was too perfect a choice.
The armor that was a Transcendent Memory of the 4th Tier would be seen by some as a treasure. It would be worthy of even a Saint dawning it. Indeed, Gehrman suspected that Silent Stalker would be gifted the Memory after this was all said and done.
Its two enchantments made one stronger while fighting alone, while the other was more nebulous.
[No Longer Human] effectively took away an individual's need to eat, drink, sleep, or breathe. Gehrman had used it to swim in the dreadful currents outside the Hamlet during the 3rd Nightmare.
However, it actually did a lot more than that. In separating oneself from their humanity, it also eliminated their presence. So with a corpse turned invisible, it combined to make a most effective ghost. This particular one belonged to a humanoid Nightmare Creature, but was altered enough to appear similar to Ki Song.
This apparition held a mostly ghostly appearance already, and with their abilities they could further turn intangible. Honestly, it was a wonder how Ki Song got her hands on such a thing's corpse with that being the case.
Gehrman suspected some intentional and hard work with sealing had to be done in order to capture the thing.
In any case, it worked. No commotion or whispers were raised. Only a few eyebrows at what people eventually figured was a symbolic display since the matriarch, Ki Song, was allegedly away from the Jade Palace on a dire mission.
The eyes of Valor were trained sharply at the space beside Seishan, but they made no moves. If they did realize her presence, they did not seem to be fully sure how to act.
Indeed, the sanctity of the moment was one that was not lost on the audience. A rare feeling of profundity took over as Seishan took her place standing across from Gehrman.
She did not wear a veil, as was ancient tradition. This too was something they had decided to remove from the ritual. There wasn't any deeper meaning behind this though, it was just a matter of preference.
Beastmaster gave a smile to her sister before continuing.
"We are gathered here today to witness a union. One of a unique nature. A symbol of the ever-changing times." She paused, waiting for the words to sink in. "We are gathered here today to witness a celebration of love and commitment, as well as the crowning of a Prince."
That last line caught Gehrman off guard a bit, but he didn't show it.
Though he had said as much a long time ago, the fact that he would have the title of Prince was a bit dubious. Then again, when he inherited the Divine Lineage, it would be weird not to address him as such.
"To represent the mutual agreement, it is now asked of the groom and bride to exchange vows. With these words, let the foundation of your union be sealed in front of these witnesses."
Beastmaster turned slightly to look at Gehrman.
"You may begin."
He closed his eyes for a minute, surprised to find himself a bit flustered. He had never really been scared of public speaking, but he always had a bit of Madness to take the edge off. He had no such thing currently.
"Seishan, when I first saw you, it was not in the Bright Castle, and it was not while we agreed to a partnership. I knew you, but I had not seen you. Not until I sat, distraught, on the floor of a cave and had you sit down with me. I don't know if you even remember it, but you talked with me, and you listened to my mad ramblings. You really shouldn't have, to be honest, I imagine it was quite uncomfortable for you…" Gehrman let out a shy smile.
His eyes were closed, but he didn't miss the fact that a slight blush appeared on Seishan's face as she stared at him.
"Yet you still did. You listened to me when I made it to the Waking World, and then again in Antarctica. You've kept me grounded, and for that, I vow to repay you now and forever. I vow to always be there to listen, to help, to dissuade you of all your worries, and to make sure we never lose ourselves in this journey we find ourselves on."
There was silence for a moment. Beastmaster especially looked at him like he had grown three heads.
However, he was only looking at Seishan.
From here, only he could see the slight wetness in the corner of her eye. She blinked slowly, and readjusted herself.
Beastmaster eventually turned away from Gehrman and schooled her expression. Then she indicated Seishan to start.
The Princess of Song took a moment longer before clearing her throat and starting.
"Gehrman…I had a whole speech prepared, but now it feels woefully underwhelming. So I will…speak from the heart." Seishan paused, ordering her words. "The first time I truly saw you, was far too late. I don't think I realized the type of person you were until it was too late. Despite not having anything to do with the conflict, you fought on to protect us from Nightmare Creatures. You alone weren't swayed by petty human squabble."
Now it was her turn to smile. If Gehrman wasn't already blushing, he definitely was now. He had only seen it a few times, her true, genuine smile. It was breathtaking. No matter how many times he saw it.
"In a moment of reflection, I find that I am quite susceptible to those smaller things, the immediate conflicts. When I'm with you though, I see the whole picture, and I feel like a fool for seeing the world in any other way. You inspire me, Gehrman. You make me want to be a better person."
Now it was Gehrman's turn to hold back tears. He let out a quiet laugh as he resisted the temptation to let a few fall down his cheek.
Then her smile brightened, and things got a lot harder.
Valor, and all the other prominent Awakened here were probably utterly confused at the sight. However in the next moment, a few streaks ran down the Red Judge's face. They were tears of emotion. Not sadness, nor strictly happiness, but almost like a sense of overwhelming relief that he mattered to her in such a way.
Gehrman realized something then. In the back of his mind, this entire time, even after the date, he had kept a certain possibility in mind. She was just playing him, the Song Sisters were making a fool out of him.
That was fine, of course, they were mutually taking advantage of each other in this scenario.
He didn't expect, though, that when Seishan smiled with such warmth, it was directed at him. Not out of humour or false bravado, but simply for being together.
Shit, keep it together man.
"I vow to you, Gehrman, that I will always strive to be better. I vow to cherish every moment we have together. I vow to always be by your side, if not physically, then in spirit, always, and for or all time."
Somehow this silence was even more stunned than the previous one. The idea of the Red Judge being smitten was outlandish, but for the cold Princess of Song to actually reciprocate the feelings was simply beyond comprehension.
Beastmaster, for her part, did not slow down. With a beaming smile she continued to the next step.
"You may now present the ring."
Seishan blinked, a bit surprised at this.
This was only natural, they had agreed to cut out any needless symbolism with the exception of the vows, and the final seal. However, Gehrman made sure to go out of his way to ensure Eunbin that she would want to include this part.
She had claimed to be against it, especially since Gehrman wouldn't let her see the ring. However, it appeared she was going through with it.
Gehrman smiled, and then he reached into his coat pocket.
Seishan fortunately was prepared, as she reached out her hand so that Gehrman could place it upon her ring finger.
However, it was then that everyone suddenly grew quite tense.
The ring was quite simple, with a dull silver band, few patterns leading up to the top, and finally a small red gem that looked like a diamond adorned the top. It was cut in a circular pattern, and was not exaggerated by any means.
Gehrman was quite satisfied with it.
He recalled finding the ring as Johann in a particularly cursed Chalice Dungeon. It was such a strange find that he took it around with him everywhere. Eventually he brought it to Annalise, only for her to reveal that it was a marriage ring, and that she wasn't interested.
However, this lady of royalty and blood was interested.
The gem that sat atop was changed from a clear diamond to a blood gem that Gehrman created with his Aspect. It was the crystallization of all the blood that was in a giant Great Devil, compressed and turned into a gem to serve as a catalyst.
This was needed because this ring was a Memory.
And it wasn't just any old Memory, but the single most powerful Charm that every guest present had ever witnessed.
It had originally been workshopped by Gehrman. After getting the design down he passed it off to Sunny, who was able (after a whole 48 hours of straight Weaving) to create the Transcendent Memory with all requested enchantments.
Of course, this was not good enough for Gehrman's future wife, so he went even further.
Sunny was becoming a master at Weaving, but making a Supreme Memory of that complexity, or even upgrading the Memory to that level was simply impossible. There were simply too many complex enchantments.
So, Gehrman used his own powers, or rather, he exploited Mordrets.
It took them a while to figure it out, but the Prince of Nothing found out an odd trait that came with mirroring Gehrman.
Usually, when he was in another individual's Soul Sea, he only had access to their Memories. However, a strange phenomena occurred in Gehrman's Soul due to the nature of the [Walking Workshop] Aspect Ability.
Since Gehrman's Ascended Aspect Ability relied on Memories so heavily, and due to how it actually operated, Mordret found that he could actually access his Memories in at the Workshop's bench.
He could not take it out of that place, but with this little glitch he could, theoretically, receive a Memory, upgrade it, and then untether it. The technique required for raising a Memories Rank was simply not needed, as Paleblood did all the heavy lifting by sharing the burden of such feats with its Will.
So, that was exactly what Gehrman did. He had Sunny transfer the Memory to Mordret, who then received two Blood Rocks in his Soul Sea. One of which was for the ring, while the other was payment.
Fortunately, the Prince of Nothing was satisfied with this arrangement. Though he did look rather greedily at the finished project, and seemed reluctant to untether it.
Back then, Gehrman had written down the runes, and they were just what he had hopped for.
Name: [Ring of Betrothal]
Rank: [Supreme]
Tier: [VII]
Memory Description: [For you, Seishan.]
Memory Enchantments: [Flower of Red], [Scorching Heat], [Bitter Cold], [Blessing of Mind], [Blessing of Soul]
Since Sunny couldn't copy any of Gehrman's Memories, he had to pick from a list of things that Sunny did have. Fortunately, the guy had quite a few astonishingly good Memories. Not only that, he had a few older ones that would work splendidly if brought to the Supreme level.
[Flower of Red], for example, came from an Awakened Charm which instilled bloodlust and granted the wearer a great boost in strength when surrounded by blood.
Gehrman personally desperately wished to get his hands on this Enchantment, and dearly wanted to add it to his own Supreme Charm.
Especially since Sunny managed to modify it to remove the bloodlust part, keeping only the aura enhancement.
[Scorching Heat] and [Bitter Cold] were exactly what they sounded like, highly potent resistances to any heat or cold based attacks. This had proven rather useful to Gehrman time and time again with the enchantments [Bloodflame] and [Coldblood] on his own Talisman. Furthermore, the effects of the Soul and Mind resistances also transferred under the Enchantments that were in a tunic of Sunny's, one he had gotten from the Terror of LO49. The "Blessing" enchantments were once again high resistances to their applicable attribute.
With this, anything under the Great Rank would be hard pressed to deal any damage via elemental, mind, or soul attacks. Furthermore, the fact that there were only 5 enchantments on the Tier 7 Memory was intentional.
While one of the extra nodes was used to stabilize the "Blessing" Enchantments (since they came from an Attire, not a Charm), the other served to only increase the power of [Flower of Red], which would be by far the most powerful enchantment.
Already, without any blood surrounding the ring, however, it pulsed with phenomenal power.
Gehrman carefully took Seishan's slender hand and placed the ring on it. She stared at it for a while. Then she closed her eyes.
The Memory disappeared into her Soul in a shower of black and purple sparks, something that would no doubt confuse all present. In a moment, the sparks returned, and the ring was once again on her finger.
The Memory was officially Seishan's.
Beastmaster managed to shake off her awe at the ring long enough to recall the next lines.
"Will you, Seishan, take this man as your husband?"
Seishan's smile had yet to fall, and now it glowed brighter than ever.
"I do."
"Gehrman, will you take this woman as your wife?"
"I do."
Their voices were both filled with a sense of joy that surprised the both of them. Perhaps it was the atmosphere, maybe it was the sudden romantic gestures, but when the final line came, they were both very ready.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Gehrman reached out, grabbing her waist with one hand and pulling her close. Then, taking his other hand and cupping Seishan's cheek, he kissed her.
There was a fire in his heart as their lips connected. The taste was even sweeter than before. Seishan let out a quiet laugh against his lips.
"Grown quite confident, haven't we?"
"Not really, I just really wanted to kiss you."
"That is…unberably corny."
The two separated before the kiss turned into something that the older folk in the audience might raise their eyebrows at.
Only then did they hear the scattered applause turn into a full standing ovation.
As it turned out, the initial ferocity of the kiss surprised the guests so much that many were too shocked to cheer. Only a select few did. Effie, Kai, Sunny (although he simply clapped and looked at the [Ring of Betrothal] with a slight sense of dismay), then there was Oskar, and finally Caster.
He was the most surprising one. The guy was actually smiling. Gehrman was sure he would find the whole situation terrible, he was having a hard job thrust upon him and he was currently in the bowels of the enemy's Palace.
Yet he seemed happy. It took Gehrman a while to realize he was happy for him.
When did that happen? Did Caster develop empathy somewhere along the road? Surely not. This must be a celebration that he is free from me.
Of course, the rest all joined in on applause. Though they were all quite thrown off by the events of the night, it was clearly a moment of joy.
However, the night was not yet over.