From the castle walls she can see the city. Banners bearing the sigils of noble houses flutter from balconies. Lords and ladies arrived in carriages of gold and crystal, their retinues trailing behind them like rivers of silk. The Great Square of Rahnoff had been transformed into a festival ground, with musicians playing flutes and lyres, and dancers performing beneath floating lights.
Intimidated by the awesome display, knowing this whole wedding is nothing but a sham. She feels her heart rapidly beating like a caged beast. She allows the two terrified maids to lead her back to the main building but stops to peek into the main hall. Inside the castle, nestled on a hill overlooking the shimmering river Leara, the household is already bustling. It's the perfect example of orderly chaos; maids in soft lavender gowns moving like wisps through the halls, carrying bolts of silk, trays of honeyed pastries, and vials of scented oils here and there.
The castle was transformed overnight with moon blossom garlands at each arch and floating lanterns filling the halls with a rosy glow. Guests are finding their seats based on their status and wealth, the band is setting up. She allows the two tired maids to lead her back into her waiting chamber. They rip off her cloak and instantly douse her in perfume to chase off the stench of the dank dungeon. She can only wait in the side room for the dreadful music to start. Once the music queues it's her father's turn to lead her into the hall.
"Father" her voice trembles as she takes his arm. The duke stares at her, his similar amethyst eyes overflowing with emotions. It's easy to see the handsome man has much he wishes to say to his little girl but is too choked up to speak. Seeing the older man this way makes her heart ache. This moment shouldn't be hers, she feels like a thief, stealing this precious moment from the father and daughter.
As he crosses the wedding hall with her hands in his, he whispers into her ear. "You are the light of this house, Ariellia. Today, you will become the light of another. But never forget, you are always my daughter."
Her heart is beating like a drum, her father's sturdy arm is the only thing keeping her knees from buckling. The magnitude of the moment nearly drowns her on the spot as she stares into the anticipating eyes of the nobles, musicians, and guards in ceremonial armor gathered today. By some miracle despite her squirming insides, her exterior is flawless. Several guests are left in awe at her beauty.
If it weren't for her foul mouth and princess attitude Ariellia's beauty could easily surpass all the hero's wife candidates. It's just her character is too distasteful to love, tarnishing her looks for the players. Her hesitance to reach the altar is mistaken for grace and poise. The nobles all seem to be nodding their heads in approval, only the figure standing at the altar knows better.
Rei, the handsome young man standing tall and poised, a vision of elegance in a tailored black tuxedo that shimmers subtly under the sun. His tailored jacket, cut to perfection, emphasizing his broad shoulders, and accentuating his regal aura. The Duke spared no expense on his future son-in-law. Precious obsidian gems gleam on his crisp white collar and cuffs like polished onyx on snow.
The silk black bow tie around his neck only adds to his boyish charm. Such a jaw dropping sight…and yet she couldn't appreciate it. How could she when the handsome man is staring her down like he's just seen his worst enemy. His gloved hands clenched at his sides and his lips pressed into a thin line.
Guests probably assume he's just nervous and obsessed with her perfection, only she knows he'd rather her head part ways with her neck than marry her. Her oblivious father joyfully hands her over and blesses them both before retreating to his seat as host. She tries to smile through the pain of having her hand gripped so tightly. If those sharp red eyes noticed anything his poker face certainly didn't show it.
"Begin the ceremony."
She doesn't know who ordered the shaman to start. It could have been her father; it could have been anybody.
"Today, under the gaze of the sun and moon, with the blessing of the world tree, two souls become one. Let the winds carry their vows and let the earth bind their hearts."
She can barely hear the shaman's words. She's too distracted watching Rei's face, the slight twitch of his arched brow, his clenched jaw, and those cold ruby eyes. The developers really went above and beyond with his specs, making him a living Adonis with rich fair alabaster skin, and long lush raven black hair. She dare not compare his looks to that of her past body. There are just somethings mere mortals can't compete with.
"Do you Ariellia Silvy Garrod, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband in the eyes of the goddess. To honor and to cherish in sickness and health, for rich and for poor till death do you part?"
She doesn't even know when it got to this part. She's been acting her role quite well up to now, but just for a moment she cracks. Eren can't find it in himself to say the words, accept being somebody else's wife? Game or no game, there are just some lines one can't cross without a ton of drugs and liquor. Her silence is noticed, the guests begin to fidget and even Rei gives her a second look. Those red eyes peer at her curiously as though trying to figure her out.
If she doesn't say the words, if the ceremony fails, she knows her cover will be blown. There'd be no way to explain it. Ariellia has always made it known how much she loves Rei. For her to make it to the altar with him and suddenly get cold feet would be inexplicable. It'd be easier to ask a blind man what time of day it is. Not to mention the esteemed figures in the crowd, she dare not shame her house in this manner.
"I swear it by the goddess." In her heart she keeps praying, she's a Christian, she worships no goddess, so this vow is null and void right? She repeats this conjecture over and over in her head until she believes it.
The shaman and everyone else seem to breathe a sigh of relief. They smirk, thinking she did it on purpose for dramatics. There's only one person who knows the truth. Those red eyes that have been staring into her soul all this time. He must have seen it, the moment of utter terror in her amethyst eyes.
"Do you Rei, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife in the eyes of the goddess. To honor and to cherish in sickness and health, for rich and for poor till death do you part?" however when the shaman repeats the question to him there is no hesitation to his reply.
He does not swear it for her sake or for love, but rather to save the life of his childhood friend. Arie feels tears gather at her eyes, what a decent person. She's taken by surprise when she feels the red and white ribbons tied around their wrists tighten. They glow a soft gold and she actually feels it as a strange force travels through them.
'Magic!'
How could she have forgotten this is an RPG. A game full of magic and swords. The foreign power travels through the cords and enters her chest. It makes her whole being light up and for a short moment it's a new sort of ecstasy she's never felt before. Her entire being looks like a deity dressed in white. Even Rei watches her in awe. The moment is so wonderful she forgets why she's there.
"You are not one of mine, yet you swear an oath in my name. How curious…"
A mysterious voice fills her head and then all too soon the moment ends. The wedding ceremony is complete, they are now wed. The crowd cheers and precious stardust bursts through the air. Yet only the Bride and Groom remain silent as a grave.