Chapter 73

Chapter 73: Wedding - Part 2!

"Everyone, pay attention!"

The crowd hushed in response to my voice.

"We're about to begin the wedding ceremony for Murasaki and Shikibu."

A burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted.

Murasaki looked around, clearly not understanding what was happening.

"Now, it's time for the bride's entrance. Let's welcome her with applause!"

Guild members erupted into synchronized clapping.

Guided by Ilia, Shikibu, blushing shyly in her bridal attire, appeared from the reception area.

Cheers rose from the guild members.

"Guildmaster looks beautiful!"

"Absolutely stunning, Guildmaster."

Congratulations and well-wishes filled the air.

She wore a pure white wedding dress with a glass tiara atop her head.

Clutching a bouquet, Shikibu had subtle makeup, possibly applied by Ilia.

As Shiro had said, she looked beautiful.

Ilia led Murasaki to Shikibu's side, then moved to the side herself.

Murasaki remained frozen, his gaze fixed on Shikibu.

"Murasaki, you have something to say to Shikibu, don't you?"

I interjected with a playful comment.

The guild members joined in, shouting, "That's right, that's right!"

"... Shikibu, you look beautiful."

At last, Murasaki found his voice.

Shikibu blushed at his words, her usual fiery demeanor replaced by a gentle calmness.

The atmosphere seemed to evoke this change.

"Now, let the bride and groom come forward together."

At the end of the red carpet, Cro, who seemed like a priest or minister, signaled the bride and groom.

Murasaki's movements were stiff and awkward.

Shikibu appeared embarrassed, blushing and looking down.

Laughter erupted as everyone watched Murasaki's awkwardness.

Receptionists and female guild members gazed at Shikibu enviously.

Upon reaching Cro, the couple paused as he extended his hand.

Following his signal for silence, everyone hushed.

"Groom, Murasaki."

"Yes."

"Do you, 'Murasaki,' take Shikibu, present here, to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her, in good times and bad, in wealth and poverty, in sickness and health, until death do you part, under the name of the goddess Elinu?"

"I do."

"Bride, Shikibu."

"Yes."

"Do you, 'Shikibu,' take Murasaki, present here, to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love and cherish him, in good times and bad, in wealth and poverty, in sickness and health, until death do you part, under the name of the goddess Elinu?"

"Yes, I do."

The vows were recited with guidance from memories of a past life, adapted to fit the occasion.

For now, the deity's name was changed to Elinu.

"Place this ring on the bride's left ring finger."

Cro opened the case, revealing the ring.

Upon seeing the ring, Murasaki looked at me and smiled.

Taking the ring, Murasaki gently placed it on Shikibu's finger.

Normally, there would be an exchange of rings, but in order to reduce economic burden when weddings became widespread, it was decided that only the groom would give a ring to the bride.

It was similar to an engagement ring in my past life.

Applause resounded as hands clapped together, creating a whirlwind of cheers.

"Congratulations!" "Be happy!" The congratulatory words were repeated.

Amidst the applause, Cro whispered softly, "This gem was dug up by Murasaki-sama himself!"

He conveyed this to Shikibu, who blushed upon hearing it.

Murasaki felt embarrassed as he looked at Shikibu.

Tears welled up in Shikibu's eyes.

Cro was indeed quite skilled at creating drama! Oh, that's right!

"Cro, can you hear me?"

"Yes, my lord. Is there a problem with my conducting?"

"No, it's perfect. Also, could you relay what I'm about to say to the couple?"

"Understood."

"Everyone, please remain quiet."

Cro's words silenced the crowd.

"Lastly, here, they will seal their vows with a kiss."

Guild members' excitement rose, and Ilia and the other women blushed.

Murasaki looked flustered, and Shikibu seemed embarrassed, gazing downward.

The guild members chanted, "Do it already!" like teenagers in the throes of puberty.

Ah, Murasaki's completely frozen!

Well, I guess there's no choice...

"Murasaki! Is that the extent of your love for Shikibu? Is your love so feeble that you can't even kiss her?"

Murasaki turned slightly toward me, seemingly determined, and placed his hands on Shikibu's shoulders, leaning in for a kiss.

Cheers and applause erupted.

For now, it seemed like a success!