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Chapter 3: Powerful Husband

Exceeding my expectation, the venue was prepared gracefully and deftly. Just by seeing it can be said that those people working under Duke Valkyrine didn’t spare any waste; all decorations were precise, so there was no doubt this was such a painstakingly job. Regardless, this was the wedding of Duke Valkyrine, an event where people must see and would regard highly just as his title. It would be such a nonsense if his wedding would be of just the same as commoners, it was understandable that everyone would not want to make him dissatisfied otherwise they’d be killed.

Duke Valkyrine was a powerful paladin so he couldn’t be regarded ordinarily, thus it was also her first step to marry him, thus killing him is step easier than it was truly. I faintly shook my head, watching all the nobles who cheered us up while we trudged on the beautiful red carpet laid on the center. This venue was truly colorful, picturesque. I must say Duke Valkyrine lives upon his name.

The flowers were just as perfect as the event we were having, even the fabrics laid flat and fluttered along the wind; even the wind was just gently blowing as though it was welcoming our marriage. My marriage with Zhiven was far from splendid than it was now; it was decoratd inadequately if I must be the judge and only has a few adornments. If it wasn’t for the people in the village, I supposed even our marriage wouldn’t be possible, hence I was also thankful for them.

They were such a great help to me and Zhiven, they gave us food, fruits, rice, meats, and vegetables to eat. When they were out hunting and Zhiven was ill, they’d made sure to give us at least one or occasionally, two of the animals they killed along the way. I missed them, what kind of life they have now while I am gone?

I dryly smiled. Reminiscing doesn’t do me any good, especially when I am having my second wedding.

‘Zhiven… If you were here, or if you were the person holding my hand right now, would you feel happy as you did back in our marriage then?’

Why does Zaren has the same face of Zhiven, why does I have to live in this torment? I closed my eyes, preventing my tears from falling down. I must not cry. Uncle always taught me that only those weaklings cry because of their petty emotions so only those who could control their emotions, or better yet put them aside for greater cause. Therefore, I never allowed my tears to fall otherwise, I am just having unimportant emotions swirling inside my heart. Eventually, I’d have my heart mended, whatever it takes.

‘Zhiven, you must wait for me… My child, forgive Mother, Mother is incapable. In the future, I will take to a beautiful scenery and pluck out the sunflower you like the most.’

I stopped walking as I face Duke Valkyrine. After this vow, my mission will begin. Can I pull it off? It was my first time feeling nervous.

Zaren smirked at me as I blinked my eyes. A gentle smile went across on my face as I looked into his familiar eyes, just as the same as Zhiven. They’re truly charming, captivating my heart. Zhiven, must you do this to me?

Zaren held out his hand, pledging, “I, Duke of Valkyrine, Zaren Valkyrine, pledge here henceforth, that my wife, Amari Inlan, would be my first and last. I shall love no one but her. I’d stay loyal and thereby do my duty as a husband willingly. I will share my burdens with my wife. And with that, I vow my life in it.”

Nobles’ marriages were easy. They will just say their pledge of loyalty and marriage, seal with a kiss, then they’d be legally married with people as their witnesses and a High Priest along with the onlookers.

I was hesitant. I cleared my throat, “I… Amari… Inlan, takes Zaren Valkyrine as my one and only husband. I shall pledge my loyalty, love and shall share my burdens with him as long as death arrives. And with that, I vow my life in it.”

Zaren held my arms, and gently pulled me closer to him. Must I really kiss someone who has the face of Zhiven? It makes me want more. I closed my eyes as his lips covered mine completely. I felt him being gentle on me in contrast of what the rumors told him to be- vicious. Nonetheless, it was just a kiss, I couldn’t easily judge him just by that.

As our lips parted ways, I momentarily witnessed how his eyes changed to a sweet gaze. He must really love the real Amari. What would be his reaction if I revealed I was not the real Amari he assumed?

He faintly smiled at me, “You finally became my wife.”

I tilted my head, “Did you always want me to be your wife?”

“I see you forgot about me, you silly.”

“… Huh?”

Don’t tell me he knew that I was Yula and he was Zhiven? I widened my eyes, as my lips smiled without my knowing.

Zaren lightly knocked me on my forehead and responded, “You forgot your cupcake, hmm?”

“C-Cup… cake? Isn’t that a food?”

I frowned. What cupcake was he talking about when I hated its sweet taste. My life was dull, and I am clothed with blood, thus sweet taste-food doesn’t deserve me. I always feel like I will only eat sweets after I have repented all my sins.

He shook his head, “After your parents’ death, you never invited me to your house anymore. You always told me that we’d play every day, but you abandoned me.”

What on earth is happening? Who abandoned who? Either way, the ruthless and vicious Duke knows a lot about playing. No, no, let’s think it critically. Does that mean the real Amari and he were childhood friends? I frowned, still hasn’t grasp his meaning.

“What did you do in the past fourteen years?”

I blurted randomly, “I trained, killed people, and… and….” I covered my mouth. How shameless of me! did I become too comfortable around him now that he is my husband?

I gasped. I must had been insane. Was it because he had the face of Zhiven so my attitude towards him was just when I was with Zhiven?

He simply smiled and took my hand, “It’s good that you can wiled your powers now. Let’s have a good chat later, shall we, wife?”

I blinked. That title really makes my heart thump. “A-as you said, Your Grace.”

Out of a sudden, I felt an energy approaching towards me, so I held out my hand, yet Zaren grabbed my hand and pulled out a sword from one of his knights nearby and sliced in the air.

I belatedly reacted as I walked by his side and gulped. Zaren was fast than I imagined, he even managed to protect me with a short span of time. He really is a powerful enemy.

Zaren handed the sword back and stared at the lifeless body before his vision. The blood dripped from the sword he pulled, then shouted, “Get this out of my sight!”

He killed the man; without a second thought and quickly. Indeed, marrying him isn’t some sort of a fairy tale like stories, just like what I had with Zhiven. Would my marriage end likewise it was previously? I turned my head at Zaren’s hostile face and held his arm. I don’t know why I feel like I need to calm him down but the energy he exuded now was dangerous, as though he’d kill everyone present in this venue. Well, it was his wedding day, and someone dared to ruin it.

“Your Grace, don’t let it ruin the wedding. Calm down.”

“Are you fine? Are you hurt anywhere?”

“By your protection Your Grace, I am fine.”

He heaved a relieved sigh, still frowning. “I prepared this wedding for you and me, and someone just successfully ruined it. Sliding this matter off was just as the same as tainting my reputation I built thus far.”

I politely smiled, “The man is lifeless now. You handled the situation now. Shall we continue, then?”

He gritted his teeth, unwilling of my favor. “… Fine, if it is what you said,” and stopped. He looked at my eyes and worriedly asked, “Are you really all right?”

I reluctantly nodded my head, “Yes… Your Grace.”

“Rest for a while in the lounging area.”

“I am fine, Your-“

“Do what I said, Ari.”

“… Ari?”

“Go, hurry up.”

Uncle… Why did you make such a reckless move?

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