Vows

I exited the changing room, feeling somewhat giddy about this whole thing. With thoughts of the future on my mind, I followed Alfred to the waiting room. There, Ciel and grandfather-in-law were waiting for me.

As part of his duties, grandfather-in-law had to go to the stage first. Hence, he left both of us here, in the waiting room.

"So, what are your thoughts?" I asked.

"My thoughts? On what?"

"On the wedding of course."

"I think it's great. There are a lot more people than last time," she replied.

Her shoulders drooped, half-relaxing and half-lamenting.

"Let's do our best so that we won't lose them this time."

She nodded, finally regaining her lively air.

A knock from the door could be heard. From beyond it, Alfred's voice echoed.

"Young master, young miss, please get ready for the ceremony."

We looked at each other, nodding together before I opened the door in response to what Alfred had said. And it was just in time since my father immediately called for the bride and the groom at the next moment.

Both of us walked toward the stage. All eyes are on us.

Arriving there, grandfather-in-law as the officiate, began his duties.

"Today, we all gathered here in joy and merriment, as two of ours had decided to tie the knot and live together forevermore," he spoke to the crowd.

Glancing at them, he continued, "If anyone has any objections to this marriage, let them out now. If not, this marriage will continue as intended."

No one in the crowd moved a muscle. They all waited for the old ringmaster to continue his words.

"Since no one has objected; I shall now ask the groom. Layne, will you vow to cherish and love your wife, in sickness and in health, whether wealthy or poor, to the end of days?"

I replied and vowed within my heart.

"I vow to cherish and love my wife, in sickness and in health, whether wealthy or poor, to the end of days."

The old ringmaster continued on to the bride's side.

"Ciel, will you vow to cherish and love your husband, in sickness and in health, whether wealthy or poor, to the end of days?"

She took my hand.

"I vow to cherish and love my husband, in sickness and in health, whether wealthy or poor, to the end of days."

"Thus, the knot of marriage had been formed between the two parties. To all the guests, cheers!"

We kissed under the moonlight, full of tender love and care for each other.

With our ears red from the embarrassment, we took a swig of drink.

The circus troupes, the servants, Maria, Alfred, my father, sister, and everyone there, raised their glasses and cheered for the newlyweds. They downed their drinks and began the merriment anew.

I used this chance to talk to my father as the acting master of ceremony. I asked for some time for a little song I wrote for Ciel. He calculated the time and gave me a slot after dessert had been distributed.

Since right now was the time for the main course, Ciel and I took some plates to get some food from the buffet. Mentally tired from everything we had done today, we gorged on the food, stuffing ourselves full.

The party continued swimmingly. The circus members who can't wait to perform, performed their acts immediately after they had digested the food. Doe-Ritter talked and tamed beasts, while Dorian lifted those beasts. It was a truly entertaining show since the brother's comedic timing was top-notch.

Though such excitement can't continue forever. As dessert was served, the party had lulled. The mood was just right for me to sing for her.

I went up the stage, bringing a lute I snatched from the manor. Putting down a seat there and tuning it, my performance could begin. At least it would, if not for a voice calling behind me.

"I hope the groom hasn't forgotten about the bride," she squatted behind me.

"Of course I won't."

She happily sat cross-legged next to me, waiting for the performance to start.

I started with a pizzicato, not too loud, yet not overtly quiet either. From there, I started strumming a gentle tune and sang in a language none of this age would know.

"Even if I had everything in the world,

future, past, and present,

I will happily give them up,

in order to be with you again"

My voice was soft and clear, enough to get my point across to her.

The melody I crafted started to saturate into a bold one.

"Even when my sense of self and reason would shatter,

becoming a mindless husk of myself,

I would claw my way back from hell,

to see your smile"

The sound of the lute died down, almost impossible to hear, and all everyone could hear was my voice, thoughtful and sweet.

"Through the endless nights,

I gaze upon the moon to find you,

finding nothing but gentle dreams

Where we walked side by side happily chatting without any worry nor concern."

With a strum of the lute, my performance ended. The audience was still digesting what they heard, giving me some time to ask the one sitting beside me.

"What do you think?" I asked her.

"I never thought you'd sing this kind of corny song, I like it though," she replied.

"So you'll hear these kinds of songs?"

"Only once in a blue moon, okay?"

"Well, that's good enough."

I ended our banter with loud claps and cheers from the audience, that even though they understood nothing, they could enjoy the melody and my singing along with it. Meanwhile, those that did understand it, were now face-palming, appalled that I used an ancient language just to sing a corny love song.

Still, the time for performances and parties slowly ended. The guests were going home one by one.

It has been decided that Ciel will sleep in the manor tonight, as we'll use tomorrow's time to move our belongings into the wagon house I had created. Not only that, but we also needed to buy furniture to be placed within the wagon house, as we still haven't even placed a bed there.

So, we plopped down on the double bed that was prepared for us, enjoying our time with slight banter and laughter into the late night.