Chapter 463: The Wedding Begins, All Nations Gather  

On the Red Line, 

At the same port city beneath the continent, designated to receive guests and transport them via "Bubble Cable Cars" to Mary Geoise, the scene was bustling as ever with reporters from all over. Even "Big News" Morgans had the guts to show up in person. 

"Because this is a worldwide wedding~~" 

"Every nation, every race—even powers ruled by pirates must attend. Otherwise, it's death for them and their people... What an overbearing invitation." 

"No kidding." 

In this world, journalists all have nerves of steel—otherwise, they wouldn't last in this business. Many of the people they interview are pirates who would kill a reporter just for asking the wrong question. Even so, these daring remarks were only whispered among colleagues. 

"Luckily, the Reverie just ended not long ago, so most countries can make it in time." 

Of course, only most of them. 

As for those too far away or cut off from information... their fate wouldn't be pleasant. 

After all, one side of today's wedding was the so-called God of the Celestial Dragons! Her arrival also answered a long-standing mystery for the elites of the world—why the Celestial Dragons could act so untouchable. 

Ordinary people only knew that the Celestial Dragons were protected by the Marines. The most powerful figures knew there was an ultimate force backing them. But it was the middle-class elites who had always wondered: Why do the Marines willingly serve as their lapdogs? 

Now, they finally understood. 

Eternal life. The ruler of the World Government. The invincible existence of 800 years— 

Compared to this earth-shattering, super, ultra, mega news, even Luffy's coronation as Pirate King seemed insignificant. 

"Look, aren't those... the samurai from Wano Country?" 

A group of warriors in flowing robes and wooden sandals, swords hanging at their waists, disembarked from their ship. Leading them was a towering figure clad in a red-and-white kimono, a massive rope tied around her waist. Two horns protruded from her head, a fearsome Hannya mask covered her face, and a long spiked kanabo rested on her back. 

"What an overwhelming presence! She looks like a demon straight out of hell!" 

"That must be the new leader of the Beasts Pirates—the one who killed her own father for the throne, right? Even Kaido..." 

Behind the fully armed Yamato, a man wrapped in bandages scanned the crowd of wildly different races and heights, his gaze flickering. 

"Brother, are we really doing the right thing?" 

Melody, carrying a bow on her back, looked around excitedly while whispering. 

"But our ancestors always said..." 

"This is the commander's order: Our mission is over. From now on, we live our own lives." 

"Then that means we shouldn't be here." 

The armored general, clad in gold with a silver spear, remained as calm as ever. 

"Vice-commander, surely you can see how terrifying this place is? There are strong people everywhere..." 

Yet all these powerful figures had gathered just to celebrate a wedding? 

No matter how you looked at it, this place was a lion's den. There was no reason for them to— 

"Forget that today is the commander's wedding. Do you really think hiding in Wano would make us safe?" 

If the bandaged vice-commander hadn't been in an underground seastone chamber sorting through ancient texts, he might have been "affected" too! 

After realizing that everyone else's memories had been altered, he used the "Restoration Pages" from the ancient book to bring their memories back. 

And then— 

"One way or another, this wedding is way too suspicious." 

It would be best to see it up close... 

"Wait, what's that?!!" 

"My god, it's like a giant transport ship straight out of a navy fleet..." 

However, the massive vessel approaching like an island wasn't some kind of advanced warship. 

It was a Viking-style longship, built with the same simplicity as a canoe—just on an enormous scale. 

"Zahaha!!" 

A booming voice thundered through the air, causing nearby ships to instinctively steer away. Partly because of the ship's sheer size, but also because— 

"Look at all those little people!!" 

A gust of laughter howled across the deck. A group of giants stood tall on the ship's raised bow and stern, scanning their surroundings. 

With an average height of 20 meters, they towered over normal humans—who barely reached 2 meters. 

Calling humans "little people" was just their natural instinct. 

"Even the giant kingdom of Elbaf has sent people!" 

"The one leading them should be their 'prince,' Loki, right?" 

"Everyone, please watch your step." 

As they stepped off the rough yet imposing *Giant Glory*, Marine Vice Admiral John—a towering figure draped in a grand Marine coat, his chest covered in medals—turned to his fellow giants, who were clad in leather armor and carried weapons, looking every bit like pirates. 

"If possible, please put down your weapons..." 

"Hahaha!! Joe, you've only been away from Elbaf for a short time, and you've already forgotten our traditions?" 

"The only thing that can take our weapons from us is death!" 

"…My name is John now." 

Vice Admiral John rolled his eyes. After decades of serving in the Marines, his habits and mannerisms had long since changed. The thought of going back to a life of eating raw meat, drinking all day, and fighting like a fool was just... 

"Don't worry, John." 

The one leading the Elbaf group, Prince Loki, was one of the rare open-minded individuals among the giants. 

"We're well aware of that man's power. We wouldn't dare cause trouble at her wedding. After all—" 

That person could truly destroy the world! 

———— 

"Lord Neo, your outfit..." 

"Just leave it there. I'll put it on myself." 

Roman stood motionless by the window, his presence making the tailors and maids in the room feel uneasy. Dressing the groom was part of their duty—if they weren't needed, then... 

Wouldn't that mean they were useless? And everyone knew what happened to those who were useless... 

"Come here!" 

With a rustling sound, his clothes transformed into white paper and scattered, revealing the muscular form of Roman. He let the attendants busy themselves around him while his gaze passed through the walls, looking downward. 

The wedding had already begun in Mary Geoise. 

Since Roman had rejected the idea of an automatic sermon with a simple "I don't like it," the event had been changed. Instead, luxurious carriages were bringing royalty and powerful figures from all over the world into the Holy Land. Cameras from the press snapped away as the guests arrived at the grand plaza in front of the government building. 

At the same time, large video snails broadcasted the event live to the entire world, ensuring that this wedding would be seen by everyone! 

"This is even crazier than the Summit War two years ago..." 

Dressed in extravagant outfits, royalty, pirates, and elite guards walked through beautifully decorated archways, past small fountains and flower-lined corridors. They handed their invitations to the ushers at the entrance, who then guided them to their assigned seats at round tables covered in elegant tablecloths. Each spot was carefully arranged based on country and power ranking. 

Just one glance at the crowd, and Roman could already spot many familiar faces. Not only had the most powerful nations sent their royalty, but each of them had brought their strongest warriors! 

The level of strength here was even greater than what had been present at the last World Conference! Some of these individuals radiated an aura comparable to the high-ranking officers of the Four Emperors, while others felt as dangerous as Marine Admirals. 

This world was truly full of hidden powerhouses. 

If the Marines could find two new Admirals with just one mass recruitment drive, that meant there were plenty more powerful individuals lurking in the shadows. 

There were enough warriors here to wipe out the entire Marine force. 

This was supposed to be a wedding, but it felt more like the greatest martial arts tournament in history... 

The only good news was that, so far, everything seemed "normal." There weren't any unexpected disasters or bizarre incidents—at least, not yet. 

As the maids and tailors finished their work and left, Roman turned to look at himself in the mirror. 

A strong, confident man stood there, dressed in a pure white formal suit. The sleeves and chest were decorated with intricate embroidery, and a golden ribbon with a dragon-shaped emblem hung at his chest. The outfit was both understated and elegant, leaving no room for criticism. 

Although the ceremony hadn't officially begun, the plaza was already packed with guests. 

At the very front sat a group of Celestial Dragons, dressed in long white robes with their signature "fishbowl" helmets. They were visibly displeased about having to sit with "commoners," but in the presence of Imu—before whom even the Five Elders bowed—they dared not complain. 

Behind them, one half of the seating was filled with representatives from the world's fifty most powerful allied nations, each possessing formidable strength. The other half was occupied by influential figures from the sea, including "Big News" Morgans himself. This group represented the world's mid-to-high-level combat power. 

Further back sat the weaker nations that relied on Marine protection, along with representatives from various unique races. Of course, the giants weren't seated in the back because they were weak—rather, if they sat up front, no one else would be able to see anything.

The back of their heads? Not even a chance. If you could see their butts, you were already a step above them. 

Surrounding the plaza was a massive orchestra, ready to play at any moment. Behind them stood rows of Marines in their justice coats. Only Captains were allowed to stand guard here—Vice Admirals didn't even have a spot. The only ones with the right to sit were the Admirals. 

If there was one thing they all had in common, it was the flowers pinned to the left side of their chests. Even the armor of the giant representatives had them, giving the whole scene an oddly festive feel. 

At the very front, where nations had gathered and countless races had submitted, stood a grand cathedral built with white jade walls and gold-trimmed edges—without a doubt, the place where the soon-to-be newlyweds would take their vows. 

The orchestra had yet to start playing, and the guests sat in quiet anticipation, speaking in hushed voices if they spoke at all. Even the giant representatives in the back sat up straight and proper. 

Despite the fine wine on the tables and the gourmet dishes within arm's reach, who had the mood to eat and drink at a time like this? The one getting married was someone who had ruled the world for 800 years! Anyone chosen to represent their faction here wouldn't dare make a fool of themselves— 

*Chomp. Chomp. Chomp.* 

The sudden, unrestrained sound of chewing broke through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyone's gaze. The source? A person sitting in the middle of the stiff-faced Charlotte family from Whole Cake Island, eating like it had nothing to do with them. 

Fortunately— 

"It's time." 

As Roman appeared in a pristine white formal suit, Garp, acting as the 'officiant,' cleared his throat and launched into a long speech. 

"Today, we are honored to witness… blah blah blah…" 

As one of the main figures of the ceremony, Roman's eyes were a little unfocused. He felt a mix of emotions—part sighing, part helplessness. Never did he imagine he'd end up in a forced marriage! This was beyond embarrassing. 

Others who crossed into new worlds got to snatch beauties left and right, but him? He was the one being snatched by a beauty?! Was this a loss for humanity or a decline of morals…? 

The moment Garp's speech ended, the grand wedding march began playing, and white doves filled the sky—not Roman's creations, but real, living birds. 

And in the midst of this peaceful scene— 

"Lady Im has arrived!!!" 

With the booming announcement from the Five Elders, the entire wedding plaza fell into perfect unison. Every single person dropped to one knee in an instant. 

At last, the strongest being in the world made her entrance. 

Dressed in a pure white wedding gown, her sky-blue hair flowed like gentle waves. She walked toward Roman, looking as delicate as a dreamlike beauty. Behind her, children in formal attire carried the long train of her dress, making it seem as though she were stepping down from the heavens themselves. 

Im. 

"Today, we gather in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise for the sacred wedding of Lord Ro… Neo and the God of the Celestial Dragons, Ruler of the Four Seas, Creator of the World (and over five hundred other titles)… Lady Im…" 

Roman stared at the shy, downcast face beneath the veil. He had to admit—her beauty was undeniable. 

Garp's voice droned on in the background, growing more distant and muffled. 

'Will you marry me someday?' 

'Hah? Don't joke around. The seas are restless—how could I settle down?' 

*Cough!* 

Garp's loud cough snapped Roman back to reality. 

"I…" 

Now that the moment had come, Roman found himself unable to say those three words. 

Across from him, Im's eyes narrowed slightly. Roman sighed and rolled his shoulders. 

"I do—" 

"I DON'T!!!" 

??? 

—————— 

PS: Writing a wedding scene… I nearly tore my scalp off. Whatever, this will have to do… (looks up at the sky) 

(End of chapter)