Chapter 44 The Wedding

The morning of the wedding dawned bright and clear, a perfect day for a royal celebration. Tatsuo, resplendent in his Imperial Formal Vanguard General Uniform, stood at the altar, the intricate details of his military merit shimmering in the sunlight. The uniform, a symbol of his achievements, added a touch of regal authority to his already imposing presence.

His family stood proudly beside him: Emperor Hiro, his face beaming with paternal pride; Empress Mie, her eyes filled with warmth and affection; Princess Ao, her expression serene and supportive; Princess Fen, her gaze sharp and observant; and the youngest, Princess Yui, her eyes wide with excitement.

The grand hall of the Imperial Palace was filled with nobles, dignitaries, and guests from both the Empire and the Tigerheart Kingdom. At the far end of the hall, Princess Ahtris walked gracefully down the aisle, her golden hair adorned with delicate flowers, her amber eyes radiating a serene beauty. She was a vision of royal elegance, yet there was an underlying strength in her bearing that spoke of her independent spirit.

Pope Luminos of the Church of Zeltia, his presence radiating an aura of spiritual authority, stood before the couple, ready to officiate the ceremony. The church headquarters, nestled within the capital city, held a special place in the Empire, and it was tradition for the Pope to officiate royal weddings.

As the ceremony began, the System chimed in Tatsuo's mind.

Hidden Quest: Get Married

Reward: Level up one Cultivation Level

Tatsuo's eyes widened in surprise. A sudden reward, and a significant one at that! Before he could fully process the information, a surge of energy coursed through him. He felt his cultivation level rise, breaking through the barrier to Magisterial Court Realm 2nd Stage.

A collective gasp rippled through the hall. The sudden surge of energy emanating from Tatsuo was palpable, even to those without cultivation. Ahtris, standing beside him, looked at him with a mixture of surprise and awe.

Tatsuo, though momentarily stunned, quickly regained his composure. He was elated by the unexpected breakthrough, but he knew he couldn't let it overshadow the wedding. He smiled at Ahtris, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.

As the ceremony continued, Tatsuo leaned closer to Ahtris and whispered, using his Skill: Naming. "I name you Princess and Lady of the Dragonsden Domain."

As soon as he spoke, another surge of energy filled the hall, but this time, it emanated from Ahtris. The princess's cultivation level skyrocketed, breaking through to Sovereign Burst Realm early stage. The hall erupted in whispers, the sudden advancement of the princess's cultivation causing a stir among the nobles.

Ahtris looked at Tatsuo, her eyes wide with surprise and gratitude. She smiled, her eyes sparkling with joy.

The wedding ceremony concluded, and Tatsuo and Ahtris were officially pronounced husband and wife. The hall erupted in applause, celebrating the union of the two kingdoms.

Tatsuo, filled with joy and a sense of wonder, took Ahtris's hand and led her down the aisle. He felt a deep connection to her, a sense that their union was more than just a political alliance. It was a bond forged in mutual respect, admiration, and a shared destiny.

The wedding ceremony concluded, and the grand hall echoed with the joyous applause of the assembled guests. As Tatsuo and Ahtris turned to walk back down the aisle, Pope Luminos, his face beaming, raised his voice in the traditional blessing. However, the sudden, unexpected breakthroughs that had occurred during the ceremony prompted him to add a unique flourish.

"The God Zeltia and Goddess Intrix bless you!" he proclaimed, his voice ringing through the hall. "Go forth and multiply!"

A ripple of laughter and good-natured murmurs spread through the crowd, acknowledging the Pope's playful nod to the extraordinary events of the morning. Tatsuo and Ahtris exchanged amused glances, a shared understanding passing between them.

Later, in the privacy of their bridal chamber, the formalities of the day faded away, revealing a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Ahtris, her regal bearing softened, revealed a glimpse of the spirited girl Tatsuo remembered.

"Tell me about the wars you've fought," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I've heard tales of your victories in the north."

Tatsuo, surprised but pleased by her interest, recounted his experiences, detailing the strategic challenges, the fierce battles, and the growth of Dragonsden County. Ahtris listened intently, her questions sharp and insightful, revealing a keen understanding of military tactics and strategy.

"I wish to see a battlefield," she declared, her voice firm. "I want to experience the thrill of combat, to test my skills."

Tatsuo chuckled, recognizing the familiar spark of rebellion in her eyes. "Ahtris," he said gently, "war is not a game. It is a brutal and unforgiving reality."

"I know that," she replied, her gaze unwavering. "But I also know that I am capable. I have trained my entire life for this."

Tatsuo realized that Ahtris hadn't changed at all. Her desire for adventure, her yearning to prove herself, was as strong as ever. He also understood that one of the reasons she had agreed to the marriage was the opportunity to be closer to the action, to participate in the border conflicts that Tatsuo faced.

He looked at her, his expression softening. "Perhaps," he said, "we can find a way to satisfy your desire for combat without putting you in undue danger."

Ahtris smiled, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Tatsuo," she said. "I know we will make a good team."

As the night deepened, the conversation shifted, their shared laughter filling the room. Tatsuo found himself increasingly drawn to Ahtris's beauty, her intelligence, and her unwavering spirit. He couldn't resist her any longer. The attraction was too strong. They spent the rest of the night exploring the depths of their newfound intimacy, their bodies entwined in a passionate embrace. Their lovemaking was a celebration of their union, a testament to the growing bond between them.

The first rays of dawn filtered through the silken curtains of the bridal chamber, casting a soft, golden glow upon the sleeping couple. Tatsuo stirred, his eyes fluttering open to the sight of Ahtris nestled beside him, her golden hair spread across the pillow like spun sunlight. A wave of warmth and contentment washed over him. The events of the previous day, the wedding, the unexpected breakthroughs, and the passionate night that followed, felt like a dream. But Ahtris, her presence solid and real beside him, was proof that it was all gloriously true.

He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch light as a feather. Ahtris stirred, her amber eyes slowly opening, mirroring the warmth in his own.

"Good morning," Tatsuo murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

"Good morning," Ahtris replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Did you sleep well?"

"Better than I have in a long time," Tatsuo admitted, his gaze lingering on her. "You have a way of making even the most restless nights peaceful."

Ahtris blushed, a delicate tint coloring her cheeks. "And you," she said, her voice barely a whisper, "have a way of making even the most ordinary moments feel extraordinary."

They lay in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence. But the demands of their royal duties soon beckoned.

"We should probably rise," Tatsuo said reluctantly, breaking the peaceful stillness. "There will be much to discuss with our families."

Ahtris nodded in agreement, though a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. "Yes, of course," she said. "But perhaps... perhaps later, we can find some time for ourselves?"

"I would like nothing more," Tatsuo replied, his smile reassuring.

They rose and dressed, Tatsuo once again donning his Casual Suite, while Ahtris chose a regal gown that reflected both her royal status and her personal strength. As they prepared to face the day, a sense of anticipation filled the air. They were not just husband and wife, but allies, partners in a shared destiny.

When they entered the breakfast hall, the Emperor, Empress, King Aros, and Queen Esabel were already gathered, along with Ao, Fen, and Yui. The atmosphere was filled with a palpable sense of joy and celebration.

"Good morning, you two," Emperor Hiro greeted them, his smile broad and genuine. "You both look radiant."

"Thank you, Father," Tatsuo replied, exchanging a meaningful glance with Ahtris.

"We were just discussing the... unusual events of yesterday," King Aros said, his expression a mixture of awe and curiosity. "The sudden surges of power, the breakthroughs... it was quite extraordinary."

"Indeed," Queen Esabel added, her voice filled with wonder. "We have never witnessed anything quite like it."

Tatsuo took Ahtris's hand, his expression thoughtful. "We are still trying to understand it ourselves," he said diplomatically. "But we believe it is a sign of the strong bond between our kingdoms, and perhaps, a blessing from the gods. We should consult the Imperial scholars and the priests of Zeltia for their insights."

The conversation continued, focusing on the plans for the upcoming celebrations, including the schedule of feasts and tournaments, and the political implications of the marriage, such as the reinforcement of trade routes and the potential for joint military exercises. Both Tatsuo and Ahtris participated actively, demonstrating their intelligence, their leadership skills, and their commitment to their respective kingdoms.

As the morning progressed, Tatsuo found himself increasingly impressed by Ahtris. She handled the discussions with grace and confidence, her insights sharp and her diplomacy impeccable. She was not just a beautiful princess, but a skilled stateswoman, a true partner in every sense of the word. He knew, with a growing certainty, that their marriage was not just a political alliance, but the beginning of a powerful and enduring partnership.