The cathedral stood as a grand, open expanse, serving as a place of congregation for the masses and hosting significant events. The seats were filled with people, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. A red carpet stretched down the center aisle, adorned with delicate flowers that lined its sides.
On the right side of the cathedral, individuals with black hair adorned the rows of seats, their expressions brimming with smiles and a sense of excitement. Opposite them, the left side was occupied by those with striking white and silver hair, yet their demeanor seemed more restrained and less cheerful.
"Tsk, those bastards. They cheated on the bet, yet they dare to wear those smug smiles," a disgruntled voice murmured amidst the dissatisfied crowd on the left side.
"Stay calm. We don't want to cause a scene, especially since they've hired high-level mercenaries and adventurers for security," another voice cautioned, attempting to temper the rising tension.
"Even so, this isn't how it's supposed to be," a third voice grumbled, reflecting the discontentment that simmered on the left side of the cathedral.
As the minutes ticked by, the palpable dissatisfaction from the left side remained at odds with the celebratory atmosphere on the right, creating a subtle tension in the air.
--
Within the confines of the bridal chamber, a tense exchange unfolded among family members, their emotions running high.
"Husband, can't we put an end to this wedding?" pleaded a voice, heavy with desperation.
"I'm sorry, wife. There are higher forces at play here, and I can't go against them," came the regretful response, laden with a sense of helplessness.
"Daughter, please, you still have a chance to escape. Don't concern yourself with us anymore! Use this opportunity to flee to Gaia," urged another voice, a note of urgency underscoring the words.
Vinna, the bride, her silver hair a mark of her distinction, remained resolute despite her family's pleas. "I'm sorry, Mom, but I've made up my mind for this day."
The mature silver-haired lady, a mix of frustration and concern etched on her face, grappled with her inability to sway her loved ones.
"Father, I know I can defeat Caesar! I can rescue Vinna from his clutches," another voice interjected, a note of determination resounding in the words.
"Even though I wish I could permit that, they would undoubtedly anticipate your move and oppose it with their strongest members," the reply came, laced with a sense of resignation.
Amidst the solemnity of the room, the weight of conflicting emotions hung in the air, casting a pall over what should have been a joyous occasion.
--
Hendrickson's voice carried a tinge of concern as he addressed the group, his gaze fixed on Misrael. "Are we positioned well enough here in the back row of the left side? Do you think we can buy enough time to keep the enemies from catching up to Reimu?"
Sun chimed in, her voice holding a note of certainty. "I believe Marisa volunteered to execute a distraction plan."
Hendrickson's disbelief was evident. "Seriously? Marisa?"
Night confirmed the unexpected decision. "Yes, that's right."
Misrael interjected a hint of guilt in her tone. "I think it's because of me."
Hendrickson's incredulity deepened. "What? How on earth did you manage to persuade her?"
Night and Sun exchanged glances before explaining, "Vinna's interest seems to lie with Reimu."
Hendrickson's exasperation was palpable. "Hold on a moment... so you're telling me..."
With a sigh of resignation, he trailed off, unable to fully grasp the intricacies of the situation.
Misrael's voice carried a hint of amusement as she spoke, her words laden with a touch of mystery. "It's probably best if you don't delve too deeply into the details, as it's deceptively simple yet complex to grasp."
Sun added, her tone more straightforward. "But you should at least be aware of the general direction."
Night interjected, providing context to the situation. "On the opposing side, their average rank is General, while our side consists of Warmongers."
Hendrickson nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see. The Lockhearts come from a lineage of knights, while the Mansons have a diverse background, including forgotten royalty."
Hendrickson continued, explaining the disparities. "Most of them likely hold pseudo ranks, with their physical and soul strengths not being truly matched."
Sun's voice took on a serious note as she pointed towards a figure on the right side, positioned at the forefront. "I've spotted someone of significant importance."
Night identified the individual. "That's Francisco Giles, the vice president of the Merchant Union."
Hendrickson's confusion was evident. "Why would the Merchant Union be involved?"
Misrael's words held a touch of playful admonishment. "Guild Master, try not to look so surprised. We wouldn't want people thinking you're only skilled in battle tactics."
Hendrickson's voice carried a playful tone as he lamented, "Why do you have to hurt me this way?"
Sun's response was matter-of-fact, her words holding a certain undeniable truth. "It's because it's the truth."
Hendrickson fell into a momentary silence, processing Sun's straightforward response.
Misrael's voice then cut in, steering the conversation back to its original course. "Well, returning to the topic at hand, the Merchant Guild is throwing their support behind the Mansons. They likely intend to manipulate them like puppets, and this marriage serves as the initial step toward achieving their goal."
Hendrickson's confidence came through as he declared, "Thankfully, we're here to put a stop to their plans."
Misrael affirmed with conviction, "Of course."
--
"Marisa, are you certain that you'll be the one carrying Vienna?" Reimu's voice held a hint of concern.
Marisa's response came with unwavering confidence, "Of course! Just make sure to protect my back once I exit the cathedral!"
Reimu's tone softened, conceding, "Fine..."
--
"Guild Master, it's good to see you again," Vienna's voice carried a mix of emotions.
Hendricson's reply held a hint of playful implication, "Of course, considering we might have even more opportunities in the future." The words hinted at hope for Vinna's eventual freedom.
Vienna's confusion was met with Night's candid remark, "He's just being delusional, ignore him."
Hendricson defended himself, insisting, "I'm not!"
Vienna's attention shifted to her companions, "Misrael, Night, and Sun, I didn't anticipate you all would be here to see me off one last time."
Misrael's response carried a glimmer of optimism, "Don't act like this is our final farewell. Miracles can happen."
Vienna's tone was tinged with skepticism, "If there's truly a miracle..."
Sun interjected with unwavering confidence, "Of course there is!"
"I hope so..." Vinna's voice held a touch of uncertainty.
She glanced around the room before asking, "You have no other companion?"
Hendricson's response was simple and direct, "Nope."
"I see..." Vinna's acknowledgment was accompanied by a subtle sigh.
--
The marriage proceeded customarily, with the bride and groom standing face to face at the altar.
The priest's voice resonated through the grand space as he posed the question, "Will you take Vienna Lockheart as your wife, even through life and death?"
Tyler's response was firm and unwavering, "Yes."
The priest then turned his attention to Vinna, his voice carrying the weight of the moment, "Will you take Tyler Manson as your husband, even through life and death?"
A moment of hesitation hung in the air, and the right side of the gathering suddenly grew restless.
After a tense pause, Vienna's voice finally broke the silence, "Yes..."
As the priest pronounced, "You may now kiss the bride," Vienna took a subtle step back. However, before the groom could close the distance, a sudden burst of bright light erupted from the entrance. The radiant energy struck Tyler, propelling him backward and sending him crashing into the rear of the cathedral.
As the dissipating smoke revealed, standing beside the bride was a spirited blonde magician.
"Yo! Vienna, I didn't think you'd end up marrying such a boorish man," Marisa's lively voice cut through the tension.
The right side of the gathering grew increasingly agitated, and a sense of urgency filled the air as some of them started rushing toward the altar.
"Marisa?" Vienna's surprise was evident in her voice, her gaze locking onto the unexpected savior. "I didn't think you would be the one to save me from this."
Marisa let out a hearty laugh, her confidence unwavering. "Well, of course! I couldn't stand seeing you stuck with someone like that, so I decided to ruin the party for you."
Vienna's gratitude shone through her response, "On the contrary, I want to say thank you."
Without further ado, Marisa swiftly took hold of Vienna's hand and, with a determined motion, shattered the giant stained glass window on the wall, creating an exit out of the chaotic cathedral.
Amidst the chaos, the event had descended into disarray. Pursuers were hot on their heels, but their advance was swiftly halted as a cascade of blue amulets struck them, rendering them unconscious.
"Reimu is here?!" Vienna's voice held a mixture of surprise and relief at the sight of the Shrine Maiden's intervention
"Of course, she is my partner after all," Marisa replied confidently, emphasizing her close bond with Reimu.
"Since when did you two become partners?" Vienna's curiosity was evident in her question.
"A long time ago," Marisa responded a hint of playfulness in her tone. "So, I'll tell you this—she's already taken, so you might as well give up."
Marisa's words seemed to confirm something for Vienna, who sighed in acknowledgment. "I see..."
The flight continued smoothly, the broom gliding through the air without any hindrance.
"You've beaten me once again..." Vienna's voice held a mix of resignation and lightheartedness. "First in becoming the top rank, then in becoming the best mercenary, and even in our fight. And now, you've beaten me to the person I like."
Vienna's tone shifted, carrying a hint of genuine frustration. "I hate you."
Marisa's response was surprisingly understanding. "Yeah, the feeling is mutual."
As the two continued their journey on the broom, a silence settled between them, allowing their thoughts to linger until they eventually landed at a safe location.
--
Hendricson raised his glass, his voice full of enthusiasm. "The mission is completely flawless! We should all cheers for that!"
The rest of the group joined in, echoing his sentiment. "Cheers!"
The shrine maiden and the magician found a spot to sit together, their camaraderie evident as they shared a moment. Vinna observed them, her thoughts seemingly drifting elsewhere.
Misrael moved to Vinna's side, offering comfort and support. "I guess this time, it's partly your fault for not being decisive," Misrael said gently.
Vinna let out a sigh, a mixture of frustration and acceptance in her tone. "I guess... though it's frustrating to be beaten by her repeatedly."
Misrael's words held a sense of reassurance. "It's okay, you still have me."
Vinna started to question Misrael's meaning, but her words were interrupted as Misrael pressed a gentle kiss to Vinna's lips.
"I kept lying to myself that I don't like you romantically," Misrael admitted softly. "But seeing you down like this hurts me too."
Misrael's voice grew even more sincere. "Vinna Lockheart, I've loved you since we were kids. I know I lied to you when you confessed to me and said that I didn't have romantic feelings for you."
Misrael's voice was soft yet resolute as she continued to confess her feelings. "I chose to keep my distance from you, but I couldn't bring myself to cut you out of my life completely. I wanted to see you happy, even if it meant someone else, someone better than me, making you smile..."
Her voice wavered slightly, a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "But I can't bear it any longer. I need to be honest with myself."
A pause hung in the air, heavy with anticipation. "Vinna Lockheart, I love you with every fiber of my being."
The words hung in the air, an unspoken plea accompanying them. "So please, give me a chance to make you happy."
Vinna's emotions overflowed, tears streaming down her cheeks as she absorbed the weight of Misrael's confession. To think that her longtime crush, her companion through thick and thin, had harbored feelings for her all along—it was almost too much to believe.
Amidst her tears, Vinna managed to nod, her heart full of newfound hope and happiness.
--
Marisa's thoughts carried a mix of amusement and disbelief. "I never thought it would take her 8 years to finally confess her feelings."
A smile graced the Magician's lips as she turned her attention back to the scene before her, where Vinna and Misrael were sharing a heartfelt moment.
"Reimu-" Marisa began, but her words trailed off as she noticed the shrine maiden sound asleep on the table, drooling slightly.
Marisa couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Seriously? The Kuro now and the Kuro back then are vastly different people."
She leaned in, her smile growing warmer. "Though you're much cuter this time."
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, the magician leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on the shrine maiden's cheek, "I found you at last, Kuro."
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How was she able to confirm?