January 1st, 791, cloudy with light snow.
The sky was dim and cold, weather that always tends to make people lazy, feeling like they stayed half-asleep snuggled under the covers.
That's exactly how Rhode and Mira felt, except they really hadn't gotten any sleep.
Last night, even though they hadn't done anything, they both unusually suffered from insomnia, only catching a bit of rest around three or four o'clock.
Logically, the night before the wedding, the bride and groom shouldn't sleep together, but since they didn't have any reliable elders to manage them, things stayed the same.
Knock knock knock…
The sound of knocking woke both of them from their dreams, Mira groggily turned over to hug Rhode, rubbing her cheek against his chest, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep a bit more.
Rhode didn't open his eyes either, he instinctively hugged Mira, smoothing her hair, and kissed her on the top of her head.
Until Lisana's voice rang out: "Sister Mira! Brother-in-law! It's almost time! Sister Mira!"
They suddenly opened their eyes and sat up straight in bed; no way they could sleep in today.
They lifted the covers and tidied up each other's pajamas until they were presentable enough to open the door and let Lisana in.
Lisana complained with hands on her hips: "Honestly, it's your wedding and yet I have to wake you up."
Rhode chuckled wryly: "Because we couldn't sleep at all last night."
Lisana giggled mischievously: "Oh~~ is it because of some mischief or just excitement?"
Rhode tapped Lisana on the head: "Where did you learn all this nonsense? We were nervous."
"Oh no!" Mira was suddenly at the dressing table, exclaimed at her reflection in the mirror, "I have dark circles under my eyes!"
Lisana glanced at Rhode: "Seriously, brother-in-law does too."
Mira panicked: "What should we do, is now the time to boil some eggs?"
Rhode hugged her, comforting: "We can prepare, but there's no need to worry too much, we'll be wearing makeup anyway."
Mira noticed Rhode's voice was slightly trembling too, making her even more nervous, yet also amused.
Lisana, uninterested in the scene, urged: "Quickly freshen up, and change clothes. Sister Mira can wait at home for everyone to arrive, while brother-in-law takes things over to the Guild where people are already waiting for you."
The two got busy, quickly sorting themselves out.
Rhode changed into casual clothes, and with his suit ready, he set out with Elfman.
Just as the door opened, the bridesmaid group had already surrounded the entrance.
Erza, Lucy, Reby, Kana, Wendy, Jubia, Laki, Ginanna, Qico, Ibarglin, all the girls were present, each holding a bag, faces brimming with excitement, seeming ready to change clothes here.
Rhode's gaze immediately fell on Erza in the crowd; she was actually wearing a wedding dress and holding a bouquet!
"Erza, you're…"
Erza seemed unbothered, lightly pulling the hem of her dress and asked: "How is it, does it fit?"
It isn't about fitting, you attending my and Mira's wedding in a wedding dress, how can that be appropriate? Rhode thought, feeling a headache.
Seems Mira went overboard? Appears she took Erza way too far.
Lucy helplessly remarked: "Erza, today isn't your wedding…"
"Haha…" Kana laughed heartily, holding a bottle in her left hand, while her right was casually draped over Rhode's shoulder, "How's it, marrying two brides at once, you thrilled?"
"…" Rhode disdainfully pushed her away, "How did you get so boozy first thing in the morning? Planning to pass out in the chapel later?"
"Ha! You're doubting my drinking skills?" Kana tilted her head back and swigged, slurp slurp slurp…
Lucy, being somewhat considerate, didn't just criticize Erza, but also persuaded Kana a bit: "Kana, don't drink so much, there's a banquet at noon and a ball in the evening, you'll miss out."
Reby noticed the complex expression on Rhode's face and said: "You better head to the Guild, we'll keep an eye on them."
Wendy quietly told Rhode: "Lisana told us that keeping an eye on them is our bridesmaids' important task."
Rhode nodded, little sister-in-law thought things through rather well, just whether it could be achieved is uncertain. Also, hearing Wendy say 'our bridesmaid group' feels weird.
"Let's go." Rhode stepped forward to leave, but saw Elfman and Ibarglin making eye contact, both inexplicably blushing.
Grinning at the clever thought, he waved Ibarglin over.
Startled, Ibarglin opened her little fan, covering her mouth, nervously saying: "Wh-what is it?"
"Got a favor to ask you."
Ibarglin hesitated for a moment, then suddenly realized, smiling smugly: "Oh~ don't worry, although my charm secures Guild's top spot, I'm not reckless to steal the bride's thunder today."
"…" So many things wrong with that statement, Rhode ignored her vanity, "I wanted to ask you to keep an eye on them, at least don't cause trouble during the ceremony, if necessary, turn into stone in a pinch."
"…" Ibarglin was shocked at the slyness revealed, he truly is a devil, contemplating turning the peers into statues at his own wedding!
Sigh, forget it…" Rhode absentmindedly said.
Coming to his senses, he dismissed unreliable ideas, beckoning Elfman to leave.
The bridesmaid group poured into the house; not long after, Rhode seemed to hear Lucy summoning Cancer Constellation.
He nodded; Lucy's Star Spirit is notably handy.
"Congratulations, Mr. Rhode!"
"Lord Rhode!"
"Best wishes to you!"
"When's the performance starting?"
Encountered many pedestrians aware of 'inside info' on the way, waving and offering greetings or blessings.
Rhode responded with a smile, arriving at the Guild amidst blessings.
The moment the door opened, Marcus enthusiastically yelled into a microphone: "Attention everyone, the groom is here!"
Bam! Bam!
Romeo and Asuka opened confetti poppers on either side of the door, streamers and glitter cascaded down.
Cheering, clapping, whistling ensued—Guild members were definitely pros at creating atmosphere and causing a stir.
Rhode smiled wryly: "Thank you, but isn't it yet to begin?"
Marcus replied: "Practicing early is necessary! Also, Asuka wanted to try the confetti popper."
Hearing her name, Asuka wobbled with outstretched arms, childishly said: "Congratulations, big brother Rhode! Daddy told me to say that!"
"Thank you, Asuka, I'll be relying on you today." Rhode lifted Asuka under her arms, swaying her twice, prompting peals of laughter from the little girl.
Then he turned to scaled-down Romeo, laughing: "How does it feel returning to childhood?"
"Not bad, my dad insisted on making me this way." Romeo chuckled wryly.
Suggesting Romeo and Asuka to be flower children, Macao objected, claiming Romeo was too tall, so he used Magic to transform him into a six-year-old, perfectly matching Asuka.
In addition, Macao could indulge himself reminiscing about his son's adorable youthful days.
Rhode could only express gratitude, patting Romeo's head: "I'll teach you some fun Flame Magic later."