Chapter 123 Peaceful Day
One week later…
The atmosphere in Whiterun was as peaceful and tranquil as ever, wrapped in a calm that seemed untouched by the chaos of the outside world. The sky stretched wide and clear above the city, painted in soft shades of blue, while a gentle breeze drifted across the plains, carrying with it the scent of dry grass and distant pine.
From within the city walls, faint sounds of daily life echoed outward the rhythmic clanging of a blacksmith's hammer, the chatter of townsfolk going about their routines, and the occasional laughter of children playing in the streets. It all blended into a quiet, comforting hum that made the place feel alive yet serene.
Near wall of whiterun, Alex stood alone the faint shimmer of magic flickered in the air before him, distorting the space like a barrier.
"Huff… huff…"
His breathing was heavy uneven, each exhale carrying the strain of continuous casting. A translucent barrier flared into existence in front of him its surface rippling like liquid light before fading again as his mana ran low, Sweat trickled down the side of his face.
"I've been trying to improve my Restoration skill this whole time…" he muttered between breaths, his voice slightly strained. "I even bought Steadfast Ward… I should've made some decent progress by now…"
He raised his hand once more, determination still burning in his eyes despite the exhaustion. The air around his palm shimmered again, gathering into another fragile shield as he pushed himself to continue, over and over, refusing to stop.
He paused, then brought up his status screen, his eyes scanning the numbers.
Restoration: 64 → 67
"…Haaah… haah… only three levels after all this…?" he muttered between breaths, frustration creeping into his voice. "Without any Fortify Restoration enchantments on my gear, my mana just gets drained completely…"
Alex wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, his expression turning thoughtful.
"…What if I tried using Steadfast Ward or maybe an even stronger ward to fully envelop my body?" he murmured, his eyes narrowing slightly as the idea took shape. "If I could cover myself completely… it might act like invisible armor…"
He then brought a hand to his chin, thinking more deeply.
"…Alteration spells have a duration once they're cast… like Stoneflesh. After casting it, your body is protected by a thin layer almost like invisible armor but it only lasts for a limited time…"
Alex fell silent, his gaze sharpening as he began to seriously consider the possibilities of combining the principles of both schools of magic.
Alex then sat down, tilting his head back to gaze at the sky as he took a short rest. His breathing gradually steadied.
"…But Restoration spells that create shield-like barriers will keep going as long as you have enough mana," he murmured to himself.
A faint smile formed on his lips.
"…So what if I learn how to reshape Steadfast Ward so it can envelop my entire body… and then use a ring enchanted with Fortify Restoration? If that works, I might be able to keep the spell active continuously…"
But the smile slowly faded. His expression darkened as he lowered his gaze to the ground.
"…But I still need to figure out how to actually modify the spell… and whether it can be cast without using my hands…"
He let out a quiet sigh, his shoulders relaxing as the weight of the problem settled in.
"…If this really works, it wouldn't just be useful for this spell… it means other spells could be modified too…"
Footsteps could be heard approaching from behind, and a moment later, Alex felt arms wrap around him as Astrid hugged him from behind.
"Hey, love… what are you doing?" Astrid asked softly, her voice gentle and warm.
"Ah, just passing the time with some training," Alex replied casually.
He then turned around and gently kissed her on the forehead. Astrid smiled shyly, her cheeks faintly flushed.
"Hehe… you probably haven't noticed, but your height is almost the same as mine now," she said with a light giggle.
Alex blinked in slight surprise. "Hm? Really?"
They both stood up straight to compare, and Alex let out a small laugh.
"Haha… looks like it's true I'm almost as tall as you now."
Inside his mind, he began to wonder.
(Could it be because I've been increasing my stamina points… so my body is gradually growing? Or maybe it's a level-related effect, since I'm getting close to level 50? Hmm… I'm not sure what's causing this growth, but it's definitely good news.)
Alex smiled. "Hmm… I guess that means I can do this more easily now."
Astrid tilted her head slightly. "Do what ?"
Before she could finish, Alex suddenly lifted her into his arms in a princess carry. Astrid let out a surprised laugh, her hands instinctively wrapping around his shoulders.
"Ahaha Alex! You startled me!"
Alex chuckled, holding her securely. "Hahaha… looks like I've gotten a bit stronger, huh?"
"Of course, my prince," Astrid replied with a soft, affectionate smile.
Slowly, their faces drew closer, their breaths mingling… and soon, their lips met once more in a gentle kiss.
At that moment, a voice came from behind them.
"Ahem… excuse me, mister and miss?"
Alex and Astrid were slightly startled. Alex quickly set Astrid down before turning around.
"Ah yes? What is it?"
They saw a man standing there with a large backpack slung over his shoulders. He looked at Alex, then asked,
"Is this Miss Astrid's residence?"
Astrid stepped forward and nodded. "Ah, yes that's correct."
The man gave a polite smile and introduced himself.
"Alright then, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Paul, a courier from a tailor shop in Solitude. I'm here to deliver your order."
Astrid's face immediately lit up with happiness. "Ah, yes that's right!"
Paul carefully took out an elegant, well-sealed box from his bag and handed it over to Astrid. After that, he gave a small bow.
"Well then miss, I hope you have a wonderful day."
Alex looked curious. "Umm… Astrid, what package is that?"
Astrid let out a soft giggle, clearly happy, then looked at him with a playful smile.
"Hehe… it's a surprise for you for our wedding tomorrow. And inside this box is the dress I prepared. I don't want to show it to you yet, so it'll be a surprise."
Alex blinked, then thought to himself.
(A surprise? Wait… so yesterday she went all the way to Solitude and even brought a lot of money just for this? I can't wait to see her wearing that dress…)
A warm smile spread across his face.
"Alright, love… I can't wait to see you in that dress."
Yep, that's right tomorrow is my wedding with Astrid. After I proposed to her a week ago, she said she wanted a wedding based on the customs from my homeland. So instead of going to Riften, we decided to hold the ceremony here. All the preparations have been made, and we're planning to get married outdoors, just outside Whiterun.
Alex stepped out through the gates of Whiterun, he made his way down the path toward the open plains. The evening air was cool, carrying with it the faint scent of grass and earth, while the golden hues of the setting sun stretched across the horizon.
In the distance, rows of neatly arranged tents stood upon the field, their white fabric swaying gently with the breeze. Lanterns had already been hung along wooden poles, not yet lit, but ready to cast a warm glow once night fell. A few workers were still moving about adjusting tables, securing ropes, and carefully placing decorations.
Alex slowed his steps as he approached, his eyes scanning every detail. The long banquet tables were already set in place, covered with clean cloth, plates, and polished utensils that reflected the fading light. Nearby, a section had been prepared for the musicians chairs, instruments, and a small platform where the band would perform.
"Even though it cost quite a lot…" he murmured under his breath, folding his arms as he took it all in, "…I hope this becomes an unforgettable memory."
He walked further in, occasionally stopping to adjust something himself a slightly tilted chair, a loose knot on a tent rope small details, but important ones. This wasn't just any event. This was their day.
I already hired several staff members to ensure everything ran smoothly. The catering had been arranged with great care, making sure there would be more than enough food for everyone. A dedicated area had been set aside for makeup and preparation, complete with mirrors and supplies. Even a live music band had been brought in, something rare enough to make the celebration feel truly special.
And then there was the priest.
Alex let out a quiet breath, a faint smile forming on his lips.
He had gone as far as hiring Priest Maramal from Riften no small task, and certainly not cheap. The added cost of bringing him all the way here and amulet of mara had been significant, but Alex didn't regret it for a second.
For this moment… for Astrid… it was all worth it.
I got the money by selling one of my enchanted rings to Farengar it had a 45% Resist Fire effect. When I showed it to him, he said it was extremely valuable. Honestly, hearing that gave me a slight chill… because with my Enchanting skill already at 100, I can create something like that anytime, as long as I have the materials.
So money isn't really something I need to worry about running out of. But I can't just casually sell enchanted items I make if word spreads, it could put me in serious danger.
I also made my own outfit, since there aren't any proper wedding suits for men here so I had no choice but to create it myself. In my previous life, before I managed to get a stable job, I worked all kinds of odd jobs, and being a tailor was one of them. There are no sewing machines here, but that's not a problem. I used a Telekinesis spell instead if anything, it made the process even easier.
As for Astrid, she didn't want me to make her dress. Now I understand why it's for my surprise. So in return… I'll surprise her with my wedding suit as well.
For the wedding invitations, I've invited everyone from Whiterun and Riverwood. I'm not sure whether the Greybeards will come or not, but one thing's certain tomorrow's wedding will be lively.
As for the civil war… hmm, I'll deal with that when the time comes. And the vampires… well, that's something for my future self to handle. For now, it's better for me and Astrid to simply enjoy our time together.