Chapter 18 - Final Chapter
"For someone so punctual, it's uncommon for our Acting Grandmaster to be this late." Within the church and a few steps away, the blue-haired captain commented on the unnecessary observation.
The unsettling remark didn't go unnoticed by the scarlet-haired man. After five long months of planning and coordinating, today finally marked the day they confirmed their marriage through the church's supervision. And of all the days, today wasn't the day for Jean to be late or be missing like this.
"You." Diluc turned to his half-smirking brother and walked the distance towards him, "Where is she? Jean was supposed to be here thirty minutes ago."
Aether, Kaeya, Adelinde, and two other maids were within the group of exchanged glances.
"I went a moment ago," Aether responded, "And Barbara said they wouldn't be much longer." The blond traveler hesitantly glanced toward the front row of seats filled with members of the Gunnhildr family. Speaking in a low voice, he tried to offer some reassurance. "That was ten or so minutes ago, so I'm sure it won't be much longer."
"Hope that's true," Kaeya cued in. "The added attention we're getting from the delay—looks like word is getting around, and you're gaining quite the audience." Kaeya brought to their attention the multitude of people gathering from outside the church. "We might want to move the children to a secluded room while we continue to wait."
Glancing down at the sleeping boy in his arms, Diluc adjusted the twin without waking him, "If this carries on any longer, we might have to postpone the entire thing." Diluc's attention shifted to the smaller twin in Adelinde's hold. "How's Lucile?"
The head maid carefully peeked under the sheer veil on the little girl's head to see her blue orbs glancing around. "It seems she's been awake for some time now. But she's well. She hasn't been fuzzy or moving around."
A wedding combined with two baptisms. The level of stress gradually amplifying as all events integrated into the same date.
Religion, having to be an imperative provision for the Gunnhildr clan, happened to be their agreement to have their families come together today.
A light request compared to Diluc's requisition.
Diluc's debate to establish the Ragnvindr name for his wife and children was condoned as expected. No arguments were made regarding the following terms pertaining to Jean's position and the right to assert her head of household. Assets, such as Mora and properties, would remain in their corresponding houses. Riches weren't Diluc's concern. The stipulation to address the children's upbringing and whether they would be trained to uphold the tradition of serving Mondstadt invoked the conflict of interest.
Diluc's appeal was for their children to gain the right to choose.
It was a heavy hit for the Gunnhildr clan to accept, but nothing came short when it came to gaining the freedom and opportunity for their children to choose their path in life.
Whether Luceus and Lucile decided to train or serve the knights in the future would come from their own verdict and age.
It wasn't going to be a lifestyle forced upon them.
But a choice.
"Forgive the interruption, Sir Ragnvindr," A church officiant approached from the podium, "We need to proceed with the ceremony soon. Unfortunately, we cannot continue to delay much longer-- "
A loud slamming sound from a nearby door drew their attention to the opposite end of the church, "—Here! I'm here." Jean's abrupt entrance accompanied another shocking revelation as she arrived wearing what seemed to be a wedding dress.
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Something Sweet
FanfictionA rescue mission turned for the worst as Mondstadt's acting Grandmaster finds herself in unprecedented conditions. Refusing to admit her faults, Jean has trouble acknowledging her wrongs to her former superior as the scarlet-haired man continues to...
