Chapter 63: A Simple Wedding

Jia Zhengjin was exceptionally clever, so upon hearing these words, he immediately realized that Tina’s parents, after witnessing his strength, hoped to settle their daughter’s future as soon as possible and secure her status. Perhaps in their eyes, as his power continued to grow, so would the number of his followers. The recent appearance of Perrin as a new follower had no doubt made them uneasy. There might be even more female followers in the future—after all, in this world where strength was supreme, which powerful man wasn’t surrounded by beautiful women? Depending on a strong individual for survival was the most natural thing in this world.

Jia Zhengjin, however, hadn’t thought about it so much. From beginning to end, he had only ever regarded Tina as his wife, while Perrin was simply a new subordinate. In the future, perhaps there would be more female followers, and he did not object to having more beauties to attend to him. After all, that’s just the way men are! Still, as his first woman in this world, Tina was undoubtedly the one who weighed most heavily in his heart.

Turning to see the shy and expectant look on Tina’s face, Jia Zhengjin broke into a gentle smile. “That is exactly what I wish for! But I’d like to ask, in this world... oh, no, in this country, are Tina and I of legal age to marry?”

“Of course!” Borint laughed heartily. “A girl can marry at sixteen, and Tina has long been of age! Lord Keen, do you truly wish to marry my Tina? Even though she’s just an ordinary country girl? Even though her background is humble, just a farmer’s daughter?”

“I’d be delighted!” Jia Zhengjin stood up and gently embraced Tina. “No matter her identity, to me she is the one I love most! Since my father- and mother-in-law have spoken, when can we hold the wedding?”

“Haha! The sooner the better!” Borint laughed joyfully. “Why not settle it today?”

“Agreed!” Lantis said happily. “Tina, this is wonderful! Today you’ll become a bride!”

“Mmm...” Tina clung blissfully to Jia Zhengjin’s arm, her face flushed with happiness.

“Should we invite family and friends?” Jia Zhengjin asked. “I have no relatives here, so only your side could be invited.”

“Why invite others to something as simple as a wedding?” Borint asked curiously.

“Eh...” Jia Zhengjin was stunned. “You don’t invite friends or family, or have any specific process for weddings?”

“What process is needed?” Lantis looked at Jia Zhengjin in puzzlement. “Once a man and woman have their parents’ blessing, they make a vow in the name of Aipal, the God of Love, to be together for life, and then they’re recognized as husband and wife. Why should your personal affair be a spectacle for others?”

Tina and Perrin both nodded as if this was the most natural thing, looking at Jia Zhengjin in equal confusion. Not just in the Empire of Xiongfeng, but throughout the world, this was the custom—a simple common sense!

Marriages in this other world are so cheap... Jia Zhengjin thought of news stories from his previous life: brides running away over insufficient dowries, couples divorcing because the wedding wasn’t grand enough, years of hard-earned savings spent just to pay for a wedding, grooms forced to borrow at high interest just to rent a wedding car...

Wow—here, as long as both parents agree, the couple vows in the name of the God of Love, and they’re officially married! Isn’t this all too hasty? But I like it!

“In that case, Tina!” Jia Zhengjin looked down at the beauty in his arms. “Why don’t we get married right now?”

“Mmm…” Tina nodded shyly. “I’ll do whatever you say…”

“Wow, wonderful!” Lantis clapped excitedly. “I didn’t expect my daughter to be married so soon!”

“Boohoo, I’ve always looked forward to this day! Tina, may you be happy!” Borint was actually crying.

People in this world really are strange… Jia Zhengjin was speechless. “Um… Father, Mother, so how should I take the vow?”

“Don’t rush, Lord Keen, I’ll teach you!” Lantis said. “When you make the vow, you must be absolutely sincere, without any distracting thoughts. Otherwise, the God of Love won’t bless you, and the marriage won’t be recognized!”

“Oh, I’ll be very sincere!” Jia Zhengjin nodded energetically.

“All right! Repeat after me.” Lantis took a deep breath and parted her lips: “I, Keen...”

“Should I use my real name here? Keen is my English name,” Jia Zhengjin asked.

“English name? What’s that?” Lantis paused, then replied, “Yes, use your real name!”

“My real name is Jia Zhengjin, Mother-in-law,” he said.

“Jia…” Lantis stumbled over the pronunciation and gave up. “No matter! Just say it yourself during the vow. It goes like this: I, XXX, vow in the name of Aipal, the God of Love. I promise to take Tina as my wife, never to betray her in wealth or poverty, in sickness or in health, for as long as we live. Then Tina repeats the vow, and you’re husband and wife!”

“This seems even more casual!” Jia Zhengjin was dumbfounded.

“Well then, let’s begin!” Lantis said enthusiastically. “Lord Keen, you start!”

“All right!” Jia Zhengjin steadied himself, looked down at Tina in his arms, and declared, “I, Jia Zhengjin, vow in the name of Aipal, the God of Love. I promise to take Tina as my wife, never to betray her in wealth or poverty, in sickness or in health, for as long as we live!”

Tears of happiness shimmered in Tina’s eyes as she lifted her head and replied softly, “I, Tina Cont, vow in the name of Aipal, the God of Love. I promise to take Jia Zhengjin as my husband, never to betray him in wealth or poverty, in sickness or in health, for as long as we live!”

“Hey, you didn’t get my name quite right—is that all right?” Jia Zhengjin laughed, gently wiping away her tears.

At that moment, a clear, melodious song suddenly echoed in their ears. The singing seemed to drift down from the heavens, bringing a gentle warmth that enveloped Jia Zhengjin and Tina. In an instant, Jia Zhengjin felt a mysterious, inexplicable bond form between himself and Tina.

“What just happened? Was that an illusion?” Jia Zhengjin looked up in confusion at the ceiling. But there was nothing there.

“Keen, that was the blessing song of the God of Love!” Tina threw her arms around his neck and pressed a loving kiss to his lips. After their deep kiss, she blushed and finally let go.

“Tina, check if my jaw has dropped!” Jia Zhengjin said to his now-wife, “I feel like I’m about to be overwhelmed by the common sense of this world!”