--2 Days Later--
Seth felt weird because it was not like in the TV shows. The media always suggested marriage was something scary. The groom was supposed to get nervous, anxious, or excited; however, Seth was calm.
Maybe because this didn't actually change anything in his mind world. It was way bigger to accept Fin into their relationship. His proposal was a big step. But right now? The marriage was just a way to announce to the world what was already carved in stone.
If anything, he felt a warm fuzziness in his chest, but no drama or doubts like the TV protagonists. He had seen the small venue Mina and Fin had put their effort into decorating, and it made him happy. System Marriages were not massive ceremonies or big shows.
The church was filled with the people of Minas Mar. Friends and colleagues Seth had found during his journey, all wearing their best clothing. The groom had entered, and the brides joined him at the entrance,
Fin and Mina wore pure white dresses, but their designs were closer to evening dresses than the wedding dresses Seth knew. Not that he was a stickler for traditions, when this was not even a traditional marriage. They were marrying under the name of the System God. He himself wore a black suit Nädel made for him.
Together, the trio walked down the aisle, the eyes of the crowd following them with goodwill. Subtle music was playing as they reached the altar, where Samuel, the Saint of the System God and technically one of Seth's creations, was waiting for them. Halting before the Altar, they exchanged sheepish glances.
"Are the three of you ready to enter a bond under the eyes of the system god?" the reincarnated priest asked solemnly. His voice was calm, but it could be heard everywhere in the church. Before him, a small pedestal slowly appeared from his inventory.
At first glance, it was just a wooden stand in the shape of a T and covered in carvings. However, it was emanating a tremendous divine aura. It was a unique implement used for a marriage under the system god.
"A marriage is much like a party. It needs balance and cooperation. Only a team can make a marriage work. Party Members, make your vows," Samuel spoke with grim sincerity. It seemed a little weird, but this was the way of the System God.
"Mina?" the priest turned to the cat girl.
"As the scout and dagger in the dark, I will protect my party from any dangers on the way," Mina answered softly and placed her left hand on the pedestal.
"Fin Bellsmiter?" Samuel named the fairy brute.
"As the cleric and healer, I will face problems head-on and resolve them," she said with conviction and placed her hand on the pedestal, too.
"Seth Smith?" the Saint he created looked the blacksmith in the eyes.
The blacksmith had spent time coming up with a vow on and off over the past week. He had researched the traditional vows a blacksmith would usually make. But he didn't quite like any of them. He had further looked into the vows in general. Seth found one he liked in an uncharacteristic place, but it really spoke to him.
He halted for a moment, listening to the calm music of the church. He listened deeply, focusing on the silence past the play. Too often had people crashed this kind of moment for him, but...nothing. nothing was coming to crash this wedding.
"As the blacksmith, I will treasure my team members and wish to be a warm place to rest and recover," the Tower Master said and placed his hand on the pedestal. Similar vows were often used by player believers of Hestia. Seth had just slightly appropriated it.
After all, there was already somebody facing problems head-on and one who scouted ahead to prevent dangers. Then he wanted to be the place they returned to and find respite in. Samuel's eyes betrayed a small chuckle.
"If these are your wishes, then this is how it shall be. This bond is officiated by the System God and can only be separated through him," the weird saint spoke up, and the pedestal began to glow in a divine light with a slight green tinge. Seth could feel the power flow into his hands as a black tattoo appeared on the ring finger of Mina's, Fin's, and his left hand.
This was the wedding band of the system god. Unless divorced by the System Church, this bond was irreversible. But it was not just for looks.
"Ding! You have unlocked a new System privilege. You can find the "Marriage Bond" in the menu.>
A notification announced the "Marriage Bond" at the same time as the black rings appeared on their hands. This was the privilege one received as a married couple, witnessed by the System God. Seth had heard that the options grew stronger as one was married for longer, but the first perk was.
~Now we are actually married.- Mina's breathless thoughts appeared in his mind. Telepathy among partners. He looked toward her and directly faced her glistening eyes. Right, there was one final step. He leaned in and gave Mina a deep kiss.
-Hey, don't forget about me!~ Fin wordlessly complained
-How could anybody forget you?~ The blacksmith countered as he went in for a surprise attack on the fairy. But he had fallen right into a trap, as his ravishing kiss was readily accepted.
"I declare you Husband, Wife, and Wife...You can stop now. Please get a room for...this." Samuel chided them and gestured at the situation before him. They finally separated with a laugh and apologized to Samuel.
With the ceremony officially completed, it was time to proceed with what the marriage actually was: An excuse to open the magic ballroom again and plunder the barely restocked food and booze supplies of Minas Mar.
...
The world was a fuzzy place. Things looked fuzzy, blankets felt fuzzy. Fuzzy light fell in through the open door. Only after staring at this fuzzy world did it finally clear up, revealing a messy bedroom. Ruffled blankets and wrinkled clothing, and crumpled dresses covered the floor.
The warm bodies to his left and right were breathing calmly, snuggled up to him. A situation not too unfamiliar, most mornings looked like this. The clothing on the floor was a little different this time.
When the veil of dizziness receded, he finally remembered why there were dresses and a suit on the ground. He was married now. Who would have thought that he would ever get a chance to marry? Staring at the black tattoo on his ring finger, it was one of the rare moments he thought of the past.
It would have been nice if his family could have seen this day. Seth would have liked to introduce his Mother to Mina and Fin. Maybe they wouldn't have been as happy about him marrying two women... but they would have ended up loving them just like him. He was sure of that. His dad especially would have liked Fin. They would have totally fought over food; it was a trait he had inherited, after all.
-That's a rare smile.~ The wife with the cat ears commented in his mind, a cheeky smile on her lips.
~I don't have many good things to reminisce about, but I think there will be many more from now on.- he answered with a heartfelt smile.
-I will make sure of it.~ Mina promised. Hugging him closer, she gave him a deep kiss.
"I appreciate the good review, but we have to get ready now," she said with a cheeky grin when Seth pitched a tent. Shaking the whole thing, the cat girl jumped up from the bed.
"Ngh? What's going on? Are we going another round?" the fairy brute asked drowsily, spying the camping equipment.
"No time, we have to get ready. Or did you forget that we are setting off today?" the nude assassin answered, full of energy. Unfortunately for Seth's primed member, Mina was right. They were scheduled to set off today.
"Let's have breakfast first," Fin argued.
"Maybe we should get dressed before thinking of food?" Seth suggested joking.
"Why? This guy seems to like the view," Fin said suggestively.
"Okay, enough, you two. Get dressed. We can eat something and then join the rest," Mina, who was already dressed, spoke with authority.
"Us two? I don't think I..." Seth tried to argue, but he knew that it wasn't going to help, so he stopped. He got up and slapped on some clothes from his inventory. Fin did the same, and they joined the shadow mage in the kitchen.
Seth would have liked to enjoy some more free time like this, but Mina was right. Their schedule was tight, especially for them. On the other hand, he would make sure to thoroughly enjoy their honeymoon abroad once work was finished.