Episode 108: Wedding Preparations and Overcoming Obstacles
After Leon and Serena decided to get married, the preparations brought a host of unexpected and complex problems. The traditions of Serena's high-society family and the practical realities of Leon's military life became entangled, making the wedding preparations a considerable challenge.
One day, Serena's mother, Elizabeth, spoke to her about preparing a wedding in accordance with high-society tradition. It was a glamorous and formal affair, completely different from the simple wedding Serena and Leon had envisioned. "Serena, many prominent figures from our family and from Elysium will be attending the wedding. Don't you think the ceremony should be befitting of our family's standing?" Hearing Elizabeth's words, Serena replied with a complicated heart.
"Mother, Leon and I want to have our own special wedding. Of course, I understand the family's expectations and honor, but for this one occasion, I hope you can respect our wishes a little more."
Elizabeth felt her daughter's sincerity and hesitated slightly before nodding. "Alright, Serena. If that is what you truly want, I will follow your wishes. However, I ask that you compromise on the parts that show a minimum of courtesy to the family." Serena thanked her mother for the concession, gaining the room she needed to prepare a wedding that would reflect her own style.
On the other hand, Leon also faced difficulties due to the constraints of military regulations and duties. Tactical Commander Hallixson congratulated Leon on his marriage but also pointed out that his missions within the military were becoming increasingly important.
"Leon, I am truly happy for your marriage. But as you know, tensions are rising at the border and on various fronts. You should keep in mind that it may be difficult to dedicate your full time to the wedding for a while," Hallixson said with a serious expression.
Leon felt the difficulty of balancing the realities of military life with his personal life. But he did not give up. "Commander, though it will be for a short time, I will prepare in a way that does not neglect my duties. I will do my best for my marriage to Serena, no matter what."
Even amidst these hurdles, Leon and Serena continued their preparations, trusting and supporting one another. Rather than following a lavish high-society ceremony, they decided to prepare a warm and simple wedding where their precious friends, family, and comrades could be together. The sight of them overcoming their first challenge of wedding preparations by respecting each other's values only made their bond stronger.
**
Episode 109: The Wedding and a Vow for the Future
Finally, on their wedding day, Leon and Serena exchanged vows before their family and close friends. Mariel, Ethan, Alex, and even Serena's colleagues from the research institute had all gathered to bless the two. A small garden near the lake was filled with bright sunlight and the scent of nature. When Serena appeared in a beautiful dress, the guests greeted her with admiration and smiles. Leon, too, stood proudly in his military dress uniform, his eyes never leaving Serena for a second.
As the ceremony proceeded, Leon and Serena exchanged heartfelt vows.
"Serena, I promise you here and now that I will overcome any hardship with you," Leon said, his voice filled with a solid resolve.
Serena looked at him and smiled warmly. "Leon, with you, I am not afraid of any future. As long as you are by my side, on my side, I believe we can overcome anything together."
Their vows were sincerity itself. In that moment, it felt as if only the two of them existed, and all the guests offered their heartfelt congratulations for their love. Even Elizabeth had tears in her eyes as she sincerely blessed her daughter's happiness. She was certain that Serena and Leon would protect each other and navigate through any difficulties together.
At the reception that followed, Leon and Serena held hands, laughing and spending time among their friends from the village, their families, and their comrades from the military. Their wedding, free from extravagant decorations or the formalities of high society, was filled with time steeped in true happiness and love.
That night, the two felt they had truly become one and pledged their future to each other. Leon held Serena's hand and said, "Now we are one. I will always be by your side and protect you as the most precious person to me."
Serena squeezed his hand and replied, "From now on, let's live in this world together. As long as we're together, I'm not afraid of any path."
That night, the two took their first step toward a new beginning
**
Episode 110: The First Day After the Wedding, a New Goal
On the first morning after their wedding, Leon and Serena were still basking in the afterglow of the ceremony, smiling as they looked at each other. The early sunlight streamed softly through the window, and they truly felt that they were now husband and wife. The feeling was almost dreamlike, and the two were filled with excitement and anticipation for the new journey that had begun together.
Leon looked at Serena and smiled faintly. "So, we're a married couple now... It still doesn't feel real."
Serena gently took his hand and replied, "It's true. Now we're a team that has to navigate this world together." Her voice was filled with a resolve for the path she must now walk after marriage.
That morning, Leon and Serena took a stroll in a small park near their home and began to talk about their future. For a long while, they shared their thoughts on the new family they would build and the dreams they wanted to achieve together.
"Now that our wedding is over, I guess this is the start of our real life, right?" Leon said. His eyes sparkled with anticipation for how special the days ahead with Serena would be.
"That's right. We have so much to accomplish together now. For my part, I want to continue the research I love, without being tied down by my family's expectations. Without being swayed by the opinions of others," Serena declared, firm in her decision to walk the path she truly desired.
Leon respected her determination more than anyone. "You're truly incredible, Serena. I'll always be by your side, watching over you and helping you." Leon engraved the vow to walk alongside her chosen path in his heart, preparing himself to handle both his duties and his family responsibilities.
Leon resolved to live his life as a soldier even more faithfully. To protect the joy that marriage and a family brought him, he knew he had to become stronger. At the same time, he believed that with Serena, he could overcome any obstacle.
As they walked through the park, they pictured the things they wanted to accomplish together, one by one. Decorating their home, occasionally going on trips, and achieving their individual goals together—that life was now unfolding before them. These simple dreams were the beginning of true happiness.
That evening, the two shared a warm dinner, quietly grateful for each other's presence. Serena smiled at Leon and said, "Leon, no matter what happens, I'm not afraid as long as we're together. I know we can do anything with you by my side."
Leon returned her smile gently, responding to her words. "Me too, Serena. We're family now. I'll be with you, by your side, for the rest of my life."
Now, as a married couple, the two shared an even stronger commitment to each other and took their first step toward a new life.
**
Episode 111: A New Beginning, the Birth of a Family
Several years passed, and the Kingdom of Elysium entered an era of new threats and challenges. Leon and Serena had become parents to two children, building an even stronger family. They now had a five-year-old son, Alexian, and a three-year-old daughter, Ella. The children were lively and bright like their parents, and the house was always filled with cheerful laughter.
One day, as the morning sun filled the window, Leon watched Serena preparing breakfast and was struck by how much had changed. In the quiet moments of the early morning before the children woke, the time they had to themselves felt precious.
Leon walked over to Serena and said softly, "We've become a really big family now."
Serena smiled at him. "We have. Every day is a new routine. Even while you're away on missions, the children are always talking about you and waiting. Alexian has taken a liking to books lately, so I think he's developing an interest in academics, like me. And Ella loves to be active, just like you."
Leon's eyes twinkled as he laughed. "Ella has a strong sense of adventure like me... That's a little worrisome, actually."
As the Kingdom of Elysium entered a tumultuous period, Leon's role became even more critical. Through it all, Serena and the children were his source of strength. He took her hand and said seriously, "No matter what happens, I will fight to protect this family. You and the children are my most precious treasure."
Serena understood his resolve and nodded. "Our children will always be waiting for the father they admire so much to return safely. Because we're only complete when you're here."
At that moment, a small voice came from the bedroom. Their firstborn, Alexian, had woken up and came over, calling for his parents. "Daddy, are you going to play with me today?" he asked, reaching out a small hand. Leon smiled, sweeping his son up into his arms.
"Of course, Alexian. Daddy is going to spend the whole day with you and Ella."
And so, Leon and Serena savored the peaceful moment, enjoying their daily life with their precious family. Between his duty to protect the kingdom and his love for his family, he felt that all of this time was immeasurably precious. This peaceful time was what made him stronger, ready to face the challenges to come.