"Erica, don't you think that dress shows a bit too much for a president?" said Dex in front of the apartment door. 'Echidna had mentioned that tattoos depend on the person and their tastes, but I have to say Erica exceeded all expectations.'
Erica wore a revealing, elegant white dress that displayed her intricate black tattoos, which started at her neck and extended down to her chest, spreading from there across various parts of her body. The tattoos, symbols of her demonic marriage, looked like black diamonds fused to her skin. Her once angelic skin now seemed dominated by the most perverse demons. Her long golden hair cascaded over her shoulders.
"These marks represent that I am yours, and even if people don't know about the ritual, I still want everyone to see them," she said with a happy smile, ignoring Dex's barely disguised teasing. 'It's a pity the student council uniform is not customizable.'
Echidna then asked the proud tattooed one, "Where are we going today, my dear?"
"Well, we have to visit several places like the academy's secretary office, the store for adapted uniforms, and other locations. But the first will be the Registry Office, and finally, the restaurant of Mr. Filip."
"The old man's restaurant for pet food?" Echidna asked to confirm.
"Yes, we had said we would have dinner there yesterday, but we ended up not going," she said with a bit of regret.
'What is the relationship between those two?' But Dex had a more important question. "Why are we going to the Registry Office?"
Erica, with a beautiful smile, replied, "There are three reasons: to formalize the awakening of our lineage, create an identity for Echi, and lastly and most importantly, to marry according to the state."
Hearing the last part, Dex became curious. "I understand the rest, but why do we need to marry for the state?"
Erica, hearing that, smiled and puffed out her chest. "As you know, as the new president of the student council, I need knowledge of some laws, especially of the city of Seraphis. And recently, a law was approved granting free housing for four years to students and alumni under twenty-five (humans) who form a new family within the city. So, by marrying, I will be able to stay here for free even after finishing my third year."
Dex replied as if it were an unnecessary concern. "You don't need to worry about money for a house; I'm the son of a rich ducal house. If you want, I can even have a mansion built for us, and it will be finished before the year ends."
"Well, besides housing, I'd like to show off that I have a super handsome husband, but if you don't want to," she said while grabbing a lock of her hair and twirling it around her finger.
He then extended his hand to her. "If that makes you happy, I don't mind."
Ignoring his hand completely, she crushed him in a tight hug. "I love you!"
Dex, unable to speak, thought, 'Me too, but can you try not to suffocate me!'
--
The walk to the Registry Office was just a little over a kilometer, so they left the animals for the trip to the academy and went on foot.
And there they are, in front of the marriage location.
It was a building with an imposing architecture, reflecting both a sense of tradition and the importance of the official acts carried out there. Its main facade was coated in light gray stone, with straight columns flanking massive wooden doors adorned with delicate carvings, discreet symbols of the city's ancient families. Large glass windows were strategically positioned to allow generous natural light, offering the interior a solemn but welcoming atmosphere. Finally, an elegant metal plaque engraved with the Seraphis coat of arms and golden letters identified the place right above the entrance.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Erica seemed enchanted with the place. After all, this is the place where the solitary Erica would disappear from everyone's sight and officially become Erica ThunderBird.
"You're really very happy, Erica, to say this tacky building is beautiful." Echidna teased the fairy tale princess.
"Any place where I can marry Dex is beautiful to me," she said with a smile, too happy to get irritated by Echi's comments.
But then she noticed something. "I don't know if it's possible since you're supposedly a clone, but since Dex is human, he can have several wives. What do you think about marrying him too?"
"Don't you mind? After all, it should be your special day." She was hesitant to respond.
Erica then let go of Dex's hand, approached Echidna and kissed her.
The usually perverted Echidna was surprised at this and even a bit shy. After the kiss ended she asked, "What was that?"
Erica, smiling, replied, "It's so you don't forget that I love you as much as I love Dex, so I don't mind this also being a special day for you."
Echidna then hugged her and said softly, "Thank you."
"Who would've thought you could be shy?" Dex teased after seeing her reaction.
When he heard that, she retorted, "Jealousy is ugly, dear husband."
Dex rolled his eyes and said, "Don't you think we should go in?"
Erica, regaining focus, nodded in agreement. "Yes." And started leading the way.
Soon the door was opened, revealing a spacious foyer, with polished marble floors forming geometric patterns in white and black tones. The high ceiling reinforced an atmosphere of respect and order, while varnished benches, symmetrically arranged, awaited the visitors. A light aroma of paper and ink lingered in the air, mixed with the soft breeze entering through the windows, making the environment surprisingly serene for a place of such significant decisions.
A few meters away, a luxurious piece of furniture was the resting place for a young elf woman in the Registry Office uniform. She greeted them with a slight surprise upon seeing their appearance. "Good morning, gentlemen and ladies."
Erica, taking the lead, answered, "Good morning, we are here for three reasons."
Upon hearing that, the elf asked while showing some places to sit, "Could you write what you're looking for in each of these papers? When you finish you can give them to me and I'll show you the way to the different professionals?"
"Of course, once we finish, we'll give you the papers," Erica confirmed.
Dex, seeing this, thought, 'So this is how Erica is when she's in her president role. But still, it's going to be boring.'
About an hour and a half had passed in pure suffering for Dex.
"Finally, we finished, the proof of our lineage and the creation of Echi's identity!" Dex celebrated with tears in his eyes.
Erica, seeing that, laughed. "Haha, we hardly spent any time here. When I was the student council treasurer, I spent at least eight hours a week dealing with various matters in several branches across the kingdom."
But slowly, the awaited moment approached and the three felt their hearts beat faster.
"Well, here we go, world." Said Erica as she began walking towards the room the woman had indicated.
The corridor was long, but they quickly arrived. The door was grand and adorned with romantic symbols, such as small red crystals.
Dex looked at his two wives and asked, "Are you ready?"
And both responded in unison, "Yes."
And so they entered and saw the place for the first time. The walls, painted in neutral tones, were decorated with discreet paintings of serene landscapes and the city's coat of arms, the symbol of local authority, hung prominently behind the official's desk.
A large polished wooden counter separated the public area from the space where the bride and groom would be formally united. Comfortable red upholstered chairs were available for guests and witnesses, symmetrically arranged to maintain harmony in the environment.
The lighting was soft, coming from recessed ceiling lights, creating a calm atmosphere. Despite its simplicity, the environment carried a certain solemnity, reflecting the importance of that moment for the couple and their families.
"It's a pleasure to meet such a young couple about to graduate," said a very beautiful blonde elf woman dressed as a nun.
"And among these two ladies, who would be the one to marry the handsome young man?" She continued without giving them a chance to answer the greeting.
Erica then answered, "We can say that both will marry him."
The elf gave a surprised look. "What a lucky young man, to have two such beautiful wives."
Dex, hearing that, smiled. "I'm really very lucky to have them by my side."
"That's something young people are missing these days, humility. I'm sure you could be a great follower of the World Tree religion. Are you interested in participating?"
Hearing that, Dex felt a bit embarrassed. "Thanks for the compliments, but I'm not very religious."
Upon hearing that, the woman seemed a bit down. "What a shame, but anyway, let's start the weddings, my young ones."