GMWB 47

Chapter 47

Benedicto, the chaplain who reappeared as the officiant, was moved by the completeness of the outdoor wedding venue.

“As expected, when soldiers put their mind to it, they deliver. That’s the true spirit of the army, isn’t it?”

Noah and Reto smiled contentedly.

‘Crazy…’
‘Damn it, easy for them to say when it wasn’t their sweat…!’
‘In the end, even the Captain was just an ordinary superior officer!’

The squad members alone knew how much sweat they’d shed decorating the garden into a wedding hall.

“See that tree with the cloth draped over it? I did that.”
“And the lights strung next to it? That was my work.”
“Weaklings. I grabbed some white cloth from the infirmary and spread it over the path.”
“…Were we even allowed to use that?”

Even so, they felt a small spark of pride seeing what they had accomplished.

‘Poor souls…’

Rakso, who had long since escaped the army, pitied them sincerely. They had clearly become accustomed to being unfairly used.

“You two have faithfully fulfilled your duty of protecting the nation.”

Chaplain Benedicto began the ceremony.

“But as soldiers, there will always be unforeseen events.”

This speech was a little different from the one he had given in the cathedral. He emphasized the dangers of being a soldier, reminding everyone of the uncertain futures they might face.

“Yet despite this, you have chosen to live together.”

At his signal, Homes brought the rings forward. He was the youngest in the special unit, temporarily serving as the ring bearer.

“Marriage is just like military service.”

Depending on each other, standing as strong allies, overcoming hardships together and moving forward.

Marriage might even be harder than the military. But Benedicto had no worries. On the contrary, he believed these two would manage just fine.

“Exchange the rings and answer.”

Reto slid the ring onto Noah’s finger first.

“Reto Oceanus, do you vow to love your wife sincerely in every moment?”
“Yes.”

The firm answer made Noah’s heart flutter.

“Noah Velo, do you vow to love your husband sincerely in every moment?”
“Yes.”

Noah slipped the ring on Reto’s finger. She felt reluctant to let go, so she lightly scratched his palm with her fingernail.

Reto flinched, then looked at her as if to say, “Oh really, now?”

“And with that…”

After five hours and twenty-seven minutes…

“I declare this marriage complete.”

A new husband and wife were born.

The special unit members, who had been waiting for this moment, set off paper fireworks and wholeheartedly congratulated the couple.

“Congratulations!”
“Wishing you a happy marriage!”
“Be happy!”
“Now kiss already!”

Their enthusiastic cheers soon turned into playful chants for a kiss.

But there was no need to wait.

“Well then, the long-awaited vow’s—”

Before the chaplain could even give permission for the kiss of vow—

“—!”

Noah threw off her veil, grabbed Reto’s face with both hands, and devoured his lips.

Reto froze in shock for a moment, but soon kissed her back just as passionately. Almost like payback for the tickle earlier, his tongue invaded her mouth, teasing and caressing everywhere.

Every time Noah’s body flinched, Reto held her tighter, as if afraid she might escape.

“Woooaaah!”

The cheering special forces’ faces slowly stiffened.

“Ugh, oh god!”
“My eyes! My eyes!”
“Shouldn’t someone stop them?!”
“General, why are you taking off your jacket all of a sudden?!”
“Somebody break them apart!”

The lively celebration instantly turned into a scandalously heated scene.

That’s when the special forces realized that this beautiful young couple were their superiors—and that their sticky public display of affection was poison to them.

“Good lord!”

Benedicto, forced to witness the couple’s unrestrained passion right in front of him, shuddered and closed his eyes. He crossed himself five times over his chest, as though to ward off corruption.

“You were supposed to share the kiss of vow, not the kiss of mating!”

Warrant Officer Fist’s anguished scream rang through the skies.

Thus, Noah and Reto became husband and wife.

“Big sis and brother-in-law are here!”
“Come in quickly and change into these.”

Clare and As, waiting at home, brought them to the village hall.

“Oh my, the bride and groom have arrived!”
“You’ve worked hard coming straight from duty!”
“Hungry? Come, eat first.”
“Mom, can I eat too?”
“You already had two plates.”

The village hall was hosting a reception.

The official banquet right after the wedding had already ended. The meal was grand, the gift wine a big success. But since the bride and groom had immediately gone back to duty, it had been a slightly disappointing affair.

So Noah’s family and neighbors rented the hall again for a second, more homely celebration.

“It’s a little shabby, isn’t it?”

A woman with red hair pinned up approached with a bashful smile.

“Not at all!”

Noah, delighted, took her hand and introduced her to Reto.

“She’s Colonel Ice’s wife.”
“Nille Ice. My husband often receives help from you.”
“And I from him. You’re just as beautiful as I’ve heard.”
“Goodness, hearing that from a general really does make me feel beautiful.”

With a warm smile, Nille guided them to the food.

The buffet-style dishes already had signs of little hands snatching from them.

“The children were hungry…”
“I ate first.”

Clare appeared, grinning.

“I checked for poison. Safe to eat!”
“Such an important mission, well done.”

Reto praised her.

“Now, eat well and then we dance and celebrate!”
“Have as much as you like!”
“Try this—it looks plain but tastes amazing!”
“Other soldiers have arrived too!”

All the dishes were homemade, brought from each household. They had a rustic look, but the smell alone was mouthwatering.

The soldiers, still hungry from their ordeal, ate ravenously.

“Wow…”
“They’re eating so much…!”

Children watching nearby gaped in awe.

“Well, I’m glad everyone’s eating well.”
“Feels worth the effort now.”

The food vanished quickly, leaving the cooks satisfied.

“Then let’s really celebrate now!”

When the meal was over, people pushed the tables to the sides to make room.

“Now that we’re full, time to dance it off!”
“Of course the bride and groom go first!”
“Everyone clap!”

Dragged into the center, Noah finally realized why she had been dressed this way.

“So that’s why you made me wear this.”

The short-sleeved blouse, pleated skirt, and sturdy leather shoes had all been chosen for this moment.

“What do you mean?”

Reto, pulled alongside, still hadn’t caught on. He wore a simple white shirt, black trousers rolled at the hem, and gray suspenders. His shoes matched Noah’s.

“To dance.”
“Dance?”

At the word, Reto thought back to what he’d learned.

“Not court dances.”

Noah stepped back, smiling, and showed him.

“Watch.”

With a joyful grin, she held her skirt and stepped forward.

Thump! Thump!

The crowd stomped the floor in rhythm, and Noah joined in.

That was the signal for the music to begin: folk guitar, bagpipes, drums, violins.

Following the lively tune, Noah danced. She stamped her feet, circled Reto playfully, shook her skirt, and spun.

The onlookers clapped and cheered.

“…”

Reto stared, mesmerized by her free, spirited movements.

“It’s nothing hard!” Noah grabbed his hand. “Just move however you want!”
“I’ve never danced before…” he said, uncharacteristically hesitant.

“There’s no rules here.”

This music had always comforted common folk’s weary hearts. No formality was needed—just laughter and movement.

“…”

Encouraged, Reto tried moving his feet like Noah had. Clumsy at first, but soon he picked up the rhythm.

“You’re good!” Noah beamed. Reto grinned back.

Together they swept across the floor, breathless but unstoppable.

“Come on, let’s join them too!”
“Honey, shall we have a dance?”
“Me too, me too!”

Everyone paired up and joined in—children, adults, all laughing and showing off their own steps.

No one cared if it looked silly. The hall filled only with joy and noise.

“Brother-in-law! Dance with me too!”
“Alright, let’s match heights.”

As lifted Clare up, making her suddenly tall, and she proudly showed off her fancy footwork in the air.

“Congrats on your wedding, sis.”
“Thanks, Sereni.”

Noah spun around hand in hand with Sereni, Clare’s friend.

Laughter and stomping feet filled the hall until the roof almost shook.

“…”

But someone watched their joy in secret.

“Not going in?”
“…No.”

The White Lion, Albus Oceanus, turned away.

He got into the car waiting outside.

“No need to ruin the mood.”
“You know the young master would never turn you away.”
“I know.”

That was exactly why he stayed cautious.

“But I’ve seen something good today.”

Settling into his seat, Albus smiled faintly.

“That boy… he really knows how to smile.”

Holding his bride among the villagers, Reto looked like the happiest man alive.

Seeing that made Albus glad he had come.

“Let’s go.”

He couldn’t wait to tell his daughter what he’d seen—that her big brother was truly happy.