System's POV

Chapter 1511: After Story: Our Fairy Tale Has Just Begun [Part 3]

James’ voice spread far and wide as he continued the ceremony.

"This union was not born from chance, nor shaped by circumstance."

James paused briefly, his voice resounding across the entire venue. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

"But by will."

"A will strong enough to endure distance."

"A will strong enough to withstand hardship."

"A will strong enough to remain unbroken, even when the world itself turns against it."

James’ tone softened a bit as he continued his speech.

"For love is not proven in moments of peace..."

"But in the trials that seek to tear it apart."

Once again, he spread his arms, as if asking the heavens to bestow their blessings upon this union.

"Let this be a bond that time cannot wear down, a promise that suffering cannot shake, a truth that no power shall overturn, and a love that remains in their hearts for eternity."

Silence filled the hall for a few minutes before James smiled faintly.

A box appeared in front of him, and the moment he opened it, seven rings shone faintly.

"These rings..." James said, his voice steady, "are not mere ornaments."

"They are symbols of a promise that has no end. A bond that knows no distance, and of a choice that will be made, again and again."

He then held it out to Thirteen with a smile.

"Place them upon their fingers, and let your actions give meaning to your words."

Thirteen nodded, and took one ring to place on Sherry’s fingers.

"Sherry, I promise to love you forever," Thirteen said. "Through the good and bad times, I promise to be by your side."

Sherry bit her lip and nodded her head, fighting the urge to cry at her lover’s tender words.

The young man was very tempted to pat her head. But he fought the urge because he didn’t want others to think that he was treating her as a child.

He then picked up another ring from the box and slid it on Erica’s finger.

"Erica, thank you for teaching me what love is," Thirteen smiled. "It’s because of you that I can stand here today. Thank you very much. And now, I am able to love you with all of my heart."

Erica smiled faintly, wanting to shout, "I was the one who raised Zion!" But knowing that it would just make others have a reason to tease them, she held herself back.

Taking another ring, the young man slid it to Shana’s hand.

"Shana, we will be husband and wife not only for a day," Thirteen promised. "But for as long as I draw breath. And I will tell you how much I love you with each waking day.

"I will hug you when you feel sad, and I will kiss you when you need it the most. I may not have the power to heal wounds and injuries just like you, but I promise to keep your heart safe forever."

Shana wasn’t able to stop herself and kissed Thirteen’s cheek, even though a veil covered her face.

Cheers came from those who were seated from the church, which made James chuckle.

Thirteen then slid a ring in Stella’s finger as he looked at her with a smile.

"Hate and love are two sides of the same coin." Thirteen eyed the young lady, who now shared the soul of the Goddess whom he once wished to defeat. "I may have conquered Fate, but you have conquered my heart.

"Fighting against you was my purpose in life. But now, I have another purpose. And that is to start a new life with you. A life that will stand the test of time."

Stella and Fate smiled at their love because they were the only ones who truly understood what he was saying.

They fought.

They lost.

But in the end, they both won.

Such was the twist of Fate. freewёbnoνel.com

Taking another ring, Thirteen slid it on Princess Aracelle’s finger.

"Aracelle, behind my back, a lot of people say I don’t deserve you," Thirteen stated. "I understand they are jealous of me because of how beautiful you are. But let me take this opportunity to declare here today. I am not marrying you because of your beauty.

"I am marrying you because of your heart and kindness. The way you chose to stay by my side, even in the face of opposition. And for that, I will spend the rest of my life proving that your choice is not a mistake."

"Loving you is never a mistake," Princess Aracelle replied. "Let them be jealous because I am the happiest woman in the world right now."

Thirteen chuckled and gave his wife a wink.

Boos spread among the audience, but when James raised his wooden hammer, all of them quieted down at once.

Taking another ring, Thirteen slid it on Princess Xynalia’s finger.

"Xynalia, thank you for being with me during cold nights and when my heart is lonely," Thirteen said softly. "Your silent support, your quiet strength, and the love you feel for me may not be noticed by others.

"But I do notice. For that, I am always grateful. I consider myself very lucky to have you as my wife, for I know that you will stand by my side even if the world turns against me."

Thirteen lightly patted his chest, making Princess Xynalia’s lips tremble.

Taking the seventh ring, the young man slid it on Tiona’s finger and held her hands tightly.

"No more running away," Thirteen declared. "Not from me. Not from yourself. Do not ever mention that you’re not worthy of me ever again. Because you are worthy. You have been with me from the beginning of my journey in Solterra, and to this day, you have been by my side.

"It doesn’t matter whether it’s our past or future. We will always be together in the present, sharing the joys and sorrows of being together. You are mine, and I am yours. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes," Tiona replied. "I promise I will no longer run away."

"Good." Thirteen nodded as he gazed at his wives. "Let’s stop running and face everything together."

"""Yes!"""

James then picked up the last ring and handed it to his great granddaughter, Stella.

Stella smiled and slid the ring on Thirteen’s hand.

"I have never thought this day would come," Fate said with a smile. "You stood in my way like a sore thumb. You tried to deny my existence. And yet, here I am, standing here today as your bride.

"Zion, you are truly the bane of my existence, and because of that, you must take responsibility. You will, right?"

Thirteen nodded. "Of course. I’ll make sure that you will always remember this moment fondly till death do us part."

The Goddess nodded and gave the young man’s hand a light squeeze.

James then raised his hands to give a closure to their vows.

"With the power vested on me," James said, his voice loud and clear. "As the one who stands before Gods and Mortals alike. I now declare all of you husband and wives. You may now kiss the brides!"

Thirteen took off the veils of his wives and kissed them one by one.

This wasn’t the end of their journey. But the beginning of a Fairy Tale that would echo until the end of time.