Chapter 149 - HERE COMES THE BRIDE...

Catherine was applying some powder onto her face when someone suddenly barged into the room. "Is the bride not ready yet?" Ovior asked emphatically. "The guests are all here!" 

He was wearing a cream colored uniform with a golden design. It was a ceremonial uniform, and this particular uniform was worn by all Secretaries of the Magic Tower on various occasions. "They are waiting-" Ovior's train of thought was cut short and his words were stuck in his throat. 

There she was. She was wearing a white ballroom wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline, full sleeves, and gold specks of dust. The embroidery was done with silver threads. Her gown was glittering every time she moved. Her silver hair was tied as a bun and decorated with camellia flowers. The transparent veil was tugged at the end of her hair bun. Some silver strands were curled around her face. Her white pearl earrings moved along with her head. It was Veronica. Her emerald eyes glanced at Ovior and gave him a small smile.

"!" Ovior felt as though his heart was struck by something in his heart, but he was not sure what this feeling was.

"How do I look?" Veronica asked him, her voice slightly quivering out of nervousness.

Ovior fixed his glasses. His throat was dry for a reason he thought was unknown. "You look ready. I'm not sure what else you need to prepare." He hastily looked around and inquired, "By the way, is there a glass of water here?"

"There," Catherine pointed at the table. "That petty guy cannot even compliment. Tsk! No wonder he doesn't have a girlfriend," she muttered. Afterward, she turned toward Veronica and observed her. "Maybe I should apply some lipstick…"

Veronica dared not move her head in case she ruined her head decoration. She declared, "Give me some lip balm. I don't want to color my lips. I like my natural look. I want to keep it like this on my wedding day."

"Sure - you are beautiful either way." Catherine applied lip balm, as the bride had requested. "Now you are ready to meet your groom."

"Please come with me," Ovior politely said, his throat feeling less dry after drinking two glasses of water. He ushered both the bride and the bridesmaid downstairs.

As the ceremony was to be held in the garden, some magicians decorated the garden as per Catherine's request.

After leaving the bride and bridesmaid in front of the main door, Ovior had come out. He strode toward the stage as he was going to perform the ceremony. He picked up a ceremonial book and squeezed Arthur's shoulder. "I was wondering why you were trying to get married in a hurry," Ovior remarked, "but I know now."

"I can see you were enlightened - why so suddenly?" Arthur was curious.

However, his secretary didn't reply.

Arthur felt the urge to pester Ovior, yet the music from the ten magicians dominated the stage. The main door of the Magic Tower had opened. When Arthur turned around, his golden pupils immediately fell on the bride he was going to marry.

"!!" He felt like thunder was quaking inside of him. His body became rigid. He was unable to move. He was unable to think.

Ovior noticed his reaction and cleared his throat. "You've turned into stone!" Yet his comment couldn't be heard by anyone other than Arthur since the ten magicians' music continued to overpower all other sounds. 

Arthur came back to his senses. 'So… I'm going to marry her. She is my bride. My woman. My partner.' Reciting this in his mind made his heart warm up.

Veronica thought her heart was about to explode out of anxiety when she heard the music. The door opened in slow motion. She stepped outside and walked into the aisle. The first thing Veronica did to calm her nerves was recognize her surroundings: the magicians had decorated the garden using their magic, leading her to be surrounded by colorful flowers, magical butterflies, and white ribbons everywhere. Multicolored flower petals gently fell from the sky as the bridge sauntered onto the white carpet.

Veronica's emerald eyes then landed on the stage where Arthur was standing. Even though Ovior was present, her eyes stuck to her groom like glue. She gazed at every detail of Arthur's attire: how he was wearing a white silk shirt and white pants, how his shoulders were covered with a white robe designed with gold, and a golden chain, how he was wearing a gold crown with jewels, and how he was holding a gold staff in his left hand. It was the ceremonial uniform of the Master of the Magic Tower; he could only wear it once - at his wedding. 

Veronica's face grew hot as she stared at him. Unable to take his heated gaze, she timidly lowered her eyes while tightly squeezing the flower bouquet in her hands.

Catherine was holding Veronica's long veil from behind. Her attire complemented the bride's, as she was wearing a sky blue, velvet gown with white lace. Her long hair, which was decorated with blue flowers, was brushing against her back. 

Arthur could no longer control himself. He broke all customs and swiftly strode in the direction of Veronica. Her eyes were still fixed to the ground, but upon hearing unexpected reactions coming from the guest magician, she instantly raised her head. Once Veronica saw her groom coming toward her, her legs had frozen. Her heart's thumping had become audible.

The moment Arthur reached Veronica, he took her into his arms and carried her bridal style down the aisle.

"This guy…" Catherine mumbled. She wanted to curse him but she controlled herself. 'I'll let this slide since it's their special day,' she rationally thought. Her lips held back a smile as she stared at her friend who was being carried away.

"A-Arthur!" Veronica was flustered. Her face had become beet red while she panicked in his arms.

Arthur didn't say anything. His grip on her tightened.

Veronica's heart was racing wildly. She could feel the warmth of his palms through her clothes. 'His hands are warm…' she pondered. Her head nuzzled against his neck, and she decided to stay quiet.

Arthur stood in front of the stand where Ovior was waiting with a sour expression. As Ovior waited for him to let go of the bride, the groom commanded, "Start the ceremony."

Upon hearing the master's command, Ovior helplessly began the ceremony. 'Dearly talented Wizards, we have gathered on this special day to unite these two people in marriage. Their decision to marry has not been entered into lightly, and today they publicly declare their private devotion to each other. The essence of this commitment is the acceptance of each other in entirety - as friend, companion, and lover."

"Arthur Theodericus Silverstar, do you take this lovely woman as your wife?"