CH 517

3 days passed since the Five Continents' Alliance meeting began. The most important topics were discussed first, while those with less urgence were left for later.

The suggestion had only been made recently, but in Latash all the recent graduates were still gathered in the Academy City, ready for Allen's Army to help them Level Up.

Peromus and Fiona had already started living together in Heavy User Island, but their wedding would happen the night of the third day of the meeting.

Since the topics would change so drastically the next day, the wedding would also be a nice change of pace. Allen watched as Peromus did a final check on his attire in front of a mirror.

The girls of the party were currently with Fiona.

Weddings were always strongly aligned with traditions, one of which was to conduct the ceremony at night. Two tents had been built up outside, one for Peromus and one for Fiona.

Allen walked out of Peromus' tent and headed to the place where the ceremony would be conducted, where many of the country representatives had already arrived.

(Somehow I feel like the merchants are drooling being so close to important people, but I really want this to be a proper ceremony.)

Many influential merchants were also invited, including the owners of big companies.

They all had fake smiles, concealing their desire of gaining the attention from the rulers nearby.

They had also heard about the money Allen was offering to see his plan set in motion.

100'000'000 gold coins were enough money to accelerate a company's growth by 100 years.

The merchants had realized that Allen and Peromus' company were dealing with sums like that, and they wanted their share.

Soon the sun set and the moon and stars became visible in the night sky.

Only one thing eclipsed their light, the tall World Tree, said to reach into the heavens.

That was the target of adoration for both elves and dark elves.

Elves always conducted their weddings at the World Tree's shadow, as they believed all life came from it, and all life had to return to it.

Allen went to sit down at the table reserved for him.

"The merchants are about to implode out there."

"Really? Anyway, Allen, here, this is so tasty!"

Kurena was already there, but she had not picked up on the merchants' mental state, and instead focused on eating the food in front of her.

There was little meat there, so the food was mostly fruit and various types of bread.

Allen looked around a bit more, seeing that various others were also eating and drinking, the entire place turned into a place of social exchange.

Even the country representatives had something to talk about with each other.

Then there was the Beast King, who was competing with the Hero, and Shea.

That was not something usually seen in weddings, making it the topic of conversation for some.

Expensive wine was served in copious amounts for the hundreds of attendees.

Weddings were usually expensive, but this was likely more expensive than anything any of the merchants present had ever seen before. Even if they ran out of food, there was more waiting outside, ready to be brought in.

(I guess those two will be moving the ceremony along.)

The elf queen and dark elf king entered together, which made everyone go silent.

Everyone there knew the history between the two races, so this was an unprecedented occasion.

"Sorry for the long wait. It's finally time to welcome the new bride and groom."

The elf queen announced the start of the ceremony. The two tents opened and Peromus and Fiona walked out, both of them illuminated by elven spirit magic.

As they got closer to each other, the lights also combined. They took each other's hand with a smile, then walked to the main ceremony location.

(Wooo woooo!!)

Clap clap clap

"Allen! What are you doing?!!"

Allen reflexively started to clap, and was quickly scolded by Cecile. That reminded him that weddings were different there, and that he should have paid more attention.

"Now, elves and dark elves, bless these two in their new life loud enough for the spirits to hear you."

As the dark elf king said that, the elves stationed on the sides began to play music, while dark elves began singing.

(I wonder how Peromus' father is doing.)

When Allen was born, Deboji was the chief of a settlement of serfs, which then became known as Kurena Village when a Sword Saint was born there. Now he was sweating while staring at a piece of parchment. Soon he would have to give a speech in front of everyone, which he kept rehearsing in his mind while calming his nerves with alcohol.

He seemed to be wondering how his life got to that point.

"Hm? Snow?"

It was already April, but Dogora remembered there was still snow that late in Kurena Village.

Looking up, glowing orbs were falling like snow. And there was not just a handful of them, there were hundreds of them floating above the place.

"Ohh, many spirits are coming to the World Tree!"

Allen felt like the World Tree looked like a lit up Christmas tree. Small spirits began to show themselves, dancing on the branches in rhythm with the music.

The more playful ones went down, approaching the tables and reaching for the food on them.

It was common to invite spirits to elven weddings, and they would come to stuff their cheeks with bread and Hukama, which they seemed to enjoy greatly.

The ceremonies were conducted at night since it was easier to spot the spirits that way.

'Oh wow?! What's this! It's so tasty!!'

'Give it to me! It's mine!!'

'No!! It's mine!!'

Some spirits even began to fight over Hukama, which the Spirit God also seemed to enjoy.

"What in the world am I watching…"

Giamut's emperor watched expressionless as spirits fought like little animals on his table.

Helmios had already explained the whole reason behind Allen's questioning, which left him baffled. He had also refused to take part in the ceremony, but Giamut's merchants convinced him to participate, since it would be strange for them to show up without their emperor.

(The food is decreasing at an alarming speed now. And Kurena is trying her best to keep up…)

The spirits were devouring the food from all the tables.

Serving expensive desserts and bread for the rulers and merchants had backfired.

"I'll bring in more food shortly."

Even the merchants started to fight, trying to bring attention to their own products.

Soon all the food taken by the spirits was replenished.

"It's rare for so many spirits to gather. It goes to show how much they appreciate your presence and emotions."

The dark elf king's presence with no ill motives had brought more spirits.

Both elves and dark elves also watched the spirit, their aggression towards each other quenched.

"Congratulations, Peromus and Fiona. Your parents also have a word for you."

The elf queen continued with the ceremony. The spirit lights moved to illuminate the couple's parents, who walked towards podiums where they would give their speeches.

The bride's father, Chester, was the first one to talk.

"I never imagined to be present in a place like this. It's quite a shocking experience, so I hope you can forgive me if I fumble my words."

Chester was also quite nervous, though not as much as Deboji. He was used to dealing with high class customers as a merchant, but being in front of so many people was a first.

Still, he was able to give his speech barely needing to glance at his parchment.

He mentioned how when Fiona was small, she would often go visit Cecile, the Viscount's daughter, and then return covered in grass after fighting with her. Back then he always had to worry about what to bring the Viscount to make it up to him for Fiona's actions.

Other than that, he did not know what more to talk about.

"Father! You didn't have to mention any of that!!"

Everyone laughed hearing Fiona's baffled shout. Peromus also smiled, which all the merchants interpreted as the time to join in laughing, their voices becoming loud.

Many of the rulers also nodded, being able to relate with such experiences.

That was a common occurrence amongst such people, constantly having to apologize to others for their children's actions.

"Oh yeah, I remember that too."

Duke Grandvelle also glanced at Cecile, reminiscing about those days.

Latash's king was also sitting near Allen, and he looked really stiff, unsure of what to do there.

(It's almost Deboji's turn, but he looks almost like a dead man by now.)

His performance would be considered a success if he got laughs from the crowd.

Though even if he failed, Chester would be able to feel proud having succeeded himself.

"Next the groom Peromus' father Deboji will grace us with his words."

The elf queen announced.

"Good luck dad."

Peromus cheered him on in a low voice. Everyone could tell Deboji was nervous.

Standing there, he glanced at his parchment, only to realize it was upside down.

Deboji nervously grasped around to turn it around.

"Woah! Ah…"

But before he could hold it right, the parchment left his hands. A mischievous spirit had stolen it.

Deboji reached out, looking like he was witnessing the end of the world, while the crowd went dead silent.

"Well umm…Mr. Deboji, just congratulating them will be enough."

The elf queen quickly went in to the rescue, before Deboji's heart actually stopped.

"Huh? Ah, right! Peromus, Fiona, congratulations…"

Clap clap clap!!

(I have no choice but to be brave here.)

Even if he was told clapping was weird, Allen decided he had to do it now.

His claps would cover for Peromus' father's shame.

Soon enough, everyone else followed clapping too. Especially the merchants, who seemed to mirror everything as enthusiastically as they could.

Peromus and Fiona's wedding moved along, everyone quickly forgetting about Deboji's lost parchment and whatever was written on it.