The Wedding Reception

Watching a blonde man drop his head with a pitiful expression, a plump, short, red-haired woman smacks her lips greedily.

This is... well... it is basically a farce.

Are they taking a jab at Mary, who is basically a tomboy, and Agrippa, who is marrying into the family as a matrilocal husband? Just like at my own wedding, it is difficult to scold them when they use the excuse that "this is how the imperial citizens view it."

Seeing the plump, red-haired woman shake the blonde man—who is clearly supposed to be Agrippa—by the collar while demanding he "raise his weapon," Mary bursts into roaring laughter.

"Bwahaha! Agrippa, do you want to get handled like that later?"

"Ugh... don't say such horrifying things."

Well, Mary, the actual bride, is laughing it off, and Agrippa doesn't seem to mind too much either.

The blonde man weeps, trembling his shoulders like a delicate maiden. At that, a black-haired dwarf speaks up:

"Bwahaha!" Mary roars with laughter again.

"Don't laugh so ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠crudely... everyone is watching," I warn her.

Mary wipes a tear from her eye, still giggling. "They called me a pig! Pfft! A pig in heat!"

Honestly, I don't see what is so funny about such a sloppy play, but...

"Pfft... look at Mary smacking her lips." Even Octavia is chuckling, finding it amusing.

Well, if Mary were actually a pig, they wouldn't have been able to perform such a play. Although Mary is short and has a fiery temper, she is actually quite popular with men. Is it confidence? Self-esteem? Whatever it is, Mary and Octavia are having a grand time laughing and chatting.

Before long, the play comes to an end.

Here it comes. The undergarment removal.

"Whoooo! Go get 'em, groom!"

"Congratulations!"

Following the MC's instructions, Agrippa drops to one knee in front of Mary. Mary gives him a wicked grin.

"Agrippa? You know you have to pull them down with your mouth, right?"

Agrippa shakes his head in sheer dismay.

"Mouth! Mouth!"

"Lions use their teeth! Lions use their teeth!"

The crowd cheers wildly.

"Yeahhh! Agrippa, you absolutely have to use your mouth!" Octavia even raises her hands, egging him on. I feel a headache coming on.

"Sigh..."

With a deep sigh, Agrippa dives under the voluminous skirt of the snow-white wedding dress.

Is it really okay for you to marry into such a savage family, Agrippa? I wonder if I should step in and call off the wedding out of concern for my friend.

Just then, Theodora speaks to me.

"By the way, why did you use your hands back then?"

I recall my own wedding.

"Well, you detested me back then, didn't you? I didn't want to humiliate you unnecessarily. Since I had to turn my head away while pulling them down, I had no choice but to use my hands."

"Ah... I see."

Theodora's reaction is slightly different from usual, leaving me a bit puzzled.

"Whoooo!"

"Agrippa! Now that's a real man! A husband truly worthy of the Lion family!"

The sudden uproar makes me turn my head.

Agrippa stands there with a pair of white silk panties clamped in his teeth, looking utterly mortified.

"Wow! Devi, you should take notes from Agrippa!"

My head throbs at my sister's suggestion that I should learn how to catch women's underwear with my teeth. What kind of family actively encourages biting women's undergarments...? Agrippa, shouldn't you run away right now?

Despite my silent concern, Agrippa spits the panties out of his mouth, folds them neatly, and tucks them into his pocket.

"Hehe."

Mary throws her arms around Agrippa's neck and plants a deep, passionate kiss on his lips.

Geez... I wonder how those two managed to hold back until now.

"Kyaaa! Lady Mary is so cool!"

"Oh my..."

"Well done."

Mary pulls away, her face flushed red, and gently tidies Agrippa's disheveled hair. I just shake my head. Will they even make it to nighttime?

Contrary to my worries, the reception flows smoothly. The sun begins to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. It is time to escort the newlyweds to their chamber.

At the MC's announcement, Theodora and I rise from our seats.

Octavia and her husband, maternal uncle Leon, the Empress Dowager, Agrippa's family, and representatives of families allied with the Lion house for generations all stand up, forming an honorary guard around the bride and groom.

Servants hand out lit candles. Each holding a flickering flame, we march toward Mary's room, which has been designated as the couple's bridal suite. Since Mary's room is spacious enough for two, Agrippa's belongings have already been moved in, so it won't be too inconvenient.

Upon arriving, the maids open the door.

"Have a wonderful night."

"Good night!"

The crowd showers them with blessings as they step inside.

Creak. Thud.

The door closes.

Once the door is shut, Mary says shyly, "I... I'll go wash up first."

Watching her scurry into the bathroom, Agrippa's heart hammers against his ribs. It is only natural. He is marrying his long-time girlfriend—the kind of dream wedding every man envisions. He cannot help but feel his heart race.

Agrippa sits on Mary's bed—now their bed—lost in thought.

Come to think of it, our first meeting was the absolute worst.

A smile plays on his lips as he reminisces. It was back when Deviang first entered the military academy and boarded at Agrippa's house.

When Mary first saw him, she had scowled, clearly displeased with Agrippa and his family. He later learned she was upset that her precious brother was boarding in such a shabby house.

But after going through so much together, they had progressed from bickering acquaintances to friends... and now, husband and wife.

It's surreal. I never imagined we'd end up like this.

When Agrippa first met Mary, he never dreamed he would marry into the prestigious Lion family. Back then, she was overbearing and violent; "terrified" would be the more accurate description of his feelings toward her. But as they grew closer, he fell deeply for her easygoing, unpretentious charm.

"Agrippa, what are you doing?"

Mary emerges from the bathroom, wearing a white robe and drying her short hair with a towel. Agrippa smiles warmly.

"Just thinking about the past. Our first meeting. Do you remember?"

Mary smirks playfully. "Of course I do. I never thought I'd end up marrying the timid guy from my brother's boarding house."

"Me neither. I never imagined this day when I first saw you."

Mary sits down beside him. "Neither did I."

Flop.

The moment the words leave her mouth, Mary tackles him onto the bed.

"Huh? I haven't washed up yet—"

Mary sniffs him. "I... can't wait."

Agrippa panics. "I'll be out in a second—"

Riiip! Clatter!

Agrippa's shirt is torn open, buttons scattering across the floor.

"I said, I can't wait. Mmph!"

Her face burning red, Mary presses her lips to his.

Mwah...

A sweet, unfamiliar sensation sends a shiver down Mary's spine, and she grips the back of Agrippa's head tightly.

In that moment, Agrippa realizes... the night is still very young.

"Whew... I'm exhausted."

Drinking with the family elders is no easy feat. I enjoy a casual drink, but the elders are on a completely different level.

Uncle Leon is an absolute monster. He kept pouring glass after glass of strong brandy. I thought I might actually die. At least I managed to walk back to my room.

Dragging my drunken body, I finally reach my chamber.

Knock, knock.

Creak.

I knock, and the door opens to reveal Theodora.

"Ugh, you reek of alcohol! How much did you drink?" She supports my weight.

"Well... I wanted to pace myself... but the elders kept insisting..."

"Geez! Still, you should have known when to stop. You'll ruin your health."

I grin sheepishly. "But on a glorious day like today, how could I refuse a drink from the elders?"

I collapse onto the bed. Now that Mary is married, a massive weight has been lifted from my shoulders as the head of the family.

"Hehe..."

As I chuckle foolishly, Theodora smiles. "Are you really that happy? Just because your sister got married?"

"Of course I am. My dearest friend and my younger sister just got married. How could I not be happy?"

They are a beautiful couple, and even in the original novel, they were sickeningly sweet. I am certain they will live happily ever after.

"Sigh, you're hopeless. Get changed before you go to sleep."

I stumble to the bathroom, wash up quickly, change my clothes, and slide back into bed.

"Good night, dear."

"Good night to you too," Theodora replies.

A quiet moment passes in the dark.

"Are you asleep?"

I, who was on the verge of drifting off, rouse at her voice. "No... not yet."

"Ah... sorry. Did I almost wake you?"

"No, it's fine. Why, what's on your mind?"

Theodora falls silent.

What was that about?

Just as I try to fall asleep again, Theodora asks in a subdued, melancholic voice:

"I was just wondering... why won't you sleep with me?"

I share a bed with her every night, especially since arriving at the Grand Duchy. But I know she isn't talking about merely sharing a mattress. She means sleeping together.

How do I dodge it this time?

Lately, her subtle seductions have been genuinely terrifying. Whether she loves me or not, they might seem to be on good terms now, but things will change drastically in the future.

"Hmm? Oh... I've just been really tired lately."

Theodora doesn't reply. An awkward silence fills the pitch-black room.

Maybe... a little skinship is fine?

With that thought, I gently roll over to face her. Though I can't see clearly in the dark, I wrap my arms around her silhouette.

"Ah..."

Theodora trembles slightly, caught off guard by my embrace. The scent of rosemary wafting from her stirs my primal desires, but I force them down.

"I'm... really tired today. Let's... let's do it next time. *Yawn!*"

I really am exhausted. Patting her back gently, I drift off to sleep.

"You promise..."

I think I hear her tearful whisper, but I can't quite recall the words. I am simply too tired.

The morning after the wedding.

The family has gathered for breakfast: myself, Octavia and her husband, the imperial family, and Uncle Leon's family. Mary and Agrippa are conspicuously absent.

The breakfast was planned specifically to formally announce to the family that Agrippa is now officially a member of the Lion house. Yet, neither of them has shown their faces, leaving me sitting on pins and needles.

Uncle Leon breaks the silence. "Haha... It seems Mary and her new groom had a very passionate night."

I say awkwardly, "I did tell them not to overexert themselves since we had breakfast scheduled this morning."

Leon waves his hand dismissively. "On the contrary, I must apologize for my niece keeping Her Imperial Majesty waiting."

Seated at the head of the table, Theodora shakes her head. "Not at all, King Leon. I am merely overjoyed that two people ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠who have loved each other for so long have finally united."

Despite her gracious words, I feel compelled to bow my head to the other elder present—my mother-in-law, the Empress Dowager.

"Mother-in-law, I deeply apologize for keeping you waiting due to my sister's tardiness."

The Empress Dowager covers her mouth with a delicate hand and smiles warmly. "Think nothing of it, son-in-law. To hear that your sister and my daughter's savior are so deeply in love brings me nothing but joy. They ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠are young, after all. It is only natural for them to be late."

"Thank you for your understanding."

We continue to wait.

An hour passes.

Still not here?

I had scheduled breakfast as late as possible to give them ample time.

"Son-in-law, do not fret. They must have been exhausted from yesterday."

I contemplate sending someone to fetch them, but sending a servant into a newlywed couple's room feels highly inappropriate. Sigh... what should I do?

Theodora smiles reassuringly. "Do not worry, my love. Everyone here cherishes you and your sister."

Another hour passes.

Now, the atmosphere is growing tense. Theodora and Joy look bored, and Octavia's expression has soured.

Ahem...

Uncle Leon clears his throat, clearly losing his patience. Even the Empress Dowager's expression is turning cold. I realize I can't wait any longer.

What kind of etiquette is this, keeping all the family elders waiting?

Determined to give them a piece of my mind, I stand up abruptly.

"I will go drag them out myself."

Seeing my fierce determination, the elders speak up.

"Deviang. *Ahem...* Even if they are newlyweds, keeping the elders waiting like this is unacceptable. We should go with you and give them a proper scolding."

"Indeed, son-in-law. Marriage is no excuse to disrespect such distinguished guests."

The Empress Dowager and Uncle Leon stand up. Both seem secretly furious. I nod, silently cursing Mary and Agrippa.

"Yes, let us do that. Noel, prepare the food cart. We are going to Mary's room."

Noel directs the servants to load the breakfast onto a cart, and the entire party heads toward Mary's suite.

Man, they both look really angry. The Empress Dowager and Uncle Leon are of status far beyond ordinary kings. The Empress Dowager of the Empire goes without saying, and the Allied Kingdom is a maritime superpower that rivals the Empire. In this world, the title of "Empire" or "Emperor" isn't used lightly; it requires immense power, tradition, and history. Since neither of them has ever had to wait for anyone in their lives, their anger is entirely justified.

As we approach Mary's chamber...

A loud shriek echoes down the hallway, startling everyone.

Who was that? An assassin?

In a panic, we all rush toward the door. Just as I reach for the handle—

Wait... they've been at it all night? Without a single wink of sleep?

It has been seventeen hours since they entered the bridal suite yesterday. They've been going non-stop for seventeen hours? Is that even physically possible? How is he even still standing?

As I grapple with the sheer logistics, Mary helpfully provides a clue.

What? She'll do what?

Agrippa's desperate, pathetic pleas send a shiver down my spine. The sounds are all too familiar from my past life's late-night internet browsing. I know exactly what is happening inside.

D-don't die, Agrippa!

I slowly look around at my companions.

Every single one of them is blushing furiously.

What do I do? Should I break in and rescue Agrippa? But is it really appropriate to barge in right now?

A gentle pat lands on my shoulder.

"Ahem... Son-in-law. They are not children. It seems highly improper for us to intrude like this."

The Empress Dowager's face is crimson. Uncle Leon nods, his face a complex mix of emotions.

"Haha. Quite right, Her Imperial Majesty. Let us simply have breakfast amongst ourselves."

I can't tell what Uncle Leon is thinking, but his expression is a bizarre cocktail of envy and profound sorrow. Perhaps he is mourning his own lost youth?

I survey the rest of the group. Joy and Theodora look like they are about to combust, their faces burning red, while Octavia stares at the door with a deeply satisfied, proud smile. My head spins.

"Son-in-law, what are you doing? Let us go."

Urged by the Empress Dowager, I turn to leave.

Agrippa... please don't die... I can't help you right now... but if you die...

If Agrippa dies of sexual exhaustion, I will undoubtedly die of overwork. When we get back to Roman, I must give Agrippa some Unicorn's Horn.

Just then, Theodora, her face still flushed, grabs my hand and whispers in my ear:

"You must keep your promise from last night."

Huh? What promise? Did I promise her something last night?

I really can't remember.