Reborn As Noble

Chapter 986: Ceremony of Unity ( 986 )

Garius arrived at the grand doors of the throne hall.

Alf bowed respectfully, and the staff followed suit.

”Your Majesty,” Alf said, bowing deeply with a warm, proud smile.

Garius returned the smile, a rare softness in his eyes reserved only for those who had stood by him since the beginning. Alf straightened and, with a practiced gesture, pushed open the massive double doors.

The heavy panels swung inward with a low, resonant hum, revealing the transformed throne hall in all its splendor.

Inside, everyone rose in silence as Garius entered.

Soft harps blended with low mana horns as the music swelled, accompanying his steady procession toward the throne.

Garius walked slowly, his golden mantle catching the light, his boots clicking softly on the floor.

His children followed in a neat line: Marcellus and Cedric flanking the sides, Javier in the middle, Aelius and Athine holding hands, and Heres bringing up the rear.

The guests bowed as Garius passed. King Lioness and King Veldrac stood at the front with their people.

Garius ascended the three steps and halted before the central throne, turning to face the entire hall. Javier and his siblings sat in the front row of the designated area.

High Priest Zabran stood silently at the blessing altar.

Garius stepped to the right side of the altar and waited.

The music softened, fading into a gentle hush.

The doors opened once more.

Francesca entered, escorted by Erienne on her right and Erisa on her left. She glided forward with calm, elegant poise, smiling tenderly at Garius beside the altar.

Garius stood stunned. Francesca, his first love, his true love looked even more beautiful and youthful today. His heart raced; he swallowed hard. And when she smiled at him, softly and knowingly, it struck him all over again.

As she reached his side, Francesca leaned in, her hand slipping naturally over his arm.

”Dear,” she whispered, her voice laced with amused warmth, ”focus.”

Garcinia stepped forward next, escorted by her personal maids.

Her pace was calm and measured, posture dignified, every movement carrying the quiet authority of a queen who had long understood her place beside Garius. The fabric of her gown flowed smoothly with each step, refined and composed, reflecting her nature.

She reached the blessing altar and took her position without haste.

Phenelopie followed after her.

Her expression was gentle, her steps light; her eyes briefly lowered in modesty before lifting again toward Garius. The soft layers of her gown swayed faintly as she walked, catching the light in subtle hues.

The grand doors opened once more.

Eridith strode in without ceremony, a wide grin on her face, her dress swaying boldly as she moved toward the altar. She waved cheerfully toward the seats where the children were gathered, earning a few restrained coughs from nearby nobles.

Garius exhaled quietly and smiled, while Francesca and the others chuckled softly.

...She really is different from the others.

All eyes turned to High Priest Zabran the moment Eridith arrived and took her place beside Francesca.

High Priest Zabran cleared his throat and raised his staff. The crystal atop it glowed softly.

”People of Armand, honored guests, and our allies,” he intoned.

”By the authority of the Armand Royal Law, and under the witness of its people, we convene this renewal of marriage vows.”

His gaze settled on Garius.

The staff tapped once against the stone floor.

”Let all present bear witness. Let all records be sealed.”

High Priest Zabran’s voice echoed through the hall.

”King Garius de Armand, sovereign of this land, do you renew your vows to these women who have stood beside you in peace and in war, in triumph and in hardship?”

Garius’s gaze swept slowly across the four women at his side.

”I do,” he vowed, his voice resonant and unwavering. ”With every beat of my heart and breath in my lungs, I reaffirm my eternal bond to you all. My queens, my anchors, my eternal flames through light and shadow.”

High Priest Zalbran nodded once, the crystal atop his staff glowing brighter and casting a soft golden radiance over the altar and the five figures standing before it.

”Lady Francesca, Lady Garcinia, Lady Phenelopie, Lady Eridith,” Zalbran intoned, his voice carrying the weight of ancient rite.

”You who have shared this man’s burdens, his victories, and his deepest truths. Do you, together and individually, renew your vows to King Garius de Armand, your sovereign, your husband, and the heart of this nation?”

Francesca smiled as she looked at Garius, her voice soft and serene.

”I, Francesca de Armand, reaffirm my eternal vow. I swear to stand as your equal, to share your burdens, to counsel you with wisdom, and to love you beyond the limits of life itself.”

Garcinia followed, her tone measured and resolute.

”I, Garcinia de Armand, reaffirm my eternal vow. I swear to be your shield in silence, your strength in stillness, and your unwavering companion through every storm and every dawn.”

Phenelopie spoke next, her voice soft.

”I, Phenelopie de Armand, reaffirm my eternal vow. I swear to mend what is broken, to nurture what is fragile, and to love you with a tenderness that endures all wounds.”

Eridith stepped forward with a grin.

”I, Eridith de Armand, reaffirm my eternal vow. I swear to burn brightly at your side, to challenge you when you falter, and to love you with a passion. And of course, I’ve always loved Garius from the beginning. Ehehe!”

Francesca and the others chuckle softly at Eridith’s response.

Zabran tries to clear his throat while Garius simply exhales.

”Let all assembled bear witness, the first to walk this sacred path is Lady Francesca, Queen of Armand, beloved of our king and mother of his strength.

Lady Francesca, you who first shared Garius’s burdens and dreams, whose wisdom and compassion have shaped this house.

Queen of grace and steadfast heart, Lady Garcinia, whose resilience and devotion have brought peace to this family and land.

Queen of gentle strength, Lady Phenelopie, whose gentle hand and unwavering spirit have soothed both king and kin.

Last among equals, Lady Eridith, the White Flame, Queen of courage and fierce devotion.

May the vows renewed this day bind not only husband and wife, but all of Armand, in loyalty, harmony, and love.

Let the light of their union shine forth to every corner of the realm.”

( End Of Chapter )