Eris stood in a fine white wedding dress. It was cut shorter than most of its kind, so that it wouldn't trail dust on the ground, but was still long enough to cover her legs.

The girl stepped into a long hallway in a chapel. Armand stood at the other end, by the pulpit. He wore a suit of armor, per Foldzar noble customs. Next to him was a priestess of Hera, who held a pair of laurel in her hands.

With her heart pounding in her chest and a genuine smile on her face, Eris walked down the hallways. The pews were filled with family members and wedding guests. Eris didn't even know all the relatives who were present. But right now, her attention was on Armand.

For his part, Armand was mostly stoic. But even he couldn't hide the slight smile on his face. Despite everything between him and Eris during their past life, the boy couldn't help but feel joy at this wedding.

Eris was at the end of the row before long. She turned to face the onlookers, taking a moment to curtsey, as was the custom in Foldzar. Then, the girl turned to Armand. His eyes were right on her, and her gaze was only for him. Even as the priestess spoke, neither of them looked away from each other.

"We are gathered here today to unite these two souls in the bond of Zeus and Hera, sacred and holy matrimony," her words had been recited numerous times over the course of many weddings. "A bond that shall last throughout their lives, and possibly past their deaths."

The priestess bowed to the fiances, an acknowledgement that they were of a higher social class than she. Only after showing this deference did she speak again.

"Lord Armand, would you take Eris to be your bride, now and forever?" she asked.

"By Hera's glory, I will," Armand answered.

"And Lady Eris, would you take Armand to be your groom, now and forever?"

"By Hera's glory, I will," the former Hapsburg said.

With that, the priestess placed one laurel on Armand's head. The other soon adorned Eris.

"Then, let you two be bound in the eyes of the gods, now and forever," the priestess declared.

After that ceremony, Armand and Eris were brought to the grand hall. They were placed on the high seats as a grand feast began around them. Runes had been placed on every single cup. These would shatter the vessel if poison was placed inside it. Outside the room, and all throughout it, were numerous carefully vetted mercenaries acting as guards.

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No expense was spared to make sure this day went well. After all, the future of both families depended on it. And it would be a good chance to assassinate someone should an outsider wish to.

Armand's mind was filled with contemplation. He turned to Eris. No one was within earshot of them at the moment. So, they could have a private moment.

"I think we should wait to consummate our marriage," Armand said. "I read some works by women who married at your age. And childbirth was not easy on them."

Eris gave him a smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Armand. But you don't need to worry. I already planned ahead for this. I got protection. We can consummate our marriage without worrying about impregnating me," she stated.

Armand nodded.

"I brought protection too. I'd rather not destroy your body, Eris," he said.

"My thanks, Armand," his wife responded.

The girl then shrugged.

"That being said, we cannot wait too long to produce an heir. The needs of House Concord depend on it. I will wait a year, two at most. From that moment, do your best to get me pregnant," Eris added.

Armand gave her a warm smile.

"Your terms are acceptable, Eris. You're as good a negotiator as ever," he said.

A chuckle escaped his wife's mouth.

"As good a negotiator as ever? I'd say I've improved quite a bit, Armand," she replied. "As have you."

"I hope you're right," Armand stated.

Then, a contemplative expression crossed his face.

"It will be strange hearing you called Eris Concord. Not unpleasant but strange," he said.

"I feel the same way," Eris admitted. "But my branch of House Hapsburg is now part of House Concord. I have joined your family. I will not forget what my name is now."

A degree of pride came over Eris as she spoke. Her first big plan this time around had come to fruition. And she couldn't be happier. The girl placed a hand over her heart, letting the joy flow through her.

Armand reached over before placing his palm on her other hand. This touch sent a warm feeling through both of them.

"Eris, we'll need to be even more careful now. Our houses are united partially, and will be fully when we take control of them. Combined with the lands we got in the last war and other factors, we are rising far beyond the station of counts. Many other nobles will try to sabotage our rise," Armand said.

"You mean that many nobles are going to be jealous of us and our power. Then, they'll interfere out of spite?" Eris smirked. "I agree that we'll need to be careful. But we'll be ready for them. No matter who's coming, we'll find some way to handle it."

The boy's expression was filled with concern.

"Perhaps, but don't let things get to your head, Eris. We are still vulnerable."

Eris turned her expression serious.

"I understand that, Armand," she said. "And I doubt you want to turn me anytime soon. Even after, we won't be invincible. In fact, I suspect that someone will try to attack us in the next few days."

"That much is clear. There are already people trying to stifle our rise. Now is a great time for them to act," Armand stated.

He let out a slight breath.

"I hate that I have to spend my wedding thinking about who might try to assassinate or send an army after me. But such is life in Foldzar," he contemplated.

The wedding feast would continue with Armand and Eris wondering exactly what their future would have in store and who they might encounter. After all, even though they remembered their past lives, their marriage might bring new foes their way.

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