It all began fifty years ago, when an enormous black barrier formed over the sea beyond the far north. The world froze in fear, but back then, the most acclaimed mage in the world protected the borders by killing every monster that emerged from those curtains of darkness.
The fleet controlled by war puppets created a perimeter, and that was when the extermination of the demons began. Damian commanded the entire northern army, managing to expel all the demons.
The whole world recognized him as a hero of humanity, someone immensely powerful who could stand up to the Demon King.
Years passed, and soon every Count of the North knelt before Damian. After the King's death, every human in the north crowned him the Mage King and future Emperor of humanity.
"My Lord, the time has come." An aged voice called to Damian, who was standing with his back turned on a massive black stone.
Damian wore a black uniform, his short hair and eyes bandaged, especially so that no one would be imprinted by the power they emitted. He walked towards a platform where he would wait for his wife.
Damian's rise to power was smooth, and now the north was so modern that the age of steam had slowly arrived.
"In at least a hundred years, I will name myself Emperor of humanity, and only after that will I exterminate the demons from this continent," Damian thought as he waited for the main event to begin.
There can only be one emperor, one god, one savior, and one liberator. Without him, a billion souls are nothing more than food for the ever-thirsty evils of the warp.
"The lady of honor has arrived."
'I wonder how much magic I will have after this ceremony.' Frieren thought as she entered the stage in a dress full of white diamonds.
She was about to get married. Damian had told her he needed a wife, so she didn't mind offering herself for it. He understood that she had no feelings, at least not as human as those of humans. If he understood that, Frieren didn't mind being his wife—better her than someone else.
As time passed, she knew that Damian wouldn't stay long on this continent. Besides having the orcs under his command, he planned to exterminate the demons after this ceremony and then proclaim himself as the magical emperor, father of humanity, and future god of the known world.
'There are more than three hundred people, many more than I expected.' Frieren thought as she stood in front of Damian and took his hands.
This place was at the top of a mountain where the climate was controlled to be warm and humid, where anyone could feel the vibes of nature.
Everyone present here were war generals that Damian had trained since they were born; others were war advisors, children of servants who had died over the years, and descendants of numerous apprentices he had had.
Everyone present in this place knew Damian and Frieren, who were practically the strongest in this place. Parents of new magical teachings and protectors of the north.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have gathered here today to celebrate a unique and special moment: the sacred union between an ear and its beloved. In the presence of life and magic, we invite you to listen to the vows that will be exchanged." Damian's right-hand man was the presenter, something that in ancient times would have been considered a priest.
Damian looked intently at Frieren, took both hands, and said, "Frieren, I promise to always be by your side, listening to your words with attention and affection. In moments of silence, I will be here to accompany you with my presence and my receptiveness."
When Frieren heard these words, she felt something move in her heart. Her indifferent gaze changed just a bit, and after a few seconds, she said, "Damian, I promise to be your faithful companion, sharing with you every sound of the world and every melody of the heart. In joy and in sorrow, in health and in sickness, I will be here to listen to you and support you."
Damian smiled. He was not excited about getting married, especially in times of war when his soldiers were dying day by day, but if it was with Frieren, he didn't mind.
The presenter extended his hands and said, "May these vows witness the eternal commitment you have made to each other. May life and magic guide and protect you on your journey together. Long live love!"
"Well, a magical spell..." Damian gently kissed Frieren on the mouth, and at that precise moment, both disappeared from the stage, leaving everyone behind.
"Hmm, we could see him for more than ten minutes; this is more than a surprise."
"The war is around the corner; we will surely see him more often."
"We can't demand much from him either; all his innovative inventions have led the entire north to a highly important industrial revolution for the whole world."
The comments from those who were spectators didn't show surprise; everyone knew that Damian remained anonymous most of the time because his magical studies required it.
…
Boom!
Damian now appeared in a white garden where the climate was more comfortable. After slowly stepping back, Frieren remained silent, as she didn't expect a kiss.
"Was it what you expected?"
"It was much more unexpected. Was that your first kiss?" Frieren touched her lips thoughtfully.
Damian nodded and said, "Of course, do you want to try again?"
"No..."
"Magic moves with emotions; we will surely discover more if we keep trying."
"Not now..." Frieren was nervous, feeling many emotions that were now more sensitive than she had expected, so she quickly moved away.
But Damian didn't follow her; they would sleep in the same room, following old customs, so he would see her later.
…
In the floating palace of the north, a clone of Damian sat on a golden throne while keeping his entire territory under surveillance through magical sensors.
"What is the orcs' performance?"
"The tribes that have decided to kneel under your banner now work alongside the blacksmiths and maintain the production of magical farms."
Damian nodded, opened his eyes, and said, "I don't want any human to dare despise them; they are all children of magic, and now that they belong to our kingdom, they must take care of themselves."
"I will communicate your words."