Clad in a borrowed red coarse cloth wedding attire, Zagonnas suddenly felt that even burning down the Sword Sect's centuries-old library was a lesser concern now.
He was about to enter into this humble marriage, taking as his bride the Poison Sect's leader, Cendrarsa.
In the previous life, the memory of being poisoned to death by her was still fresh in his mind. Yet here he was again, entangled in a situation due to his conflict with Dave.
This time around, if he were to harm Cendrarsa again, it would be akin to harming his wife.
What to do? Leave? Flee from the marriage?
As Zagonnas was about to leave Maple Village, he coincidentally ran into Dave at the village entrance.
Dave's face was full of discontent, a fierce expression as if he were ready to devour someone.
Onlookers pointed and chattered, unafraid of stirring up trouble.
"Sir, as long as you two haven't completed the ceremony, you haven't won," Dave persisted, holding onto his delusions even at this juncture.
Initially, Zagonnas had considered just leaving it all behind. However, upon hearing Dave's words, his temper flared.
"Very well, then you wait. Wait for me to bring my wife back. Don't forget our agreement," Zagonnas retorted.
"I won't forget; I'll be right here waiting," Dave replied.
This man, was easily provoked. Zagonnas gritted his teeth and quickened his pace.
Come what may, even if Cendrarsa had a change of heart, he would still have to bring her back to his home and hold the wedding.
Amidst the children's teasing, Zagonnas soon arrived at Cendrarsa's clinic.
The villagers found it regrettable that Cendrarsa was marrying into a poor scholar's family. However, this was Cendrarsa's choice, and besides expressing their disdain for Zagonnas through their gazes, the villagers kept their words to themselves.
Under the watchful eyes of all, Zagonnas raised his hand and knocked on the clinic door.
After a long wait, Cendrarsa had the village aunties open the door.
Upon seeing the bride in her wedding gown, Zagonnas felt a twinge of discomfort. The wedding attire wasn't as vibrant, and judging by the size, it was likely borrowed.
How could his wife, Zagonnas thought, endure such injustice?
Reflecting for a moment, Zagonnas made a silent vow.
Before harming her, he must ensure to give her a grand and splendid wedding.
Clearing his throat lightly to ease his nervousness about his first marriage, Zagonnas spoke up:
"I'm here."
"Mm."
Hearing the voice, Cendrarsa recognized him.
With a shy nod, she extended her hand.
Zagonnas, upon seeing her fair hand, hesitated for a moment before firmly grasping it. It was soft and slightly cool.
The village had few elaborate customs. Bringing the new bride home, this bridal escort marked the completion.
"Shall we head home?" Zagonnas suggested.
"Alright."
With this, half of the marriage process was complete.
On the way back to Maple Village, the children clamored beside them, eager to catch a glimpse of their new mistress or beg for sweets.
Thankfully, Cendrarsa had prepared some sugar by boiling autumn pears, crafting sugar cubes wrapped in sticky rice.
She pulled out a handful and called out to Zagonnas, "Sir, please share this candy with the children."
At the word "sir," Zagonnas's expression darkened. Even though they were married, being addressed in such a formal way felt distant.
"What did you say, my lady? I didn't catch that," Zagonnas replied.
"I said, please share this candy with the children," Cendrarsa patiently reiterated.
"What?" Zagonnas pretended not to hear again.
"You?" Zagonnas turned to her, their gazes meeting.
Recalling their first encounter in the previous life when she wore red, her makeup striking and ankles adorned with silver bells, Zagonnas was captivated by her beauty.
Now, with her hair pulled back and adorned with just a silver hairpin, minimal makeup on her face, and a hint of red on her lips, her simple and plain appearance outshone all other women in the world.
Zagonnas felt a flutter in his heart.
"I was afraid you didn't hear me. Here," Cendrarsa extended her hand once more.
This time, Zagonnas didn't pretend not to hear. He took the candy from Cendrarsa and, without hesitation, handed it out to the children.
Watching the children's joyous antics, Zagonnas genuinely smiled a rare sight.
"Your thoughtfulness knows no bounds," he remarked.
"Have a piece yourself," Cendrarsa insisted, offering another piece to Zagonnas.
Turning to her, Zagonnas hesitated for a moment before accepting the candy and popping it into his mouth.
"So sweet, tastes like pears. Did you make this?" he inquired.
"Yes, I made it myself. It's not only delicious but also good for coughs," Cendrarsa replied, enjoying a piece herself.
"Let's go; we're almost at the village entrance."
Zagonnas didn't want others to scrutinize his new bride, especially Dave.
From afar, Dave and his mother, upon seeing that Zagonnas had indeed brought Cendrarsa back, felt a chill in their hearts.
How could such a beautiful girl not enjoy meat?
To prevent her son from feeling sad, Dave's mother tugged at his arm and led him away.
Meanwhile, Zagonnas smoothly lifted his new bride off the donkey and, holding her hand, led her into the modest courtyard.
The village chief presided over their wedding ceremony, and after it concluded, the villagers dispersed.