How did I end up here?
Zhang Ying could have never predicted such a twist in his journey as a returner. Being Alana's pet was enough, but right now, he was standing in Goddess Mera's church in a white tuxedo.
In front of him stood Alana, dressed in a white bodysuit. Behind her were her maids, though he guessed "bridesmaids" was the right word to use. Zhang Ying stood by himself, except for Gozan, the ring bearer, and Gobrina, the flower girl.
It all happened so suddenly. They arrived at the auction house, but then Alana had a change of heart. She gathered everyone and headed for the church.
It was a place where Alana had made countless donations. Killing was frowned upon in the churches, but it seemed the only people who did the killing were sinful, not the money they got from it.
That's why the priest there didn't bat an eye when he saw Alana. But when she revealed the reason, even the stoic priest gave a pitiful look to Zhang Ying. He was still alive, but it felt like the priest was ready for his funeral.
Only then did it hit Zhang Ying. He was marrying Alana, Silvermane's only daughter, without his blessing.
From Silvermane's eyes, Alana had taken him as a toy. She had only known him for a few hours. Therefore, he might think Zhang Ying stole his daughter away.
Killing me would be a mercy...
The thought sent chills down Zhang Ying's spine. It was all Alana's fault. But for Silvermane, she had never been at fault. Why would this time be any different?
[Gozan vows to honor his master's useless legacy.]
[Gobrina looks forward to the feast after the funeral.]
"You may kiss the bride," the priest said with pity.
"..."
Zhang Ying stiffened. Kissing Alana meant sealing their marriage, but that also meant facing the wrath of Silvermane. Sweat formed on his forehead. He was hoping someone or something would help him out of his predicament.
But Alana didn't have the patience to wait. She took the veil off, showing her impatient eyes to Zhang Ying. If she wanted, she could have used [Widow's mark] to force him. But the goddess Mera and the priest would cause trouble then. She needed to deal with it herself.
Without a word, she stepped forward, grabbed Zhang Ying by the collar, and pulled him close. Zhang Ying fell into her arms, staring above to see her staring back at him without emotion.
The maids woo-hoo'd, calling them a royal couple. They were prince and princesses alright, only their roles had changed. Alana was the prince holding her princess, Zhang Ying.
"W-Wait—!" Zhang Ying yelled as she leaned in.
"No need," Alana replied.
Just like that, she kissed him as if there were no tomorrow. As much as Zhang Ying hated to admit it, he got lost when her lips met his. The world melted away—the maids, the priest, and even the looming danger of Silvermane faded at that moment.
When Alana finally broke the kiss, Zhang Ying's breath was ragged and his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Before he could gather his thoughts, Alana let him go. Zhang Ying fell on the floor with a thud. Alana didn't even glance down. She stepped over him with a hint of a smile.
"Get up, husband," she gestured to him. "We need to go to the bureau for the marriage certificate next."
She didn't look back as she strode away, her maids falling in line behind her. Zhang Ying lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling. He touched his lips, still feeling her warmth there. Alana had kissed him—no, practically claimed him in front of everyone.
"Do I need to repeat myself?" Alana called out.
"...on it!"
Zhang Ying rushed to her side, his mind still in a daze.
***
A couple of hours later...
The room was so silent Zhang Ying could hear everyone's heartbeat but his own. He was confident his heart had given up on him and the rest of his body would soon follow suit.
Alana stood beside him as if she didn't just doom him to death. In front of him was Silvermane, sitting behind his throne. In his hands was the freshly printed marriage certificate of his daughter.
"Why?" he asked, placing the certificate on the desk.
That's what I'm wondering!
"He's cute," Alana shrugged.
"I know your preferences well enough to know that's not true," Silvermane replied. "Besides, I'd have to get you checked into a mental hospital if you find this... creature cute."
Alright. You just made it to the list, old man. Wait a century, then I'll piss on your grave.
"Go get a divorce and I'll ignore your mistake," Silvermane announced, throwing away the marriage certificate. "And you."
Silvermane pointed at Zhang Ying and said, "If you keep up with your antics, the Otherworld will put you in your place, you filthy rat."
Zhang Ying had his mouth open in shock. This father-daughter duo was too much. First Alana forced him to get married and now her prick of a father was calling him names as if he was the one who forced her.
But he kept his mouth shut. The insults aside, things were going his way. Alana wouldn't dare go against Silvermane, and he would be free from her.
"Dad, that's enough," Alana said calmly. "It's my husband you're talking about."
"...I must be getting old," Silvermane smiled, snapping his fingers next to his ear. "I misheard your apology."
"Dad, I have my reasons—"
"And what about your engagement with the duke's family? Wasn't it your decision?" Silvermane slammed his fist on the table, smashing it. "Do you think marriage is child's play?"
"...he has his bitches to play with. Can't I have my fun—?"
SMACK!
[You lost 43 HP.]
The message flashed before Zhang Ying's eyes as blood trickled down his mouth. He wasn't strong enough to stop Silvermane, so he jumped before Alana to take the hit... or so Alana wanted her father to think.
This bitch...
Zhang Ying cursed her, feeling the heat from [Widow's mark] burning his chin.