Chapter 387 – Time For A Wedding.

“Hey boss, how about we install one of those runic flame things, what did you call it?”

“The runic flamethrower?”

“Aye, that was it?”

“I guess a worker could use that as an impromptu welding tool… but you just want to have something to shoot the targets with, don’t you?”

“Haha, you got me boss.”

Roland and his assistant, Bernir, were hard at work in the workshop, tirelessly refining the exoskeleton prototype. Bernir had grown quite fond of this invention, as it enabled him to accomplish feats he had only dreamed of. From his perspective, this tool granted him the strength of a golden adventurer and the ability to employ spells and carry powerful magical weaponry. Although Roland’s initial intention wasn’t military in nature, he was fully aware of the potential for it to be used as a weapon.

This type of technology remained highly experimental, as Roland grappled with how it would fit into this game-like world. He questioned whether people would find a reason to choose an exosuit like this over acquiring a traditional golem. It might be a tough sell if the prices were comparable, but Roland saw several advantages to his creation. One of them was that it offered a more universal solution, requiring only some training for the user.

He viewed this new technology as akin to a car that only needed a driver. Training an operator for an exoskeleton was far simpler than developing an entirely new operating system for a golem. Some of the dwarven craftsmen had to toil for months alongside Runic Mages when commissioned by high-ranking nobles for golemic creations. Additionally, the exoskeletons were cost-effective in terms of materials, requiring far less metal as they lacked thick layers of armor plating.

In contrast, golemic creations were expensive and demanded substantial resources, including mana fluids. They were primarily accessible to wealthy nobles, merchants, and craftsmen. These creations were also restricted by their operating systems and couldn’t handle intricate situations. Most of the time, they served as transport or served as metallic bodyguards with relatively limited functionality.

With the advent of runic batteries, Roland could envision these frames being utilized in the future, but they weren’t the sole invention on his mind. Numerous modern-day appliances still lingered in his thoughts, all of which had the potential to become profitable ventures. Even items like vehicles that didn’t rely on horses or golems for propulsion could likely generate substantial income.

However, Roland’s primary life goal didn’t involve building a massive corporation to rival the Dwarven Union. Instead, he aimed to continually produce small innovations to remain relevant. He had no aspiration to become the world’s foremost runic inventor or anything of the sort. There were more important things in life than money and fame, this he had already come to recognize as he was making one big step in furthering his life.
“Hey Boss, I think we should turn in for the night.”

“Ah, true. It’s already this late and tomorrow is…”

“Hehe, well good luck, you’re going to need it!”

After receiving a friendly smack on his back from Bernir, the two decided to call it a day. Roland made his way up to his own bedroom, preparing to spend perhaps his final night alone. Tomorrow was the big day, as his marriage was fast approaching. When he first arrived in this world, his main concern was survival, but now that it was time to settle down, the pressure was even greater. The weight of having many people depend on him was no easy burden, but he was determined to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

‘The traditions in this world are similar to my old world, the groom is supposed to meet the bride before the church at dawn, the rising sun is supposed to signify the beginning of a marriage…’

Roland lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling and contemplating the events that had led him to this moment. He began his journey as a young five-year-old boy within a noble estate, destined to become a mage. However, fate had other plans for him as he was quickly ordered to become a knight. To avoid having his life dictated by others, he made the bold decision to escape. His travels eventually led him to Albrook, where he had settled and where his story might ultimately find its conclusion.

It had been a remarkable journey from a stranger in a new world to a respected runic inventor and soon-to-be husband. He thought about how he had met his bride-to-be, Elodia in the adventurers guild and how he avoided her at first. The woman seemed like someone he couldn’t bargain with but soon the two grew fond of each other.

As Roland drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness about the upcoming day. He was eager to start this new chapter of his life with Elodia, but he also knew that their union would bring new responsibilities and challenges. Roland had always been a solitary person, and now he was stepping into a role where he would need to consider the well-being of his family, his employees, and the future of his business. All of his choices would impact the people that were dear to him and he wasn’t sure if he would be able to make the correct choice each time.

‘… I couldn’t sleep at all…’

The night passed slowly for Roland, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. He realized that sleep had eluded him entirely and that the sun had not yet risen. Luckily, with the help of his sleep resistance passive, this didn’t really bode a problem. It was time to prepare for the momentous occasion ahead and he was not someone who would ever be late.

With a sigh, Roland got out of bed and began his morning routine. He bathed, dressed in his finest attire, and meticulously groomed himself. Today was not only his wedding day but also a day of celebration for everyone that he knew and invited. While he didn’t want to make a big fuss over it, he was someone who knew that fostering relationships with others was important.

“Awooo!”

“Sorry Agni, but you’ll have to wait this one out, I can’t really have you parading around the city or the Solarian Church.”

Agni whimpered slightly as he couldn’t join in on the festivities. His inability to join in wasn’t due to his large size, but rather his transformation into a peculiar creature. Roland had concerns about how the church might react if they discovered that Agni was a Sunlight Wolf. While such beasts were supposedly cherished by the church, this revelation could bring about a host of complications.

There was a possibility that they would request Roland to relinquish his canine companion, as Agni was a secret creature to them. His magical abilities, capable of producing divine energies that only faithful priests could wield, were a rare and unique trait in this world. Then there were evil cults and necromancers that liked using such monsters for various occult rituals. Corrupting the divine brought them a lot of power so it was better to wait with this revelation until Agni was stronger.

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“Don’t worry, we will all be back here in a few hours, I still have to go through that annoying celebration…”

In this world, there were various approaches to weddings. For Bernir, it was a more formal bonding between two individuals, without much fanfare or festivities. It resembled a regular wedding for commoners. However, this didn’t mean that others didn’t go all out for their weddings. Nobles and wealthy merchants, for instance, often flaunted their wealth and invited hundreds of guests to elaborate celebrations.

Arthur had wanted to host such an extravagant gathering, but Roland had opted to decline. Instead, he decided to strike a balance, as his new title somewhat obliged him to do so. As a Knight Commander, he would be seen as less if he didn’t at least host a gathering at his home. Thus, some people that he knew closer would be arriving later after they were finished with the initial ceremony at the Church.

“I guess this is it… I never liked wearing suits…”

Roland murmured to himself as he was forced to adorn this noble getup. The suit felt stifling in comparison to the practical clothing he was accustomed to wearing. It comprised a long tunic crafted from opulent fabrics, featuring a mix of velvet and satin. Embroidered onto it were the symbols representing the Valerian household, of which he was soon to become a part. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. Today was a day of celebration, and he didn’t want to be overwhelmed by his discomfort.