In Frieren as a 1000 years old Demon

On the second day after Grand Mage Furame's return—

As afternoon approached, earthshaking news spread throughout the imperial capital Eisberg.

The noble politicians thought they must still be dreaming.

The court mages gathered together, suddenly understanding the meaning behind their master's words from yesterday: "You'll understand later."

Even the emperor, who rarely left the inner palace, was so astonished that he specially sent an envoy to Furame to verify the news.

After receiving Furame's confirmation,

His Majesty formally announced the news to all citizens of the imperial capital:

"Grand Mage Furame—will hold her wedding ceremony today at the Imperial Cathedral."

Unsurprisingly—the capital became even livelier than yesterday.

Since some decorations from yesterday's celebration hadn't been removed yet,

The citizens simply decided to extend the festivities another day.

Yet in stark contrast to the overwhelming excitement throughout most of Eisberg,

The Imperial Cathedral where the two individuals causing this commotion stood was eerily quiet.

Inside the magnificent cathedral, only four lonely figures remained.

There should have been five,

But the imperial archbishop who originally intended to officiate wisely chose to leave after seeing that legendary golden figure.

He could clearly sense the malice emanating from that presence.

Not wanting to be caught in any potential disaster, the archbishop deftly made an excuse and fled the scene.

When the elderly archbishop had dragged himself far enough from the Imperial Cathedral,

He turned back to look at the building he'd guarded most of his life, worrying for its safety.

"Although I'd heard rumors that Grand Mage Furame's teacher was that legendary figure..."

"Seeing it with my own eyes still feels unbelievable."

"I hope she won't lose her temper—"

The elderly man in his fifties sighed, recalling legends passed down since the mythical era.

......

At this moment, inside the Imperial Cathedral—

Agusheed sat on a pew in the cathedral's center after changing into new clothes Furame had somehow procured,

Quietly waiting for Furame and Frieren who had gone to fetch the 'wedding rings'.

"Human thoughts are truly unfathomable."

"Is pretending to be married really necessary just for living in the capital for ten years?"

Though he couldn't comprehend Furame's reasoning for this bizarre method,

Agusheed agreed after hearing it was the simplest solution.

After all, it was only ten years.

During their previous decade of travels, they'd often pretended to be married to avoid certain troubles.

As Agusheed reminisced, the undisguised malice beside him forced him to turn around.

He looked down uncomfortably at Seri Ai who had been glaring at him this whole time.

"It's been 150 years since we last met. Must you look at me with that 'I really want to kill you right now' expression?"

Seri Ai sitting on the pew sneered, completely ignoring Agusheed's words and utterly indifferent to his thoughts.

Her released magical power—far exceeding Agusheed's—made her narrow her eyes:

"Understand your current position, demon..."

"If not for Furame, do you think you'd still be alive sitting here?"

Though Agusheed was no match for Seri Ai,

He'd known from the start she wouldn't kill him.

After all, if she truly intended to, she would have acted last night when observing from afar.

So Agusheed didn't back down, remaining unmoved despite Seri Ai's overwhelming magical pressure:

"Truthfully, if not for Furame's request, I wouldn't have chosen to face you alone either—"

"My usual style would be to invite the Demon King to accompany me when meeting you."

Seri Ai tilted her head up, staring at the unfazed Agusheed with an even more dangerous gaze.

"Do you think the Demon King could stop me if I truly wanted you dead?"

"Not at all."

Agusheed modestly waved his hand, forcing an awkward human-like smile:

"I believe if His Majesty and I joined forces, killing you at least shouldn't be a problem—if not capturing you alive."

Pure provocation. Dangerous taunting.

Yet Seri Ai showed little reaction.

She merely swung her legs slightly.

"Compared to 150 years ago, you've grown much more arrogant..."

"Is it from gaining power, or the courage from recently helping Furame escape unscathed from the Demon King?"

Seri Ai pointed a finger at Agusheed.

Agusheed remained composed.

"Perhaps a bit of both."

Then before his eyes, dark magical energy gathered at Seri Ai's fingertip, instantly condensing:

"Reason tells me you're dangerous—the longer you live, the more dangerous you become."

"Though you currently detest killing, no one can guarantee you'll maintain that principle while pursuing emotions."

"As her teacher, I should correct my disciple's mistaken choice..."

Seri Ai stopped mid-sentence, her fingertip's magic gradually dissipating.

Because—

Furame and Frieren had returned.

Seeing what just transpired, Furame sighed helplessly.

"Didn't I tell you not to argue when I'm away?"

Pretending to be angry, she walked up and scolded them sternly.

Neither the modern era's mightiest Great Demon nor history's strongest Grand Mage dared talk back.

They simply exchanged a glance, diffusing the earlier tension.

"Let's begin quickly. I'll officiate in place of the clergy."

Seri Ai paused, glancing at the white-haired elf beside Furame before adding:

"End this pointless wedding soon. I've had enough of seeing you three."

Understanding her tsundere master's temperament, Furame didn't argue.

She just smiled wryly watching Seri Ai turn away and walk toward the cathedral's front.

Then extending her hand, she had Frieren lead her toward Seri Ai.

As she stood before the goddess's statue in pure white wedding dress,

Under Seri Ai's gaze that screamed 'how wonderful if I could just kill him',

Agusheed slowly rose and approached the statue too.

Once beside Furame, Frieren stood between them, handing each their 'wedding ring'.

"Exchange rings."

Though Seri Ai had condensed the clergy's lengthy speech down to four words,

None of the three present objected.

Two of them fundamentally didn't understand this so-called "wedding",

And the only one who cared—Furame—had already prepared herself.

After all, Seri Ai's attendance was miracle enough—other details could be left to her whims.

As Seri Ai's voice faded—

Neither Furame nor Agusheed hesitated.

Slowly, they slid the rings onto each other's fingers.

"Then..."

Seri Ai visibly struggled before reluctantly closing her eyes:

"Then...kiss..."

——

Many years later,

Agusheed would still vividly remember that sunny afternoon.

Remember inside the Imperial Cathedral, beneath the goddess's statue—

Furame in pure white wedding dress, eyes closed, waiting for him to lean down...

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