I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…

"Why wouldn't I?" Stella asked, looking up at him from the bed. Her hair was a mess, but her smile was radiant and beautiful.

"Who knows… but hurry up. You'll see soon enough." Roland had the maids draw hot water and help Stella get ready, while he prepared himself in another room.

Before long, the two were outside in a city that was slowly growing in size.

They strolled through familiar shops, enjoying the freedom and warmth of the people, receiving everything from free sweets to requests for their portraits.

Little by little, they began to see the change they had brought to the world, even if only one step at a time.

Roland guided her to the highest peak of the fortress, one of the towers that offered a sweeping view of everything around them.

"So, can you finally tell me why you took me on such a long, but lovely stroll around town?"

"It's what we made, Stella. We've changed their lives, look. Farms stretching to the horizon. Children smiling again. And you have your brother back… How do you feel?"

Stella narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing there was more to this than just admiration of the view. The young man before her now looked like an experienced general, lean, strong, and undeniably handsome. But he rarely did something like this without reason, and she wondered if he was preparing to leave her behind again.

"I guess I made you worry instead of happy, my dear. I can never get it right…"

Roland touched her cheek, puzzled that she would think this moment could lead to something bad.

"No… what I wanted was this…" He focused a portion of his energy on his fist. Slowly, it swelled, forming a small gem with a golden sheen.

"Who taught you…?" Stella asked, covering her mouth with both hands.

"Well? Your answer?" Roland asked, hoping she wouldn't back out after he had gone this far.

Unlike on Earth, where rings signified marriage, in this world, the spirits themselves bound two souls together, and breaking that bond carried serious consequences.

Stella said nothing at first, focusing instead on forming her own gem. A faint glow built in her palm until it solidified into a pointed crystal.

"I… do you even have to ask…?"

Small tears welled in her eyes before spilling down her cheeks, but Roland had already prepared a towel for that.

They exchanged gems, his for hers. That simple act marked them as fiancés. The next step, the true marriage, would come when they clasped hands and mixed their blood. The spirit would heal the wound, leaving the jewels embedded in each other's palms.

From then on, they would always be able to sense their partner's presence, no matter the distance.

Roland gently wiped her tears, then lifted her into his arms and kissed her.

"I know it's a little hasty… but the wedding will be tomorrow. How do you feel about it?"

Stella touched his face, making a slight grimace as if the timing wasn't quite to her liking.

"Too early—but I don't mind. I'm happy… I'll have to say yes. That is if you can do something for me."

Roland tilted his head, curious if she was about to make a difficult request.

"Sure. Just tell me. You know I'll do anything for you…"

"You will change this world no matter the cost… that's what I wanted to say. But next time, just tell me what you want. You nearly gave me a heart attack by doing this out of nowhere."

Roland chuckled. "Both are doable, my dear."

Their simple date ended like that, a quiet, private meal without the need for fancy dishes, just the comfort of sitting together in the same room.

The next day was even busier. Roland didn't see Stella at all, as the maids kidnapped her away early in the morning.

As for him, he was summoned before Stella's brother, Lucien.

"So, I heard what you did, you bastard. To think you didn't come here to tell me in person."

Lucien was still weak, his newly bonded spirit working to adjust to his mended core.

"Didn't want you dying on me, brother. I can call you that now, right?"

"Whatever. I bet my father already gave you enough of a beating."

Roland rubbed his shoulders. "Sure did. Still stings I had to take it like a man."

"That's enough, then. Just treat my sister right and always make her happy."

Lucien let out a long sigh, unable to stand without help.

[Elios, can't we help him a little?] Roland asked, but there was no reply. He already knew why.

"So, how's Moragg doing? Is she settling in, or is her demon side making life here difficult for her?"

He rarely saw her during the daytime, so he wondered if she was like a vampire, weak under the sun.

"She's getting used to life here. She's not a vampire, but she's never lived in such a bright place before. It also weakens her darkness powers."

"Ah, so that's why… Well, bring her to the wedding, it's almost time. Honestly, I came to heal you just enough so you can attend without pain."

[Elios, come on, man. I need this please. I'll owe you twice as much as the first time.]

Roland had yet to realize the trouble he was inviting with those words.

At least Elios kept his promise the prince had enough strength to stand, and soon he ran off to find Moragg.

"You did tell him it's only for today, right? And that he shouldn't do more than just walk…?"

"Ehh, he left before I could say anything… I just hope he's fine."

With his brother-in-law's health restored at least for the moment, it was finally time for Roland to take his place.

The oracle, Unagi, would preside over the vows. The process was much like on Earth: the groom waited while the father escorted the bride forward.

The ceremony was held outside the church so the entire town could witness it. The couple stood on a raised platform, with mages discreetly stationed to enhance the moment with magical effects.

Rows of tables, stools, and chairs filled the square, arranged so the townsfolk could celebrate their hero's marriage.

Soon, the King and Stella began their slow approach. Her lavish gown shone as though made of crystal, though it was plain to see it was a gift from the Light Spirits.

[Did you have something to do with this, Elios?]

Roland chuckled when he heard the faint, unmistakable sound of someone clicking their tongue.

[If you refuse to take the other spirits' powers, maybe I'd do more. But I'm happy right now, so I'll let it pass. At least for this ceremony, you're both light users, the best way to be married.]

Roland nodded, equally glad, and didn't press Elios further. His attention was already back on his bride, her radiant glow coming not only from the jeweled, mana-filled dress but also from the abundant happiness shining in her expression.

She walked toward him slowly, one step at a time, the dress trailing elegantly behind her.

At last, she stood beside him. The king released her hand with some reluctance.

"I wish the best for both of you…"

"Thanks, Halter… we'll try."

The vows began, moving faster than Roland expected, and before he knew it, Unagi's voice carried over the crowd, each word resonating with magic that made the air feel warmer.

"Do you, Roland Ashford, swear to stand by Stella Helstin through trial and peace, through joy and sorrow, with neither hesitation nor deceit?"

"I do…" Roland said without pause.

"And do you, Stella Helstin, swear to stand by Roland Ashford, sharing in his burdens and triumphs, holding to your bond in light and darkness?"

"I do," Stella answered, her voice steady yet soft.

Unagi gave a small nod, then raised her hands, a faint glow forming between them. "Then present the jewels, and may the spirit witness the union."

Roland took the golden gem Stella had made for him, while she held the pointed one he had created. They clasped their right hands together, palm to palm, and pressed the jewels against each other's skin.

A small flare of light surged between them, warm but sharp, as the gems sank into their palms. The sting lasted only a breath before the wounds sealed completely, leaving a faint mark where the jewels now rested, embedded in their flesh.

The crowd gasped softly, watching the faint lines of light travel up their arms and fade, signifying the bond had taken root.

From this moment, no matter the distance, they would always feel the other's presence.

Roland's grip tightened slightly around her hand, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're mine now, my dear… and I'm yours."

Stella smiled, her eyes glistening. "Always."

Unagi's voice rang out once more. "Then by spirit and vow, you are bound as one."

Cheers erupted from the crowd as magic filled the sky, the stationed mages sent arcs of golden light, bursts of flames, and windblown glitter swirling above the platform.

The church's bells rang, their sound carrying far beyond the walls.

Roland pulled Stella close and kissed her, sealing the moment not just with magic, but with his heartfelt emotion.