Several months ago, before the declared pregnancy of the Dragon of Liberation. The United World Government had just been established by the United Navy, prompting about an election going on in the background. Peace had permeated throughout the sea region of Terra, making the challenges that they faced worthwhile.
Somewhere in the island of Crescere, the fleet admiral was walking along the vast plains of the eastern grassland with the dragoness right beside him. Calmness enveloped the two of them as they continued strolling aimlessly in the evergreen landscape.
Now that they had received their well-deserved tranquility after the conclusion of the final battle in Terra, the two had decided to give themselves time with one another. After all, the war against the Colonial Dominion made them far too busy.
Abraham sauntered along the endless greenery, though while doing so, he took noticed of Laplace's serene smile. It was a smile that he had wished to see once again. It seems that it had come true.
The edges of his lips rose as he commented to the entranced dragoness. "Does the scenery interest you, Laplace?" Hearing his calm voice, Laplace stepped out of her trance, her gaze laying into the handsome face of her lover. "It's beautiful, Abraham."
"The simplest things really shine after a difficult time." She continued, remarking how much of a treasure peace was after experiencing war and conflict against another country. Laplace thought she was already used to warfare.
However, it seems that she overestimated herself.
"And beauty shimmers when you smile." Abraham stated with a smile, causing the cheeks of the dragoness to be tinted in crimson red. She pouted at the middle-aged man and muttered. "You and your words. You really know how to make me fall in love to you all over again."
"What can I say. My dragon loves me." He smirked at the dragoness, feeling a surge of confidence and determination. There was a mission he had to do. He had postponed this mission because of the recent war against the Colonial Dominion of Terra.
But with the Colonial Dominion defeated and peace finally regained. It was time to continue the mission he had resolved himself to accomplish.
"My, my, quite a confident one aren't you~?" Laplace lightly chuckled while she kept strolling in the field of grassland that encompassed the two of them. Abraham escorted her, responding to her remarks with a smile. "Confidence is the key, especially when you have a dragon as your lover."
"Oh~? Are you implying that your confidence stems from the fact that I'm a dragon." Laplace grinned, placing her fingers below her lover's chin. Abraham held her pale and soft hand, kissing it with grace. "My confidence comes from the fact that you are my Laplace."
"It has been a while since I have been this nervous. It's not the embarrassing type of anxiousness, it's something else." He continued and took out something from his pocket. It was a classical wooden box, woven with intricate patterns resembling a dragon.
"In my world, Laplace... There is an oath. A promise of love, the deep affection from your heart and theirs. The vow comes from a wooden box, its meaning veiled inside." Abraham slowly kneeled and opened the small wooden box with tenderness.
Inside was an engagement ring, it wasn't the most expensive, nor was it the most beautiful ornament in existence. It was merely a jet-black ring, nothing more, nothing less. However, for the dragoness, it was more than enough.
After all, she understood what it symbolized as.
"You might be confused, after all, this is-" Abraham understood the cultural difference between two worlds. But before he could continue speaking, Laplace threw herself to the middle-aged man, hugging him tightly as possible.
He felt pressure starting to compress his body, though he remained still, smiling despite oppression brought about by the dragoness's intimate hug. Most of all, he felt droplets of tears dripping from his shoulder, making him hug her with rivalling fondness.
"Thank you... Thank you very much, Abraham! I love you, I love it~!" The dragoness, who always prided herself as the apex of all existence, also wished for things that she thought only mortals could enjoy.
Whether it be love, a family, or a fond relationship until death.
These were concepts she thought to be impossible to gain. After all, she was far too different from those around her. Far too unique, far too strong, and far too arrogant. However, as always, Abraham had proven her wrong once again.
And she was happy.
"Will you marry me, Laplace?" Abraham gazed at the golden reddish eyes of the dragoness, twinkling with beauty he had never seen before. The dragoness couldn't stop herself from sobbing, though she uttered what he wanted to hear the most. "Y-Yes~! I'll marry you, Abraham."
He didn't hesitate anymore, as he softly kissed the dragoness on her supple lips. A kiss wasn't that special for the two of them, it was merely a sign of their affection between one another. Though, for some reason, this kiss felt different for him.
'It seems that I really love her.'
...
In the calm waters of an all-encompassing sea. The entire fleet of the United Navy gathered into one location, filling one patch of the ocean to the brim with warships and ships alike. A few months had already passed since Abraham proposed to Laplace.
And it was already time.
*Ding!!!* *Ding!!!* *Ding!!!*
A bell chimed with a resounding voice, echoing throughout the heavens above and the seas below. Everyone aboard the warships and ships wore formal attires, signifying the importance of the gathering.
To be honest, its significance far outweighs the reverberating circumstance of the sea region of Terra. Whether it'd be the foreign countries outside of the sea region, or newly-established neighboring nations. All of them had given a much needed peace and quiet.
After all, it was the marriage ceremony of the highest Authority and the Dragon of Liberation. Individuals whose influence go far and wide in the Ferus Sea.
In the bow of the UNS Trinity of Solace, Old Julius stood with a priest-like uniform. A smile arched on his face as the marriage now would shape the history of this world. He was honored to be the one guiding it.
Surrounding the beautiful platform riddled with flowers and antiquity were the colleagues of the two. They were quite a hefty bunch from different yet important backgrounds.
The lieutenant commanders stood side by side, the rear admiral along with the captains of the fleet grouped up together. The first Marines who trained alongside the fleet admiral. And there were even some from the outside, which consisted of the Liberation Front and the entourage of Minos.
Abraham stood in the platform, wearing a black suit along with a calm smile. This was his first marriage, his first experience in advancing a relationship into a much deeper level.
The boisterous bells chimed once again as the guests made way of the bride in the ceremony. Laplace serenely walked through the velvet carpets laid down on the floor. She stood tall, her smile riddled with radiance and pride.
Upon seeing her, Abraham couldn't help but wonder if there would be a time when he would get used to her beauty. No matter how much time had passed. His daze-like reaction to Laplace was a difficult habit to change. Though, it's not like he wanted to alter it at all.
As Laplace stood in front of Abraham, the two of them smiled at one another. Their gaze was only at each other, as if the world surrounding the two didn't exist.
Old Julius straightened his back, about to begin the most importance part of the ceremony. He observed the couple with satisfaction, delighted of what their future would be, and finally uttered the following words.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two hearts, Mr. Abraham and Ms. Laplace, as they embark on the sacred journey of marriage. Their love, nurtured by trust, understanding, and faith, has brought them to this beautiful moment."
"Today, in the presence of the World that surrounds us and their cherished loved ones, they will pledge their lives to each other." Old Julius declared with a captivating voice, resounding throughout the sea like a proclamation to the world. He then gazed at Abraham and continued.
"Mr. Abraham, do you take Ms. Laplace to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her, honor her, and cherish her, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, for better or for worse, as long as you both shall live?" The guest awaited for his answer.
Abraham smiled fondly at Laplace and answered. "I do," The audience that surrounded them were barely stopping themselves from abruptly applauding as they awaited the finale of the ceremony. Old Julius turned his gaze towards the dragoness and carried on.
"Ms. Laplace, do you take Mr. Abraham to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love him, honor him, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, for better or for worse, as long as you both shall live?" The old one's words were as resounding as before.
Laplace's golden eyes shimmered with unbridled satisfaction as she calmly gave her answer. "I do," The marriage had been given its rightful conclusion, bringing about excitement throughout the sea that surrounded them.
"Having exchanged these sacred vows, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!" Old Julius nodded at the two of them, giving way for the two to close their vows.
Abraham and Laplace didn't have a tinge of hesitation as they affectionately kissed one another in the middle of the platform. The guests that surrounded them began to applause while camera-crews gave live feeds for the entire population of the United World Government.
Old Julius raised his hands and declared with his utmost resolve.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to present to you, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd!"