Konrad's Wedding 1

The air in the Southern District's temple was heavy with anticipation as the hour approached for the wedding of my brother Konrad and Kari.

I stood at the entrance of the temple, sweat dripping from my forehead. My gaze was fixed on the couple soon-to-be-wed, who stood at the altar, nervously awaiting the arrival of Leif and the rest of the family.

'Ugh, I almost didn't make it,' I thought as I tried to steady my breathing after the long run.

I asked Isadora for a day off so that I could attend the wedding. It took a lot of convincing, but in the end, she reluctantly agreed. However, it was under the condition that I still needed to come early in the morning to prepare the shop for the opening before I was allowed to go.

It meant I would be on a tight schedule to make it there, but there was nothing I could do about it. Unless I wanted to risk losing my job, that is...

The wedding didn't start until the middle of the second period, so I still had some time to make it there. although I had to run back to my apartment to wash and change clothes before going back to the Southern District, where the wedding would take place.

'Why must everything be so complicated around here?' I thought bitterly.

I'm sure Elena could have handled this in my place for a single day, but I guess that would be asking too much...

But this was not something worth arguing about, even if I got there a little bit late.

'Not that I wanted to go there in the first place...'

When I heard the ringing of bells signaling the start of the second period, which also meant the opening of the shop, I quickly finished what I was doing and hastily ran out of the shop and back to my apartment.

In this world, there was no precise timekeeping, or at least not any that I was aware of.

Instead, there is a system of periods, each lasting about three hours. The start of each period is signaled by the tolling of bells. The first period starts at sunrise, and the last fifth period signals the beginning of the night and the closing of shops and inns.

During the night, there are no bells as most people are sleeping, and only the night's watch and a few drunks roam the city.

It's not a perfect system, but it also has its advantages.

The beginning of the first period is tied to the sunrise and not some fixed time. It naturally follows the changing of the seasons, making the working day shorter in the winter, meaning you don't have to move about in total darkness in the morning.

I usually travel through the city before sunrise. As I already had to be in the shop by the start of the first period, I underestimated the morning traffic, which was slowing me considerably.

That in turn led to this moment, where I'm standing at the entrance of the temple trying to catch my breath.

'Luckily I'm not too late; they're still waiting for the priest...' I thought as I silently stepped inside, finding a place at the back of the temple.

I don't want to face the judgmental gazes of my family for arriving late; that's why I tried to blend in with our distant relatives. But alas, my mother noticed me as I entered the temple and beckoned me to come to them.

"Sigh." Oh, well, that's my luck...

I reluctantly squeezed into the front, right next to the altar, where the rest of my family stood. Both of my parents wore their best clothes and were smiling proudly. Helga has a simple but elegant dress with her hair tied into a ponytail. She smiled at me as I stood beside her.

My oldest brother, Rolf, was the only one who wasn't smiling. Instead, he wore an indifferent look, but underneath it, I could tell he was bored. It seems he too doesn't like family gatherings too much, and he would much rather be in his forge.

Konrad, with his unruly chestnut hair, wore a tunic, freshly cleaned for this momentous occasion.

Kari's simple gown spun from delicate linen, whispered of grace and humility. A cascade of lace spilled from the neckline, accentuating her modesty with subtle elegance. Her eyes, a reflection of the clear summer sky, held a soft glow of anticipation as if the weight of her dreams rested on this sacred day.

The ceremony commenced with a gentle melody played on a wooden flute, its lilting notes floating through the air like whispers of the forest. A chorus of voices joined in, their harmonies weaving a tapestry of heartfelt hymns that resonated with the souls of all who bore witness to this union.

Soon the priest, draped in flowing robes of gold and crimson, began his speech, his voice carrying through the hallowed space. He spoke of love's endurance and the power of unity, his words entwined with the whispers of the gathered kin. The air itself seemed to shimmer with the magic of the moment, an intangible force binding us all together.

As the vows were exchanged, I glanced at Konrad, searching for any sign of vulnerability beneath his stoic facade.

His gaze remained fixed on Kari, a flicker of tenderness replacing the stubbornness that usually defined him. At that moment, it was as if time stood still, and all the grievances and unspoken words between us were momentarily forgotten.

With the ceremony complete, the procession made its way to a nearby inn where the wedding feast will take place, as my uncle's house is too small to accommodate all the guests.

The hall, resplendent with weathered oak beams and a crackling hearth, welcomed us. Adorned with flickering candles and garlands of flowers, long oak tables stood there, overflowing with various dishes.

The scent of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the air, mingling with the joyful chatter of family and friends.

The guests took their seats, their faces alive with anticipation as they awaited the arrival of the newlyweds.

Konrad and Kari entered the hall, their hands tightly intertwined, their smiles radiant and contagious. The room erupted in applause and cheers, the sound enveloping us in a symphony of celebration.

I watched Konrad's gaze meet Kari's, a flicker of uncertainty mixed with longing. It was a reflection of their complicated relationship.

Their union was not one of love but rather an arranged one. Its sole purpose was to preserve the family's wealth. But it seems they have come to terms with it.

Konrad's eyes met mine for a fleeting moment, a hint of acknowledgment passing between us before he turned his attention back to Kari.

The feast commenced, and platters of succulent dishes were served. The inn's servants, clad in humble attire, moved gracefully through the hall, bearing platters laden with savory treats.

Succulent boar, tender and golden, its skin crackling with flavorful delight, took its place as the centerpiece of the feast. Braised fowl, lovingly seasoned with fragrant herbs, nestled beside roasted vegetables that had been plucked from the fertile earth mere hours before.

Steaming bowls of hearty root soups and freshly churned butter were passed around, filling the air with a heady warmth that banished the chill of the hall.

Goblets of mead, the liquid amber of honeyed dreams, were raised in celebratory toasts, the delicate bubbles cascading over the rims like promises whispered in secret.

The rich, velvety wines, aged in cellars hidden beneath the city, flowed freely, their ruby hues reflecting the flickering glow of the hearth. Laughter and merriment echoed through the hall.

I used this opportunity to stuff myself full. My uncle outdid himself with such a feast. I can't even imagine how much all of this would cost.

But I can understand his intentions. Such feasts are less about the food itself and more about a projection of power. Showing off his wealth to all his peers in the Craftsman's District.

Most of the faces here I didn't recognize. Some of them are my uncle's business partners, as well as many distant relatives. I lived most of my life secluded in our village, so it was the first time I met all of them.

As I discovered that my uncle is a very rich and respected person in the city, I couldn't help but wonder what made my father abandon everything here and settle in such a small village...