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News of Duke Tartaglia wedding spread far and wide throughout the kingdom.
One of many Snezhnaya Heroes, known for his valiant efforts in the Great War ten years ago, and Empress Tsartisa personally awarded him the title as her Vanguard. Not only he is a war hero, but Duke Tartaglia is a wealthy bachelor famous for his handsome looks and charming personality (though people shiver meeting his lifeless blue eyes). It wasn’t surprising that many noble families send him invitations, asking for Duke Tartaglia to meet their daughters.
He refused politely to each and every one of them with varying but reasonable excuses.
Until one day, Duke Tartaglia sent wedding invitations to his family, close friends, the royal family, and a good majority of the noble society.
Eager and curious to who his bride may be, the nobles are scandalized to find that out o fall the women presented to him; Duke Tartaglia chose a maid of all things.
Duke Tartaglia chosen bride may be beautiful, but she is only a commoner with nothing to her name. What worth can she bring to his family with her lowly background?
Nothing, that’s for sure.
“Ignore their mindless gossips, Zhongli. They’re too close-minded to understand our bond.” Tartaglia- Ajax reassures quietly, squeezing her hand to comfort his beautiful wife.
“I know it’s too late to ask, but are you sure you wish to marry me, My Lord?” Zhongli questions, raising her head to meet his eyes and her cheeks warm at the affection in his gaze.
Then, the priest interrupts smoothly, “Duke Tartaglia, do you swear to take Lady Zhongli hand until death takes you?”
“I do.” Ajax answers easily with a proud smile.
Observing her groom, Zhongli heart flutters at the genuine love on his face. She sighs internally, because she realizes how foolish it was for her to doubt his loyalty. Smiling in return, Zhongli doesn’t look away from her husband and hears the priest address to her next.
“And Lady Zhongli, do you swear to love Duke Tartaglia until death takes you?”
“I do.” Zhongli answers just as easily, giggling quietly at the blush forming on his cheeks.
Before the priest could finish the ceremony, Duke Tartaglia steps forward to grab his wife by her waist and kisses her soundly on the lips. Despite the cheers and clapping, he hears Zhongli beautiful laughter as she wraps her arms around him to deepen their kiss. Uncaring to the audience watching them, they took advantage of the festival mood to be a little more passionate than what is deemed appropriate.
“I love you, Zhongli.” Ajax whispers, nuzzling against her cheek.
“And I love you too, Ajax.” Zhongli responds affectionately, leaning back to memorize her husband in front of her.
Her beloved Ajax is breathtaking in his formal silk suit and flowing cape, and his ginger locks are slicked back allowing Zhongli to see his beautiful blue eyes in full view. He looks at her like she was the only person in his world, and that makes Zhongli fall deeper in love with him.
Yet such happiness doesn’t last forever.
Almost a month later after their wedding, The Abyss and their army started to invade Teyvat. The seven kingdoms united and all soldiers are drafted to join the frontlines to stop The Abyss, including Duke Tartaglia.
It broke Zhongli heart to watch her husband go, but not without kissing her one last time and promising her that he’ll return to her side.
Watching Ajax leave, dressed in his knightly garbs, Zhongli was reminded of the night he proposed to her.
Under the moonlit night in his gardens, Duke Tartaglia, still dressed in his armor, got down on one knee and proposed to her, a maid dressed in shabby clothes.
Zhongli doubted his intentions at the time, especially with so much at stake for a noble knight to marry a commoner maid.
“But things are different now. Ajax loves me and promises to return home- to us.” Zhongli whispers as she strokes her belly and smiles fondly.
She prays to Celestia that her husband will be home to see his children.