After more than two weeks, maybe the wedding at Dubois Mansion would be one of the most memorable events for the next few dozen years. The Dubois family had spent a lot of money entertaining their guests. They even brought in exotic humans from across the country to be donors for party dishes.
The Jaguar team members returned to their busy lives on the third day. They seemed still not used to the fact that Valerie turned out to be Valor, the crybaby knight who had often been their bullies in the past. In addition, although having female knights was not unusual, the Jaguar team had never had a female member before. But in the end they responded positively. Rupert even joked that having a fellow knight as beautiful as Valerie would make the team members even more excited. Raphael responded with a fierce look.
Something a little different, Valerie said goodbye to Jasper who suddenly had to leave. He kept the location of his destination a secret, but he was with a stout middle-aged man who had a thin mustache on his fierce face. Since Lapella was a neutral territory, they also invited Avalon's party to the wedding. Raphael recognized him as one of Avalon's generals whose powers were still mysterious. Valerie herself had a strange feeling when she saw the general. As if she used to know him, especially in her past life.
But she knew that was impossible, because in her past life Valerie had never spoken to any generals. Especially general Avalon. There was some trepidation knowing Jasper would follow the general into their territory. Because even though Jasper was adamant that he just wanted treatment, he could have really changed sides.
Valerie was also a little suspicious of General Maxwell, who seems to occasionally talk to General Avalon. They didn't look friendly, but they weren't hostile either. Valerie knew that the two sides were in a truce. But the interaction between the two of them was still strange. Because Florentia and Avalon were still at war and fighting over territory.
Then, was there another side to those generals that he didn't know about?
"No need to think about it, I trust General Maxwell, he knows what he's doing..I've never met anyone so great at keeping secrets as he was. So, he was probably just trying to find information. You know, the last incident about the Shadows? They're still missing, Avalon is after them but some Florentians are also involved for the mission," Raphael responded to Valerie's concern.
"But, they don't investigate Shadows at all I guess, but Jasper. Reportedly, he has demonic DNA or something..I know it from Petrovsky," Valerie couldn't believe it right away.
"Again, that's Jasper's decision. He's an adult and that's his choice. I think he's a patriot who won't switch sides that easily," said Raphael.
"Yes, but as his sister..Even if he changes sides later, I just hope he's happy," said Valerie a little sadly.
She stared out the window a little absentmindedly. The journey was very long and tiring. Her back and legs felt sore from being in the carriage for more than five hours. Raphael brought his wife back to his home in Acheron. They brought a group of horse-drawn carriages with many chests of Valerie's belongings.
There were all her dresses, shoes and jewelry. All the luxuries she got while being the daughter of the Dubois family. Although soon She probably won't have much chance of wearing it since She'll be serving as a knight.
"Let's focus on our honeymoon, Raphael," Valerie said, changing the subject while forcing Raphael to look her in the eyes.
"Don't start again, Valerie," Raphael shook his head.
"You need to treat me properly as a wife. Come on, this isn't a fake marriage right? You said you didn't want to take marriage lightly," Valerie was a little annoyed.
Raphael often kept his distance from her. He even refused to look her in the eye when he spoke. Any normal man would really look forward to the first night after the wedding. Valerie was not an innocent girl either. She was also curious, she wanted to know. She feared that she would spend her youth as a virgin if her husband kept his distance.
"I don't want this to be awkward, you will be my fellow knight later."
"Then? Are we the first couple to serve in the military?"
"No," Raphael looked nervous.
"Then what's the problem?" Valerie insisted.
"You never give up, do you?" Raphael smiled.
"Oh, I know. You're just a little shy. So we have to get used to it," Valerie smirked and hugged her arm again.
"Valerie, I know that you don't like me enough. So, I want to start this slowly..there's no need to rush since we're already married there'll be plenty of time to—"
"Eh? But I quite like you, Raphael," Valerie argued. The man looked surprised.
"I've always felt that you're attractive, physically you're my favorite type," Valerie laughs.
So, Valerie only likes him physically? Raphael had no idea that it could be quite painful for him. He had noticed it a long time ago. The girl didn't react the way he wanted to be around him. She didn't blush, didn't look at him with flowery or adoring eyes.
Valerie obviously didn't see him as the object of romance. She was quite close to Raphael, but as a friend, as superior and subordinate, not as lovers. She never felt awkward around him, and could talk about things that were a bit taboo. Because of that, Raphael knew that the girl clearly didn't see him as a man.
While Raphael, might be the only one in this relationship that felt a flutter every time they touched. At first Raphael thought it was his lousy reaction to being single for over twenty-five years. But, Raphael wasn't stupid either. Ever since he found out that Valerie was a girl. He had seen her differently.
Valerie might take the first night's interactions lightly. She was taught that it was natural. However, Raphael knew that when they did, she might regret it.
"We've arrived at Acheron, you can open the window wider. The air is fresher here," said Raphael while feeling his wife's hair which was now a little messed up from the long journey.
"Wow! I love the houses!" Valerie looked enthusiastic. Acheron was a rural area with an unpretentious community.
The humans there built fertile farms and livestock. Meanwhile the vampires worked in gold mines and sold them all over the world. The ruling duke of Acheron arranged for the entire architecture of the buildings there to remain classic as a tourist attraction. Although simple, there were also shops selling expensive branded clothes and knick-knacks specifically for the upper class nobles.
Raphael took her shopping. Because of that, Valerie let go of her hair bun, removed all the knick-knacks or ornaments on her head and then let down her silver hair. It makes it look fresher. Valerie was born beautiful and she didn't need a lot of makeup to make her stand out.
"I already have a lot of clothes and shoes, is there anything interesting here?" Valerie said while being guided by her husband down from the horse carriage.
***
"Wow! These gloves are good, I need these," Valerie looked cheerful while fingering a glove made of buffalo skin.
Raphael took her to the gun shop. Acheron was famous for their skilled blacksmiths. Most were from among humans.
"You like to practice swords? My lady?"
"Yes, I will often use the sword,"
"Then we also recommend that you buy these elbow and knee protectors.. lightweight and effective against impact. It will also support your knees if you fight at high speed," said the shopkeeper kindly.
Valerie also continued to look at the various objects on display in the shop. She certainly didn't need a sword. Because she already had an Apollon that would never dull.
"Raphael! Take a look at this! I think this jaguar hanger would fit my Apollon, what do you think? Eh? Where is he?" Valerie looked around. He also found Raphael outside the shop talking to some girls.
"Sir Raphael! How long will you stay in Acheron?"
"Sir Raphael, I'm having a drinking party together tomorrow afternoon, would you be willing to come?"
Valerie was gloomy for a moment. Well, she realized that she married the famous Raphael Chastain. It was natural that many girls tried to approach him. But he didn't like Raphael's weak reaction when dealing with the girls. Couldn't he just put on a disapproving face and then leave?
"Is the invitation okay for two?" Valerie followed him and immediately took his arm in a friendly manner.
"Umm, what's your relationship with sir Raphael?" One of the girls looked displeased.
"I'm the wife he just married, let me introduce myself, my name is Valerie Chastain," said Valerie, showing off her elegant smile.
It didn't take long before the girls finally dispersed.
"They look disappointed," Raphael responded.
"Oh, are you sad because you lost a fan? Gosh they see you like a cat in heat," said Valerie a little sarcastically.
"And you never see me like that?"
"Hmm, no?" Valerie hesitated a little.
"It would be very embarrassing if I showed lusting eyes. Why does it have to be like that? Women can't indulge their lust like that,"
Raphael laughed.
"That's why I said, don't tease me. You're not ready for this yet...there will be a good time to do it, when we both want it," said Raphael calmly.