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“You know what?” started Lumine, looking down the hill. “When I see all these people who have to climb here because of us, I kind of regret choosing this place.”
Albedo peeked at her from the corner of his eye and only hummed in response.
“Especially women in heels... maybe I should write in the invitation that they should wear comfortable shoes,” added the woman.
“I guess it's too late for this kind of thinking,” said the man. “You wanted a wedding on Starsnatch Cliff and well… here we are.”
Indeed, they were at the very top of a characteristic high hill. Behind them was only a wooden decorated platform, set especially for the occasion and an arch made of fresh flowers. From that place, they had a view of the entire Mondstadt, which looked beautiful in the glow of the afternoon sun. The Dragonspine was directly ahead of them, seemingly attending the event as one of the guests.
When the news that the Honorary Knight and the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius got engaged, everyone expected the wedding date to be announced soon. However, no one suspected that the location of the ceremony would be any different from the usual Favonius Cathedral.
“Are you sure you don't want a wedding in the Cathedral, Lumine?” had asked Barbara in a concerned voice when they bumped into her after announcing the place of the wedding. “It’s always decorated beautifully for the ceremony and is performed with the utmost respect for both the newlyweds and the Barbatos. I can show you photos…”
Lumine sighed then and smiled apologetically.
“Thank you, Barbara, and I'm sure the church always conducts the wedding beautifully. I just wouldn't want such an important event for me to only involve one god. Besides…” Her gaze turned nostalgic. “I'd prefer it to take place in an open space…” she added quieter.
Barbara looked at Albedo questioningly, to which he just shook his head. He guessed the reasons but didn't want to say them out loud.
Despite her firm decision, Lumine had consulted with Venti anyway when they had found him drinking in Angel’s Share.
“Are you asking me if I'm okay with your wedding not being in my cathedral?” He laughed. “The wedding of the outlander from other worlds and the descendant of a godless land? Don’t be silly, Lumine.” He swung his wine glass dismissively. “Besides, what god of freedom would I be if I persisted in something like a wedding location?” he added, amused, sipping his drink. After a moment, however, his eyes seemed to darken as he squinted them a little in a serious expression. “Though, if I had to complain about anything, it would be that you're going to get married in my favorite place to another man, not me.” He said quietly. Lumine tensed up, and Albedo was ready to say something, but Venti quickly laughed and took another sip of wine. “Just joking~! I wish you the best, my warrior. And you too, Albedo! Cheers to the future newlyweds!” He called to the entire Angel’s Share, at which all the customers raised their drinks in a toast.
It seemed Venti really didn't hold a grudge against them, as the wind on the cliff was gentle and warm, swaying cecilias that grew there.
The wind was also touching Lumine's white dress and veil, drawing Albedo's attention to them.
He was used to seeing her in white, yet her wedding dress was something completely different. Long down to the ground, with flowers and stars motifs around the neckline and the skirt.
Lumine wore a transparent veil on her head, kept by a band of white flowers, which also included her everyday Inteyvats. Her ears and neck were adorned with beautiful jewelry with golden stones.
There was makeup on her face highlighting her large eyes, long eyelashes, and full lips.
She looked otherworldly, like a fairy or an angel. Albedo felt like kissing her immediately.
Lumine must have noticed his intense gaze on her, because she turned towards him, smiling gently.
“What is it?” she asked.
Albedo smiled at her as well.
“Did I already mention you are looking stunning?”
The woman laughed at his words.
“Only fifty times until now. But that's all right, keep saying it,” she teased with sparkles of amusement in her eyes. “The girls didn't put so much effort into making me look presentable for it not to be appreciated.”
Albedo should later thank the people who helped Lumine prepare. Because of them, he had the most beautiful bride that ever walked in the world. Though he would probably think so even if Lumine was wearing her everyday travel dress and was covered in monsters’ blood.
“You don't look so bad either,” she said after a moment, scanning him with her eyes.
Albedo was wearing a simple white suit with gold buttons. On his neck was a purple tie with gold thin stripes into which was attached his geo vision. In his jacket pocket was a small bouquet of white roses and cecilias. His hair, as usual, was tied up in his recognizable braids, but the loose strands were tousled with cosmetics to keep them from sticking out.
He was feeling warm, but he wasn't sure if it was because of his unusual outfit or because of the nervousness of the occasion.
More and more people gathered on the hillside, glancing at him and Lumine or waving a hand in greeting. There began to be… a really large number of them. Lumine noticed his paleness.
“Albedo, are you nervous?”
“Only a little,” he admitted.
The woman chuckled shortly.
“Don't be. We’re among friends,” she smiled reassuringly.
It was easy to say to her because they were mostly her friends. Albedo doubted that even half the guests knew who the groom was. There were people from Liyue, Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan, and even from the distant Snezhnaya.
Wherever Lumine appeared, she immediately made friends and allies. This made him even more surprised that she had chosen him - a boring guy who avoided relationships and was often talking about tiresome things. Was she really sure about that?
One look at her eyes staring at him made his doubts ease. They were filled with love. Lumine looked at him as if he was the most precious thing that existed, and he couldn't believe his fortune to experience this.
Her smile widened.
“It seems that instead of calming down, I made you even more stressed,” she said, somewhat amused. “What are you nervous about? Do you expect me to run away from the wedding aisle at the last minute?”
Albedo scratched his chin, thinking about it.
“Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me at all. I probably wouldn't even blame you for doing it.” He quickly stepped away from Lumine, who furrowed her brow in a threatening manner, pouting.
“Albedo,” she started in an angry tone. “We're getting married over here in a few minutes. When will you finally understand I won't leave you?”
The man sighed.
“I don't know. Maybe I just want it to be done and be able to call you mine forever.” He looked at her with a soft smile.
Lumine snorted and shook her head in disbelief.
“I've been just yours for a long time now. But I understand. This anticipation isn't the most pleasant thing.”
Saying this, she took his hand, squeezing it in a reassuring way. The warmth of her hands could be felt even through the delicate silk gloves she wore.
“I love you,” said Albedo tenderly.
“I love you too.”
“I want to marry you,”
Lumine laughed. He loved her laugh.
“That’s why we are here, silly.”
“I am aware…” Albedo smiled wider. “And I’m delighted about it.”
Their attention was diverted from each other by Amber running toward them. She was wearing a calf-length red dress, and her brown hair was tied in a high bun. She saluted them, winking.
“Outrider Amber reporting that all the guests who have promised to attend are already there!” she announced.
Lumine smiled.
“Thank you, Amber.” She shifted her gaze to Albedo. “It’s time.”
The man sighed slightly and reciprocated the smile weakly.
“In that case, I will be here waiting for you.”
The woman sent him one more glance and moved away with Amber.
Technically, they had already been together at the altar and could just exchange rings and take their vows in a few seconds. However, they didn't invite people from all over Teyvat to not put on at least a little show for them.
Albedo climbed onto the wooden platform and nodded to Jean to join him. The woman took a deep breath and approached, standing in front of the floral arch.
Although Varka had returned and Jean no longer held the highest position among Favonius' knights, they asked her to lead the ceremony as their friend. Jean was honored, but also nervous, as weddings were usually handled by the Church of Favonius. However, she put on a solemn face, standing tall in the knight’s ceremonial outfit.
Albedo once again looked down the hillside. There were really many people. A shiver of anxiety ran down his spine.
He, however, got distracted by the sound of music, which began to be played by bards standing to the side. The ceremony had begun.
Klee, wearing a beautiful red dress and with her hair tied in two buns, started walking down the white fabric leading to the altar. In her hand, she held a basket filled with flower petals, which she scattered with relish, almost as if they were her favorite bombs.
Behind her with a slow step followed Lumine, whose arm was held by Paimon. The floating companion was unusually dressed in a dark, suit-like outfit. She seemed to barely see through the huge tears that gathered in her eyes. It looked like she was leading her best friend to a beheading rather than to the wedding altar.
But Albedo's eyes were set on Lumine. Even though he had seen her literally a moment ago, once again, her beauty took his breath away. She seemed to almost glide in her beautiful white dress, and the scattered flowers in front of her made her seem out of this world, like a fairy or a dryad. She had a soft smile on her lips, and her gaze was fixed on him as if she couldn't wait to reach him. In her hands, there was a bouquet of white roses and cecilias.
Finally, Klee reached the foot of the platform and moved away to stand next to Kaeya, who was in the front row. After a while, Paimon and Lumine also came by. The fairy reluctantly let go of her friend's arm, sending Albedo a disapproving look, as if he had stolen from her. She then flew over to Amber, who handed her a tissue to wipe away the tears.
Lumine climbed onto the platform with her eyes still on Albedo. She smiled broadly, with the prettiest smile he had ever seen in the world.
Jean cleared her throat, getting their attention. A tray covered with a white cloth was in her hands, on which lay two gold rings.
“Welcome, everyone. We are here to experience the marriage of Albedo and Lumine - members of Favonius knights, heroes of many nations, and, above all, our beloved friends and family.”
Brief cheers erupted from the direction of the crowd of guests.
Jean relaxed a little and put on a slight smile.
“I'm Jean and have been asked to lead this ceremony. The bride and groom wanted it short and straight to the point, so I won't prolong it.” She raised a little higher a tray with rings. “Albedo,” she looked at the man. “Please deliver your vow.”
Albedo, trying not to be distracted by the number of eyes staring at him, took a smaller ring from the tray and gently held Lumine's left hand. After that, he cleared his throat, focusing on the golden irises.
“I, Albedo, take you, Lumine, to be my wife.” He made a short pause. “All my life, I have searched for meaning. I've looked in books, in the words of wise leaders, in the stars of the night sky. I've spent years looking, but I did not discover real meaning until I found you.” He put his hand on his chest. “Today, I offer myself to you with all my faults and entirely of my strengths. I will love you when you are wild with struggle, when the world seems like a place of desperation and fear. I will love you when you are laughing and joyous when the blessings unfold before us like flowers in a field.” His lips tilted into a slight smile. “In our future together, I recognize more meaning than scholars find in all the books in every library in the world. You are the reason I was put on this planet, and today, I pledge myself to you.”
There were noises of delight from the side of the guests. Albedo's vow made a great impression on them.
“Lumine, do you accept this vow and ring from Albedo?” asked Jean with a smile.
“I do,” answered Lumine with her eyes sparkling with emotion. After that, Albedo gently slipped the ring into her heart finger.
“Now it's time for your vow, Lumine,” said Jean, looking at her.
Lumine smiled with slight embarrassment.
“My vow is much shorter and simpler... You know I'm not the best with words and usually Paimon speaks for the two of us.” She laughed shortly.
Individual giggles and understandable smiles passed through the crowd. Paimon let out a quiet "Hmpf!" but made no comment.
Lumine picked up the larger ring and took Albedo's left hand, gazing into his eyes with a smile.
“I, Lumine, take you, Albedo, to be my husband. I choose you to be no other than yourself, loving what I know about you and trusting who you will become. And most importantly — I won't leave you.” Albedo tensed at these words, staring at her with widened eyes. “I take you to be my forever partner to have and to hold. In sickness and in health, in bad and in good. Whether you will always be perfect or make mistakes, I won't leave you,” she emphasized the last words.
A murmur went through the crowd. Lumine's vow was much more straightforward than Albedo's, but it was full of sincerity.
Albedo's vision suddenly became blurry. After a moment, he felt a single drop of tears running down his cheeks.
“Oh…” Lumine’s eyes widened. “Oh, Albedo…” She smiled with sad understanding and put her hand on his shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, wiping his tears into the sleeve of his suit. “I…” The words stuck in his throat, interrupted by a sudden sob.
The wedding guests began whispering among themselves again. Lumine looked at Jean, who seemed confused, but quickly returned to her serious attitude.
“Albedo, will you accept this ring from Lumine?” she asked in a solemn tone. “You can nod if you can’t say it aloud,” she added, whispering.
Albedo nodded and extended his left hand to Lumine, who gently took it and slid a golden ring into his heart finger.
“As the master of the ceremony, I proclaim you husband and wife!” said Jean loudly. “You can now seal the promises you have made with each other with a kiss,” she added with a slight blush on her face.
There was no need to repeat it twice. Albedo eagerly caught Lumine in his arms, pulling her close to him and kissing her deeply, taking her breath away. Guests began to applaud and cheer loudly, enjoying the happiness of the newlyweds.
***
After accepting wedding wishes and gifts from all the guests (Some of them throwing comments that they would also cry at the wedding with Lumine.) they went to the wedding party, which was held at Thousand Winds Temple. They had asked Venti beforehand if it was disrespectful, to which he had just laughed.
“They would like this place to be full of life again,” he had said, without elaborating on who he had meant as usual.
So they got rid of the Ruin Guard, put up a wooden dance floor, and tables with food and drinks. Flora and Chloris decorated the area with fresh flowers and white fabrics. Along with the torches, which soon came in handy due to the approaching evening, the gloomy temple turned into a magical place.
After the first toast, Lumine began to be pulled between guests who wanted to talk or dance with her. Albedo stayed at their table, watching her until his attention was diverted by the long-eared Sumerian scholars who asked for a word with him.
The sun was slowly hiding behind the mountains until evening finally came. Albedo realized that he hadn't seen Lumine in the crowd in a long time. He apologized to his interlocutors and approached Amber, who was chatting cheerfully with Collei.
“Have you seen Lumine?” he asked.
“She got tired of the crowd and went for a walk,” Amber answered with a smile.
Albedo raised his eyebrows.
“She got tired of the crowd?” he repeated in disbelief.
Amber just shrugged.
“It seemed she didn't want to be bothered by anyone. But maybe that doesn't apply to her husband, who knows?” She winked at him.
Her hus…? Right. He was Lumine’s husband.
It was still hard to believe for him. His best friend, the love of his life, was his wife now.
The thought caused a pleasant warmth in his heart.
“I’ll look for her,” he said, to which Amber showed him a thumbs up.
Albedo instinctively knew where to go. The location of their wedding was no coincidence - Lumine had chosen it on purpose. Therefore, after leaving the area illuminated by the torches around the temple, he began to climb up towards the rising moon. He was soon greeted by the faint scent of cecilia growing around him and a rather strong but warm wind that swayed them.
Finally, Albedo reached the wooden platform on which the wedding ceremony took place. Just as he predicted, Lumine was sitting on its steps. She looked otherworldly in her white dress and veil, illuminated only by moonlight and the sea of stars. Her gaze was focused on the sky as if waiting for something.
When he approached, she twitched slightly and looked at him with a smile.
“Hi,” she greeted him.
“Hello,” answered Albedo. “It's inelegant to leave guests on their own like that.”
Lumine giggled softly.
“That makes us both inelegant.” She patted a place next to her and, after he sat there, looked at the sky again. “You know… I wanted the stars to witness our wedding…”
Albedo raised his eyebrows but allowed her to continue without interruption.
“There’s a legend in my home world,” she said. “After death, the people of my tribe turn into stars that watch over us and protect us from danger. The sky in Teyvat isn’t the same as the one back home… yet… I wanted it to witness my happiness.” The man felt her hand gently taking his own and squeezing it. “I feel like I'm among family now.”
Albedo smiled slightly, looking at her with tenderness. Then he stood up and elegantly bowed on the peak of the hill as if paying respect to the sea of stars.
“It’s an honor,” he said in a solemn voice. “I promise to protect Lumine as long as I am with her.”
He heard his wife’s giggle behind his back.
“Sometimes you are such a dork,” she said, looking at him lovingly after he had turned to her. “Besides, what’s this ‘as long as I will be with her’? Didn't I promise I would never leave you?”
Albedo sighed sitting next to her.
“Lumine, one of the reasons why I cried before...” he started. “...was a realization that no matter how beautiful the vow sounded, I knew it was impossible to achieve.”
Lumine tensed, looking at him with widened eyes.
“What? But…”
“Your place is up there,” interrupted her Albedo, pointing at the sky. “And while I would do a lot to be able to follow you, it's just not possible. After getting your brother and your true powers back, Teyvat will only be a limitation for you. I will be a limitation for you.” He shook his head. “I don't want that. I don't want you to be a beautiful bird locked in a cage just because of me. That's why I will release you.” Seeing her eyes filling with tears, he softened and gently hugged her to his chest. “But for now, allow me to enjoy your presence.”
Lumine shook her head in his arms.
“I refuse to let it end like this! I don’t know a way yet, but…”
“I know.”
A sudden unfamiliar voice alerted Albedo, who pulled away from Lumine’s embrace, ready to summon his sword. His caution increased further when he saw a dark portal from which a figure emerged.
It was a young man with long blond hair tied in a braid and dark, foreign-looking clothes.
“Aether!” Lumine stood up and made a few steps towards the stranger, reaching her hand to him.
Albedo tensed, realizing who he was dealing with. It was Lumine’s brother, who had joined The Abyss.
Now he knew why his golden eyes, as well as his sad smile, seemed oddly familiar.
“Lumine!” called Aether, and his grin widened. “Congratulations on your marriage! ”
Lumine sighed, wrapping her twin in her arms.
“So you knew,” she murmured with a slight pretension.
Aether nodded, hugging her tightly.
“I watched everything from a distance. The ceremony was really beautiful.”
Albedo realized that this was another reason why the wedding wasn't held in the cathedral. Then Aether wouldn't be able to attend it even from afar.
He didn't like that Lumine was so close to someone who was on the enemy side, but the woman didn't seem to fear anything.
“You should be here with me. You could have led me down the aisle,” she said while pulling away from her brother.
Aether laughed shortly. He had a pleasant laugh, similar to his twin.
“That would be a reason for gossip across Teyvat! Prince of the Abyss not only appearing at a public ceremony but taking an active part in it.” Inside his golden eyes appeared sparkles of joy. “But I don't have much time to chat. I'm here to give you a wedding gift.”
Lumine tilted her head curiously, and Albedo approached her side, still cautious of what Aether was doing.
The Abyss Prince raised his hand, which started glowing despite the thick glove on it.
Lumine’s eyes widened at the sight of the power.
“Is it…?” she said but didn’t finish the question.
Then Aether looked at Albedo.
“Albedo, right? Can you come closer?” he asked softly, a little reassuringly.
The alchemist was going to refuse, but a hand on his arm stopped him. He looked at Lumine, who smiled at him.
“It’s okay. You can trust him,” she said.
He still wasn’t sure about it, but sighed and took a hesitant step towards Aether. The other man smiled with the same smile as Lumine.
And then placed his hand on Albedo’s head.
The heat that seemed to be liquid gold began to flow down the alchemist, filling him with a power he didn't comprehend. That wasn’t like controlling vision - the abilities from Celestia had come to him naturally as if it was his right as a being of Teyvat. That unknown energy from Aether was something alien, something from outside the world he knew.
He heard Lumine next to him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder.
“Are you okay?” she heard her worried question.
Albedo turned his head at her and nodded. He felt a drop of sweat run down the back of his neck.
Aether scratched his chin in thought.
“It went better than I thought. Maybe because you're not quite human, it was easier to convert you into one of us?”
Albedo blinked.
“One of you?” he repeated, realizing something was glowing behind his back. He turned his head and saw three pairs of pointy, golden wings. His jaw dropped.
Aether laughed at his dumbfounded face.
“Yeah, now you can travel between worlds with us. Just need to learn to operate your wings first. And you'd better not try it on that big cliff, or even immortality won't save you!”
Lumine rolled her eyes and looked at her brother with a raised eyebrow.
“And where are my wings?” she asked, placing her hands on her sides.
Aether shrugged.
“Sorry, you have to unlock them at the end of the journey.”
“Aether!” Lumine furrowed her brows threateningly.
Her brother only laughed shortly and summoned his dark portal again. His smile changed to more melancholic.
“I'll be waiting there,” he said solemnly. “See you there, my sweet sister.” Then he nodded to Albedo. “Brother-in-law.”
After these words, he walked back to the portal and then disappeared into its darkness.
Lumine sighed.
“That Aether… running away again without much explanation.” Then she focused on Albedo and smiled gently. “I love your new wings, but I need to teach you how to hide them for now.”
She reached between her husband’s shoulders and pressed at some point. Albedo felt a sting of pain and after that, the glow of his wings faded. They disappeared, but he intuitively knew how to summon them again.
“Will it really help me follow you?” he asked, still confused about what happened.
Lumine smiled broadly.
“Yes! This is truly the best wedding gift we could have gotten! Eternity with each other without the limitations of the worlds and…”
It was enough for Albedo to feel emotional. He grabbed Lumine by the sides and lifted her high, eliciting a yelp of surprise from her, which after a moment turned into laughter.
“What are you doing?! Let me down!” She giggled.
“No,” he answered. His eyes were again wet from tears, but he didn’t care.
Everything he had feared — abandonment, loneliness, living from day to day, hoping she would return to him — no longer burdened him. She had vowed not to leave him, and now he could promise her to not let go either.
Albedo pulled Lumine into her arms, kissing her deeply as if his life depended on it. He wanted to convey all his emotions to her in that kiss — relief, happiness, love, tenderness. She seemed to understand by the way she purred happily and gently rubbed tears from his eyes while maintaining the kiss.
They remained in their embrace for a long moment, enjoying each other's presence and bliss.
Finally, Lumine stepped back with a smile and asked:
“Should we go back?”
Albedo nodded and wrapped her hand into his as they started slowly walking towards the Thousand Winds Temple.
“Aether called me brother-in-law,” said the alchemist at some point. “Somehow I forgot that by marrying you I will have a new sibling.”
Lumine giggled at his words.
“Is this a bad thing?” she asked.
Albedo smiled.
“No, I like the concept of a large family. Considering that I used to have only a master... it is something quite pleasant,” he admitted.
Lumine went silent for a moment, wrinkling her forehead.
“Speaking of siblings… Do you know how Dorian is doing?”
The man sighed.
“I invited him to the wedding, but he refused to come as usual. I don't know if he will ever leave Dragonspine.”
Lumine saddened.
“What a shame… I wanted him to come and celebrate with us.”
“You know I can’t force him…” He paused, hearing loud voices from the direction of the wedding reception. “What is going on?” He raised his eyebrows.
After getting closer, they saw the cause of the commotion. A group of people gathered around a tall figure in a long red dress and a hat with clover symbols.
“What do you mean 'they went for a walk'? Shouldn't the newlyweds be available to guests all the time? Seriously…” the woman sighed loudly.
Jean raised her hands in a defensive gesture.
“I’m sure they'll be there at any moment. Just please…”
“Alice,” called Albedo, while approaching the group.
Alice immediately turned toward him and smiled broadly.
“Albedo! And Lumine! Congratulations on your marriage!” Without waiting for a response, she threw herself at him and his wife, hugging them tightly to her chest. “Sorry, something stopped me from being earlier!”
“Good to see you, Alice!” said Lumine with a smile.
“I was worried you wouldn't show up,” admitted Albedo, pulling away from the woman. Despite her perfume, there was a faint odor of explosives on her.
Alice put on a teasing smirk.
“Oh, that means you wanted me to be there? You're so cute, Albedo!” She looked like about to hug him again, but a pull on her skirt got her attention.
“You missed the whole wedding, mom!” said Klee with a slight frown. “The way I threw flowers, the vows, and even that big brother Albedo cried!”
The man felt his face becoming hot.
“Klee…” he said sharply, but it was too late. Alice had already looked at him with overjoyed disbelief.
“Did you cry, Albedo? Oh my… You've changed so much since Rhine sent you to me!” She ruffled his hair. Then she sighed. “What a shame I missed this all! But someone was too stubborn to agree to go along with me sooner.” She shifted her eyes somewhere to the side.
“Who…?” asked Albedo, following her gaze and then he froze.
From the darkness emerged he himself. Not entirely, as that man was dressed in his daily attire and his hair was spiked as usual. Another difference was the lack of a gold diamond on his neck.
“Dorian?” called Albedo in disbelief, as his prototype approached the group.
Dorian seemed embarrassed by his presence there, as he was avoiding everyone's gazes.
“Hello, brother,” he said. “Congratulations on your wedding. I've heard that's what should be said for the occasion.”
Albedo blinked in confusion.
“Well… thank you, but…”
“Another big brother Albedo?!” exclaimed Klee suddenly, staring at Dorian with wide eyes.
Alice giggled and lifted her daughter, seating her in his arms.
“More like Albedo's twin brother. As of today, he will be living with us. Do you mind?” she asked Klee.
The little girl smiled broadly and shook her head.
Albedo sent a questioning look to Dorian, who sighed.
“She was persuading me for several hours. Apparently, you have gained a lot since the master left you in her care. I'm expecting the same,” he said reluctantly.
The corners of Albedo’s lips lifted as he approached his prototype. Dorian was watching him carefully, but didn’t move away. Then Albedo did something he would never have thought of doing just a few years later. He opened his arms and gently wrapped them around his brother. Dorian tensed at first, but after a moment relaxed, reciprocating the embrace.
“I’m happy for you. You deserve to be loved just like everybody else. And Klee’s house is filled with love,” whispered Albedo.
“I don’t need it,” said Dorian, while pulling away. His cheeks were a little red from blushing.
Albedo sighed and shook his head.
“I thought so too. It felt like I was satisfied with solitude and didn't need anyone. But the sooner you realize it's not true, the better.”
Dorian didn’t look convinced but nodded.
“Mr. Albedo…?” A shy voice took their attention. “Did I drink too much…? But it was only a glass of champagne…”
Nearby stood Sucrose, wearing a mint-colored dress and with her hair loose. She was staring in shock at two nearly identical men.
“Ah, Sucrose. Good to see you!” Albedo smiled at her. “Meet my older twin, Dorian. He just moved to Mondstadt and will help us in the laboratory.”
Dorian raised his eyebrows, staring at his brother as if asking “will I?”. After that, however, he nodded at Sucrose in greeting.
The woman gasped softly and blushed a little.
“Oh, Mr. Albedo’s twin… That explains a lot. Nice to meet you, I’m Sucrose! I specialize in bio-alchemy!”
“Is that so?” Dorian was good at pretending he didn’t talk with her before. “I had some interest in this myself. I did research on Whopperflowers.”
“Really?” Sucrose’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned forward with clenched fists. “That’s amazing! I think Whopperflowers are interesting with their ability to blend with other plants and…”
“Of course they’re interesting.” Dorian crossed his arms over his chest. “Their intelligence is higher than typical creatures and…”
Albedo sighed.
“I’ll leave you to it,” he said, moving to Lumine, who was watching them with raised eyebrows.
“Did you just hook up Sucrose with your impostor?” she asked, visibly amused.
Albedo tilted his head innocently.
“Hook up? I just thought they might have many common topics. Anyway, how are you doing?” He put one arm around his wife's slim waist.
Lumine giggled.
“Good, but people are asking why the newlyweds aren't dancing.”
Albedo sighed.
“I guess there is no choice. It's time to show what you have taught me.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing gently. “May I have this dance?”
Despite being used to his adoration, Lumine blushed anyway.
“Of course,” she said, and he led her to the dance floor.
The crowd of guests started cheering as they stood in the middle, between other dancing pairs. The tune of the music changed to the more calm one, inviting them to sway gently in a close embrace.
“Albedo, are you happy?” reached him a quiet question.
“I’ve never been happier in my life,” Albedo answered, turning them both. Now he could see Sucrose and Dorian in a heated discussion, not paying attention to anything else. “Are you?”
Lumine giggled softly.
“Of course,” she replied. “The gift from my brother took a heavy weight off my heart. Now we can really stay together forever…”
In another turn, Albedo noticed Alice with Klee still in her arms, looking at them with identical giant smiles on their faces. They swayed slightly to the rhythm of the music.
“Together forever sounds nice…” he whispered, wrapping her even closer into an embrace. “I can go to the edge of the universe with you.”
He felt Lumine letting out another chuckle.
“You'll love it. It looks very magical.”
Albedo’s eyes widened, and he pulled away just to look at her carefully.
“Have you seen the edge of the universe?” he asked in disbelief.
Lumine put on a teasing smile.
“Maybe.” She tilted her head cockily.
Albedo sighed.
“If I didn't already love you to death, I would fall in love with you even more now. The possibilities you opened up for me…”
“Don't get too excited! We have to deal with this world first!” Lumine giggled again and placed her hand on his cheek. “And I love you too.”
Albedo without much thinking wrapped her again closely in his arms and kissed her deeply.
Guests around them began to clap and cheer, but the young couple completely ignored this, occupied entirely with themselves.
They had all eternity and the entire universe ahead of them, yet every second spent together was more precious than gold.