Everything was perfect, the decorations, the servants.
Even the guests slowly arrived to witness the coronation of the new queen.
While this world lacked many things, it did not lack in materials.
He personally never attended a coronation ceremony, but he knew that it wasn't that complex.
A bishop would use sacred oil and place the crown on the monarch's head.
However, Cedric truly wished to conduct the ceremony as God intended.
'I knew avoiding those ceremonies would come back to bite me... God forgive me for my sloth.' He prayed in his mind briefly before finally approaching the throne room.
Aurelia was seated on the throne, conducting her duties in truly queenly fashion.
She had molded herself into a proper queen, as such he had to show manners too.
"Ah, Queen Aurelia, I see you are ready. Forgive me for being late, but I had... business to take care of."
"Of course." She stopped for a moment, "But I want to gift you something!"
In her hand, Aurelia held two small items.
Cedric approached before his eyes widened in shock.
His arms shook slightly as he hovered over Aurelia's hands.
"I ordered these made... I thought you would like them." Aurelia smiled.
"Is that?..."
Aurelia smiled warmly, "I wanted to get you a small gift, a token of appreciation for everything you had done for me, my dear."
Cedric couldn't believe it, Aurelia had just gifted him a cross.
He did not know where she had gotten it, nor did he care.
What mattered was that this small token boosted his views of the girl tremendously.
Of course, the small sculpture of what he knew was of him was also something he really liked, but to create the first ever cross in this world.
It was a deed worthy of praise.
However, despite that, he needed to know one thing.
"Where did you get this?"
Cedric held two pieces of art in his hand with great care.
Aurelia shuffled, "I ordered it while you were away. It is made by David of New Carpenter Guild that I sponsored as a queen." She shut her eyes, expecting Cedric to scold her for it.
Instead, she felt a warm embrace, despite the hardness of armor.
"You did well. You keep surpassing my expectations, Aurelia." Cedric gently patted her on the back.
Aurelia's eyes widened in shock as her knees nearly gave out. Was she dreaming? Cedric just hugged her out of his own volition.
If she were still Aurelia from a couple of weeks ago, she would have definitely ruined her dress with her own fluids.
But now she learned to appreciate the rare acts of affection Cedric seemed to give her.
"You aren't mad for me approving the guild?"
"Mad?" Cedric tilted his head slightly, "That Guild is already glorifying God. It is one of the best decisions you could have made."
"But it will be rather a large expense..."
"So what? When serving God, mortal money is of no consequence."
Aurelia sighed in relief, "Of course, you are right, my beloved."
Cedric didn't even mind her calling him her beloved or future husband at this point.
If God decided that she would be his bride, he truly wouldn't even ask questions.
She was a true Christian, someone willing to abandon sinful nature and truly improve.
And if her calling him beloved made her task in serving God easier... then so be it.
"Are you ready for the ceremony?"
"I think so, a little nervous. heh~"
"Is that so..."
"You know what would help me get less nervous..."
"No, Aurelia. You are doing very well do not fall into lust again."
Aurelia's head slumped forward, "Fine..."
"I think everything is ready, we are only waiting for witnesses to arrive. So, Nobility for the most part." She crossed her arms while explaining.
"Excellent, I have procured sacred oils; however, for the crown we will have to use one worn by Avaros as I lacked time to forge one for you."
He stopped for a moment. "Is that fine with you?"
Aurelia tilted her head in confusion. Why would her beloved ask something like this?
If Cedric had said she was to wear that crown, there would be no space for argument.
Aurelia smiled warmly, "Of course, he is not here to torment me anymore after all."
"I am glad, I will make you a new one eventually. Or perhaps a new Christian blacksmith would do so instead."
"There is no need, my love. I will wear this crown with pride and rule so well that I will make you think, 'How could I ever refuse marrying such an amazing queen!'" Her lips parted, revealing a toothy grin.
"If you say so... If you say so, Queen Aurelia." Instead of expected dismissiveness, his hand landed on her head.
Pat.Pat.Pat
Aurelia squirmed, her face turning slightly red.
It was a commonplace for her to blush when her dear was nearby; no matter how much she tried, she couldn't help it.
"You are on the right path, you merely need to let God guide you."
"I will. I promise you, my dear!"
Cedric let the silence settle between them for a moment; in a way, he started admiring this girl.
Her becoming an example of what Christians were something he would have never expected.
'To think I dismissed her so easily. I almost made an irreversible mistake in the eyes of God.'
"Let's prepare then."
Aurelia nodded before rushing to her chambers.
The ceremony would start very soon, and her beloved would make her an official queen.
As she rushed through the halls, the pair of maids who usually attended of her rushed right after her; however, Aurelia ignored their presence.
'I just can't wait!' Aurelia squirmed as she opened her chamber doors.
The young maids' breath was shallow as they tried to speak. "Lady Aurelia! Please don't rush that fast, we cannot keep up!"
Aurelia turned around, her surprised expression written on her face, "I am sorry! I was just distracted."
The duo bowed, "No, forgive us for being too weak, Your Majesty."
Aurelia's lips curled into a thin smile, "I guess you want to put me into a different dress? You do know Im not a doll?"
"We just believe Your Majesty can look even more dashing."
Aurelia giggled. How could she ever deny these eager maids? "Sure, do your best!"