The next day, after getting our measurements taken at the tailor, we headed straight for the temple. Even though it was just a fitting, I didn’t get to see Rio in her dress. I’d just have to look forward to the finished product.

The temple was in the northwest part of town. As we got closer, we saw more and more people dressed in priestly robes, just like in the last temple we visited.

The structure itself wasn’t much different from what I’d seen before. Even though we were in a different country, it seemed that temple architecture didn’t vary much.

"This temple is huge too."

"Yeah…"

Rio murmured as we passed through the stone pillars and entered the temple. It wasn’t ostentatious, but perhaps because this was a city of craftsmen, the attention to detail in its construction stood out.

As we stood before the goddess statue in the worship hall, an elderly woman in priestly robes approached us.

"Welcome, welcome. What business do you have at the Temple of Hermeus today?"

Apparently, this temple was dedicated to Hermeus. I felt like the last temple we visited had a different name—maybe it varied by region.

Come to think of it, was it okay to bring Nir in here? Well, if it wasn’t, someone would probably say something. No need to overthink it.

"Uh, well…"

When I tried to say our purpose, I hesitated. Somehow, I felt embarrassed.

"What’s this? You’re not being very clear, young man. Indecisiveness isn’t attractive, you know!"

She cut me down without mercy. Not that I had any need to be popular. In fact, that would just be a hassle.

"Ahaha!"

Rio burst into laughter. Even though this concerned her too… That was a little irritating.

Fine then.

I pulled Rio close by the waist and kissed her on the cheek.

"We’d like to perform the wedding ceremony."

"Well now! My apologies for calling you unpopular."

"W-Wait a minute…!"

Rio’s face turned bright red in flustered surprise. But she was part of this too—she could deal with it. I could feel eyes on us, but at this point, I might as well just embrace it.

"If you two are in love, there’s no problem at all. Wait here a moment."

She turned to a nearby shelf, pulled out some documents, and spread them out on a table. Licking her finger, she flipped through the pages.

"When would you like to hold the ceremony? The soonest available date is in two days."

Two days? That was quick. I wasn’t sure what the usual timeframe was, but were wedding ceremonies held that frequently? I didn’t think this town had that many people.

"Ah, our outfits won’t be ready by then. What’s the next available date after a week?"

"Hmm…"

She flipped through more pages until her hand stopped on one.

"Nine days from now. That should work."

We hadn’t scheduled anything for that time, so there shouldn’t be a problem. I’d just have to make sure I didn’t get too absorbed in skills or weapon crafting and forget.

"Alright, let’s go with that date."

"Yes, please."

"Good. Now, I need you to fill out a document."

She returned the previous documents to the shelf and pulled out another piece of paper, placing it on the table. Then, looking up, she asked:

"Do you need me to write it for you?"

"No, we’re fine."

"Very well. Please fill it out."

She handed me a pen, and I glanced down at the document. It looked like a marriage registration form.

"Groom or bride… Oh yeah, my last name will change."

"Wow… This feels kind of nerve-wracking."

Rio and I checked the document together. It really did feel like a big moment.

"Alright, first our names."

I wrote my full name, then handed the pen to Rio so she could write hers. I wasn’t familiar with marriage registration forms back in Japan, but this one didn’t have an address section or a space for witnesses. There wasn’t even a place for a seal—it was pretty simple.

"Done."

"Alright, this should be fine."

After double-checking everything, we handed the document to the elderly priestess, who looked at us with a warm, knowing smile.

"Everything seems in order. The ceremony will take place in nine days."

"Yes. Thank you very much."

"Now, for the final step—a donation to the temple."

"A donation?"

I was sure she wasn’t talking about a steam locomotive, but what exactly did she mean?

"A contribution to the temple. There’s no set amount—just give as much as you’d like."

She gave a hearty laugh, but I hesitated.

"Hmm…"

"Now, now. Didn’t I just tell you that indecisive men aren’t attractive? If you’re going to do it, do it properly!"

Noisy old woman…

If there were a set amount, it would be easy, but this was tricky. I had no idea what was appropriate.

That said, it was nice to be able to go through this process without interference from anyone.

"Alright, here."

I pulled out two gold coins and placed them before her.

"My, my! Quite generous! I take back what I said about you not being popular."

She collected the 200,000 Flon along with the document. Being popular for my money wasn’t exactly a compliment.

"Well then, return here together in nine days. May your future be blessed."

"Thank you."

With a gentle smile, the old priestess saw us off as we left the temple.