Crusader Kings: Prisoners of War.

Chapter 247 Weird
In this era, although there were many people who practiced abbreviated marriages, most of them were non-citizen provincial residents or relatively poor civilians who were not involved in family and clan power. There was no so-called ceremony for abbreviated marriages. Both parties just had to nod, or simply follow the local customs and do things according to their own rules. This was the first time that the imperial family had practiced abbreviated marriages.

From Vespa to Orville and Tia, no one knew what ceremony to use. The Latins' own ceremony was inappropriate because many rituals emphasized patriarchal behavior, and using those of foreign nations was even more inappropriate as it would give people bad associations. Even if they didn't do it, it would still be inappropriate and unbecoming.

In the end, Orville had no choice but to make up a set of rules based on the processes of the past and present lives, and reluctantly made them accept it.

Since both parties' homes were in the same place, the bride-reception process was omitted, and the guests attended the banquet in the mansion. All the people who could be present from Orville's side or Tia's side were present. The first ceremony was the marriage oath. Vespa directly dragged over one of the chief judges of Rome, and then both parties took the oath at the wedding banquet.

After both parties swore their consent, the marriage was legally recognized and the wedding banquet officially began. There were a lot of courtesies and socializing in both the East and the West. Fortunately, the Romans mixed their wine with water, and the ancient wine was not very strong. Orville and Tia were busy on and off until the evening and did not get really drunk.

After the guests left in the evening, Vespa and Zenis tacitly dismissed the servants, then announced early that they were not feeling well and went to rest. They also sent Domitia back to her room as she was in the way. Orville and Tia were left looking at each other awkwardly, standing in the atrium and no one spoke.

After a while, Orville managed to utter a few words: "According to common understanding, I mean common understanding, what should we do now?"

Tia didn't say anything. She blushed and couldn't speak. After taking several deep breaths, she managed to put on a straight face: "That's true, so..."

The following words were barely audible. She reached out and grabbed Orville's arm, pulling him into the room. Because she used too much force, Orville even staggered a bit, and finally followed her into the room.

Five hundred to one thousand five hundred words are omitted here, please fill in the blanks on your own.

Now the review is very smart. One hundred and ten days of full attendance has been broken (very sad)
…………

The next day, Orville got up a little later than usual and slept in Tia's bed. When he stood up from the bed, he found that Tia was awake and staring at him with her eyes open.

He asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Tia's face turned red again, and she hid herself in the quilt without saying a word. Orville shook her shoulders a few times but ignored her. Orville did not argue with her. He helped her cover the quilt and prepared clothes, and then left the room first.

Except for an area around the two people's room which remained silent, the mansion was particularly lively today. Yesterday's banquet had not been cleaned up in time due to some reasons. Today, servants were busy cleaning everywhere. After a simple wash, Orville came to the courtyard. The courtyard had basically been cleaned up, and the rest of the family had breakfast there.

The first person to ask Orville was their stepmother, Chenis: "Is everything okay?"

Orville's mouth twitched, and he reluctantly replied: "I can only say that everything is normal..."

Vespa laughed heartily, then stood up and patted Orville's shoulder a few times, with such force that his shoulder was numb. Orville believed that the other party must be upset and wanted to take the opportunity to retaliate. Vespa did not show his displeasure, but said softly: "If you can, you'd better try hard. I still want to see my grandson born in my lifetime. I feel that I don't have many years left."

"You don't have to say that!" Domitia looked up and retorted a little excitedly. This statement was unlucky no matter where it was said.

Vespa shook his head slightly. "I know my situation best. I got sick early in life. The alchemical potions that Orville found are indeed somewhat useful, but they can't cure it. I estimate that I only have another five or six years. Not bad. I've lived a wonderful and carefree life. Many people haven't lived as long as me!"

Domitia wanted to say something more, but was stopped by Vespa.

After they finished their meal, Tia came out of the room slowly after a while. She didn't say anything and just lowered her head to eat. Orville knew that she might need some time to adapt to the situation, so he didn't pull her aside to talk. After the meal, he told her to take care of herself and left the mansion first.

It wasn't that he wanted to work overtime on his first day of marriage, but there were simply too many things to do. The news that Cleopatra was recruiting troops in Antioch might arrive soon, and before that Orville had to leave Rome and rush to Egypt.

…………

With subtle resentment, Orville went to the manor on the outskirts of the city as a routine to confirm the army's preparations. The person responsible for reporting the situation to Orville was Stilicho, the general manager of Orville's soldiers.

"Your army has sailed to Massilia (Marseille), and our transport ships are picking them up on the way. About a thousand soldiers have been sent out, and they are on their way to Palphi.

Lord Ivar left after attending your wedding and took his Viking army to Palfi overnight. We gave them two large transport ships. Please don't blame my cousin Nikanor for acting on his own. He didn't want to disturb you. I think there will be no accidents. These people will arrive in about ten days.

In addition, there are scattered veterans, who have basically arrived in Parphi. His Majesty Herod Architas said that they would be properly resettled. There are more than 380 of them.

There is another problem. Astolfo left last night on his own initiative, saying that he would meet you in Egypt. He borrowed some of the money and equipment you left at the manor, and now he has a team of about a hundred people."

All in all, the troops were basically in place, and Orville only had to go to Palphi to receive the troops, or directly order them to go to Egypt.

"Let's put it this way, how many days do I have left?"

Stilicho lowered his head and said, "Five or six days. By then our equipment will have been loaded on the ship, and you will have to leave. But I still suggest that you enjoy your newlywed life for a while longer, and I will take care of the Egyptian affairs for you. Even if I take over for a few days first and you go a few days later, it is reasonable, and I believe those Egyptians and Greeks will understand."

(End of this chapter)