The Players and the Protagonist Want to Kill Me – Chapter 585

## Chapter: Chapter 375: I Disapprove of This Marriage

**Chapter 375: I Disapprove of This Marriage**

Compared to the joyous atmosphere in the courtyard, a persistent sadness pervaded the matchmaker’s bridal chamber.

“Miss, please stop crying. This is the eighth time I’ve done your makeup. If the Mayor blames us later…”

The one attending to Mia’s makeup and dressing was a little girl, no older than thirteen or fourteen. She wasn’t unattractive, nor particularly striking, with tanned skin and a face dotted with freckles.

She felt immense sympathy for Mia’s plight.

Unfortunately, she was merely a lowly servant in the Mayor’s household. Because she was skilled at makeup, she was assigned to adorn the bride. After this task, she would receive ten copper coins as a reward.

“I don’t want to marry the Mayor’s son…”

Mia mumbled, her eyes red, tears welling up and spilling down her cheeks once more. Despite being the bride, she wore shackles. Morik had given her no chance to escape.

“Sigh…” The girl sighed, wiping away Mia’s tears and reapplying makeup to the tear tracks. Honestly, she had done makeup for many brides in the Small Town, but this was the first time she had encountered someone as delicate and lovely as Mia. While pitying her, she couldn’t help but softly comfort her.

“You should try to look on the bright side. Marrying the Mayor’s son might not be a bad thing.” She leaned close to Mia’s ear, carefully glancing around before lowering her voice and whispering, “I heard that Morik’s son is a simpleton and… well, impotent. He might die any day now. When you marry him, you’ll essentially be living alone anyway. Plus, as the Mayor’s daughter-in-law, you’ll certainly be well taken care of. If I were you, I’d definitely get married!”

Mia didn’t reply, only weeping silently.

Her thoughts differed from the little girl’s.

The little girl valued a life of comfort and security. Mia, however, valued being with the person she loved. Every moment spent with him, even in poverty and danger, was sweet.

At this moment, Winter City’s army was likely already on its way back.

The Lord would not delay the entire legion’s retreat plan for her alone.

She thought pessimistically, her mind already picturing a tragic future. She imagined a life of weeping in her room every day after marriage. Her slow-witted husband would be difficult to communicate with. It was rumored he enjoyed drinking heavily, and when drunk, he would become violent, perhaps even beating her. She might even have to submit to Mayor Morik himself, as he needed an heir.

She also thought of her father.

She hadn’t seen her father in over three days.

During these three days, she had been imprisoned in the woodshed. Her cruel uncle had promised to take care of her father if she behaved, but she found no credibility in his words.

Mia desperately wished to end her life.

However, she was constantly under surveillance.

Her hands and feet were bound by shackles, making movement difficult. Even smashing her head against a wall seemed like an unattainable luxury.

“Time’s up!”

“The bride is here!”

Raucous cheers erupted from outside.

The little girl beside her quickly smeared away Mia’s tear stains and then placed a veil over her.

The bride’s appearance was not to be casually revealed to the guests; only a general outline and blurred features were visible. This was a custom of the Small Town, reflecting the distorted possessiveness of its men.

In the courtyard of the Town Mayor’s Residence.

The guests were already eagerly awaiting.

Morik’s foolish son was dressed in noble leather armor, with a black wool shirt underneath and an alligator-skin belt around his waist. He sat casually on a chair by the fountain. Were it not for his vacant, silly gaze and the occasional interjection of “My woman!” or “I want a woman!” from his mouth, he would have been considered quite handsome.

Entertainers played joyful music and danced lively. Amidst the music, Mia was pushed forward like a puppet by two servants. She walked unsteadily, her shackles audibly scraping against the ground. The sound, however, was quickly drowned out by the cheerful melody.

Dressed in a gown unique to women, Mia’s graceful figure was fully visible. Although veiled, her delicate features could be vaguely discerned. Among the guests were several young gentry who, looking at the beautiful woman, felt a surge of envy and resentment towards Mayor Morik, casting him looks of bitter jealousy.

Mayor Morik, on the other hand, stood by with a relaxed smile, occasionally taking a sip of wine from his goblet, looking exceedingly pleased.

The bride and groom were both present.

The Master of Ceremonies stepped before the crowd. He was the priest of the Small Town’s church, but alas, his faith was insufficient; he couldn’t even cast a healing spell. He usually took on such jobs to make a living. He was well-versed in the wedding speech and stood between Mia and Morik’s son. He turned to the dazed young man and asked, “May I ask our groom, please answer earnestly, whether in good times or bad, in wealth or poverty, you are willing to take this girl beside you as your wife, to honor, love, and protect her, and to walk with her through life?”

“Woman! Heh heh, my woman, heh heh heh…”

The Master of Ceremonies: “…”

The atmosphere fell silent. Morik’s expression turned grim; all the instructions he had given his son were for naught. However, the Master of Ceremonies, being accustomed to such situations, despite inwardly despising the Morik father and son, managed a professional smile.

“Hahaha! It seems our groom is already eager to become one with the bride. Saying ‘my woman’ like that, truly unparalleled in his dominance!” Morik silently commended the Master of Ceremonies in his heart, deciding to offer the eloquent priest a generous reward after the wedding. The awkward atmosphere was dispelled by the priest’s witty remark, and the mood became lively once more. Seizing the moment, he turned to the bride and inquired, “My beautiful bride, please place your right hand over your heart. Please answer earnestly, whether in good times or bad, in wealth or poverty, you are willing to take this man beside you as your husband, to honor, love, and protect him, and to walk with him through life?”

Mia’s slender shoulders trembled, and a low sob emanated from beneath her veil. She did not answer the Master of Ceremonies’ question, her silent resistance palpable. The atmosphere at the banquet once again grew peculiar.

Everyone could tell this marriage was a forced union, a bought-and-sold arrangement. Although they all understood the truth, Mayor Morik’s pride was wounded. With a dark expression and a forced smile, he threatened Mia, “The bride must be missing her father. After the wedding, I’ll have Mia’s father brought over. We are a family, after all, and should be harmonious~” The crowd praised Mayor Morik for his magnanimity. Only Mia understood the unspoken threat in his words. If this marriage did not proceed, her father would die!

The Master of Ceremonies chuckled awkwardly and repeated the question to the bride.

“I… I…” Mia stammered, tears streaming down her face, “I do…”

“Sorry, I do not!”

Suddenly, a thunderous shout interrupted the wedding proceedings. The main gate of the Town Mayor’s Residence was violently kicked open, and two young knights on magnificent warhorses appeared before everyone, their spirits high and their bearing heroic.