At this moment, Iri saw Imina leaning close to Hellank, looking a bit shy. Coupled with what Hellank had just said, oh ho! Iri basically understood.
"I say, are you two…?" Iri asked with a mischievous grin, the kind shared between close friends, without any malice.
"Yes! Yes, I've already married Imina, though it hasn't been recognized by the church," Hellank said, scratching his head a bit awkwardly.
It seemed that after being captured, Hellank had also come to understand. After all, once you have a family, there are more things to worry about. It was no wonder they were dressed as a farmer and a farmwoman.
"Does marriage still need the church's recognition?" But Iri didn't quite understand this point. The church was really meddling in a lot!
"Yes, for us humans, marriage needs to be recognized and blessed by the church to officially become husband and wife," Roba, also dressed as a farmer, answered for them.
"I'm not human, I don't need their blessings!" Imina interjected, somewhat discontentedly.
Well! After all, Imina is a demi-human. Speaking of which, Hellank is human, and Imina is an Elf.
This? Will another Death Knight be created?
Uh… probably not. Death Knight's mother was a God-kin, and her father was the Elf King. It is said that her birth was even enhanced by some mysterious secret treasure. For Hellank and Imina, there shouldn't be these problems!
However, after hearing Imina say that, Hellank showed a somewhat awkward and troubled expression, although he still had a smile on his face. Iri probably understood Hellank's mindset.
Although he said he didn't need the church's blessing, it was still a tradition on the human side, after all. Without their recognition, he probably still felt a bit awkward!
As for why they didn't seek the church's recognition, Iri also understood. They couldn't go too far. Within the Magic Kingdom, the church in E-Rantel, which originally had one, was long gone, so naturally, they couldn't find church recognition.
And with the church's usual character, they would probably make things difficult for them, right? After all, although the church's power was separate from Theocracy, the belief in human supremacy was consistent.
"There's really no need for church recognition. This is the Ainz Ooal Gown Magic Kingdom; there are no messy rules from the church here. Hellank, don't overthink it. Even if I could directly teleport you two to a city with a church, given the church's usual character, they might not grant you recognition and blessings," Iri directly spoke her thoughts.
"Indeed, you're right!" Hellank was well aware of this, but the uncomfortable expression on his face hadn't faded. At this moment, Roba patted Iri's shoulder and motioned for her to step aside to talk. Iri and Roba turned their backs and whispered.
"Actually, Hellank just wants someone to acknowledge his marriage to Imina. Although I and everyone in the village have expressed our full approval, we don't have any status or position, after all. Even if we acknowledge them, Hellank still has some reservations in his heart. Iri-meimei, don't take it to heart," Roba said very quietly.
Uh… he said all that, and then said not to take it to heart. Roba, you're really quite cunning. Isn't this a clear hint? But there seems to be nothing wrong with it; what he said was indeed reasonable.
"Alright! I understand," Iri said loudly, then turned to Hellank and Imina.
"I, Elizabeth Ooal Gown, Princess of the Ainz Ooal Gown Magic Kingdom, acknowledge your marriage and grant you… uh??" Iri glanced back at Roba. What should she say next?
She didn't believe in the Six Great Gods or anything. In whose name should this blessing be given? Would it be too… much to use her own name?
Roba pointed to himself, of course not meaning for her to say he granted the blessing. It was clearly a hint for Iri to use her own name… This was a bit awkward. She wasn't that great yet, was she?
Hmm? Speaking of greatness… then there was only one person.
"And I grant you the blessing of my father, the Ainz Ooal Gown Magic-Caster King! That's all! Anyone who has an objection can speak up now! I, Elizabeth, will absolutely smash the heads of those who object!" Iri continued.
"Iri-meimei…" Hellank and Imina both looked at Iri in surprise. The other villagers nearby, who were watching the commotion, spontaneously applauded when they heard Iri's loud declaration.
"What? Is my acknowledgement and my father's blessing not good enough?" Iri deliberately put on a stern face.
"No, no, how could that be… With the acknowledgement and blessing of the Princess of the Magic Kingdom and the Magic Caster King, I, Hellank, gratefully accept it. Thank you very much," Hellank, somewhat moved, bowed to Iri, not forgetting to tug at the stunned Imina, who, realizing, also bowed with him.
"Very good, then can you tell me where Arshe went? And how are her two sisters?" Almost forgetting her original purpose, Iri quickly asked.
"Arshe went to work in E-Rantel, and Kutilika and Urelika went with her," Roba answered. That couple, after receiving Iri's acknowledgement, was still immersed in their own world. Iri couldn't be bothered to blame them for that.
"What is Arshe doing in E-Rantel? Why did even her two young sisters go with her?" Iri suddenly had a very bad feeling.
After all, Arshe and her two sisters did not fare well in the original story, especially the two sisters… they would be like that, then like this.
For those two adorable lolis, it would be worse than death. Although she had intervened this time and saved Arshe and her two sisters for now, if something were to happen again at this point, wouldn't all her efforts be in vain?
When she brought Arshe's mother and sisters here earlier, Arshe had also said she wanted her sisters to receive an education, right? Was it because she couldn't wait any longer and went to figure something out herself?
"Don't worry, Arshe went to work at the orphanage in E-Rantel. Arshe's mother and her two sisters all went with her. To be precise, they have already moved there to live," Roba, seeing Iri's concern, quickly explained the detailed situation.
Oh! Don't scare me! The orphanage in E-Rantel! That's a relief, after all, that orphanage is covered by the dog-headed Head Maid Pestonia and the peeping pervert Nigredo; it's as stable as can be.
Or rather… with those two who absolutely love children there, running that orphanage, that's the real problem, isn't it?
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