Chapter 17: A Midsummer Night’s Wedding (2)
Psyche hesitated.
Then she cautiously confessed a story.
"Actually, I decided to live as a chastity advocate. According to the Bible, it says to be pure as a dove. There are also many verses that say not to marry and to live as a single person."
"That's right. Paul said that it's better to remain single than to marry."
Purity is a fundamental attribute in faith.
And the fundamentals are the most precious and essential.
A woman who keeps her purity.
Just thinking about it, how beautiful is that?
The reason I fell in love with Psyche was because she was a pure woman.
And that Psyche is telling me now,
"I consider purity to be the highest virtue. Hyde, it's wonderful that you've kept your purity like me. Won't you continue to keep your purity with me?"
To understand Psyche's meaning, it was like this:
From the first day of my marriage, I became part of a sexless couple.
Seriously?
The problem is that there's nothing biblically wrong with Psyche's words.
It's a problem that there's a problem, but there's no problem!
Keeping purity is like a recurring theme throughout the Bible.
Of course, it's a good and right thing to do!
But…
But this is different from what I thought. I desperately scanned the Bible verses engraved in my mind.
And I found a hint to overcome this situation in 1 Corinthians 7.
"Lady Psyche, it's good to keep your purity, but according to 1 Corinthians 7, it says that wives and husbands should fulfill their duties to each other."
"I know. As I swore at the wedding, I intend to fulfill my duty to you, my husband. From today onwards, I, Psyche, am your wife!"
That's right.
Psyche became my wife.
But Psyche seemed unaware that sexual intercourse has been legally defined and documented as a marital duty for a very long time.
It's been legalized since the Roman Empire, which was roughly hundreds of years ago in this world's standards.
No, Psyche is a smart woman. She must know.
But the Bible is the truth that transcends the laws of the world.
Therefore, Psyche wanted to live as a 'chastity advocate' according to the Bible, and her values were so firm that I couldn't do anything about it.
It was strange to even think about doing anything in the first place.
Because there was nothing biblically wrong with Psyche!
She should be praised!
However, I couldn't hide my mixed feelings, so I rummaged through the Bible in my head.
There must be a verse that can help in this situation.
But there weren't many verses in the Bible about this situation.
According to 1 Corinthians 7, it only says, 'If your partner refuses, agree.'
Even between married couples, it's a sin if you don't get each other's consent.
It was a dizzying moment.
Psyche, who I was happy about because of her premarital chastity, wants to keep her chastity even after marriage?
"But Lady Psyche, didn't God give a command when He created all things? Be fruitful and multiply. Being fruitful and multiplying is a human duty…"
"I know. But I want to ask my husband Hyde, who is a great biblical scholar like Archbishop Archibald. Which is more important, being fruitful and multiplying, or keeping purity and receiving salvation?"
Is she talking about priorities?
Of course, I knew the answer to this.
According to the Bible, the great evangelist Paul actually said this to people:
Don't get married.
It meant that remaining single and keeping your purity is the best for piety and the salvation of the soul. That's why many priests value celibacy.
However, since humans cannot help but have sinfulness after the original sin and fall into lust, the Bible says it's better to get married than to engage in indiscriminate sexual immorality.
Therefore, according to the Bible, the priorities are as follows:
First, keeping your purity alone.
Second, if unavoidable, getting married and loving each other harmoniously as a couple.
In other words,
Keeping purity, as Psyche says, has the highest priority.
Since I knew the Bible well, I knew that this 'chastity' that Psyche was talking about was something unbreakable, and I had no choice but to nod.
And although Psyche didn't say it, I had a feeling that there was something behind this 'chastity'.
I need to find out what it is quickly.
"I understand. Lady Psyche, you're right. When people keep their purity and practice healthy love, their souls become more like the Lord and closer to salvation."
"Hyde, you understand what I mean! It's truly a blessing for the Agarphe family and my life to have you as my husband! I should thank Elohim!"
Psyche was very happy.
I was happy that Psyche was happy.
Well, I thought things were going too well after I got the Holy Grail. And on the other hand, I wondered if I should be satisfied with the fact that Psyche had become my wife.
Psyche is a woman who keeps her promises.
Except for the marital bed, she will fulfill all her duties as a wife with affection and sincerity.
What is a wife to me, who dreams of becoming a pastor?
I think she should be more of a 'helpmate' and a 'partner' than a 'woman'.
Psyche will play the role of a pastor's wife better than anyone else, and she will actually become one.
But why is there a strange feeling, like a pillar of fire, rising in a corner of my heart?
"Then Hyde, let's pray all night together! The Agarphe people hate the church, so I didn't have anyone to pray with. I think I'll be truly happy with you here…!"
I was happy too.
Because I could pray all night more devoutly than anyone else on my first night!
When I opened my eyes in the morning, I saw Psyche sleeping in the same bed.
"Oh."
Could there be such a beautiful person in the world?
Honestly, I thought thinking about angels was a waste of time, both theologically and practically, but if angels really appeared, I think they would look exactly like this.
And that woman was my wife.
My wife, who is more pure and chaste than anyone else.
And I am the man envied by all men in the world for having such a woman as my wife.
Psyche slowly opened her eyes, looking at me, and was startled.
"…Uh, wh, who are you!?"
She quickly pulled the blanket over herself, her expression full of bewilderment. I was also bewildered by her attitude when Psyche said,
"Oh, that's right, you're my husband. Hyde, it's my first time sharing a bed with a man, so I was confused for a moment. That's right, I got married. You're my husband."
"Yes, we've become husband and wife."
"Hyde, I'm a little embarrassed to say this, but I had a wonderful time last night. It was such a… passionate night."
Psyche whispered in a sweet voice that she had a wonderful time last night. Of course, the last night Psyche was referring to was the all-night prayer we had together.
My prayer was a bit passionate.
Then Psyche fanned herself with her hand, her face flushed, and turned her head from side to side.
"I, I've never talked about this with a man before. Honestly, I thought I would have to live alone. Because there would be no men who could understand my chastity…"
"Yes, there probably wouldn't be any other man in this turbid world who could understand your deep meaning besides me."
Honestly, I hated that I understood this too. But I kept quiet because I felt like saying that would lower my score with Psyche.
Whoosh-.
Soon, Psyche got out of bed.
She put on a long, warm-looking gown and sat down on a chair.
"Hyde, tell me about yourself. I've only known you for three days. I don't even know your dreams or your hometown. My mysterious husband, what kind of person are you?"
That's right.
We've only known each other for three days.
Getting married after only three days.
From the outside, it did seem like things were moving too fast. I decided to think that we were only now starting to get to know each other and develop a romantic relationship.
From now on, we'll have a romantic relationship, hold hands… kiss… hehe.
Well, Psyche swore to live as a chastity advocate, but I wondered if there was anything more meaningless than a human's oath.
If Adam and Eve, who vowed directly to God not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, broke their promise, how long could Psyche's promise last?
Of course, it could last a lifetime.
Because Psyche is that kind of woman.
That's the kind of woman I fell in love with at first sight, but anyway…
"Hyde, let's go for a walk together. Before I got sick, I liked to go for walks and look around the Agarphe estate. I want to show you the beautiful territory too…!"
I went for a walk with Psyche on a sunny morning.
The servants and maids of the mansion admired Psyche, who was beautifully dressed.
"Has My Lady always been this beautiful?"
"Hyde, that lucky bastard. Last night with My Lady…"
Everyone envied me.
I wondered how they would react if I told them the truth, "We decided to keep our purity even after marriage."
An ordinary man who married a top celebrity woman envied by everyone.
But if that man can't even touch the woman for the rest of his life, is it really right to envy him?
With that kind of feeling, we walked around the estate together.
Psyche enjoyed showing me, who had become part of the Agarphe family, the land where she lived.
"This is the water facility, and over there is the barracks. And over there is a high hill, and at this time of year, the grass and flowers grow beautifully, so it will be beautiful."
The Agarphe estate was vast.
And it was indeed a beautiful place.
We sat down in the vast field as if we were the only two there, and I found a flower and gave it to Psyche as a hairpin.
"Lady Psyche, I found a flower that suits you."
"How is it? I tried it on my hair, does it suit me? It's the first gift I've received from my husband."
Psyche, who took off her coat because it was hot and sat on the field like a girl, playing with her hair. Seeing her pure and innocent beauty strengthened my faith in many ways.
Whoosh-.
A cool breeze blew.
Then Psyche said to me,
"By the way, it's a shame about the priests. I heard that Priest Manaan had his tongue cut out last night. They say his life is in danger. It seems like it was the work of the Crescent Moon Sisterhood…"
That Manaan was critically injured in an attack by the Crescent Moon Sisterhood?
Manaan was barely rescued by the Count's guards, and the other two priests were already stabbed to death.
As I was thinking about the coincidental timing, Psyche clenched her fists and trembled.
"The Crescent Moon Sisterhood. Those wicked witches, not only are they rampant in the Durgien region, but they're also harming the people within the Agarphe territory…! I can't stand it…!"
The Psyche I knew from 5 years in the future hated heretics more than anyone. It seems that Psyche, who hadn't yet shed her girlishness 5 years ago, was the same.
I also said to Psyche,
"I also hate heretics and cults. I will eradicate the Crescent Moon Sisterhood from this Durgien region soon."
The church and the community were seeds.
In order for the seeds to grow well, it's natural to first pull out the weeds that have sprouted in the field and burn the thorns to clear them out.
Also, if I defeat the heretics and cults in a cool way, Psyche might truly fall for me. Then we might be able to be fruitful and multiply in many ways.
Actually, the Inquisitioners of the Church are very popular with women.
An opportunity to eliminate the weeds of heresy and cults while increasing Psyche's favorability at the same time. I felt very good.
"Weeds."
Speaking of weeds, a face came to mind.
"What will happen to Loras?"
"Sir Loras has completely sided with the Archibolds. I heard he joined the Holy Knights and was baptized at the Agarphe Church this morning. He'll be leaving the territory soon."
"Then can't we punish or execute Loras with the Count's power?"
"…No. The influence of our Agarphe family in this Durgien region is dwindling. If he has joined forces with the Archibolds, then we…"
"That trash, who dared to betray the Count's family at the most crucial moment after receiving their favor! Such a person deserves divine punishment!"
I couldn't contain my anger and clenched my fists, my veins bulging in my neck as I spoke.
Even if I were to leave the severely injured Manaan alone for now, I wanted to personally discipline that Loras.
But Psyche's expression darkened slightly.
"Betrayal at the most crucial moment… divine punishment… Perhaps our Agarphe family is receiving the same retribution for betraying the royal family at the most crucial moment…"
Whoops.
The keyword 'betrayal' seems to be a switch that shouldn't be touched when it comes to the Agarphe family.
I made a mental note of it and smiled at Psyche.
"My Lady, why don't you leave Loras's treatment to me? If I successfully complete the task, please grant me one small wish."
Loras.
You think you've safely escaped to the shelter called Archibald, but you're greatly mistaken.
There's no heaven in the place you've escaped to.
Know that the Holy Knights, where you've taken refuge, will be your grave.
And that Loras will become fertilizer for my and Psyche's fruitfulness and multiplication!