The voice didn't startle Elysia—instead, her face lit up with joy as she looked into the coffin.
What greeted her was the most wonderful sight: the man she loved giving her a cheeky peace sign from inside.
"Yuan! You're alive! Thank goodness, you're okay!"
Without hesitation, Elysia violently pried open the coffin lid and pulled the man into a crushing embrace, murmuring over and over how glad she was that he was alive.
Feeling her long-missed warmth, Yuan stiffened for a moment before slowly returning the hug.
"Yeah... we're both alive."
BANG—!
Kevin pulled the string on a party popper.
Others who had prepared followed suit, turning the somber burial into a joyous celebration.
"Ahahaha! Elysia, I'm going to remember that pathetic crying face of yours forever! I'll bring it up every chance I get~!"
Mobius grinned mischievously, waving a camera.
Finally—Elysia's blackmail material!
Tears streaking her face, eyes red and puffy—absolutely glorious!
"Meanie! My dear Mobius, collecting a girl's embarrassing moments is so rude~! Hand that camera over, pretty please?"
Wiping her tears, Elysia lunged for the camera, but Mobius swiftly tucked it away.
"You really think I'd let you? Still as naive as ever, Elysia~."
With a teasing smirk, Mobius slithered out of reach.
"Alright, everyone! Let's head to Taixuan Mountain—Elysia, I think you'll love what comes next~!"
Vill-V (Friendly Mode) clapped her hands, steering the group toward their next destination.
The others exchanged confused glances—even Fu Hua, who lived there, had no idea what was planned.
But they followed anyway.
Upon arriving at Cloud Valley Temple, the answer became obvious.
The entire place was decked in red—lanterns, banners, and a glaringly prominent double happiness character.
"Hehehe~! Today isn't just an auspicious day for burials—it's also perfect for weddings! So, I secretly turned this place into a venue. You're welcome~!"
Vill-V struck a dramatic pose, her back turned to Yuan and Elysia.
"Woo-hoo! Wedding banquet time!"
Elysia was whisked away by the bridal party, while Yuan was dragged off by the groomsmen.
In separate rooms, both were prepped for the ceremony.
The men dressed Yuan in traditional red wedding robes.
"Vill-V really gets us."
Kevin and the others burst into laughter at the "Honorary Father" corsages pinned to their chests.
This was why they loved Vill-V.
"Damn it! I've never wanted to strangle Vill-V more than today."
Yuan glared at the golden "Honorary Father" labels on his groomsmen.
This woman was begging for a beating.
"Heh. As your honorary fathers, we'll take our leave now. Good luck, kid~!"
Each groomsman patted Yuan's shoulder for luck before exiting.
Meanwhile, the bridal party pampered Elysia with makeup—though her natural beauty needed no enhancement.
"There~! Today, you'll be the most beautiful bride. Cry all you want—this makeup is waterproof~♪."
"Sniff... Eden, you're all too kind. But no more pranks, okay? I really will cry next time."
Elysia admired her reflection—her lips painted a vibrant red, her eyeshadow a delicate crimson.
She was breathtaking. Even the goddess of beauty would pale in comparison.
"Tch. Fine, I'll admit it—just for today. Let's go. I'm sure the groom's impatient by now."
Mobius pretended to grumble, though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
She was happy—truly happy—for Elysia.
"Mmhm~! Thank you, my dear Mobius~♪."
With a red veil placed over her head, Elysia was guided by Eden and Mobius to the main hall.
Two chairs and a table stood at the front—empty, as neither had living parents. But their friends filled the void.
"Ahem. All parties present—groomsmen to the left, bridesmaids to the right."
Fu Hua, acting as officiant, cleared her throat.
"Through countless trials, your love has endured. Today, beneath blooming peach blossoms on this auspicious day, we celebrate your reunion."
"Let us bear witness as bride and groom, having overcome all odds, finally join as one."
"Bride and groom—bow to heaven and earth!"
Holding opposite ends of a red silk ribbon, Yuan and Elysia turned and bowed.
"Bride and groom—bow to your elders!"
Though no parents were present, they bowed to the empty chairs.
"Bride and groom—bow to each other!"
Facing one another, their hands trembled where they gripped the ribbon.
As they bowed, their bond was sealed—husband and wife, witnessed by all.
"With the ceremony concluded, let the banquet begin! Drink the groom under the table!"
"Hell yeah!"
Thankfully, Raiden Mei was handling the catering—not a certain Dr. MEI—or this would've become another funeral.
After rounds of drinking, Yuan and Elysia were ushered into the bridal chamber.
The room was dim, lit only by flickering candles.
Heart pounding, Yuan lifted Elysia's veil.
"Elysia..."
"Yuan... Do you know how long I've waited for this? From now on, I am only your Elysia."
They embraced, their lips meeting in a kiss.
Years later...
Humanity entered the space age, and genetic engineering reached its peak—allowing Elysia and Yuan to create a child of their own: Chang Ya.
"Oooh~! So that's why Mommy made Daddy 'die' in the story! Daddy deserved it, but Mommy was wrong too for lying first!"
Standing between them, Chang Ya crossed her arms sagely, pointing out both their faults.
"Yeah, yeah, we were both wrong. Now, let's go mooch off Kevin—he says MEI's cooking is 'edible' now. Time to test that claim."
"Ehhh?! No way, Dad!"
(And so, our tale concludes. What follows are side stories—including the "beautifully tragic" ones you all seem to love. Honestly, I don't get why you enjoy suffering, but here you go.)