“The bouquet toss has concluded without further incident. As soon as preparations are complete, we will begin the parade.”
“Without further incident?” I couldn’t help but blink. That had felt like the most chaotic bouquet toss in history, yet apparently it still counted as “normal.”
The announcer had glossed over the whole spectacle as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. In a way, that alone said everything about life in the Western Frontier Margravate. It really was an extraordinary place.
While the parade was being prepared, Toria-san and I headed over to the former lord and Maria-san. Judging by the determined look on Toria-san’s face, she intended to pry every last detail out of them.
“Sir, Maria-san, congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you, thank you. Sorry for keeping it a secret.”
The former lord replied with a hearty laugh.
“Shun-sama, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for my daughter. I truly can’t thank you enough.”
It seemed the former lord and Maria-san had expected Toria-san and me to come. They answered us without the slightest hesitation. Then, without another word, the former lord and Maria wrapped Toria-san in a warm, heartfelt embrace.
“Toria… I’m sorry. Even though I’m your real father, there was so much I couldn’t do for you until now. From this day forward… I want you to call me Father.”
“I’m sorry for keeping both the wedding and my pregnancy a secret from you. But from now on, we’ll all live together as a family.”
“Father… Mother…”
The three of them embraced, tears streaming down their faces. So much had kept them apart—their positions, their responsibilities, the circumstances surrounding them—but all of that was finally behind them. From now on, they could live together as a real family.
“I’ve realized, after accompanying Shun-sama and Sue-sama that I still have so much to learn. I want to keep working hard and become stronger.”
“Shun’s a rather special case. So don’t compare yourself to him. Just keep looking after your unreliable older brother.”
The former lord commented with a chuckle.
Uhm… Former Lord… The way you phrased that makes it sound like I’m some kind of oddball. Could you please not slip that in during such a touching moment?
“The carriage is ready. If everyone would please come aboard.”
“Toria, this is the perfect opportunity. Come ride with us.”
“Yes. We’re family, after all.”
The former lord and Maria-san gently took Toria-san by the hand and led her toward the open carriage waiting outside.
I smiled as I watched them go.
This was a day they’d never get back. I hoped the three of them would enjoy it together as a family.
“Shun-oniichan, Shiro’s going too!”
“We’re off!”
For some reason, Shiro and the others dashed after the carriage as well.
Well… I supposed they deserved it. They had worked hard to help with the wedding, so they could think of it as a little reward.
As for me, I headed backstage to check on Sue and the others.
“Sue, how are things over here?”
“Ah, yes. Please, come in. Casey and Telma are asleep.”
After calling out to Sue first, I stepped behind the stage.
Sue had already changed out of her ceremonial clothes, while Casey-san and Telma-san were still lying where they had been, fast asleep in the same clothes they’d been wearing. Sue sat quietly on the floor beside them, her gaze fixed on the two sleeping women.
“How are they doing?”
“The treatment is working well, so they’ll be fine.”
When the two of them had thrown themselves over the explosive magic device, my heart had nearly stopped. The fact that they had both pulled through safely was nothing short of a miracle.
“Now that the incident’s being brought under control, they won’t have to push themselves so hard anymore.”
“That’s right. They’d both been under tremendous strain because of their families. I’d like to let them get some proper rest.”
She was right. The two of them were exhausted, not just physically but mentally as well. They needed the chance to sleep without worrying about anything. Once the army arrived, things would undoubtedly become hectic again. For now, it was best to let them rest in peace.
Just then, one of the attendants peeked backstage.
I wondered what had happened.
“Shun-sama, the additional ingredients have arrived.”
…Seriously?
Of all possible moments, the food stalls were reopening now?
And to make matters worse, not only were Shiro and the others gone, but Toria-san was with the parade as well.
“Shun-san, do your best. I’ll stay here and watch over these two.”
Somehow, I could sense an absolute, unshakable determination behind that smile.
Haha…Yeah. There was no getting out of this.
With my shoulders slumped in resignation, I followed the attendant out of the backstage area.
Everyone else looked so happy today. I suppose I could work a little harder for their sake.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeneijiworks.com
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