A dreamlike wedding.
Normally, it's supposed to happen only once in a lifetime. And yet, Dirk, thinking of me, offered to hold another wedding. In the end... to be honest, it wasn't the wedding I had wished for.
But, I couldn’t complain. There were so many people who wanted to bless us, and I understood how lucky and extravagant a thing that was.
Still, Dirk had noticed.
The chapel was adorned with intricate carvings. A beauty perfected by careful calculation. Its artistic design was enough to take one’s breath away. A sacred space centered around white. And yet, rather than solemn, it felt somehow warm… like a small cottage, cozy and comforting. If you were to give form to Pochi’s gentleness… maybe it would look like this.
“Rosarin, congratulations! That dress really suits you!”
“Congratulations. Hmm… So such a dress suits you as well. Not as well as it would suit my fiancée, but still, you wear it well.”
Rabisha-chan really does look good in cute dresses. I totally agree. But apparently, Rabisha-chan disagreed.
“Even if it’s you, Alphage-sama, I won’t forgive you! Ojousama is the cutest in the world!”
“… You really are loved by Rabisha, aren’t you? Almost makes me jealous.”
I laughed as I replied to the smiling Alphage-sama.
“Ahaha… but Rabisha-chan is my best friend, my former maid, my family… it’s not a relationship I can describe in one word. Oh, and if you ever make her cry, I’ll kidnap her and run far, far away, so prepare yourself.”
“Indeed. To me, she’s like a daughter. Don’t bully her too much. Or I’ll take her back to her family home.”
“… I-I’ll take it to heart.”
Father was dead serious. Even Alphage-sama couldn’t win against the Ice Chancellor.
“Fufu.”
“… O-Ojousama, please don’t laugh.”
“… What’s going on?”
Apparently, Father’s expressions were still difficult for others to read. But he was smiling.
“Well, I was serious, but Tousama was joking. I was serious, though.”
Half of it was a joke, though. Father tilted his head, still deadpan.
“A young man who went so far as to research beastman customs just to propose to Rabisha wouldn’t treat her carelessly. Of course it’s a joke. However, if you ever need space to cool your head, come home anytime. That place is also Rabisha’s home. Even if she marries Alphage-sama, her room will remain just as it is. I, too, understand that Rabisha’s happiness lies at Alphage-sama’s side.”
““……………………””
Two schemers, writhing from Father’s straightforward bluntness. Apparently, natural honesty beats cunning manipulation.
“Ahh! Aniue and Rabisha are so close! Even though she gets embarrassed, when big brother hugs her, she’s hap—"
“PUIIIIII!? You weren’t supposed to say that! I told you to keep it a secret! I told you absolutely, absolutely to keep it a seeeeeecret!!”
Rabisha-chan, Aldin-sama can’t respond with your hand over his mouth. And now Alphage-sama has firmly captured her from behind.
Hang in there, Rabisha-chan!
“Nggh… Congrats!”
“Sorry about that, Curtis.”
“Nah, it’s worth it to see this side of Alphage. Rosarin, you really are something else. You actually wanted to get married in a place this tiny?”
Curtis tilted his head.
“Well… it’s not that being extravagant makes me happy. With state guests and all, you have to be so mindful, right? If anything, I just wanted something fun with just the people close to me. I don’t need grandeur.”
“Ah, I see. I think I get it.”
It looked like he understood.
“Like wanting to drink with your buddies rather than your boss?”
“Pretty much.”
Yeah, that’s close enough! As long as it’s relaxed, that’s what matters!
“Now that you mention it, are we really considered part of your inner circle?”
“Huh? Of course you are, Curtis. And Adeil and Hugh too — they’re Dirk’s best friends and my friends too, right?”
What is Adeil doing… Why is he blushing and trembling? Actually, Curtis and Hugh are in the same state.
“That’s right! I also consider Adeil and Hugh not just my royal guards but my friends!”
“Sorry, Aldin! I don’t need your kindness and brilliance right now!”
“So harsh!”
Adeil and Hugh were defeated by their protectee’s kindness and glow. Adeil’s flamboyant persona slipped again. Well, recently he doesn’t even bother much with the flamboyance when he’s with us.
Curtis recovered from his blushing and spasms and was now grinning at the twin royal guards squirming in embarrassment.
“……… Um, I consider Curtis a friend too.”
““Alphage-sama just got all soft!!””
“Hey! Wha—why’d you say that now?! You never say stuff like that! I mean, I already knew that! You didn’t have to say it… And stop blowing yourself up like that! If you’re embarrassed, then don’t say it!!”
Whoa, Curtis blushing — that’s super rare! He’s writhing in embarrassment after blowing himself up… Well done, Alphage-sama!
“… Sometimes, I try to learn from Aldin. If something is important, you should say it aloud. I really am grateful to Curtis, you know.”
“Ah, well… yeah. I probably… appreciate you… too.”
“Why are you acting all shy?”
“Yeah, don’t be embarrassed\~”
“…………… (smiling sweetly)”
The game of tag between the twin royal guards and the former strongest assassin of the royal guard had begun.
“Let’s go, Rosarin.”
Prompted by Father, I stepped forward. There ahead of me, Dirk was smiling.
What do you think about this chapter?
