Mina stayed at the Order’s Guild while Flam, taking Raus and Rebecca with him, headed to the Hunter’s Guild.
Mina and Flam seemed to be talking with Prim about something. Since all three of them were good friends, they were probably just wishing her well.
Prim, Apricot, and I are currently at the Grand Priests Master’s temple in Feel’s Bacion.
The temple in Bacion is a facility of the Bacion religion, the largest religion on the Philia Continent, and its official name is the Priests’ Guild. It’s strange for a religion to have a guild, but it seems the Priests’ Guild is an assembly of religions from across the Philia Continent. The Grand Priests Master is appointed from among the Popes of the Bacion religion.
The Pope, the highest-ranking priest in the Bacion religion, is an O-rank Priest. However, since the Father God is male, the position can only be held by women. Consequently, for men, the highest rank is A-rank Cardinal Priest, which is second only to the Pope. Since only two Cardinals are selected, the Bacion religious state and the Priests’ Guild are managed by the consensus of these three individuals.
The rank below Cardinal Priest is M-rank Patriarchal Bishop, who is appointed as the head priest of the grand temples in each country, the head priest of the Priests’ Guild headquarters, and the Head Priests’ Master. Solenne, which excludes religion, has eight Patriarchal Bishops.
The rank of P-rank Bishop is below that of Patriarchal Bishop, and they are in charge of the Priests’ Masters of large cities. The Priests’ Master of Feel’s temple is a Bishop.
The next rank below that is G-rank Archpriest. Their main job is to assist the Bishops, and they are sometimes appointed as Priests’ Masters of small towns. Below the Archpriests are S-rank Priests. Upon ordination, they are obligated to make pilgrimages to various Priests’ Guilds, so they often move from place to place. After completing the pilgrimage, they return to their affiliated branch, where they train and work under an Archpriest.
Below that is B-rank High Priest, whose main job is to regularly visit nearby villages without a Priests’ Guild to perform wedding ceremonies. Other than that, they are treated much like regular Priests. It seems that performing wedding ceremonies is a requirement to be ordained as an Archpriest, so they are often away from the guild.
Upon ordination as a C-rank Priest, one is finally considered a clergyman. While they are undoubtedly still in training, their duties are basically the same as those of a Deacon, but they also accompany High Priests to nearby villages without a Priests’ Guild to assist with wedding ceremonies.
I-rank Deacons are, in essence, apprentices. You automatically gain this rank after being registered with the Priests’ Guild for over a year. However, as apprentices, those below this rank are not called clergymen.
And the very lowest rank is T-rank Acolyte, which you are ordained into upon registration. For one year, your rank doesn’t increase, and you mainly engage in training and assisting Deacons.
Most towns have temples, which serve as the Priests’ Guilds. However, villages often do not. This is due to a shortage of Priests. The Amister Great Temple in the Royal Capital has a considerable number of Priests, but most are still in training and cannot be dispatched.
Temple heads are also called Priests’ Masters and are limited to those of Archpriest rank or higher—that is, G-rank Priests or above. However, only the Pope, Cardinals, and Bishops can appoint them. Furthermore, since not many are ordained as Archpriests, if a temple is to be established in a small village, a new Archpriest must be ordained. Since temples are guild headquarters and temple heads are Priests’ Masters, this is only natural.
For this reason, Prada Village does not have a Priests’ Guild; only a shrine housing a statue of the Goddess of Marriage.
“Then, Lord Yamato, please stand in front of the statue of the Goddess of Marriage. Primrose, please stand to Lord Yamato’s left.”
“Understood.”
Milia-san, an Elf and a Bishop who also serves as the Temple Head and Priests’ Master, prompted us.
Yes, I came here to officially marry Prim. I hadn’t expected the Priests’ Master to preside over the ceremony. Ordinarily, I thought only nobles would have someone of that stature attend their wedding.
Right now, I’m too nervous to care about such things.
“Thank you. Let us begin, then.”
“I look forward to it.”
The Helios Orb also has wedding ceremonies, but essentially, they are established by offering prayers before the statue of the Goddess of Marriage. That’s why subsequent wedding receptions are so extravagant. However, unless you are the King or Crown Prince, they are not usually very grand. For commoners, it’s enough to report the marriage to each other’s parents and offer prayers before the statue of the Goddess of Marriage. Hunters, by the way, are generally considered to be of lower status than commoners, but it’s not uncommon for them to have a celebratory gathering among their comrades.
Prim comes from a noble family in Valentia, but since her family has fallen into ruin, she is treated as a commoner. However, since both of us are G-rank Hunters, I think it would be appropriate to gather our acquaintances and have a wedding reception. Our acquaintances are Ed, Marina, Fiana, Rex, Rosemary, Mina, a few people from the Order’s Guild, three people from Prada Village, along with Uncle Linus and Kamina from the Provincial Governor’s office, and the various Guild Masters. It’s not that many people. If we were to have one, it would probably be after our current problems are resolved.
Feel has a magnificent temple, and the statue of the Goddess of Marriage is enshrined in the Ritual Chamber. Therefore, when getting married, it must be done in the Ritual Chamber.
The Ritual Chamber is a room located deeper than the regular prayer hall. This room enshrines not only the statue of the Goddess of Marriage but also the statues of the goddesses worshipped in that city. Ordinarily, they worship the sacred objects corresponding to each goddess, which are enshrined in the prayer hall. For the Goddess of Martial Arts, it would be a long sword; for the Goddess of Magic, a book; for the Goddess of Marriage, a dagger; and for the Goddess of the Land, wheat. However, the dagger for the Goddess of Marriage was initially confusing to me. In my world, blades are taboo because they represent cutting ties. However, in the Helios Orb, it signifies a self-defense weapon and also means protecting one’s husband from harm. It is generally given by the husband to his wife. I find it strange to be protected by a woman, but if that is the norm and the dagger is considered a betrothal gift, there’s nothing I can do about it.
Since the engagement to marriage happened so quickly, I haven’t given Prim the dagger yet, and she’s waiting for it. It’s preferred to commission custom-made engagement daggers from crafters, so I need to go to Albert’s Workshop later and request it be made with the highest priority.
“You who will become the husband, Yamato Mikami.”
“Yes.”
“You who will become the wife, Primrose Hydrangea.”
“Yes.”
“Offer your prayers to the sacred goddess.”
Following Bishop Milia, who stood before the statue of the Goddess of Marriage, we closed our eyes and offered our prayers.
“Pledge to the Goddess the new names you will take as you become a new couple.”
“I, Yamato Mikami, pledge to take Primrose Hydrangea as my wife and become Yamato Hydrangea Mikami.”
“I, Primrose Hydrangea, pledge to take Yamato Mikami as my husband and become Primrose Hydrangea Mikami.”
The statue of the Goddess of Marriage was enveloped in light, and Prim and my libraries were displayed. They showed the names we had just spoken, indicating that our marriage had been officially blessed by the Goddess of Marriage.
“This concludes the wedding ceremony.”
With that, Bishop Milia left the Ritual Chamber with Apricot. Speaking to someone immediately after a wedding ceremony, even with words of blessing, is considered bad luck.
“Thank you, Yamato. For accepting the Hydrangea name.”
“It’s important to me too, of course. I look forward to our future together, Prim.”
“Me too. I’m a bit clumsy, but please be with me always.”
Prim leaned into me, and as she looked up, she closed her eyes. In response, I gently kissed her lips.
I was tired today, but it was still a good day. I never imagined Prim and I were mutual, but I challenged her to a duel and narrowly won. Then, on impulse, I proposed and we had our formal wedding. I have no regrets. Since I decided not to return to my original world, the Helios Orb has become my world. If I am to live in this world, I will likely marry a woman from this world.
Still, I never expected to get married just 10 days after arriving in the Helios Orb.
Today certainly had its share of events. I took Laberna and Fiana to the ranch, where Tiger’s Pain appeared and attempted to escape but was apprehended. Just as that was over, Noble Sword took hostages at the Trader’s Guild and barricaded themselves. After suppressing that and finishing my report at Marquis Frederica’s mansion, I accompanied Apricot as she wished to go out. We went to the Healer’s Guild, where she registered as a healer, and then, for the main event of the day, I had my duel with Prim at the Order’s Guild.
Afterward, I reported the completion of the hunter apprehension request and received my reward. Then, we visited the temple, which is also the Priests’ Guild, offered prayers, and officially became husband and wife. Following that, I accompanied Apricot on some shopping, introduced Honest to Jade and Fluorite, and before I knew it, it was evening.
Incidentally, I haven’t requested the engagement dagger yet. Prim expressed a desire for me to have it made if the alloy is successful. It’s better for me to have more leeway by waiting for that rather than rushing the order.
We’ve returned to the Silver Ore Inn, and Apricot is staying here tonight as well, so we’ve paid the additional fee. We’ve just finished dinner, and Prim and Apricot are in the bath, so I’m here alone, reminiscing about today’s events.
Even though we’re married now, it was quite sudden, so I don’t plan to change my lifestyle. Prim has also just started her activities as a hunter, so it will likely be several years before we have children.
In the Helios Orb, the number of children is not particularly high. Although the reason is unknown, apparently, at most, only two are born. Of course, this is the average per woman, so if a man has multiple wives, the number of children can increase. However, it is not uncommon for women to be unable to conceive. In fact, Prim’s other mother has no children, and I recall hearing the same about Marquis Frederica’s household. Is there some particular reason?
However, if we do nothing, we don’t know when we’ll have children, so there’s apparently a contraceptive magic called “Night Life Magic.” Apricot proudly told me that such magic exists within healing magic, so she probably used it on Prim while she was in the bath.
The reason for such magic is that in a world where it’s not uncommon for women to hold combat roles like Hunters or Order members, it’s standard to retire or take a leave of absence upon discovering a pregnancy. Certainly, if several Order members announced their pregnancies simultaneously, it would undoubtedly cause delays in the work of the Order’s Guilds. However, since it’s also difficult to conceive, it doesn’t seem necessary. If I said that, I was naturally told that magic to make conception easier also exists, and I nearly collapsed. Is anything goes in this world? I shouted that.
Furthermore, our surnames have changed due to our marriage. After marriage, one generally joins the family of the person with a surname, but if both have surnames, the husband’s surname takes precedence. Apparently, surnames can also be changed at the Priests’ Guild. Prim wanted to keep the Hydrangea family name, and I agreed, so our family name is “Hydrangea Mikami.” Although Hydrangea functions like a middle name, it’s sufficient for Prim. Apricot bowed her head, and I felt a strange sense of awkwardness.
It seems that if both parties agree, they can create their own surnames. I thought it was absurd, but upon reflection, names are sometimes bestowed by royalty or nobility. More importantly, people ranked G or higher can use surnames, so it is natural for such a system to exist. She intends to use “Primrose Mikami” externally, but I don’t think it rolls off the tongue well, so I want her to use Hydrangea as well.
Incidentally, my level has subtly increased. It seems that using up a lot of magical power in my duel with her was the cause. It’s definitely correct because I also reached level 60. We were both refining our magical power, so I had no choice but to accept it.
Ah, yes, Ed also mentioned that he’s getting married to Marina once things settle down, so we might be able to have a joint reception. The issue is whether we have common acquaintances with Ed’s side, but that’s not a problem.
I’ll ask Prim about it later.
Side: Prim
“Prim, I know you’re happy, but please stop wagging your tail in the bath.”
“Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t even notice.”
It’s been a while since I bathed with Mother, but today is a momentous day when I became Yamato’s wife. I wish I could have shared it with Yamato. I can’t say it directly to Mother, but tomorrow Mina will confess to Yamato, so I might be beaten to it. That’s why I intend to make our first night count. For that purpose, I asked Mother to cast a contraceptive spell called Contracepting on me.
“I’m all for you having your first night with Master Yamato, but are you alright? I heard Master Yamato hasn’t even been to a brothel, and he hasn’t slept with any woman since coming to Helios Orb, so I’m a little worried?”
That might be true. On the day we came to Feel, he seemed to have gotten the location of the brothel from the receptionist at the Silver Ore Inn, but Yamato never went. I don’t know why, and I don’t intend to ask, but in Yamato’s world, you’re not considered an adult until you’re 20, and I heard he doesn’t have a girlfriend, so I assume Yamato has never slept with a woman. It’s my first time too, so I’m a little scared, and I’ve heard that first times don’t go well, so a sliver of anxiety crosses my mind. However, I can’t tell him to go to a brothel now, and more than anything, I don’t want him to.
“In that case, I suppose I have no choice but to guide you.”
…Huh? Wait a moment, Mother. What did you just say?
“I said I will guide you so that your first night with Master Yamato goes well. Is there a problem?”
Of course, there’s a problem! What are you suddenly saying? I’ve never heard of a mother accompanying her daughter on her first night!
“That’s not entirely true. Among nobles, it’s not uncommon for a widow to be the first experience provider to gain sexual experience, and in some cases, they even become single mothers. Especially for female heads of household who lost their husbands at a young age, they have no choice but to have heirs.”
That’s quite shocking information. I understand what you’re saying, and I suppose there are cases where there’s no other choice, but please wait a moment. You don’t fit into that category, do you? You have a daughter like me, so there’s no need for you to become a single mother, right?
“That’s true. However, when it comes to your first night as a crisis, it’s a different story. There are cases where failing to have a successful night life can lead to a deterioration of the marital relationship. To prevent that, nobles and the wealthy rely on widows, and if not, it’s common to go to a brothel to get accustomed to women.”
The shocks keep coming. So, you’re saying that since Yamato isn’t used to women, you will take on that role, meaning you will be intimate with Yamato in front of me?
“That’s right. It’s a bit embarrassing to do it in front of my daughter, but I’ll also be watching Prim’s first night, so it’s a fair trade, isn’t it?”
It makes no sense! How can that be the case?! But I understood what Mother was saying, so in the end, I relented. On the condition that I go first. A first night with my mother… this is going to be an unbelievable experience.
Side: Apricot
After successfully persuading Prim, I decided to cast Contracepting on myself as well. Of course, what I told Prim wasn’t a lie, and it is indeed something that happens to some extent, but I am also interested in my soon-to-be son-in-law, so I volunteered.
“Are you serious…?”
Yamato seemed taken aback, but seeing us emerge from the bath naked, he seemed resigned. While Yamato was in the bath, I didn’t forget to teach Prim about the male body and also educated her about the female body. Prim was the first to marry Yamato, and if Yamato takes another wife in the future, you will be the one to lead the women, so remember it well, alright?
“Is it okay, Prim?”
“Don’t ask, or my resolve might waver. But it’s my first time too, so be gentle, okay?”
“O-okay…”
It was the first time for both of them, and the condition Prim set was for us to go first. As I guided Yamato and slowly led him to Prim’s body, they, albeit clumsily, became one, and Prim truly became a woman. Since it was their first time, it might hurt, but Contracepting conveniently has the effect of alleviating such pain.
Now, it’s my turn. Yamato, you will study the female body thoroughly using my body. It’s been a while since I’ve accepted a man, so I might get carried away, but this is just this once, so please be a little forgiving.
After that, I became disheveled for the first time in a while. When I thrashed on top of and below Yamato, and Prim, despite it being her first time, was also quite wild, I think it was an unparalleled wonderful night.
Still, being intimate with my daughter isn’t as bad as I thought. Maybe I’ll join in occasionally? Prim is sleeping with a very happy expression on her face, so I’ll ask her when she wakes up.
