The Delamis Cathedral
Late at night, the Delamis Cathedral shimmered with moonlight, exuding a mystical beauty. The interior of the cathedral was deathly quiet, with only the occasional sound of insects from outside. It was probably out of consideration for the shrine maidens of Delamis to concentrate on their prayers, but it felt too quiet for me. Life has a bit of background noise to it, otherwise, it feels lonely.
“—So, what did you just say?”
“Oh, it’s unlike you to pretend you couldn’t hear. Your Highness, let us hold the ceremony.”
“The ceremony for what?”
“Marriage.”
This is bad. My head started to ache. When I was asked if I had time and came to her room, she suddenly proposed a ceremony. What kind of joke is this? It’s true that I said I’d hold a ceremony. But I meant after we finish things and everyone has settled down, all together. If I were to favor only Melfina, I would be breaking that promise. And my life would be in danger.
“Melfina, I told you before—”
“Your Highness. You are going to the Underworld to confront an Apostle and Elearis, aren’t you?”
“…? Yes, that’s the plan.”
“You don’t even show a hint of hesitation? I knew this would happen, but it’s a package of factors that would make you happy.”
Melfina sighed softly and met my gaze directly. Illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the repaired glass window, Mel looked incredibly beautiful, unlike the ravenous goddess she was a moment ago.
“Elearis is likely fixated on me. I don’t know if it’s out of revenge or hatred. Just imagining the methods she might choose is terrifying. However, as a god who presides over reincarnation, I promise to protect you and everyone, no matter what happens to this body… Therefore—”
“—So, is it now?”
Her blue eyes were filled with a resolve akin to a vow. It was a powerful and warm feeling. Yet, on the other hand, it felt lonely, like the atmosphere of this cathedral…
“Listen, don’t set such a big flag. Who would step on a landmine that’s so obvious? If you were going to go with that spirit from the start, I absolutely wouldn’t do it.”
“…Absolutely?”
“Absolutely.”
“…No, is it not okay?”
“Even if you tear up, it’s still no! Don’t cry and get snot everywhere! It affects your dignity!”
I quickly took out a handkerchief and wiped her nose. Please consider my situation, seeing her usually noble expression transition into a tearful one. I thought it was a declaration of protection with an iron will, but she’s too naive, Goddess. There’s a limit to how fragile she can be.
“Ugh, sniff…”
“There, it’s okay. It’s okay.”
However, it was surprising that Mel brought this up at this timing. And it seemed more serious than I expected; she’s completely serious. Should I really refuse it like this? If I refuse, this Goddess will definitely sulk. It would leave a bad taste in my mouth too.
“Let me tell you, I have no intention of attacking their base by sacrificing you. If we’re going to do this, everyone returns alive. That’s the absolute condition. If that’s not possible, I’ll give up completely.”
“…You, a battle maniac?”
“I’m a rational battle maniac. Don’t lump me in with Azgrad.”
It’s obvious which one would be chosen if you put it on a scale. I don’t need any cliché arguments about reason and madness being opposites. I’m someone who can skillfully balance both sides. At least, that’s how I see myself. So stop giving me that doubting look. …Wait, is it okay to think that? Is it really okay? She’s not thinking that I’d say something different during battle, is she?
“Ahem! Alright? The spirit of self-sacrifice is out of the question. I don’t want to fight in a way that doesn’t sit right with me. If we’re going to do this, make sure I can fight with a clear conscience. Both Mel and I will survive. That’s all!”
“…*chuckle*, you’re saying absurd things.”
“It’s fine. I’m selfish and do whatever I want.”
Melfina’s expression seemed to soften a little. As always, her switch between relaxation and tension is too extreme. In normal times, I wish she’d bring some liveliness to her life, and in times like these, I wish she’d rely on her companions more.
“And while you’re at it, I wish you’d fix your sleeping posture.”
“Eh?”
“Ah, no, it’s nothing.”
My inner thoughts just slipped out. Dangerous, dangerous.
“Well, if that’s something you can do, I might be willing to go along with a practice rehearsal of the ceremony.”
“Really!?”
“Uh, yeah. I promise.”
I was slightly surprised by Melfina, who suddenly leaned forward with a serious face. Why? I thought I had avoided the landmine, but I felt a chill down my spine. Even my danger perception skill is reacting.
“You have my word! Colette!”
“Yes, Lady Mel! I also heard it clearly with these ears!”
“…Huh?”
Colette appeared from behind the cathedral’s altar with a smug look. She wasn’t in her usual shrine maiden attire but in formal wear that seemed very dignified. A transparent barrier was erected around her, making it impossible to trace her presence even when she appeared. This is—a Shrine Maiden’s Secret Art!?
“We will hold a practice rehearsal for the ceremony, as close to the real thing as possible! Don’t worry. It won’t be much different from the wedding rites you know of.”
“I will humbly serve as the priest. I couldn’t be happier to be entrusted with such a great responsibility.”
“There’s no need for humility. It’s precisely because it’s you that I want you to do it. Your Highness, do you know? It is said that couples arranged by the shrine maidens of Delamis attain eternal happiness—”
“Wait, wait, wait…”
The two of them were progressing steadily, but my understanding wasn’t keeping up. Or rather, hey Mel. What happened to the serious atmosphere from a moment ago? Was this staged? Was it staged?
“Oh, do you doubt me?”
“Don’t read my mind.”
“Fufu, I wholeheartedly shared my true feelings. As a result, I learned that you also truly care for me, so I’m very satisfied. This is a reward for you, who worked so hard.”
It’s strange that I’m being treated as a reward.
“Come on, come on, don’t make such a face. Please indulge me a little longer. It’s just a little charade.”
“…Alright. I’m the one who promised. Bring it on.”
From then on, we proceeded with the practice ceremony under Colette’s direction. It seemed everything was ready, as they even prepared engagement rings. Of course, they weren’t fake but genuine. Colette’s power, imbued with the shrine maiden’s strength, unleashed a terrifying magic. It was holy energy, yet somehow scary. She’s not going to say she carried it around all day and offered her power, is she?
The ceremony, which had begun, proceeded with vows and the exchange of rings, which was common in Japan, so I was not confused. Well, I was nervous because it was my first time doing it. However, the real difficulty was from here on.
“Now then, the kiss of vows.”
You’re going that far? For the record, I haven’t kissed Melfina yet. You might think it’s out of order, considering we sleep in the same bed. Please tell that to the Goddess.
“Your Highness…”
To this blushing Goddess.
I thought kissing Mel would taste like sweets, but that wasn’t the case. No, it felt somewhat sweet, but not that kind of sweetness. It was soft, but no, this is just bragging, so I’ll omit it.
After that, the ceremony proceeded without a hitch, and the practice ended in a blink of an eye. It might have been because there was no reception, but when you do something earnestly, time flies. As for me, I was glad it ended safely, but on the other hand, I was worried about Efil and the others finding out about this later. Still, it’s good if Mel is feeling better.
“Well, that concludes the rehearsal. It’s late, so let’s dis—”
“Kelvin, what are you saying? It’s not over yet.”
“Eh?”
“…That’s right. The crucial rehearsal hasn’t finished yet.”
Colette tilted her head in confusion, and Melfina’s face was still red. What are they talking about? Surely the ceremony should be over.
“From now on, in my bedroom, Kelvin and Mel’s first—”
“Wait a minute! That’s definitely not a practice rehearsal anymore!”
It’s completely like the real thing! And why in your bedroom?!
“It’s alright! The soundproofing in my room is perfect! Nothing will leak out, no matter what you do!”
“Where does that confidence come from… And that’s not the issue.”
“Your Highness, if I’m not enough, Colette will join us…”
“Gladly!”
“Noooooo…!”
I realized now that Mel was incredibly nervous. Just as she might have eradicated the Demon King out of nervousness, I don’t know what Mel might do now. And if a fanatic joins in, the end result will only be chaos.
“Lady Mel, it seems Kelvin’s preferences are different.”
“As expected, my charm is…”
“That’s impossible! He’s opposing going to the bedroom! …Gasp!”
“…! Could it be…!”
The two of them, having glimpsed something, looked at me.
“Here!?”
No…
Chapter 7 ends here.
I want to reintroduce the characters soon.
