“Finally, the goal, huh…”
“Yes, it was a longer journey than I imagined…”
We were running through the last section of the capital city tour, heading towards the Grand Cathedral, the end point of the parade. The parade of trials was nearing completion, but our minds and bodies were utterly exhausted. The intense gazes of the people, pouring down like a torrential rain, relentlessly chipped away at our spirits, which should have hardened into steel with our resolve. Honestly, it was such a merciless kissing trial that it felt like they had no regard for human feelings.
But, this is the end of the trial parade. The Trisen Grand Cathedral, where the wedding ceremony will be held, is just around the corner, and once the carriage arrives at the plaza in front of the church, the curse of this long kissing trial will be lifted. It’s not just the physical and mental fatigue; I’m at my limit with various things. I won’t say what, but it was in front of people, and I truly struggled…
“Hmph, to have accomplished it without a single piece of advice until the very end. Trisen’s future is bright. Point for promising prospects, plus.”
“Though they are great, they are still young. I thought they might falter somewhere, but they’ve truly surprised me. Point for being of one mind, plus.”
“I believed in you both. And this is as far as the common folk can witness—but don’t let your concentration waver during the ceremony…! Point for vigilance, plus…!”
…Even until the very last moment, the people of Trisen were scrutinizing us so meticulously. It was a mystery why they all had such peculiar, professional-looking expressions, and I never understood what position they were speaking from… Still, I suppose this is also a form of blessing. It’s a bit heavy, but my feelings for Trisen are pure. Since I’m taking Shutra as my bride, I must face it head-on.
“Once the parade is over, it’s finally time for the wedding ceremony at the church.”
“Yes. However, I think it will be over more quickly than you imagine.”
“So I’ve heard. Personally, I’m considering the ceremony to be the main event… Ah, but before that.”
“Yes, I expect they’ll make their move soon.”
At this moment, when the long and intense time of the parade ends, normally one would finally feel relief and let their guard down. However, we wouldn’t do that. It would be a waste. As Shutra said, if they’re going to make a move, now is the best time.
The biggest highlight of the wedding ceremony, “Wait a moment.” Regarding this, we don’t know at what point during the day it will happen. We’ve left the timing and location entirely up to the opponent in the ceremony, in this case, Silvia. Of course, we’ve also instructed her to make proper preparations so that no damage is caused to the surrounding environment or lives. The methods could be varied, such as creating a handmade field on the spot, casting a barrier, or proposing to move the location.
“The location depends on the opponent, but now that we’ve come this far, I can sense the timing.”
“Returning to the basics of ‘Wait a moment,’ the best time to say this line is just before the wedding kiss. I was on guard just before the parade departed, but they never appeared. I suppose the next time is the real one.”
Shutra and I, our thoughts unified, renewed our resolve, knowing that the real show was about to begin. The thought of a battle ahead made our exhaustion fly away. To be able to face the wedding banquet thoroughly exhausted, we’ll have to enjoy it to our heart’s content.
“Hmm, ‘Wait a moment.'”
“…”
As soon as we arrived in front of the Grand Cathedral, our destination, and got off the carriage, we heard a familiar voice. Suddenly, snow began to fall, and with it, someone descended from the sky. There’s no need to ask who it is. Without thinking, it’s Silvia—hey, wait a minute.
“Um, Silvia? Aren’t you a little early? That’s what it feels like…”
“…?”
Ah, she looks confused. She tilted her head perfectly.
“You see, as your opponent, I thought the best timing to make your move would be right before the wedding kiss, or around that time.”
“Hmm, I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. I thought this timing offered the best chance of victory, so I called out to you both. That’s all.”
Yes, I suppose so. Indeed, in terms of fatigue, now, after finishing the parade, is the peak. There’s no room for any tact whatsoever; I’d give full marks for that greedy pursuit of victory, but I wonder how it will be perceived as a wedding ceremony? The spectators, who were looking so professional just a moment ago, seem dumbfounded now. Hmm… Shutra, please make the judgment!
“…Sigh, Ronoa has always had that tendency, so I suppose it can’t be helped. Besides, regardless of the outcome, Ashley also seemed to have tried her best.”
The next moment Shutra said that, someone else rapidly approached from overhead and landed next to Silvia. My, my, that was a flashy entrance, using a greatsword of flame as an afterburner for a fighter jet. Of course, it was Ashley, or rather, Emma, who had come.
“Silvia! We just discussed that ‘Wait a moment’ should be a little later! You rushed ahead again on your own!”
“Ah, Emma’s here too.”
“Of course she’d come! It would be a lie if she didn’t come after Silvia, right!?”
I see. Judging from Emma’s expression, the original plan was, as we had expected, to declare “Wait a moment” right before the wedding kiss, following the basic stance. However, Silvia didn’t quite understand that and took it upon herself to act when she thought it was her chance.
“Emma, thank you for all your hard work.”
“It seems you’re still working as hard as ever, despite the years.”
“Eh, ah! Shutra, Kelvin-san, congratulations on your marriage— Oh, no! Uhm, I’m very sorry for showing such an unsightly scene just now, but we actually intend to initiate the ‘Wait a moment’ right now…”
Emma looked very apologetic.
“Emma, I already told you that earlier. The challenge for a duel is all ready.”
“No, no, no! We originally planned for a dramatic and theatrical moment inside the church! But now the development has gone in a completely different direction from the start…!”
“…? But isn’t it troublesome to do it inside the church, regarding movement and such? I believe there will be staff members present, and it would be a bother. In that regard, if we do it here, the place is spacious, and it won’t be a bother. It saves a lot of trouble.”
“It’s not about that, it’s more about the atmosphere and the purpose of this battle…”
“?”
“…I’m sorry, Kelvin-san, and Shutra, by the time we’ve reached this point, it’s already too late for many things. May we begin the ‘Wait a moment’ here and now?”
“Ah, I don’t really mind.”
“Heh heh, I have no problem either. It’s rather reassuring to see you two as you always were.”
“R-really? I suppose that’s fortunate…? Honestly, as your adjutant, I can’t help but think about how much you must have struggled when you were a general back then.”
“Regardless of the circumstances, you produced results in your work. Just like now, Ashley was working hard to support you.”
“?”
Silvia still seemed to not quite understand. Yes, I wish you would remain as pure and innocent as you are.
“Well, ahem. To reiterate, I object to the marriage of Kelvin and Shutra!”
“…”
“…Silvia, your lines! The lines you prepared beforehand!”
“Ah, is it my turn? Uhm… Ah, here it is.”
Silvia unhesitatingly pulled a prompt from her pocket. She had no intention of hiding it at all. I’m staring intently.
“Um, I request a tag battle between two pairs. I will team up with this Emma, so you two will be Kelvin and Shutra— Hey, is this speech necessary? Kelvin would understand the feeling, wouldn’t you?”
“Silvia, please read it carefully. Kelvin-san will understand, but the speech is also important for the ceremony…”
“Hmm, understood.”
I thought to myself. Emma must have had a really tough time as an adjutant.
