Chapter 52: Eternal Vows
In the anteroom of the church, Hayato lightly adjusted the sleeves of his white tuxedo. The simple yet elegant design suited his well-built physique perfectly. Soft light filtering through the window bestowed a sacred atmosphere upon the room.
“It’s almost time.”
A hint of nervousness tinged his softly spoken words. Even compared to when he had faced the Demon King in the other world, his heart had never pounded this much. Gazing at his reflection in the mirror, he reminisced about the days gone by. The battles in the other world, the reunion in the modern era, and this special day today. It felt as though every event had led to this very moment.
“Hayato, they said it’s about time.”
The door opened, and Tsuyoshi and Josuke peeked in. They too were in formal suits, looking more refined than usual. Josuke, with his usual sharp observational skills, glanced around the room and smiled as if he had seen through Hayato’s nervousness.
“Are you nervous?”
“Yeah, a little.”
Hayato answered Josuke’s question honestly.
“Of course, you are. This is one of the most important days of your life,” Tsuyoshi said.
“Go on.”
“Yeah.”
At Tsuyoshi’s signal, Hayato took a deep breath and left the anteroom. Then, guided by the church staff, he waited.
“Please, come in.”
Following the cue, he stepped into the church, and a solemn atmosphere enveloped him. Light pouring in from the high ceiling shone in a myriad of colors through the stained glass. Feeling the gazes of the attendees lining both sides, Hayato slowly walked forward.
Among the guests, he saw his parents. His mother was already teary-eyed, and his father wore an uncharacteristically proud expression. His younger brother and sister were there too. The entire Sato family had gathered. Beside them were Tetsumura Gou and his wife Kaede, along with their two children. Gou gave a quiet nod, his gaze encouraging.
On the opposite side was Seika, dressed in an elegant gown. Next to her were Sawa-san the illustrator, President Yasumoto, and his colleagues from the security company.
He felt a profound happiness to be able to greet this day, watched over by so many people.
Hayato stood before the altar, and after a short while, the church organ began to play softly. As the majestic notes of the wedding march filled the air, everyone turned to look towards the back.
At the entrance of the aisle stood Riri, clad in a pure white wedding dress. The dress, adorned with delicate lace, further accentuated her purity.
The veil, lowered by her mother Erena, concealed her expression. Through it, Riri, her cheeks faintly flushed, turned to her father, and they exchanged a smile. Then, taking her father’s arm, she began to walk slowly down the aisle with him.
Hayato watched her intently. Riri, who had grown more mature since their reunion in the modern world, had become a splendid adult woman. A university graduate, and now, the partner with whom he would walk a new path in life.
When Riri arrived at the altar, her father entrusted her hand to Hayato.
“Please treasure her.”
In his quiet voice, the father’s eyes held a mixture of sadness at sending his daughter off and hopeful expectation.
“Yes, I promise I will.”
Hayato replied with sincerity, gently taking Riri’s hand. The warmth of her hand eased his tension. Hand in hand, they proceeded to stand before the minister.
The clear voice of a gospel singer resonated throughout the sanctuary. The beautiful melody of the hymn further enhanced the sanctity of the occasion. The translucent vocal tones spread through the church like an angel’s song. Following that, the minister’s solemn voice echoed.
“Do you, Hayato Sato, take Takahashi Riri to be your wife, to live together in holy matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and keep her in sickness and in health, in prosperity and in adversity, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her, so long as you both shall live, according to God’s holy ordinance?”
Hayato looked Riri firmly in the eyes and answered powerfully.
“Yes, I do.”
Next, the minister turned to Riri.
“Do you, Takahashi Riri, take Hayato Sato to be your husband, to live together in holy matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and keep him in sickness and in health, in prosperity and in adversity, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him, so long as you both shall live, according to God’s holy ordinance?”
Riri’s voice, too, was firm and clear.
“Yes, I do.”
Hayato and Riri, contemplating the meaning of the minister’s words, replied with solemn expressions. A warm sigh drifted through the church at their words. Josuke and Seika exchanged smiles, and Gou nodded quietly. For them too, this moment held special meaning. It marked a new beginning for their dear companions.
“Now, the exchange of rings.”
A small flower girl presented two rings resting on a cushion. Hayato carefully took one and held Riri’s left hand.
Quietly, yet with a steady hand, he slipped the gold ring onto Riri’s ring finger. Next, Riri took Hayato’s ring and, gently taking his hand, placed it on his finger.
“Now, groom Hayato Sato, please lift the bride Takahashi Riri’s veil.”
Hayato reached for Riri’s veil and slowly lifted it. There, he saw Riri’s beautiful face, wet with tears. Her eyes held infinite love and trust.
“You have pledged your love before God and all present, and have exchanged rings. From this moment, you are united as husband and wife. You may now kiss.”
Following the minister’s declaration, Hayato and Riri gazed at each other and gently drew closer. Then, their lips met in a soft kiss.
Applause erupted throughout the church. Amidst the unceasing celebratory applause, they signed the marriage certificate, officially becoming husband and wife.
In the group photograph taken in front of the church, Hayato and Riri were at the center, surrounded by both their families and their companions from the other world: the smiling faces of Josuke, Seika, and Gou. Without them, this day would not have been possible.
And so, several years passed.
Hayato and Riri’s life continued peacefully, without major changes. Riri, after graduating from university, joined the Tetsumura Group and was making remarkable strides in the technology department. The system she developed was becoming one of the company’s flagship products. Her innovative approach was garnering attention from many experts.
Hayato continued his work in security, dedicating himself to training new employees. His practical and precise guidance had earned him President Yasumoto’s deep trust. The security guards trained under him became respected figures in the industry.
And the two of them continued their streaming activities. By now, their names were widely known, and they enjoyed the steady support of their fans. They had become more than just entertainers; they were a source of courage and hope for many.
Josuke had ventured into new business developments, establishing himself as an international investor. His keen insight and foresight were a blossoming of the talents he possessed as an informant in the other world.
Seika continued her innovative research in the medical field, and her achievements were steadily gaining recognition. Her spirit as a Healer lived on even within modern medicine.
Gou, in cooperation with his siblings, had grown the Tetsumura Group into an even larger corporation, and his children had also grown up splendidly. Riku was studying management to contribute to the Tetsumura Group, just like his father, while Aoi had pursued a path in the arts.
During their streams, they invariably appeared as “Hayato,” “Lilia,” “John,” “Celestia,” and “Garret,” showcasing the bond between companions.
Though their fans were still unaware of their true purpose, for them, these weren’t mere roles but memories of another life. That life was not over; it was destined to continue long into the future.
One night, after finishing a stream and returning home, Hayato and Riri were gazing at the starry sky from the balcony of their apartment. The night breeze gently caressed their hair, and the distant city lights twinkled like stars.
Hayato took his wife’s hand and said quietly, “Thank you, Riri. For walking through life with me once more.”
Riri smiled and replied, “In any world, as long as I’m with you… that has always been my happiness, Hayato.”
Countless stars glittered in the sky, like a light connecting the other world and the modern one. And so, the adventures and bonds of the Hero and his companions would continue, forever onward—.