Chapter 160: The Destination I Kept Wishing For. (Finale)
Two months passed as we were busy with wedding preparations.
The date and time for the wedding ceremony is tomorrow.
While Yuri and I were proceeding with the wedding preparations, during that time, the Empire had steadily begun to change its form.
The other day, a report came in from Shen-kun and the others that they had taken control of the Imperial Capital.
Yes, taken control. Occupying it was over quickly.
With Ignat and Kai there, and Mei’s support, there were no blind spots. They just had to go, arrest the necessary people, and it was over.
When they first invaded and occupied it, the Emperor was already dead.
Apparently, he had committed suicide in front of his father’s grave. It’s said he was quite mentally ill. It seems he believed he was a god and had killed everyone other than his own children. To be so mentally ill as to commit suicide, perhaps he had been told such terrible lies that it drove him to commit those atrocities.
Mei had informed us about the Emperor’s suicide early on, so there wasn’t much confusion.
At the same time, we also treated the Strange Disease.
This was done quickly on my judgment, mobilizing all the Arks that had stored Magical Power.
I did it without any report, on my own accord, and still haven’t reported it.
Let’s just say this kind of thing is the work of a god.
Honestly, it seems like even if the Ignat Family went all out, they wouldn’t have any spare capacity. The Empire right now.
Inside the Empire, it’s still full of people trying to somehow protect their own positions and continuing their malicious resistance.
Mei’s processing capacity was so overwhelmed that she switched to an automated voice, saying she couldn’t handle it.
It’s probably because she couldn’t enjoy drinking with Ver-san with all the unpleasant reports…
Apparently, she switched to a style where it’s completely automated, and reports are only sent up when necessary.
It would probably be easier if she could move to resolve things on her own, but that’s a restriction best left untouched if possible, so she was relaying everything to the soldiers and having them act.
She had to prove her authority to the soldiers in each territory, report to them, and have them act.
When that happens in over a hundred places simultaneously, it seems even Mei finds it stressful and tough.
No matter how legally sound it was, the rush of executions continued for too long, and Shen-kun seemed quite dejected, but it seems things have been cleaned up to some extent.
With that, he changed his wording from “occupation” to “control,” and told me he would definitely come to the ceremony.
King Lestall will also be coming, it seems.
Queen Yamato also replied, saying she would love to attend.
In addition, others with whom I have deep ties, like Viscount Oldam, Marquis Randall, and Mr. Owen, will also be coming, apparently.
Of course, I invited my friends too.
My former party members, of course, as well as Akito’s family who helps out at the store, and others. I’ve also invited the people from the village. Rose and the others, the guys from the Third Magic Tool Appreciation Society—everyone who gathered in the village in the early days.
Well, the others belong to the nobility within the country, so it probably goes without saying.
While all these people are arriving in Belfast, Yuri and I are scheduled to participate in a parade.
It’s just about to start now.
Riding in a dazzling, open-topped carriage with no walls or ceiling, Yuri in her wedding dress and me dressed in an overly luxurious white military-style uniform, we’ll make a circuit through the city, waving to the populace.
And after that, I’ve been told to stop in the central plaza and address the people.
Trying not to show my nervousness, I plaster on a smile and wave.
The cheers are incredible.
If I look closely, I can spot a few familiar faces here and there.
Feeling that I’m being blessed like this, some of my tension eased.
“I’m so happy,” Yuri says, overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face.
I take her free hand and squeeze it.
“Yeah. We’ve charged forward without knowing if it was the right path, but I guess we weren’t wrong.”
We’ve done all sorts of things.
Since we were at war for so long, I’ve even done things that I thought might get me cursed as a demon.
But, if there are people like this who will celebrate our happiness from the bottom of their hearts, then I can stand tall with pride.
When I thought that, tears naturally started streaming down my face too.
As I was overcome with emotion by everyone’s blessings, before I knew it, we were back at the central plaza, and I was made to stand on a platform, but my mind was completely blank.
I didn’t even know what I should say.
But, thinking I had to say something, I opened my mouth.
“Everyone, thank you for your blessings.
I don’t know how to put it into words, but I’m very happy.
You all call me a hero who returned to save the country, but honestly, I didn’t come back with thoughts like ‘for the sake of the country’ or anything like that.
I just wanted to protect the person I love, who is right here beside me. That was all.
I had no awareness of being a prince, nor did I even know the meaning of showing dignity.
So, frankly, I made a lot of mistakes.
But, as I interacted with everyone in the country, you all became very important to me, and I realized I needed to learn various things, so I’m studying every day.
It might sound presumptuous for me to say it, but I think I’m gradually developing an awareness of being a prince.
Now, I genuinely want to support this country of my own will.
I’ll do my best! I’ll work hard to make it a good country! So I want everyone to support me too!”
The crowd looks this way with surprised faces, silent.
Huh…
What did I just say…?
This is bad. While talking about the meaning of showing dignity, didn’t I say something I shouldn’t have?
Just as I felt the blood draining from my face, a huge, explosive cheer erupted from the crowd.
Huh… Was it okay?
Feeling uneasy, I look at Yuri, and she’s looking up at me, her eyes welling up with happy tears.
Am I safe?
Is it alright?
While breaking out in a cold sweat, I return to the planned course of action, wave back, then turn on my heel and head back to the Castle.
This time, since it was also my official presentation, Pops had said he’d leave it entirely to me and didn’t show up.
But there’s no way he didn’t hear it.
Wondering what kind of face he’d make, I faced him, feeling anxious.
“Hehehe, you really are…” Pops said, laughing cheerfully.
“My mind went blank. Sorry.”
“Well, isn’t it fine?
You declared that you, as a member of Royalty, would carry the burden of the people, and everyone was delighted.
That Rui was accepted by the people. That’s the most important thing.”
Being told that, I felt embarrassed, but I was also proud to have been accepted, and I puffed out my chest.
“Ufufu, you were cool, you know?”
Encouraged by Yuri saying that, I faced Pops.
“I’ll succeed you, Pops. If… if I’m still wanted, that is…”
Even while feeling a little hesitant about changing my mind so late, I told him.
That I had decided to inherit the throne of Belfast.
“Huh? No, everyone wants you to, right?
No, more importantly, you’ve finally made up your mind!!”
Saying that, Pops happily gripped my shoulders.
“Yeah. I’m still scared, but I can’t keep saying pathetic things anymore.”
I said, gazing at Yuri.
“I see… I see! You’ve done well to decide!”
“Yeah. Sorry it took so long. But I’ll do it properly. Though I messed up earlier…”
“It was very like Rui, so it was good, you know?” Yuri added, covering for me.
“No, that won’t do every time, okay? Next time, make sure to show proper dignity, alright?”
“N-no, yeah. I understand…”
Unable to make any excuses, I obediently agreed, and we all moved from that spot.
Now, we’ll change back into our usual clothes and do a rehearsal for tomorrow.
And so, the wedding day arrived, but perhaps because I was mentally prepared this time, I think I managed it normally.
The ceremony’s format was a little different from what I knew, but not by much.
“――――――――Do you two pledge your eternal love?”
“Yes, I do.”
“I do.”
And so, we exchanged a vow kiss, and Yuri and I officially became husband and wife.
Once the ceremony ended, it was straight to the reception.
My head feels somewhat light and fluffy from happiness, but there are no particular problems.
I have a cheat sheet today.
Even if I forget, I just have to look at it and read it out.
Well, I’m not supposed to look at it, but as expected, I’ve memorized it.
And so, I listened to various people’s speeches, and when my turn came, I was able to deliver mine without relying on the cheat sheet.
General Razbel sobbing uncontrollably was what left the biggest impression on me.
This time, it wasn’t speeches but a buffet-style reception where attendees would come to where I was seated to offer their congratulatory words.
The atmosphere inside the venue was constantly restless.
The reason was simple.
It was a situation that could be said to be the first time since the founding of the nations that all the kings of various countries had gathered.
Amidst all this, we received congratulatory words one by one, starting from the highest-ranking people, and those who finished were busy making connections.
People from every country were very busy.
A chance like this rarely ever comes along.
Sitting on chairs on the dais and watching, I could clearly see what was happening, and I whispered secrets with Yuri.
Like how so-and-so seemed to be strongly seeking connections with such-and-such place.
After one round of greetings, we were finally starting to have some leeway.
Just then, someone appeared who livened up the venue.
“Wahahaha, are you the master of my friend Mei?”
“Ver!? Shouldn’t you first say you came to congratulate us!?”
“So it was! Congratulations!”
A man walking arrogantly while shouting loudly.
It was Vavel of the Ancient Race, also known as Ver-san.
For some reason, Ver-san made his entrance dragging Mei along.
“Um, nice to meet you. Mei is always in your care.
…That’s a bit stiff, isn’t it? Thanks for coming.
From now on, please take care of both Mei and me, Ver-san!”
Somehow, I strongly felt that wasn’t the right way to address Ver-san, so I rephrased it and offered my hand, which he gladly shook.
“Oh! You understand, don’t you!
As expected of one who is said to have finally been obtained after ten thousand years!”
Mei slapped Ver-san, who was laughing boisterously.
Correcting her comical demeanor, she slowly bowed her head.
“My Master, congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you. I’m so happy to have Mei congratulate me. I’ll be in your care from now on too.”
“Yes… Please, don’t forget about me either.”
What is she saying? I was taken aback.
Forget her? How could I? Mei and I are connected, aren’t we?
Mei sniffled, her eyes welling up with tears.
She’s already getting swept up in the atmosphere of the ceremony.
Well, I’m happy about it, though…
“Of course, I won’t. You’re like an older sister to me.”
“An older sister… I’ve been told countless times that I’m like family, but this feels like a completely different word.
When one is given complete freedom of heart, it feels so… different, doesn’t it…”
Ah, I guess I’m about the only one who granted her complete freedom, huh?
There were people who showed concern for Mei, the Ark, because she was too powerful, but they never fully released her.
Rather, at every turn, she was bound by “you should be like this,” “you should be like that,” and it’s said that trying to peel those restrictions away had long been forbidden among people.
I see.
So that’s why she was such a prim and proper older sister figure; she was bound to the point where she had no other choice.
As an absolute guardian protecting the people…
“Mei, thank you for always protecting us.
From now on, we’ll protect you in terms of military strength. You don’t have to worry.”
“That’s right! Rui and I are the strongest, after all!”
“Oh? Stronger than I?
Saying such a thing would be truly tactless. Wahahaha, I too shall protect my friend alongside you!”
Mei, crying, returned words of gratitude, then forcibly dragged Ver-san away, saying they couldn’t intrude any longer.
Honestly, the escorts from each country had gone on high alert, so that was a relief.
Even when crying, she’s so dependable.
If only she doesn’t drink…
No, let’s not think about it. Mei will sense it.
For now, I decided to explain things to the people Ver-san had surprised, so I stood up and recounted the circumstances.
That we were in the midst of providing Ver-san with the information he sought, and in that process, he had become friends with Mei.
That Mei had declined to attend in her main body to prioritize providing information, but Ver-san had likely been considerate and arranged for Mei to come directly.
When I explained these things and apologized, they were surprised, but their wariness subsided, and the reception continued.
And so, our wedding concluded without a hitch, and at last, it was our wedding night.
They have wedding nights here too.
Of course they do!
The first night definitely exists!
With that resolve, in the bedroom prepared for us, I was intimate with her for the first time.
No matter what she did, she was an angel, and I was overcome with emotion.
And so, the night deepened.
It was the classic ‘morning after’ scene.
Truthfully, I’d like to relax until noon, but people will be coming.
Especially today, there’s apparently a meeting between kings, and my attendance is mandatory.
The two of us hurriedly got ready.
Yuri looking a little bashful was adorable.
It’s a conference for the entire continent, but Yuri-chan is with me today too.
Apparently, we’re already considered a set worldwide, so it’s not a problem.
“Well then, shall we go, my dear wife?”
“Yes, let’s go! My dear husband!”
Yuri and I held hands and attended our first continental conference.
At that conference, the draft for the alliance establishment that we had been considering was discussed, and talks progressed to the point where each country would consider it positively.
Naturally, it’s not something that can be easily settled.
There are various problems even before that.
First is the establishment of reparations and agreements to declare the end of the war with the Empire.
Unless that’s settled, the end of the war cannot be achieved.
For the time being, the problems that need to be cleared are concentrated there, but when it comes to establishing an alliance, it doesn’t end there.
There are also territorial issues, Monster problems, trade relations, and various other problems that must be slowly resolved.
However, the fact that the kings of each country gathered and agreed to stop fighting is a big step forward.
All that’s left is to subtly monitor from the shadows so that no troublemakers emerge to disrupt this.
Regarding Ver-san’s revenge, I heard that Ver-san is apparently the strongest among the Ancient Race.
When I asked if he could win, he said it would be an easy victory. He said he’s faced dozens of them before and won every time with ease.
He told me, “After I’m done watching this, I’ll just make them pay their dues thoroughly, so there’s no need to worry.”
He said he would definitely destroy them and put an end to it.
Done watching… Does that mean decades from now?
I thought, but I didn’t dare ask. It’s more convenient for me if it happens later.
Also, it was decided that the continental conferences would be held regularly.
Though, from the next one onwards, it’ll be a conference via screen.
I’ve announced I’ll succeed the throne, but I seem to be able to keep up with the discussions, so I’m not particularly worried.
I’m a little uneasy about etiquette and common sense when dealing with other countries, but I’m told I can just ask about the finer details as they come up, so I plan to study from now on.
My special training with Hiroki and the others is also set to proceed concurrently.
I can handle government affairs and studies on the ship.
Even returning takes less than an hour. It’s not a major obstacle, so I’ll go through with it.
Other than that, I’ll probably just need to be a bit careful about friction due to technological disparities.
There are various potential causes for trouble, like Yamato lagging behind militarily and technologically and harboring hatred for the Empire, but it’s not an issue for Belfast to intervene in, so I’ll just observe for now.
After a year of life on the Airship, I returned once again to the land of Belfast.
My goal of creating a situation where the country wouldn’t be invaded so I could live peacefully with the person I love has been mostly achieved.
It seems that all that’s left is to tackle the planned items one by one.
Having officially become Yurisia’s husband and set to walk through life together, I woke up a little early, kissed the sleeping Yurisia, left our bedroom, and devoted myself to my studies again today.
So that I can bring this world to a slightly more peaceful state.
Peace, that alone is fine.
Whether it’s the world, a country, a town, or a village, as long as it’s peaceful, grasping happiness is up to oneself.
Since the form of happiness differs for each person, it’s not something I should meddle in.
I just prepare the freedom to act on one’s own, the environment, within permissible limits.
Whether one can grasp it or not is up to them.
It’s not easy, but it’s not overly difficult either.
People can be happy just by being with the person they love, so one should become a person who can love those who are with them.
Well, some people have difficult personalities, so there are tricky parts…
As I moved my pen while thinking these thoughts, I heard a voice from behind me, as usual.
“Good morning, Rui.”
My wife, giving me a soft, endearing smile.
Savoring the happiness of her being here, I finished my morning studies and stood up.
“Now then, today was the martial arts tournament and the award ceremony for the winner, right?”
I recall someone saying it was also a sort of debut for the Guardian Knights assigned to me from our country’s nobility.
If Quinn and Athena face each other midway, whoever wins will likely take the championship easily.
“Yes. Rui’s Guardian Knights are participating, so please remember that.”
“Right,” I replied, while starting to walk to handle today’s government affairs.
And so, I began to walk a new path: preparing to bear the responsibilities of the throne.
Together with my beloved wife.
―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
The End!
It’s complete!
I’ve finally reached this point.
I’ve concluded the story here, as the tale of Rui and Yuri-chan getting together.
As I am writing this entirely as a hobby, there were several long breaks in between, but I somehow managed to get here.
Thank you very much for all your support and kind words.
Especially to Myoumyou-san, who followed along until the very end and left comments, you were a great emotional support. Thank you.
I’m currently thinking of uploading a new work I’m writing soon, so if you’d like, I would be delighted if you could read that as well.