v-rustl
patreon
#760 The Wedding Day
🕑 Added 2023-08-21 18:38:05 +0000 UTCIn the meantime, I was shown the actual facility for the ceremony.
It’s incredible here...!
First, the ceremony will be held in a space reminiscent of a church’s solemnity.
There’s an elevated altar, and chairs are arranged to face it.
“Well, a wedding ceremony is typically held in a church, but...”
Given the cultural differences, I’d assumed this other world would have different marriage customs!
However, it seems to lean towards my world, perhaps due to my influence as an otherworlder.
“We’ve asked Sensei the Lifeless King to officiate the ceremony.”
“Another farm member?!”
Sensei’s becoming a pivotal figure in wedding ceremonies!
The collaboration with the entire farm feels even more prominent now!
“As for the reception... The venue is over there. Essentially, it’s just a place for a drinking party, right?”
“Well, that’s one way to describe it...!”
Putting it that way does diminish the celebratory vibe of a wedding ceremony.
I must ensure it doesn’t devolve into just a drinking party and should focus on providing some entertainment!
...Which still sounds like a drinking party.
Next, I was shown the completed reception venue, which was truly impressive.
Tables and furnishings were placed in a vast space akin to a stadium, all of which were first-class items made by the farm elves.
On the day, this place will be adorned with the finest food and drink, enhancing the opulent atmosphere.
...
Are the food and drink sourced from the farm too?
This wedding seems wholly reliant on the farm.
Moreover, the venue is open-air, exuding a sense of freedom.
I did wonder about potential rain, but given that this is a dragon’s castle, maybe the weather isn’t a concern.
“We control the weather with dragon magic, so it’s guaranteed clear skies on the day.”
I thought as much!
Suddenly, Veil flew in...!
“Yoohoo, I’ve got a delivery!!!”
Still in her dragon form, she was carrying a massive package.
I could hear splashing sounds coming from the container-like package...!
“These are the ingredients for the food we’ll serve on the day! I caught loads of fish from the nearby sea! I’ve also asked Kraken and the monster crab to provide plenty of ingredients!!!”
“Am I expected to cook all of that?!”
After all, I’m mainly the cook at the farm.
With the momentum of the farm’s full involvement, it seems my workload is mounting rapidly!
I mean, hundreds of guests are expected on the day, right?!
“Don’t worry, Master! I’ll help with the cooking too! It’s a fantastic opportunity to make lots of gonkotsu broth!”
But then, all you’ll ever cook is ramen!
With preparations advancing smoothly and my responsibilities mounting, the day of the ceremony was nearing.
***
And finally, the day arrived!
The joint wedding day is here!
The venue is brimming with guests from all over the world.
The area, which felt vast during our prior visit, now seems quite packed.
“So many people have arrived, haven’t they...!”
“Of course, the main participants are all VIPs,” Platy comments beside me.
She’s dressed beautifully today, attending as a guest and holding our younger son, Norito.
As for our eldest son, Junior, he’s celebrating this auspicious day by delivering the Three-Bag speech common at Japanese weddings.
“One pair out of the four couples is from high-ranking aristocracy in the Demon Kingdom, and another is the Mermaid Kingdom’s Prime Minister. Naturally, the guest list is going to be quite illustrious. Even the Demon King and my brother have shown up!”
Platy’s brother = Mermaid King Arowana.
“In addition to that, the Dragon Emperor and Dragon Empress... It’s truly a staggering collection of individuals...! Could this event be the catalyst for change in the world?”
“Oh, come on...!”
I doubt it...
But the fact that I can’t completely dismiss her theory is concerning.
“By the way, four couples are having their ceremonies today, but only three have made their entrance, right?”
Who’s the remaining pair?
“That’s not really a concern.”
“That’s rather disheartening.”
Regardless, there’s still some time before the ceremony starts.
To kill time, I’ll take a look at the guest list.
The first one to catch my attention would undoubtedly be the Demon King.
As mentioned earlier, he is indeed the king of the demons and the ruler of the land, so his reputation is second to none.
Everyone is cautious around him, but they can’t help but notice.
Beside him is the Demon Queen Astres, with their son Goetia.
Mrs. Astres gave birth to their second child last year and has kept a low profile ever since, leaving official duties to the second queen, Glasya.
Upon closer look, I can see she is holding little Belzebia.
This time, however, it seems natural for her to participate, given it’s her former subordinate Batemy’s big day.
They’re quite a couple, exuding the aura of seasoned spouses.
And if the Demon King is the ruler of the land, then this person is the ruler of the sea: Mermaid King Arowana and his family!
He’s accompanied by Puffer, now the Mermaid Queen, and their only son, Moby Dick. I suppose he couldn’t miss out, given that one of the pairs getting married today includes their kingdom’s Prime Minister.
Huh?
What about the mermaid teacher, you ask?
We can leave her be.
Upon spotting each other, the Demon King’s and the Mermaid King’s families quickly come together for a chat.
They’re practically one big family now.
It’s a common sight for me, but it seems quite extraordinary for others here.
After all, the Demon King and the Mermaid King, rulers of the land and sea, are highly familiar with each other.
Considering these two were once rumored to be at odds over world dominance, this friendly atmosphere might have significant implications.
These two rarely interact when there’s a crowd around.
“Seems there are still those who stir up trouble and start wars. Demonstrating this kind of friendliness can be a powerful deterrent.”
“There are people who think that way?”
“Apparently, they believe they can achieve more through war than peace. They’re truly misguided.”
I’m thankful for Platy’s insight.
Anyways, today’s brides include one demon, two mermaids, and a dragon—no humans.
If you think there wouldn’t be any human attendees, you’re mistaken.
We do have guests from the human race.
In fact, the human feudal lord Dalkish and his wife, Varlina, are in attendance!
Varlina, the lord’s wife, is a demoness.
Moreover, she was once affiliated with the demon army, and at one point, she worked with one of today’s brides, Batemy.
Furthermore, Orkubo’s Castle, located in their territory, revolves around Orkubo.
It’s only fitting that they attend this ceremony that marks a new chapter for him.
The moment Dalkish was spotted by the Demon King & Mermaid King duo, he was grabbed by the shoulders and drawn into their circle.
These three have had some tri-racial alliance for some time now.
However, Dalkish always looks out of place, and it’s almost painful to watch him.
Even now, sandwiched between the other overly enthusiastic kings, his expression screams, “I don’t belong here...”
The surrounding demon and mermaid aristocrats are eyeing him, puzzled.
“Who is that human...?”
“To be welcomed by the Demon King and the Mermaid King in that manner... He must be special...!”
They seem apprehensive.
Poor Dalkish; he must be highly stressed.
Other notable attendees include Lady Mahi, the former Mermaid Queen, and her husband. As an older sister figure to two of the brides, she couldn’t miss this event.
Among all these dignitaries, I spot another familiar face.
Isn’t that Alexander, the mightiest dragon?
In his human form, his gentle, elderly face is unmistakable.
“Alexander!”
I couldn’t help but call out to him.
After all, no one else would recognize and approach him among this crowd of demons and mermaids.
“Are you here to celebrate Ardheg and Bloody Mary’s marriage? Just as I thought!”
I appreciate his typical dragon-like thoughtfulness.
“I have to join in the celebration as their elder brother. Also, I brought this youngster with me.”
Youngster?
Beside the old man, Alexander, stands a teenage girl. Her sulky face is the very picture of adolescence.
“Who’s she?”
“Her name’s Typhon.”
Typhon? The Proto Geyser Dragon?
The ancient dragon that emerged from Mt. Eternity?!
“She ambushed me out of the blue, so I had to defend myself. Since then, she’s been with me, learning about the modern world. Even dragons need guidance if they’re going to be a nuisance to others,” Alexander explains.
Typhon was a girl this whole time...?!
Anyway, with such a diverse array of attendees, the joint wedding ceremony is about to begin.
