第９０３堀：少女とドレス (Part2)
That was back when I had only just arrived in Weed. I was so incredibly busy with everything that it was the last thing on my mind, but he had been preparing for it ever since then.
"Judging by that look, it sounds like a conversation from quite a long time ago."
"Yeah. It was before I even met Jessica, back when Weed was just founded. We were so busy right after defeating the Demon Lord Dekira and the others, but he kept saying that one day, we’d have dresses, a wedding..."
"My, my. So, because you kept inviting more trouble, Ria’s wedding ceremony kept getting pushed back and back? Not that I’m one to talk, though..."
"Ahaha, that did happen, didn't it? It feels like such a long time ago. Even though it was only a few years back. But somehow, I really feel like I’ve come such a long way. Even though I’m still in the same Weed."
Truly, I really do feel like I’ve come a very, very long way.
My village was destroyed, everyone was killed, and I was the only one left behind. I fell into despair, became unable to feel anything, and then I was brought here as a slave, where I met Yuki.
And then, I became his wife, and incidentally, a Hero.
"You defeated the Demon Lord, but Brother’s journey didn't end there."
"Right. Brother came to the If Continent to meet Dressa and the others."
"Hmph. That’s right. Yuki came to the If Continent to meet me, didn't he?"
"……Setting aside Dressa for a moment, to speak seriously, it was at Luna’s request."
"That’s right. I was so surprised. I thought Luna-san had just come to visit, but then she told us to go to another continent."
Just as Vilia said, defeating the Demon Lord didn't mark the end of our journey with Yuki.
Responding to Luna’s request, we flew off to an unknown continent, met Jessica and the others, and resolved all sorts of problems there as well.
"Now that Ria-onesama mentions it, it’s been a while, but we really have been through so much. I think Brother and all of us have truly done our best."
"Hiiro and the others worked hard."
"Yeah. We really did. I was a slave whose country had been destroyed, and now I’m an aircraft carrier captain and the Commander-in-Chief of the Sea Cypho Defense Fleet?"
"And I, before I knew it, had gone from being Marly-sama’s adjutant to becoming Yuki’s bodyguard."
"We really have been through a lot. But wait, I need to get into my dress."
There’s no time to spend so long reminiscing. Yuki and the others are waiting for us to finish preparing for the wedding.
"That’s right. My dress is..."
"It’s right here."
"Thank you, Marly-sama."
"And Ria’s is right here."
"Thank you, Deryu."
"“Wait, why are you here!?”"
For some reason, Jessica’s former superior, Marly, and Deryu had appeared, carrying our wedding dresses.
"What do you mean 'why am I here'? Dressing Jessica is obviously my duty! She was my precious subordinate, after all!"
"No, that logic doesn't make any sense, but... well, thank you. And Deryu, what about you?"
"Hmm. I am here to help Ria, of course. Though I am also here to assist Dressa and the others."
"Mine?"
"Indeed. There are few brides from the Rogari Continent this time. Besides, Vilia and Hiiro are orphans, and their bodies are still small. That leaves you, Ria."
"Ah, I see. So it means there will be a proper number of brides from Rogari as well."
I’ve started to understand politics a little better lately.
This wedding is certainly important for showcasing the If Continent and the New Continent, so those two are the main focus, but if that were all, the Rogari Continent would just be the host of the meetings and the ceremony.
Well, that wouldn't be a bad thing in itself, but it would be disappointing for some if there were no women from Rogari in such a grand event.
So...
"I’m the perfect fit, then."
Knowing the reason makes me feel a little lonely. But it can’t be helped. Everything we do now carries various implications.
As I was thinking that and feeling a bit down...
"Hmm. Politically, that may be true... but don't misunderstand, Ria. Your appearance as a bride is something that not only we desire, but above all, something Yuki wishes for. After all, we have our pride and joy, Ria, among us!"
Deryu said that with a smile.
"That’s right. I really want to see Ria-onesama in her wedding dress."
"Hiiro too!"
"Yeah. After all, you don't get to see a Hero as a bride very often, do you?"
"That’s true. I want to see Ria as a bride, too."
"Everyone... *sniff*"
Ah, I’m crying again.
"Come now, don't cry! Deryu and I will make you the most beautiful bride!"
"Indeed! The combination of the Magic Sword Princess and the Demon Lord—no, all of Weed will put our full effort into making Ria the most beautiful bride!"
"Yeah!"
Ah, he wasn't just a wonderful husband. What I had gained was so much bigger, and so much warmer.
That’s right. I had a family.
And so, Ria was to wear her wedding dress as well.
We have to show off our brides properly, after all!
With that, the brides from the Rogari Continent also made their appearance.
The brides are all gathered, and now all that’s left is to go through the rehearsals and prepare for the big day.
Though, that’s the hardest part, isn't it?