第９１６堀：海の意図と目の前の現実 (Part2)
"Kagura's side still has it easy. Things are way worse over here. My old man and the others are still insisting on positioning themselves ahead of the kings of various nations in the cathedral... I honestly wonder if it's even okay for me to be sitting here."
It’s understandable, I suppose, but it seems Kagura and Mikos’s parents and siblings still haven't grown accustomed to their own standing.
Well, that makes sense. After all, they’re standing in front of the kings of various nations.
Under normal circumstances, for a subject to stand before a king is the height of disrespect. No matter how much you explain the reasons or the situation, it’s only natural that they can’t fully wrap their heads around it.
"That sounds rough just hearing about it. But for me, it’s the exact opposite—I’m completely left to my own devices. Well, I have my own mountain of troublesome tasks as a bishop of the Haire Church. The worst part is that it’s expected for me to handle it all without a single issue."
I only have one parent, and my mother is participating as a bishop of Haiden—not as family, but as an assistant to the ceremony's proceedings. Since the Archbishop is also serving as the representative for the ceremony, not only am I left to fend for myself, but I’m also expected to carry myself with the poise of a Haire Church bishop as a matter of course.
...The silent pressure of "If you mess up, the honor of the Haire Church will be dragged through the mud, but you wouldn't make a mistake like that, would you?" is what really gets to me.
I mean, I’ve built up enough experience as a bishop every single day to handle it, but I’ve never been the person actually getting married before. I could really use some support.
"I am in the same position as Bishop Enora. His Majesty, as well as my younger brother and sister, don't say anything in particular, but I’m sure they expect me to show the proper bearing of a princess and a general. However, this is my first wedding as well. On top of that, they’ve prepared a dress so magnificent that even I, a princess, have never seen its like. I’m truly grateful to have been born a woman, but that doesn't mean I’m not nervous."
So, Princess Stasia is nervous, too.
Well, that’s to be expected. It’s her first wedding. It’s impossible to tell someone not to be nervous.
"That said, we can't rehearse in the cathedral anymore, can we?"
"We're just too busy with the preparations. It would be great if we could find a way to practice somehow. Enora, do you know any good spots? How about renting out the Haire Cathedral?"
"The Haire Cathedral for a rehearsal? Don't be ridiculous. My head would roll for sure. Besides, if Mikos, who is so well-informed, doesn't know, how would I? What about you, Princess Stasia?"
"Unfortunately, I don't know of any such places, but... well, if I had to suggest one, perhaps the training grounds in the royal capital of Findar..."
"..."
Even including Solo, we all stared at her, thinking, *Surely not.*
"J-just kidding. I was really just joking!"
Seeing Princess Stasia’s eyes darting around, it was clear she had been suggesting it in earnest. Well, there’s no point in pointing that out.
"R-right. Solo, do you have any ideas?"
In the stifling atmosphere, Princess Stasia turned the conversation toward Solo. But...
"Eh? Me? I’m sorry, I’m not getting married, after all."
"But Solo, you have Eoid and Amanda, don't you? I hear you're quite close. Thinking about that, don't you ever think about weddings?"
That’s right. Just as Kagura said, Solo is close with Eoid and Amanda, and she might have some perspective on the matter.
"I think about it, but nothing concrete... Wait, that’s not the point, is it!? I certainly can't go around renting places for rehearsals."
"Tch."
It seems we couldn't use this as a pretext to pry into her progress. Or rather, there is no progress. I suppose she’s also being considerate of us.
"What’s with that 'tch'!? You were aiming for that, weren't you! Geez! Even if you tease me, a place to rehearse isn't just going to appear! Why don't you stop escaping from reality and think of something?"
"Guh!"
Solo’s retort was unexpectedly sharp. It was indeed an escape from reality. Still, a solution for the rehearsal didn't exactly pop into my head...
"Yahoo! How’s it going! I came to check on you all! How are things? The wedding is almost here! Is there anything you're worried about? I’ll give you all the advice you need!"
"..."
Hairen-sama suddenly entered the room, bright and cheerful.
...Should I be happy that our Goddess has appeared? I have a feeling that if we carelessly rely on her, it will cause a massive amount of trouble for Yuki.
The situation in Seasypho is in turmoil. And the pressure of the approaching wedding! With Goddess Hairen appearing on the scene, will the wedding actually go off without a hitch?