Chapter 823 - Chapter 8: The Weddings of the Class of 175
Under the blue sky, Beowulf's wedding ceremony was grandly held.
The officiant was Cadogan-sama. I also participated as an assistant.
Beowulf, wearing a wedding dress, shared a vow's kiss with Edward-sama in formal attire. The sight of the two, both large but with well-trained and lean physiques, standing side by side was truly a perfect match. It means Edward-sama's eyes were certain. It's a charming point that the officiant Cadogan-sama looks like a child.
Guests came from various nations of the White Island for the ceremony. However, because it was an emergency, each nation sent royalty or a prime minister instead of a king. Incidentally, for Sertogne, Yorg-sama and his wife came with the Sertogne Royal Family's congratulations in hand.
Priests in charge of epidemic countermeasures from various countries that were terrified by the faster-than-expected northward movement of the notorious Black Rot Disease, which is rampant around the Inner Sea, also came as guests. They must be pressing for magic water. Among those countries, some came from nations with which there had been almost no diplomatic relations. To deal with that, the various nations of the White Island also dispatched priests in charge of epidemic countermeasures. Behind the ceremony, it was as if it were taking on the aspect of the Great Unity Conference. Of course, the isolation facilities were in full operation, and I also participated. Applicants for attendance from the mainland had their first bathing and rat and parasite countermeasures in Harmonia on the opposite shore two weeks prior, and unless it was a ship that had finished that, they were not allowed to land in Primordia. And upon entry, a one-week bathing was made mandatory. Among the crew members, some were happy to bathe.
And it turned out that a large number of non-regulars of the Henry Party participated, and eventually even the regulars of the Henry Party participated. Furthermore, as the representative of Beowulf's family—in fact, Beowulf donated much of her dowry to the orphanage—who achieved the greatest social climb from the orphanage, even the Headmistress came and served as an assistant.
As a result, seven current heroes and five former heroes who are still alive were all gathered together.
In a sense, the people of Primordia surged at the most luxurious lineup that could be called a first for the White Island and celebrated grandly. With the melting of the snow, Black Rot Disease began its full-scale northward movement. For the people who were spending their days becoming gloomy with those rumors, it might have been just right to make a fuss and forget everything, including the approaching fear.
After the grand and magnificent wedding ceremony held at the Western Church, the bride and groom left the church and paraded down the main street to the Royal Palace.
I was able to watch from the guest seats along with Cadogan-sama and the church priests. Behind four knights leading the way and holding flags dyed with the crest representing the Primordia Royal Family, the bride and groom proceeded side by side like knights. When they came to the front, voices flew from the group in the guest seats. Edward-sama waved while laughing, and Beowulf followed suit. The group making the loud noise was likely the fishermen of the beach where Edward-sama usually participates in fishing, although they were wearing their best clothes, which were also worn out. A group of children being led by female priests were making a fuss. They might be orphanage students. Sianya said she had set up special seats.
Behind the two, the Kingdom Army cavalry proceeded in a row. From midway, soldiers with a heightened sense of tension followed. From their equipment, they were likely light cavalry, but they were somewhat irregular. They must be those who bear the duty of local defense. Since there is no status difference, there is no difference in the treatment of soldiers. And finally, the carriage carrying the King, the Queen, Sianya, and the two priest princes followed while being protected by the Royal Guard. Several bowls were flying overhead. A large number of people crowded the roadside, and many bouquets were being thrown in.
Although they are royalty, it's apparently rare to parade through the town like this for a wedding. I've attended several, but I've never experienced it. It must be an idea unique to the Liberation King.
After the wedding ritual and parade was the party. To be honest, it ended up being centered on topics like the Great Unity Conference. Everyone's concern was, after all, the Black Rot Disease, and I could hear the latest information, or rather, rumors.
I also moved in accordance with the bride and groom's exit midway. This was because a separate room had been prepared. The place Edward-sama went was the room for the fishermen, and the one Beowulf came to was our room. We called the spirits and were also with the princesses. Midway, the two switched and Edward-sama came, but he was turning pale as he was beckoned by Dune and Fiona.
After the ceremony, the two took up residence in the land newly given as the Crown Prince's territory. I heard from Sianya that it reportedly includes the beach where the bride and groom fought the sea serpent. It's a bleak memory no matter where you look, but it's calm now. From now on, the two will probably enjoy fishing together and have banquets with the fishermen using the catch as snacks.
And after the series of ceremonies ended, the two came to our farm.
"Now, we're going to start the wedding celebration for the three couples. To the future of the six of them, cheers!"
"Cheers!"
The banquet began with Beatrix's lead. It was, so to speak, the start of a private reception.
The wedding ceremonies for the three couples ended elsewhere. I was the only one who participated in all three wedding ceremonies of the Class of 175. Setting aside Beowulf, who married into royalty, in the cases of Mary and Matilda, it was because it was a state secret within Sertoria. The two said they wanted to do their jobs as they have until now until they become pregnant. They will reportedly attach apprentices in the name of handing over by then. For Matilda's apprentice, a dexterous person from the orphanage has already been chosen. Mary's successor is reportedly a secret. I'm sure someone under Magdalena-sama's influence is involved.
After the toast was the usual commotion of drinking and eating.
This time, three people—Beowulf's groom Edward-sama, Mary's groom Hughes-sama, and Matilda's groom the lecherous priest... no, Jones-san—newly joined as banquet companions. This time is the reception for the three of them. The Class of 175, the Associate Class of 175, and the Marcelo Company were naturally there, and not only Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, and Wilson-san, but also Magdalena-sama and Harris-sama, who have participated before, were there. Aira, Saxburg, and Sianya were also there. Among the ghosts, Fiona was natural, and the Wetlands Priestess and Erikson-sama were also there. There were also two Priestesses of the Ceiling—the one who finished the handover and now makes the ceiling glow, Egward-sama, and the one who switched with the priestess from a thousand years ago for special participation. And the usual spirits.
"I'd heard from Matilda, but this is amazing."
"Truly."
Jones-san and Hughes-sama were looking around curiously. They were with Sir Lewis and the bandits they usually use as subordinates. This time, it seems they are exempt from being lectured by Gnome. There's one more thing different from usual in the gathering of bandits. It's that Mary and Matilda, who are usually by someone from the Class of 175, are surrounded by a swarm of bandits.
As for Edward-sama, he is surrounded by royalty from various countries, excluding Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama. Well, I'm also in that group. He's also with the Class of 175, excluding Mary and Matilda. So, Dune, Mel, and Germana are also together. Fiona and the Wetlands Priestess are also together, and Keira, Violet, Serena, and Renata are also there. In other words, he's surrounded by the female group. Perhaps because of that, he's tense, straightening his posture, and receiving cup after cup that also serves as introductions from everyone. The opponents are spirits and ghosts. They're the lot who toast with barrels. Those guys are taking advantage of the fact that the opponent is seriously receiving the return cups and are making him drink more and more. They must be intending to get him dead drunk for fun. Edward-sama seems to have been made to drink quite a bit, and his face is red. Beowulf is by his side, sipping beer.
There's another group. It's a group centered on Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, Harris-sama, and Wilson-san, and members of the Marcelo Company are there. Salamander, Alex, and the Elf Prince are also there. Incidentally, the Priestess of the Ceiling is also there. Gnome is already asleep, having been made to drink until he collapsed. The people around are likely explaining the modern social situation to the Priestess of the Ceiling. She was shut in a hole for three thousand years. It seems she's gained conversation partners recently, but there must be a lot of gaps. She's listening happily.
"It's about time."
Matilda stood up.
Today, there are five people who participated in the banquet here for the first time. It's the customary awarding of badges.
"Everyone who participates in the banquet here is a friend. I look forward to working with you all in the future."
At Matilda's words, voices saying "I've been waiting for this" were heard. It must be Sir Lewis.
The first award was to the two Priestesses of the Ceiling. Both were dignified and introduced themselves without hesitation.
From the third person, it's the groom group. The first was Jones-san. She chose her own husband first. Well, if the star Edward-sama is to be awarded last, the second would be a hero, and the first would be a young man from the guard workshop. It's a difference in rank.
When Jones-san put the badge he received on his chest, he put his left arm around Matilda's shoulder as if to show it off to everyone. And he pointed at the badge with his right index finger.
"Nice to meet you!"
As expected, Matilda, whose face turned bright red, went wild. No, she tried to go wild. She tried to take Jones-san's arm that was around her shoulder and throw him over her back. But Jones-san didn't move. He was standing firm with his hips lowered solidly.
"You bastard!"
"Here, do your best! My beloved Matilda."
It's the situation Matilda hates most. It's in front of everyone. It was a big hit.
"Y-you! Don't mess around!"
Before she knew it, her right joint was taken or it was behind her back, and she couldn't move at all. She tilted her neck and tried to headbutt with the back of her head, but it was dodged. She tried to elbow with her free left hand, but it didn't reach. Jones-san is truly several levels above Matilda.
"D-damn it!"
"Are you giving up already? My beloved Ma... Ouch!"
Along with a shout, Jones-san arched his back grandly. He's pressing his buttocks with both hands.
"Now! Take that!"
Matilda, whose hands became free, threw him over her back all at once.
There was a painful-sounding thud, and Jones-san was thrown. Behind him, Hughes-sama is standing with a drawn knife.
"That's cruel, Hughes!"
Looking at him as he stood up while pressing his buttocks, it seems he was pricked with the knife.
"Mary told me to help Matilda."
"M-Mary?"
When I looked at Mary, she was waving with a smile. Hughes-sama blushed. As expected, Mary. She's already completely tamed the hero.
Mary also stood by for the awarding of the badge to that Hughes-sama. When she received the badge from Matilda, she put it on Hughes-sama's chest herself.
"This is my husband Hughes. Please look forward to working with both of us, including me, his wife."
Saying so, the two bowed their heads. The bandits broke into cheers. This is also amazing in its own way.
"That's nice. Something like that."
"S-shut up! You too, I put it on for you, didn't I?"
"Well, that's true. Thanks."
"O-oh!"
It's quite different from the other couple.
Now, after the opening act... excuse me... the star makes his appearance. Edward-sama, called by Matilda, stands up silently. Oh no, he's already dead drunk. He's swaying, and Beowulf is supporting him.
Matilda also must have thought it was bad, as she finished the awarding of the badge quickly after a rapid introduction.
"I am grateful for this."
He is staring intently at the badge placed on his chest.
"Then, as a word of thanks."
A word of thanks?
"Edward will sing the Hunter's Song!"
Oh no. Hasn't he already lost his sense of self?
For some reason, Germana is clapping. No, all the spirits are. Just what...
Edward-sama took a deep breath. Beowulf closes her eyes and covers her ears.
Oh no! This is dangerous!
"Everyone! Your ears..."
I hurriedly covered my ears and issued a warning, but a roar echoed before I could finish saying it.
Would a disaster be described as a situation like this...
Despite covering my ears by pressing my palms as hard as I could, perhaps because it was at extremely close range, my head is ringing and I feel dizzy. Stars flew before my eyes several times, but I managed to avoid fainting.
Edward-sama, who finished singing, perhaps having exhausted his strength, collapsed and was held by Beowulf, and just like that, he started snoring while having his head on her lap. He's somewhat like the Black Dragon Child from before.
When I looked around to see how everyone was, the Goblins were foaming at the mouth and had keeled over. The other spirits are, for some reason, fine. They are staring at Edward-sama with their backs straightened. When Germana clapped, they all started clapping at once.
"Amazing! Amazing! You're good!"
Mel says something unbelievable.
No, I didn't mean to say he was bad.
"It's been a long time since I've heard a song that resonates in the heart so much."
Even that Dune is praising him with a flushed face. And she said it's been a long time? Could it be there was someone like this before? Was the First King's voice also huge?
"He's got it! He's got it!"
Salamander started blowing fire toward the sky. I feel his body has become larger than before things started.
Gnome... you don't wake up even with that roar!
Looking at Little Serena and Glory running around saying "Yay, yay," it seems it was well-received by the spirits other than the Goblins.
As for the humans, those without immunity or those who were caught off guard have mostly fainted. The Henry Party regulars Wilson-san, Will, and Bonnie are fine. They must have covered their ears instantly. Harris-sama was completely caught off guard. One-third of the bandits are down. Those who are fine are also shaking their heads. It's impressive that Captain Lewis is fine.
Three princesses and one queen have fainted together. No, Magdalena-sama has her eyes slightly open, so she's pretending to have fainted. Ah, perhaps because our eyes met, she closed her eyes. Besides that, Matilda is completely keeled over and sleeping on Jones-sama's lap. Hughes-sama, who opened his eyes, is sleeping on Mary's lap. These two are taking advantage of the commotion. Beatrix had moved to a special seat in the very front for fun. Perhaps overwhelmed by the voice, she's keeled over as if blown away. Lyudmila seems to be tending to her, fixing Beatrix's disheveled clothes.
Ah, Henry-sama, as if it's now or never, put his head on Eleanor-sama's lap. Just what is he thinking.
"Jeanne, let's close for now. We'll do the rest as we please."
Beowulf said to me. The eldest Beatrix is still keeled over, and the second-in-command herself has the loud prince's head on her lap. It can't be helped. Normally I would nominate Magdalena-sama to close it, but she's pretending to have fainted. I guess I have to do it.
Class of 175 Management Scale (Excluding cash, jewels, etc., and personal assets)
・Shops: Main Shop (Nakanohara, Kingdom of Sertoria), Shop No. 2 (Village near the Sertoria border in eastern Regnentes), Shop No. 3 (Sertoria Royal Capital), Shop No. 4 (Flatlands), Temporary Shop (Primordia, Northern Gram), Shop No. 5 (Vectis Island), Shop No. 6 (Sertoria Royal Capital Downtown Shop), Shop No. 7 (Sertoria Royal Capital Magic Tool Shop), Autonomy of land equivalent to one village area in western Higashinohara (Conditional free loan: limited to developed areas)
・Right of Free Passage and Right of Free Commerce: Medioland, Regnentes, Finis, Northern Gram, Primordia, Engrio, Morandine
・Special Passage Permit: Primordia
・Fields: Eight fields (including buildings with farm functions)
・Livestock: Goats, sheep, pigs, a few
Chapter 33: End
Chapter 33 has concluded. Thank you very much for reading this far. And thank you for the bookmark registration, maintenance, evaluations, and likes.
In this chapter, three people got married. In Beowulf's case, I had given a clear foreshadowing, but for the other two, I only touched upon it very slightly. I wonder if anyone was able to predict it? I think Matilda in particular might have been difficult? How was it? Eh? It's not that kind of novel? Come to think of it, that's true. My apologies.
Now, regarding future postings. Normally, I put one interlude between chapters, but there isn't one this time. I will start posting Chapter 34... the final chapter, from Monday after the weekend. The posting frequency will be the same as before, three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 7:00. Since I have written over 90 percent at this point, I expect to be able to post until the end without rest. Please look forward to it.