kscans

Chapter 160 - The Baton of Happiness

"Mireille, congratulations on your wedding."

It was the day Mireille, whom she had watched over since she was a little girl, was finally marrying Leonhard.

"Master... No, to me, both you and Darius-san were like my real mother and father. Thank you for raising me all this time. I will absolutely be happy. You two must be happy too."

At those words, Ariel couldn't help but shed tears.

"Hey now, makeup runs with tears, you know," Darius said in a fluster.

Ariel, who had been a perfect noblewoman until just the other day, was still not used to makeup and rubbed her tear-streaked face, making a terrible mess of it. Mireille had been on the verge of crying with her, but seeing that face, she couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Oh, Master."

Mireille's finger was scheduled to be adorned with a wedding ring set with a small Moonshadow Stone, to go with her Moonshadow Stone engagement ring, one that wouldn't get in the way of daily life. This was something Leonhard had made under Darius's guidance. The unfamiliar work had given Leonhard trouble with the sizing, but it was a special ring made just for Mireille.

The two were holding their wedding at a small church in Adrian's marquisate. Ariel, her makeup fixed, would walk down the aisle with her.

"Absolutely do not cry, and even if you do, don't rub it," Darius had told her, and Ariel nodded vigorously.

Leonhard, waiting at the altar, gazed at Mireille with gentle eyes.

At the sight of Mireille, perfected by her wedding dress and makeup, Leonhard was at a loss for words.

"Wow, she's too cute... what am I going to do, me?"

Though he looked as smart and princely as ever, the pure hearted man was bright red as he tried his best to convey his feelings.

"I'm happy if it makes you happy, Leonhard."

Mireille, also bright red, placed her hand on Leonhard's arm.

Ariel was relieved. She had caused them trouble, but if the two of them were happy, then it was all for the best. The little Mireille was now leaving her hand to find happiness with Leonhard.

(I'll be happy too, you'll see. Leonhard-san, please take care of her.)

Swearing this in her heart, she passed the baton to Leonhard.

The two exchanged rings, vowed their love before God, and shared a kiss.

At the end, amid a shower of rice, the thrown bouquet naturally landed in Ariel's hands. Seeing the two looking so happy, Ariel's tear ducts loosened once again.

"Since when did my princess become such a crybaby?" Darius laughed. He was happy that the expressionless Ariel who had bought Mireille with money had, through raising a child, made her past memories her own and learned to have emotions.

"It's our turn next. I'd like to get married as soon as tomorrow if I could."

Adrian was helping out, and since it was to be a marriage backed by the royal family, the preparations would be extensive, but their own ceremony was also drawing near.

"You're right, I'd like to get married tomorrow too," Ariel murmured, watching Mireille and Leonhard's happy state.

"Oh? So Ariel's a woman after all. Have you started to long for a ceremony like this?" Darius smiled, but Ariel shook her head, looking troubled.

"That's not it. I think I'm pregnant with your child. We have to hurry, or don't nobles suspect infidelity?"

Darius was stunned and instinctively placed a hand on Ariel's abdomen.

"Eh? Eh??"

He had too many reasons to believe it... No, he was too happy for his mind to catch up. Why are you telling me this now! You should have told me sooner!

First, they had to get married, even if it was just in name, tomorrow. He had to report to Adrian and his father... No, first he needed to get confirmation from a physician.

Ariel stared blankly at Darius's panicked state. That's right. From Ariel's perspective, before it was 'I bought her, so I'll raise her,' and now it's 'A child was made, so we'll raise it'! This is serious!!

And so, Darius and Ariel's happy marriage and new parenting story was about to begin.

The End