Chapter 347: Elven Ceremony
「The marriage of Iruma-dono and Sophia-dono of the Sylphide family is joyous even for Yggurle Kingdom. The Elven race have a tendency to look down upon other races. Therefore, I believe it is well known that our diplomacy and trade with other countries often do not fare well. However, because the Great Spirits had manifested in the Sanctuary, we had begun working more and more with Valkyra Kingdom and Lomaria Kingdom, and trade had flourished. The significance of the marriage between the Human Iruma-dono and Elf Sophia-dono is enormous here.」
「Haa……」
「So from our country, aside from Princess Mimir, we think we would like it if King Forselty and I could also attend Iruma-dono and Sophia-dono’s wedding.」
It felt like he was going to say something troublesome. And just as I thought that and heard what he said, sure enough, it was. I thought it was suspicious because his intro was so longwinded. Wait, what does he mean <em>he thinks</em> they’d like to attend. Normally only the invited get to attend, don’t they? Is it different in this world?
「From Valkyra Kingdom, Lord Volton and Lord Rockford would attend at the very least. If so, I believe our attendance would be of no issue as well.」
Ahh, so it really was that kind of request, huh? Of course it would be. But I couldn’t refuse it if I consider Dante-san’s situation.
Thinkin so, I nced in Sophia’s direction and she nodded while looking sullen.
「<em>Haa</em>, we have yet to decide on the schedule or venue, so we will send a written invitation at a future date.」
Inadvertently sighing deeply, I agreed to inviting the people from Yggurle Kingdom to the wedding. It couldn’t be helped.
「Ohh, that is much appreciated. I can face His Majesty now. Also, Iruma-dono, this is another request, but could we ask you to hold the ceremony in the Sanctuary?」
「<em>Ummm</em>, could you tell me the reason why?」
Look, there was yet another bothersome topic. The Prime Minister, the eldest of the Elven race, wouldn’t have gone out of his way to a Chevalier’s residence only for the King to attend the wedding ceremony.
「I believe Sophia-dono knows, but when Elven nobility perform a wedding ceremony, they swear their future at the base of the World Tree. Certainly, Iruma-dono is not a noble and Sophia-dono had left her position in nobility as well, so it is not necessary to adjust to our style, but could you hold the ceremony in an environment where you are able to receive the blessings of the Spirits? For us, it is preferable to hold the ceremony at the base of Yggurle Kingdom’s World Tree, but we are not a monolith either. You must cast away any possibility of all sorts of disturbances and unforeseen situations from urring. As such, thend that receives the blessings of the Spirits, the Sanctuary, is the only option.」
The Spirits’ blessings, huh…… it seems this will be extravagant again. The Sanctuary’s band is also eager……
「<em>Haa</em>, I can’t give a definite promise yet, but aside from Princess Mimir, please only be the three, namely King Forselty and the Queen, Prime Minister Balza, and the bare minimum escorts please. If the ceremony will be held in the Sanctuary, it is absolutely necessary to consult with the Great Spirits, after all.」
「Ohh! His Majesty would be delighted when I tell him the news. There will be no issue in rtion to the personnel. We must not cause trouble to the Great Spirits. If we were to let a fool from our party enter the Sanctuary, it would affect the prestige of Yggurle Kingdom whom revere the Spirits.」
Freesia-san looked apologetic. Now I couldn’t refuse. I stand no chance against a person who has lived for several hundreds of years.
After that, I don’t remember what I ate.
Dante-san was still in a bad mood, though it was directed only at me, Balza-dono was in a good mood at having been able to do aplish his goal without problems and was even chatting during the meal……
「Takumi-sama, I’m truly sorry.」
Sophia kept bowing her head in apology when we came back into the guest room.
「Sophia, you don’t need to apologize.」
「Yeah. If we had refused there, Sophia-san’s mom and dad would have been troubled.」
Maria and I assured Sophia that it wasn’t her fault. In reality, considering the standing of Sophia’s family, I had no option to refuse.
「Moreover, I think this is an opportunity to invite Dante-san and Freesia-san into the Sanctuary.」
「Which reminds me, Sophia-san, you have a brother, don’t you?」
When Akane mentioned it, I remembered. I heard that the Sylphide family’s eldest son, Sophia’s younger brother, had joined the Chivalric Order in the Royal Capital.
「I’d like to invite Darphy, but I am unsure for how long he could leave the order.」
So he’s called Darphy. Sure, if he’s in the Chivalric Order which protects the Royal Capital, then it might be hard to take days off just like that.
「<em>Fuah</em>~, Master, can Kaede go sleep already~?」
「You can go sleep for the night.」
「Okay~ Good night~」
Kaede yawned loudly and sounded sleepy. Ever since entering Yggurle Kingdom, she had been on Tsubaki’s back and was on the lookout.
Lulu-chan and Akane-chan also left together, over to the next room provided to us.
「Should we all head to bed earlier than usual?」
「Indeed. We do have to leave early in the morning tomorrow.」
Sophia said so and left the guest room. Dante-san wouldn’t approve of Sophia and I sleeping in the same room, after all.
That day, I went to bed alone for the first time in a long time. It’s not like I’m lonely or anything.
***