It’s Shuri here. I just had to give a piece of my mind to that ridiculously troublesome couple who are perfect for each other. Really, those two are like seashells. They just don’t fit with any other shells – they’re at that level where they’re only compatible with each other. And yet they kept dragging things out… Just get together already, you lovebirds! Oops, almost let my inner thoughts slip out there.
“Excuse me, waiter. Could I get some sake over here?” “Coming right up!”
I respond to the call and bring over the sake.
Currently, we’re right in the middle of Gungrave and Arius’s wedding ceremony. After finishing the hellish cooking preparations, serving arrangements, and selection of cups and plates, I’m now working as a waiter at the venue. The ceremony is being held in the great hall, with many guests in attendance. Yes, many, many guests. What’s unexpected is that important figures from surrounding villages, towns, and neighboring countries have come to this wedding. As expected of Princess Tevis Nouviche! Her name carries some serious weight! That’s right, it’s all thanks to Princess Tevis. Because invitation cards were sent out with her name on them, many people have come to this wedding. Well, there are some guests who look at Gungrave and Arius with resentful eyes as they greet people at the high table. But that can’t be helped. While Aeclys and Gyngus are going around explaining things, there are many people whose emotions haven’t caught up with their logical understanding. That can’t be helped either, as I keep saying. Gungrave suddenly appeared and took the position of lord. From now on, he’ll have to fight against that perception. He needs to make people understand that he didn’t snatch it from Aeclys and the others, but rather was properly entrusted with it after proving he could govern and bring prosperity. He needs to make them acknowledge that Aeclys and the others made the right decision.
“Things are going to be tough from here on out…” “Yeah, they sure will be.” “Whoa?!”
I nearly jump out of my skin when Kuuga suddenly appears next to me. When did he get there?!
“He’s got to turn public opinion in his favor. Has to prove himself through his governance. If war breaks out, he can’t fight like he used to – he’s got to think about protecting his people and securing benefits. There’s a mountain of work ahead.” “Yeah, there is… Ah, here’s your sake.” “Thanks for that.”
Kuuga takes the sake from me and downs it in one go. While I’m thinking “Wow, you’re quite the drinker,” someone grabs one of the sake bottles I’m holding.
“Shuri, I’ll take this one!” “Oh, even you, Tegue?”
Tegue also downs his sake in one go and lets out a burp. Come on, that’s bad manners. But Tegue couldn’t care less about others’ eyes on him. In high spirits, he puts his arm around my shoulder.
“Man, what a great day! Time to celebrate!” “Tegue, are you drunk?”
Looking more closely, his face has a slight cherry blossom tinge to it. Yep, the alcohol’s definitely hitting him.
“It’s fine to get drunk today! On such a joyous occasion, how could you not drink?” “I usually try to stop you, but… you’ve got a point there!”
I respond with a big smile. Indeed, on such a happy day, it would be wrong not to celebrate.
“Then, could I get a bit more sake?” “Ah, but I’d be in trouble if you got so drunk you passed out, so this is your limit.” “Eh?” “Have some water to clear your head first, then we can talk about more sake.”
I hand him the water I’m carrying. It’s fine to get drunk, but everything in moderation. As I watch Tegue taking small sips of water, someone approaches us.
“Excuse me. You’re Shuri, correct?”
Huh? Someone’s talking to me? When I turn to look, there stands a dignified-looking man. He’s slim with blonde hair and wearing a gentle smile.
“I’m sorry, but who might you be?” “Ah, perhaps this will help you understand. I’m the son of a concubine who ascended to the throne after a political upheaval caused by the pressure Nouviche put on us because of how we treated you all. My name is Fullbunir Arturia.”
What?! I nearly collapse from shock.
“Eh? From that Arturia? Related to that king and the idiot prince?” “Hahaha! That’s right. I’m the half-brother of that foolish brother and son of that father.” “W-what? What? WHAT?”
Why is someone from Arturia here? And there was a political upheaval that led to a change in the throne? And this man in front of me is now king? I’m so stunned I can’t find words. It seems Kuuga and Tegue beside me are equally shocked – Tegue’s drunken smile from earlier has completely vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
“So? What business do you have with us? Come to hold a grudge because your country got turned upside down?” “I came to express my gratitude.”
Huh?
“Thank you, truly. Thanks to you all, I was able to drive out that piece of trash and take the throne.” “…So you mean we caused even more chaos in your country-” “Don’t misunderstand. I’m not here with some dark intentions like wanting revenge for my brother’s misfortune or achieving my ambitions. I’m simply expressing genuine gratitude for giving us a legitimate reason to remove him when the country was being mismanaged under my foolish brother’s rule.” “Eh? Was the situation in your country really that bad?” “Yes, it was terrible.”
Fullbunir says with a hearty laugh.
“My brother was a hopeless fool. He was causing incidents in the city. He would have lost the throne sooner or later anyway.” “Ah, is that so…”
When I respond uncertainly, Fullbunir pats me on the shoulder.
“Since then, we’ve driven out the corrupt nobles and stabilized the country’s direction. It’s all thanks to you.” “I really didn’t do anything significant…” “No, no, I’ve heard all about it. How you used your connections with Nouviche while acting like a fool to corner my brother.” “Wait a minute, I didn’t go that far.” “No need to be modest. Thanks to that, Father gave up on my brother and passed the throne to me. I’m working with Father to develop the country. He also asked me to convey that he deeply regrets his actions during that audience.”
So it turned into such a big issue… I had no idea. Fullbunir takes one of the sake bottles I’m holding, takes a sip, and says
“My kingdom of Arturia will establish friendly relations with your country. That is our token of gratitude.” “Ah, I see…” “Well then, until we meet again, Shuri.”
With that, Fullbunir takes his leave. …Wait a minute, my actions shook up an entire country?!
“Well, that was quite something, wasn’t it?” “Yeah… I had no idea all that was happening in their country.” “Indeed…” “Excuse me for a moment.”
As we stand there dumbfounded, someone else calls out to us. Who is it this time? I turn to look and—
“It’s been a while.” “Good to see you all again.” “Eh? Hiryuu and Blitz?!”
Standing there are none other than Blitz, the Knight Commander of Orritor, and Hiryuu, the Imperial Guard Captain! Why are even these two here – the ones who lost to Kuuga in battle back then? I’m too shocked to speak, but Kuuga opens his mouth in my place
“What now? Are you here to hold some grudge—” “We have no grudges to hold. …Shuri, wasn’t it?” “Huh? Yes.” “Thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to repair my relationship with my brother.”
Hiryuu bows his head in gratitude. …What kind of thanks is this?
“Yes, my relationship with my brother has improved, and the relationship between the Knight Order and Imperial Guard is getting better too.” “It’s thanks to you. And thanks to Kuuga for crushing our arrogance.” “…I… see…”
I don’t even know what to say anymore. I just respond in a daze.
“Orritor will establish friendly relations with you all from now on.” “We came as representatives… Well then.”
With that, Hiryuu and Blitz take their leave. …That was quite the whirlwind. I never expected those two to show up suddenly. And I certainly never imagined that a political upheaval in Arturia would lead to the idiot prince being ousted and Fullbunir taking the throne to steer the country. Who could have predicted that?
“The world is surprisingly small, isn’t it?” “That it is.” “Sure is.”
The three of us speak in stunned voices.
“Shuri, since your actions caused all this, you’ll have to take responsibility someday.” “Eh?! This is my fault?!” “That’s right. This time, even I can’t defend you, Shuri.” “Even you too, Tegue?!”
Why are Kuuga and Tegue giving me such cold looks…! I want to hold my head in my hands with worry. All I did was act like a fool and cook. I have absolutely no idea how any of this led to such huge consequences…!
“Hahahaha. Shuri remains as oblivious as ever.”
The one who appears then is Princess Tevis. In her hand, she holds some of the food I prepared. She pats my arm while smiling broadly.
“Well, I suppose that’s just who Shuri is.” “Oh? Is that so? Tehe!” “That wasn’t a compliment.” “Wasn’t a compliment.” “It wasn’t a compliment at all.”
What?!
“W-well, putting that aside! Princess Tevis, did you perhaps invite all these people?” “Indeed, that’s correct. I used my name to invite them. Though some still declined even then.” “No, thank you so much for that. Thanks to you, Gungrave and Arius’s wedding could be held so grandly.” “Yes, yes, you should be grateful. It was quite troublesome – I even got a letter from Father scolding me for overstepping.”
I bow my head with an apologetic expression.
“I’m… I’m so sorry. I caused you trouble.”
The truth is, there were probably many people who wouldn’t have come without Princess Tevis’s name on the invitation. Even now, there are a few people who won’t even greet Gungrave and just glare at him with hostility. There’s even a tiny minority who look at Gungrave as if they’re appraising goods. Given that this many people came despite lingering resentment, Princess Tevis must have gone to considerable lengths to make it happen. When I apologize with that meaning in mind, Princess Tevis laughs and says
“Don’t worry about it. This is an advance investment.” “Advance investment?” “Yes. How Gungrave will govern from now on, and how you will be involved in that, Shuri. I believe that as long as you’re here, this land will prosper.” “Me?” “Yes, as long as you’re here. And I’m not talking about your cooking skills. You’ve already become an indispensable existence to Gungrave. With you involved in this territory through your cooking, I’m sure good results will follow. I simply invested in that potential.”
Investment, huh. I’m not really such an important person. I’m just an ordinary person who can cook. But being told it’s an investment actually makes me feel more at ease. If I thought Princess Tevis helped purely out of goodwill, I wouldn’t know what to offer in return or how to properly thank her. But if it’s an investment, I just need to show results worthy of that investment. Thinking of it that way makes it easier. We each have value to the other. Politics is complicated, but sometimes it can be quite simple too.
“In that case, I’ll show you results worthy of your investment. I’m sure Gungrave will too.” “Yes, that’s good. That’s exactly what I want to hear.”
Princess Tevis responds with a smile. Yes, that seems to have been the right answer.
“That aside, Shuri. This is delicious.”
Princess Tevis indicates the food I prepared for the wedding.
“What did you call this again? It was quite troublesome to transport since seafood spoils easily.” “Where I’m from, we call this grilled spiny lobster.”
Yes, what I prepared was grilled spiny lobster. I had to ask Princess Tevis to help transport it. Lobster spoils easily, you see… The ingredients this time are simple: just one spiny lobster. Place the lobster, cut in half, on aluminum foil made by Lill, and grill it. Be careful with the cooking time as it varies depending on size. Once it’s done, mix it with the lobster miso. Since some people might get tired of just that, I prepared various options: one with lemon butter sauce, one with grapefruit sauce, and one with mayonnaise and cheese.
“I think they’re all delicious… Mmm, very tasty indeed.”
Princess Tevis says this while continuing to eat the lobster. I’m so glad… she says it’s delicious.
“The lobster miso is good, and the meat is cooked just right with a nice texture. …Indeed, this is certainly worthy of being served at a wedding feast.” “That’s not the only reason I chose it.”
I look at the lobster as I speak.
“In my country, lobster dishes are considered good luck for weddings.” “…Oh?”
Princess Tevis listens intently with narrowed eyes.
“First, when lobster is boiled, it turns a vivid red color. This red color is said to have the power to ward off evil spirits.” “I’ve never heard that before.” “Well, that’s, you know. It’s kind of a niche thing.”
While Princess Tevis tilts her head at the word “niche,” my heart is pounding frantically. That was close. I almost gave myself away as someone from another world there. I need to be more careful.
“Um, there’s more. The shell looks like armor, making it a symbol of strength.” “Hmm.” “Finally. You notice how the lobster’s tail is always curved? That shape was likened to an elderly person, coming to symbolize longevity.” “I understand. It wards off misfortune that might befall the married couple, protects them from those who wish them harm, and continues to do so throughout their long life.” “Yes! That’s exactly it!”
I don’t know if that’s the correct interpretation, but it should be close enough. Better stick with it.
“I prepared this dish for those two with all these wishes in mind.”
I say this while looking at Gungrave and the others. The dignified groom, the beautiful bride. The people who accepted me as a companion when I came to this world. These two are now embarking on their marriage journey. For their happy future, to create a prosperous future. If I don’t celebrate this, I’ll never be able to repay my debt to them.
“Surely many difficulties await them in the future. There might be troublesome incidents, there might be sad times. …It may just be a small comfort, but if this dish can shine even a little light on their future… that’s what I’m hoping for.” “I’m sure it will. Most certainly.”
With those words, Princess Tevis takes her leave. …I really owe her so much. I can’t thank Princess Tevis enough.
“Well, now that I’ve sobered up, I’m gonna need some more sake!”
Tegue says this while putting his arm around my shoulder.
“Serious talk makes me tired!” “It wasn’t that serious…” “True enough. I’ve sobered up too. Shuri, bring us some more.” “…Well, I suppose I have no choice.”
I answer with a wry smile. Then I look at Gungrave. He’s speaking confidently with the guests who have come to greet him. I look at Arius. She’s standing proudly beside Gungrave, carrying herself admirably as a wife. When Gungrave notices me looking, he raises his hand slightly in acknowledgment. It feels like he’s saying thank you. I feel my heart swell with gratitude as I prepare to return to work.
May their future be blessed with good fortune. That’s my wish for them.
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Chapter 53
“Hmm, what a magnificent sight.”
It’s Shuri here. I just had to give a piece of my mind to that ridiculously troublesome couple who are perfect for each other.
Really, those two are like seashells. They just don’t fit with any other shells – they’re at that level where they’re only compatible with each other.
And yet they kept dragging things out… Just get together already, you lovebirds!
Oops, almost let my inner thoughts slip out there.
“Excuse me, waiter. Could I get some sake over here?”
“Coming right up!”
I respond to the call and bring over the sake.
Currently, we’re right in the middle of Gungrave and Arius’s wedding ceremony.
After finishing the hellish cooking preparations, serving arrangements, and selection of cups and plates, I’m now working as a waiter at the venue.
The ceremony is being held in the great hall, with many guests in attendance.
Yes, many, many guests.
What’s unexpected is that important figures from surrounding villages, towns, and neighboring countries have come to this wedding. As expected of Princess Tevis Nouviche! Her name carries some serious weight!
That’s right, it’s all thanks to Princess Tevis. Because invitation cards were sent out with her name on them, many people have come to this wedding.
Well, there are some guests who look at Gungrave and Arius with resentful eyes as they greet people at the high table. But that can’t be helped.
While Aeclys and Gyngus are going around explaining things, there are many people whose emotions haven’t caught up with their logical understanding. That can’t be helped either, as I keep saying.
Gungrave suddenly appeared and took the position of lord. From now on, he’ll have to fight against that perception.
He needs to make people understand that he didn’t snatch it from Aeclys and the others, but rather was properly entrusted with it after proving he could govern and bring prosperity. He needs to make them acknowledge that Aeclys and the others made the right decision.
“Things are going to be tough from here on out…”
“Yeah, they sure will be.”
“Whoa?!”
I nearly jump out of my skin when Kuuga suddenly appears next to me. When did he get there?!
“He’s got to turn public opinion in his favor. Has to prove himself through his governance. If war breaks out, he can’t fight like he used to – he’s got to think about protecting his people and securing benefits.
There’s a mountain of work ahead.”
“Yeah, there is… Ah, here’s your sake.”
“Thanks for that.”
Kuuga takes the sake from me and downs it in one go.
While I’m thinking “Wow, you’re quite the drinker,” someone grabs one of the sake bottles I’m holding.
“Shuri, I’ll take this one!”
“Oh, even you, Tegue?”
Tegue also downs his sake in one go and lets out a burp. Come on, that’s bad manners.
But Tegue couldn’t care less about others’ eyes on him. In high spirits, he puts his arm around my shoulder.
“Man, what a great day! Time to celebrate!”
“Tegue, are you drunk?”
Looking more closely, his face has a slight cherry blossom tinge to it. Yep, the alcohol’s definitely hitting him.
“It’s fine to get drunk today! On such a joyous occasion, how could you not drink?”
“I usually try to stop you, but… you’ve got a point there!”
I respond with a big smile.
Indeed, on such a happy day, it would be wrong not to celebrate.
“Then, could I get a bit more sake?”
“Ah, but I’d be in trouble if you got so drunk you passed out, so this is your limit.”
“Eh?”
“Have some water to clear your head first, then we can talk about more sake.”
I hand him the water I’m carrying. It’s fine to get drunk, but everything in moderation.
As I watch Tegue taking small sips of water, someone approaches us.
“Excuse me. You’re Shuri, correct?”
Huh? Someone’s talking to me?
When I turn to look, there stands a dignified-looking man. He’s slim with blonde hair and wearing a gentle smile.
“I’m sorry, but who might you be?”
“Ah, perhaps this will help you understand. I’m the son of a concubine who ascended to the throne after a political upheaval caused by the pressure Nouviche put on us because of how we treated you all. My name is Fullbunir Arturia.”
What?! I nearly collapse from shock.
“Eh? From that Arturia? Related to that king and the idiot prince?”
“Hahaha! That’s right. I’m the half-brother of that foolish brother and son of that father.”
“W-what? What? WHAT?”
Why is someone from Arturia here? And there was a political upheaval that led to a change in the throne? And this man in front of me is now king?
I’m so stunned I can’t find words. It seems Kuuga and Tegue beside me are equally shocked – Tegue’s drunken smile from earlier has completely vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
“So? What business do you have with us? Come to hold a grudge because your country got turned upside down?”
“I came to express my gratitude.”
Huh?
“Thank you, truly. Thanks to you all, I was able to drive out that piece of trash and take the throne.”
“…So you mean we caused even more chaos in your country-”
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not here with some dark intentions like wanting revenge for my brother’s misfortune or achieving my ambitions. I’m simply expressing genuine gratitude for giving us a legitimate reason to remove him when the country was being mismanaged under my foolish brother’s rule.”
“Eh? Was the situation in your country really that bad?”
“Yes, it was terrible.”
Fullbunir says with a hearty laugh.
“My brother was a hopeless fool. He was causing incidents in the city. He would have lost the throne sooner or later anyway.”
“Ah, is that so…”
When I respond uncertainly, Fullbunir pats me on the shoulder.
“Since then, we’ve driven out the corrupt nobles and stabilized the country’s direction. It’s all thanks to you.”
“I really didn’t do anything significant…”
“No, no, I’ve heard all about it. How you used your connections with Nouviche while acting like a fool to corner my brother.”
“Wait a minute, I didn’t go that far.”
“No need to be modest. Thanks to that, Father gave up on my brother and passed the throne to me. I’m working with Father to develop the country. He also asked me to convey that he deeply regrets his actions during that audience.”
So it turned into such a big issue… I had no idea.
Fullbunir takes one of the sake bottles I’m holding, takes a sip, and says
“My kingdom of Arturia will establish friendly relations with your country. That is our token of gratitude.”
“Ah, I see…”
“Well then, until we meet again, Shuri.”
With that, Fullbunir takes his leave.
…Wait a minute, my actions shook up an entire country?!
“Well, that was quite something, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah… I had no idea all that was happening in their country.”
“Indeed…”
“Excuse me for a moment.”
As we stand there dumbfounded, someone else calls out to us.
Who is it this time? I turn to look and—
“It’s been a while.”
“Good to see you all again.”
“Eh? Hiryuu and Blitz?!”
Standing there are none other than Blitz, the Knight Commander of Orritor, and Hiryuu, the Imperial Guard Captain!
Why are even these two here – the ones who lost to Kuuga in battle back then?
I’m too shocked to speak, but Kuuga opens his mouth in my place
“What now? Are you here to hold some grudge—”
“We have no grudges to hold. …Shuri, wasn’t it?”
“Huh? Yes.”
“Thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to repair my relationship with my brother.”
Hiryuu bows his head in gratitude.
…What kind of thanks is this?
“Yes, my relationship with my brother has improved, and the relationship between the Knight Order and Imperial Guard is getting better too.”
“It’s thanks to you. And thanks to Kuuga for crushing our arrogance.”
“…I… see…”
I don’t even know what to say anymore. I just respond in a daze.
“Orritor will establish friendly relations with you all from now on.”
“We came as representatives… Well then.”
With that, Hiryuu and Blitz take their leave.
…That was quite the whirlwind. I never expected those two to show up suddenly.
And I certainly never imagined that a political upheaval in Arturia would lead to the idiot prince being ousted and Fullbunir taking the throne to steer the country. Who could have predicted that?
“The world is surprisingly small, isn’t it?”
“That it is.”
“Sure is.”
The three of us speak in stunned voices.
“Shuri, since your actions caused all this, you’ll have to take responsibility someday.”
“Eh?! This is my fault?!”
“That’s right. This time, even I can’t defend you, Shuri.”
“Even you too, Tegue?!”
Why are Kuuga and Tegue giving me such cold looks…!
I want to hold my head in my hands with worry. All I did was act like a fool and cook.
I have absolutely no idea how any of this led to such huge consequences…!
“Hahahaha. Shuri remains as oblivious as ever.”
The one who appears then is Princess Tevis.
In her hand, she holds some of the food I prepared.
She pats my arm while smiling broadly.
“Well, I suppose that’s just who Shuri is.”
“Oh? Is that so? Tehe!”
“That wasn’t a compliment.”
“Wasn’t a compliment.”
“It wasn’t a compliment at all.”
What?!
“W-well, putting that aside! Princess Tevis, did you perhaps invite all these people?”
“Indeed, that’s correct. I used my name to invite them. Though some still declined even then.”
“No, thank you so much for that. Thanks to you, Gungrave and Arius’s wedding could be held so grandly.”
“Yes, yes, you should be grateful. It was quite troublesome – I even got a letter from Father scolding me for overstepping.”
I bow my head with an apologetic expression.
“I’m… I’m so sorry. I caused you trouble.”
The truth is, there were probably many people who wouldn’t have come without Princess Tevis’s name on the invitation.
Even now, there are a few people who won’t even greet Gungrave and just glare at him with hostility.
There’s even a tiny minority who look at Gungrave as if they’re appraising goods.
Given that this many people came despite lingering resentment, Princess Tevis must have gone to considerable lengths to make it happen.
When I apologize with that meaning in mind, Princess Tevis laughs and says
“Don’t worry about it. This is an advance investment.”
“Advance investment?”
“Yes. How Gungrave will govern from now on, and how you will be involved in that, Shuri. I believe that as long as you’re here, this land will prosper.”
“Me?”
“Yes, as long as you’re here. And I’m not talking about your cooking skills. You’ve already become an indispensable existence to Gungrave. With you involved in this territory through your cooking, I’m sure good results will follow. I simply invested in that potential.”
Investment, huh.
I’m not really such an important person. I’m just an ordinary person who can cook.
But being told it’s an investment actually makes me feel more at ease. If I thought Princess Tevis helped purely out of goodwill, I wouldn’t know what to offer in return or how to properly thank her.
But if it’s an investment, I just need to show results worthy of that investment. Thinking of it that way makes it easier.
We each have value to the other. Politics is complicated, but sometimes it can be quite simple too.
“In that case, I’ll show you results worthy of your investment. I’m sure Gungrave will too.”
“Yes, that’s good. That’s exactly what I want to hear.”
Princess Tevis responds with a smile. Yes, that seems to have been the right answer.
“That aside, Shuri. This is delicious.”
Princess Tevis indicates the food I prepared for the wedding.
“What did you call this again? It was quite troublesome to transport since seafood spoils easily.”
“Where I’m from, we call this grilled spiny lobster.”
Yes, what I prepared was grilled spiny lobster.
I had to ask Princess Tevis to help transport it. Lobster spoils easily, you see…
The ingredients this time are simple: just one spiny lobster.
Place the lobster, cut in half, on aluminum foil made by Lill, and grill it. Be careful with the cooking time as it varies depending on size.
Once it’s done, mix it with the lobster miso.
Since some people might get tired of just that, I prepared various options: one with lemon butter sauce, one with grapefruit sauce, and one with mayonnaise and cheese.
“I think they’re all delicious… Mmm, very tasty indeed.”
Princess Tevis says this while continuing to eat the lobster.
I’m so glad… she says it’s delicious.
“The lobster miso is good, and the meat is cooked just right with a nice texture.
…Indeed, this is certainly worthy of being served at a wedding feast.”
“That’s not the only reason I chose it.”
I look at the lobster as I speak.
“In my country, lobster dishes are considered good luck for weddings.”
“…Oh?”
Princess Tevis listens intently with narrowed eyes.
“First, when lobster is boiled, it turns a vivid red color. This red color is said to have the power to ward off evil spirits.”
“I’ve never heard that before.”
“Well, that’s, you know. It’s kind of a niche thing.”
While Princess Tevis tilts her head at the word “niche,” my heart is pounding frantically.
That was close. I almost gave myself away as someone from another world there. I need to be more careful.
“Um, there’s more. The shell looks like armor, making it a symbol of strength.”
“Hmm.”
“Finally. You notice how the lobster’s tail is always curved? That shape was likened to an elderly person, coming to symbolize longevity.”
“I understand. It wards off misfortune that might befall the married couple, protects them from those who wish them harm, and continues to do so throughout their long life.”
“Yes! That’s exactly it!”
I don’t know if that’s the correct interpretation, but it should be close enough. Better stick with it.
“I prepared this dish for those two with all these wishes in mind.”
I say this while looking at Gungrave and the others.
The dignified groom, the beautiful bride.
The people who accepted me as a companion when I came to this world. These two are now embarking on their marriage journey.
For their happy future, to create a prosperous future.
If I don’t celebrate this, I’ll never be able to repay my debt to them.
“Surely many difficulties await them in the future. There might be troublesome incidents, there might be sad times.
…It may just be a small comfort, but if this dish can shine even a little light on their future… that’s what I’m hoping for.”
“I’m sure it will. Most certainly.”
With those words, Princess Tevis takes her leave.
…I really owe her so much. I can’t thank Princess Tevis enough.
“Well, now that I’ve sobered up, I’m gonna need some more sake!”
Tegue says this while putting his arm around my shoulder.
“Serious talk makes me tired!”
“It wasn’t that serious…”
“True enough. I’ve sobered up too. Shuri, bring us some more.”
“…Well, I suppose I have no choice.”
I answer with a wry smile.
Then I look at Gungrave. He’s speaking confidently with the guests who have come to greet him.
I look at Arius. She’s standing proudly beside Gungrave, carrying herself admirably as a wife.
When Gungrave notices me looking, he raises his hand slightly in acknowledgment.
It feels like he’s saying thank you.
I feel my heart swell with gratitude as I prepare to return to work.
May their future be blessed with good fortune.
That’s my wish for them.
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