Published: August 1, 2025
The priest and my father were smiling brightly, while the bride and groom were both flustered.
“What are you two embarrassed about? Since this is a love marriage, surely you’ve already shared one or two kisses by now.”
“Well, um, that is…”
“Uh… not yet, or rather, it doesn’t count.”
“What’s this, so innocent. When I was young, noble men and women would—”
“Anyway, we can’t finish the wedding ceremony without this, so please, your highness.”
“I-I know that, but still…”
“Oh, I see, it’s awkward with me around, huh? Then I’ll excuse myself. You two, take your time.”
“Wait, Father, actually having you here helps me relax. If anything, it might be better to call back the Granado Castle folks and have everyone cheer us on—that way, it’ll be more like our usual vibe.”
“Your highness, unlike an engagement ceremony, a wedding isn’t meant to be a boisterous event with spectators. You just need to make your vow before God, so please hurry up and smoosh those lips together.”
“Priest, you’re kind of rushing us, aren’t you?”
“I’m just eager to get home and have a drink.”
“You smelly monk.”
“That’s right, let’s just get it over with quickly.”
“Even Anastasia...!”
As often said, women tend to make up their minds faster in these situations. Anastasia was already composed, wearing a calm expression. Prompted by the priest, she faced me and let her hands fall laxly.
…Defenseless, the bride waiting for the groom’s kiss. I held my breath and reached out with both hands, gripping Anastasia’s shoulders. Her delicate shoulders were slightly cold and sweaty.
She must be nervous after all. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes… no, she didn’t.
Her eyes were wide open, almost glaring at me.
I half-closed mine.
Still holding her shoulders, I murmured in a low voice.
“...Hey.”
“What? Just get on with it.”
“Normally, people close their eyes at a time like this. It kind of kills the mood.”
“That’s because if I shut my eyes in front of you, I don’t know what you might do.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? I won’t do anything. Well, obviously I’ll kiss you—it’s a wedding. Why so suspicious?”
“I don’t really trust you yet.”
“Why not? You like me, don’t you?”
“Yeah, well, if I had to say like or dislike, I do like you. But getting married is more like... a spur-of-the-moment thing? Kind of?”
“Really? I’m going to cry.”
“No, I really don’t dislike you. But if you ask if I love you enough to get married, that’s a bit hard for me to say. We weren’t dating before this. I’ve never been married.”
“Me neither. If I suddenly back out now, I’ll probably cry out loud.”
“That sounds kind of funny, I’d like to see that.”
“Stop it, don’t be mean.”
“You stop it too. If we keep joking around like usual, the mood’s really going to vanish. It’ll just make me more embarrassed…”
Anastasia turned her face away and stepped back. I grabbed her arm and pulled her close.
“You’re not getting away. No restarts allowed. Whether it’s fate or calculation, I don’t care. I’ll take advantage of goodwill if I have to—I will absolutely make you mine.”
“…Saying that in front of God might be a little bit scandalous, don’t you think?”
“Because it’s in front of God. I’ve decided not to lie anymore.”
I looked steadily into her eyes and stated it firmly. I think at that moment, my face was serious, maybe a little intimidating.
I didn’t have the energy to put on a mask of a smile, and I felt I shouldn’t.
Perhaps because it was so rare, Anastasia laughed.
A light, unladylike chuckle.
“I don’t know if I love Ruifeng enough to want to marry him, to love him faithfully in sickness and in health without change—but… right now, I love you very much.”
“...I’ll do my best so you’ll love me even stronger and forevermore.”
“Please, take care of me.”
Like inviting me to a nearby restaurant, Anastasia extended one hand.