Published: August 2, 2025
Today, three chapters are updated simultaneously.
This is the second chapter of the story.
“Lord Ryoma!”
Just after managing to calm the commotion at the Adventurers' Guild and returning to the Duke’s household mansion, I was stopped by the head maid, Mr. Alone, who had an unusually serious expression.
“What’s the matter?”
“There’s a bit of an issue regarding Luluneze’s ceremony… I’m sorry to bother you right after your return, but could I have some of your time?”
“If I can be of help, of course.”
I didn’t know what had happened, but I followed Mr. Alone nonetheless.
Soon, I heard female voices—actually, many voices.
“—Ra! ——————desu!”
“No! Absolu———tely not!”
“—No? ————Her hair is—”
…It sounded like they were arguing about something…
“Those girls… I apologize for this unsightly scene.”
Saying that, Mr. Alone energetically flung open the door from which the voices were coming.
“You all! What nonsense are you making? I can hear you even down the hallway!”
The women’s voices fell silent instantly.
But at the same time, Mr. Alone’s expression stiffened.
“Madam! You’re here?”
Apparently, the madam had joined without Mr. Alone’s knowledge.
“Hello~”
“Oh, Ryoma-kun! You’re back.”
“Good work. I heard there’s something to discuss about the wedding ceremony. Is now a good time?”
“Of course. Come here.”
“I’ll prepare some seats.”
“And some tea.”
“I’ll get some sweets as well.”
The gathered maids busily moved about, and the previously awkward atmosphere faded away. Then, the meeting was restarted properly.
“Mr. Alone, you said you wanted to consult me?”
“A bit about the wedding venue. It’s about this…”
She handed me five sheets of paper I recognized.
They were the design sketches I had drawn up for reference at last night’s meeting.
Though I myself had no connection, nearly all of my classmates in their late thirties were married.
I often received invitations or wedding photos and had written down what I remembered.
I thought my ideas had been fairly well received, but…
“Those drawings inspired others to come forward with various suggestions.”
The list she handed me next was full of proposals like “Could we have this part like this?” or “Wouldn’t it be better if this area were adjusted?”
“In the end, I want Lord Ryoma, who will be in charge of production, to separate what is possible to make and what isn’t.”
“Understood.”
Installing the wedding bells in the bell tower—possible if there is space.
Laying stone pavement at the venue—also possible.
Decorations on walls and pillars—possible, but depending on quantity and materials, it might make it hard for guests to see the ceremony.
…
“…Alright. Mr. Alone, we’re done.”
“Thank you. I’ll summarize the venue requests based on this.”
There were many questions, but the basics were set.
At this rate, construction should start tomorrow.
“Good work, Ryoma-kun.”
“Thank you…?”
Checking the list of suggestions, more time had passed than I expected.
The faces of the servants in the room had changed significantly since I arrived.
The only ones unchanged were Mr. Alone and the madam.
“How long has it been?”
“About two hours, I guess. Want something to eat?”
“Thank you, but I had some sweets during the break.”
By the way, why was the madam here?
When I asked, the madam unusually smiled.
“Because an unwanted guest was suddenly coming, I was evacuated here.”
“…So there really are such people.”
“That’s right…”
I was curious about what kind of person, but the madam looked uncomfortable, so I changed the topic.
“That must be tough. Are you tired from dealing with guests every day?”
“Yes… it’s my duty, so I have no choice. But I want to go to a hot spring.”
“You like hot springs?”
“Do you know that my father-in-law has a domain in the Fire Dragon Mountain Range?”
“Oh, I heard that from branch chief Taylor. Long ago, he contracted with a divine beast and received various rights and rewards.”