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ESPR

Wedding Wars: For the May Bride · Chapter 12

Epilogue

Epindel

So... this is it.

Fufu, how curious.

It is the same toll I've heard every day in NOA. But it feels as if it's my first time hearing it.

Carmen

Haha, indeed.

It was nothing more than a signal for the day's end.

But it sounds different tonight. Don't you think?

It's almost like... a fanfare to bless a new beginning.

You:

Yeah, it does.

Like a wedding bell...

Priest

Err...

Carmen

Huh?

Epindel

Excuse me?

Priest

Th-the next step in order is receiving the calla wreath...

But there are two of you. Who will it be?

Epindel

Oh.

Carmen

Oh my.

You:

...

Epindel

A-ahem.

Captain? I do not mean to force a meaning into this wreath...

But as a small token to remember our f-faith...

Would you bestow it upon me? I-I believe it will be the perfect conclusion to this matter...

...What do you think?

You:

Um...

Carmen

...

Captain?

I would like to receive the wreath as your bride. Will you give it to me?

You:

Y-you don't beat around the bush, do you?

Epindel

What?!

Th-this is unfair! I want it as much as you do!

Carmen

Oh my, "unfair"?

After giving such a fine speech on being serious and being stubborn?

If you are playing modest right now, that can only be construed as your willingness to yield.

Epindel

...Urgh...!

C-Captain!

I-I want to have your wreath too!

As...

You:

Huh?

Epindel

As... your bride...!

I won't hide it anymore.

Yes, I know I may not be your first choice.

There could be someone as serious as I am, someone whom you have taken a liking to.

...But that doesn't mean I am willing to give up. Nor will I use that as an excuse to run.

With bold steps, at my own pace—

Excuse me, don't get in the way while I'm talking! This is a serious matter!

...! Y-you're touching him!

Carmen

Oh my, you've got some energy.

But this is a serious matter to me as well. The Captain and I have a LOT to exchange.

So, Captain? Should we continue? You know, the grown-ups' kiss.

Epindel

...Urrrgh!

Th-then I will also...

I-I can do it too... You'll see!

I am ready!

Captain, will you bow your head for a moment?!

Priest

Excuse me, we still need to decide who's going to receive the wreath...

Epindel

So? Captain...?!

Carmen

Who will you give it to?

You:

This wreath...!

You:

I give this wreath to...!

Fei

Oh, I heard. They say it was a rumor spread from a simple misunderstanding.

Haha, no matter. I fought with all my heart. It's just that luck wasn't on my side this time.

The Celestial Art is all about questioning the heavens. And this fight of mine was a form of questioning.

And I received my answer.

But more importantly, there is no need to cling to monogamy!

Petra

Ow, ow, ow... It hurts everywhere...

Petra's supple, porcelain skin is covered in scrapes... And my heart hurts too...

Marcille

Serves you right for charging head first into a fight!

You should know better! You can't just stomp off on your own when you know you can't win—

Petra

Nuh uh! Petra totally owned it!

I bet the Captain saw me shine! He'll probably remember me forever!

Tanya

Petra. Marcille. A letter.

It's from someone with a funny name.

Petra

Huh? This is...

A business proposal from Orlan?

Kyra

...Who are you?

An interview...? A newspaper?

The story about the Captain? About him and Kyra?

If this is going in the newspaper, I don't want you to twist any of my words. AboutwhathappenedlasttimeIrespectyourchoiceCaptainIknowyouhadalottoconsiderincludingpeopleandeverything-

-andKyra'snotsoselfishtonotknowthatbutgoingonaboutwhoyouchoseandstuffisn'trightanditmakesthingsharderforyoutoo—

...Oh, not that kind of story?

How I thought about... the festival?

...Kyra is busy making a dress. If you're here to waste my time...

Go away.

Frey

...Excuse me?

The Mayflower Festival... is above the fold in every newspaper?

Business inquiries about the next one are pouring in...?

...

Hehe. Hehehe. Hehehehe...

All right! Time to start planning next year's Mayflower Festival!

We'll include official uniforms, rules, and... oh! Let's not forget about branding!

Arms Dealer

My dear BFB... Don't worry...!

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity! We're getting investor calls from everywhere! It worked!

The repairs are almost done, and once I give you upgrades...

Ahh...! Even today, you look ravishing, my dearest BFB! Y-YOU'RE SO BEAUTIFUL I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO—

Bellaskiver Times Reporter

Aaaand, there. This will do. And the interviews went nicely.

It's perfect from start to finish!

This should be a good headline for the follow-up article.

The heiress of House Orlan and the Deputy Master of the Monastir Knights. Between the two, the Captain's choice was, surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly...

You:

...B-both.

Carmen

...Excuse me?

Epindel

I believe I heard something that shouldn't have been spoken...

You:

Y-you are both winners!

You:

Carmen, Epindel, you are both the May Bride...!

Epindel

...Forgive me for using harsher language.

But I hope you have the capacity to understand that there could be no worse decision.

Carmen

Oh my... I don't recall raising my dear Captain as an avoidant child.

...But on the other hand, it might not matter as much.

Epindel

Okay, so... wait... what?

Carmen

Hahaha. If that's what you're into, Lady Epindel and I can share.

Which do you prefer? Odd days, or even days?

Or... perhaps you prefer every day, together?

Epindel

Th-th-that is scandalous!

Carmen

Oh my, I thought you made a big leap forward, but it seems you are stuck in some of the old ways.

Epindel

What do you mean—

Bellaskiver Times Reporter

Excuse me, hold on a sec! Could you elaborate on that please?

So, does that mean you prefer a three-way ending?!

Epindel

What? Where did you come from?!

Bellaskiver Times Reporter

I was hiding behind the pulpit this whole time.

Because I'm a professional journalist who stops at nothing to grab the next big scoop!

Bellaskiver Times Reporter

...and with that, the Captain's declaration of polygamy brought this year's festival to a conclusion—

???

Knock, knock! Are you in there?

Bellaskiver Times Reporter

Who's that—

Omega

Hello, miss reporter!

Bellaskiver Times Reporter

Oh, you're that young lady I talked to!

Thanks, sweetie. Thanks to you, revenue from the Bellaskiver Times extras saw a 1,200 percent increase!

Omega

Hehe, that's nice! Was Omega helpful?

Bellaskiver Times Reporter

Of course you were! If you bring me more interesting stories, I'll trade them for candies, okay?

Oh, by the way, what brings you here? And how did you find this place?

Omega

Oh! You know...

Omega is here to "fix" a malfunctioning friend who bullied Mister!

Bellaskiver Times Reporter

Oooh, I see. You're here to help your friend!

...But why are you spinning your arm like that?

Omega

Repair...

Bellaskiver Times Reporter

Oh.

Omega

PUNCH!

The End

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