'I had a conversation with Imelda yesterday about .......'
'Who's the one with the gouged tits?
Estella, sitting across from me, slams the table.
...... Why are you only picking up on that? I told you everything.
'You're talking nonsense in my absence, ......!
'I'm sorry. Next time, I'll include you in the discussion about how to deal with gouged breasts.
'I don't want you in the mix!I'm not ............ gouged!
Estella was banging on the table as if she was a thug who had come to harass the sunshine pavilion. I'll have you banned, Kola.
I'm sure there are a few feelings between you and the beastmen, but they have nothing to do with ...... the 42nd district. I don't like that kind of thing.
'That's true. The people of District 42 are all good people, so I don't think there's any reason to discriminate against anyone.
Next to me, Jeannette smiles warmly.
After talking to Imelda yesterday, I decided that it would be a good idea to talk to them as well, so I decided to tell the members of the sunlit pavilion about the conflicts between the races.
Ginette and Estella. And then there's Magda and Loretta.
It might not be a good idea, but I thought that the members of the Sun Goddess Pavilion would not cause any strange friction. They would understand if I told them, and they would be angry if I tried to hide or hold back.
'But you know, Jeannette. There used to be slum discrimination here too.'
'Oh, ...... yes, there was .......'
'Oh, sir!Don't look at me like that, Mr. Manager!I'm sure you'll be happy to know that your brother and sisters are doing well and enjoying themselves, so you don't have to worry about anything anymore!
Ginette's expression clouded, and Loretta, who was involved in the incident, followed up.
They've already put it behind them, and they're completely satisfied. Her younger siblings, too, are not affected by the darkness, thanks to their innate cheerfulness and positive thinking.
They have come to understand each other, and the past has been cleared up.
However, it seems that the discriminatory side is not so easy to deal with. ......
Norma, for example, still suddenly shows concern for Loretta and her siblings.
It may not be sympathy, but it makes him feel like he can't leave them alone.
I think that this will eventually turn into the word "compassion".
In that sense, Ginette may be a little too concerned.
She cares for Loretta so much that she makes Loretta care for her.
For better or worse, he is too close to the heart of the other person.
'Loretta's right, Jeannette.
The darker Jeannette looks, the heavier Loretta's heart becomes.
It could create a negative spiral.
I have to get rid of the weight on Ginette's mind.
'That past was definitely there. That fact doesn't go away. But ......'
I turn to Ginette and give her my most refreshing smile.
'In Loretta's opinion, it's more 'delicious' that way!
'I'm not looking for that kind of comedy, we're brother and sister!
'Oh, why not?
'No, no, no!Please wait a minute! You like that kind of thing, don't you?
You really like to be played with.
'That's right, Jeannette.'
I was just trying to help her, but she protested, 'Mm-hmm! Estella calls out to Ginette while Loretta protests.
'What is important is not what happened in the past, but how you will live in the future.
'The future is .......'
'The Beastmen are all positive and pleasantly refreshing people, aren't they? We can build a bright future together with them. I think that's what we should be thinking about the most.
Even though she said that, she doesn't think she has to do anything, and Estella is generously investing in New Town.
She is helping Loretta and the others as much as she can to make their lives easier.
That's not all. District 42 has a number of systems to create a comfortable environment for the Beastmen.
I believe that all the beastmen in this city are alive and well because of the efforts of their lords.
'I believe in them, and I'm sure they do too. There's no need to feel guilty about it, and it's okay to be normal as usual.
Humans and beastmen are different.
We all know that. They look different, and their powers and other physical abilities are too different.
But ......
'Because we, Magda, Loretta, and all the other beastmen, are human beings.
The same ningen.
Residents of the same forty-two districts.
That's Estella's idea of the 42nd district.
I think it's a very agreeable way of thinking.
If I may say so, I rather like it.
'Yes. That's right. We're all the same.'
Jeannette's stiff expression changes to her usual soft one.
I think I should put in a word or two to set the mood.
'That's right, Jeannette. In the forty-second district, breasts and gashes have equal rights to live!
'Yes, that's right!It's not limited to this ward!
'Oh, I'm sorry. If you're hurting, can you please shut up?
'Don't be racist!I'm not ............ gouged!
Oh, great. Equal rights for all.
What a peaceful world we live in.
Hmm?"Four classes"?
That's right. You're one of the four classes: bombed, big, poor, and poor. After that, there's "nothing" and "gutted." But in the wonderful 42nd district, even those won't be discriminated against.
Wonderful, indeed.
'......,' you say.
After defining the problem and softening the atmosphere, I cut to the chase.
'I'd like to make Theron and Wendy's marriage more exciting.'
'I see. ...... So you want to remind people that marriage between humans and beastmen is a normal thing.'
The perceptive Estella fills in my words.
There's nothing wrong with marriage between humans and beastmen institutionally. But even in the 42nd district, where there is little discrimination, there are no couples of humans and beasts that I know of.
Perhaps my subconscious mind is making a selfish assumption somewhere.
Marriage between different species is wrong.
Even in Japan, most people are hesitant about international marriages even if they have no intention to discriminate. It may be said that it is a habit to seek a spouse of the same species for some reason.
My personal power is not so great. I know that, and I don't bemoan it. I can only do what I can do. It's natural.
There's nothing I can do to improve that subconscious that's been ingrained for so long.
I'm sure even a spirit god can't overturn the values of every human in this country.
The most I can do is to have a small effect on those who are within my reach.
But I should be able to do something like that.
Just as Loretta and her siblings were able to blend into the 42nd district.
Like Assunto and Use and the rest of us can laugh about stupid things.
If you're desperate, you might be able to ...... make things right by taking care of a relationship that you've assumed to be incompatible.
I'm willing to put in the effort to do that.
If Magda or Loretta ever falls in love with someone for real, they won't have to worry about such trivial things.
And if I can get some extra profit out of it, that's great.
With a little work, I might be able to create a system that will bring customers back to the Sunken Pavilion. No, I'm sure you can.
That's why I've decided to hold another big event.
'I'm going to hold a big wedding.
'A wedding ...... is something that the nobility would do, is it not?
From the reactions on the web, it seems that weddings, like marriage proposals, are something that only aristocrats do.
It is necessary to confirm the current status of marriage for ordinary people.
I asked Ginette about it before, but I want to know more specifically.
'Hey, Estella. How does marriage work in this town?
'Huh?It's a matter of submitting the documents to the lord and making a vow to the spirit gods. ......'
'Just the two of you?'
'A priest or sister will be present.
'What about family?
'...... Why would my family be there?'
This is Estella's reaction.
It seems to me that in this world, marriage means little more than something between two people.
When you come of age, you are on your own. It's natural to leave home.
Ordinary people who do not hold titles may not feel threatened by the breakup of their families.
'In my hometown, two people who are to be married take their marriage vows in front of the gods, and their families and friends are there. It's quite a sacred and beautiful thing. The two people who are about to become husband and wife are dressed in immaculate white outfits,......, especially the bride's wedding dress, which is beautiful and the object of women's desire.
'Is that a pure white dress ......?'
Ginette's big eyes sparkled. 'That's a good bite.
'I imagine it's ...... very ............ beautiful.'
With an enraptured look on her face, Jeannette lets out a sigh of 'hmm ......'.
You can find a lot of people who are interested in this type of product.
'I like the red one better. I like the red one.
'What, Loretta? Are you going to move three times as fast?
'What?I'm not sure. ......?
'Are you the Red Comet?
'No, I'm not!
The wedding dress should be white.
'But you're nervous, aren't you? Taking an oath in front of your family and friends.
Estella's cheeks tinted slightly, and she smiled shyly.
'Even though it's going to be recorded in the Conversation Record,' she said.
'What ...... Conversation Record?
I see.
When you get married here, your vows and such are recorded in the Conversation Record, right?
'That means ...... if you're unfaithful or something ......'
'I'll be a frog in no time.
Scary!
Marriage, scary!
More than anything, Estella's smile right now is really scary!
'Hey, Yashiro. What you just said about 'infidelity' is ............ for example?
'Scary, scary, scary!Don't look at me with that smile!Don't come near me!It's just a metaphor!
'I hate men who still think that noblemen can have polygamy.
'That's right!Love is beautiful because it's single-minded, right?So can you please step away from me?That smile scares me so much!
The perfect smile you've seen in your dreams is approaching you with such force that it's almost as if it's going to sink into your cheek. ...... This guy, if you make this your special move, you can easily drop him in the middle of the city, can't you?
In the meantime, what we know is that if you have an affair in ...... this city, you're going to see blood. ............ Well, cheating or not, it's none of my business. I don't have a specific partner.
'So, big brother!What exactly is the wedding in your hometown?
'...... Magda would also like to hear a few details.'
The two girls are interested in the wedding and give us excited looks.
I guess even they are longing for marriage.
I'll have to try my best to make the best wedding that won't ruin their dreams.
'First of all, the friends who have gathered here are going to give us a lot of money for the celebration.
'Are you suddenly talking about money?
Idiot, Estella!
That's the main purpose of the celebration!
I'll ask them to give me 50,000 or so and give me a commemorative phone card of the bride and groom as a gift. You'll be able to get a lot more out of the wedding than you think.
I'm sure you'll be able to make a profit from it.
'I don't know ...... why, but when I saw ...... your brother's devious face, I lost interest in him.
'What are you talking about?This is where you can show off your skills!
I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it.
'I want to give them a wedding that will be blessed by a lot of friends.
'That's wonderful!I'll help too!
'...... Magda is willing to help.
'Yes, yes!I'll help too!
The Sunken Pavilion is unanimously in favor of the wedding.
If they're going to work hard, it might as well be for the reception.
'So they're trying to make weddings more popular and bring in more customers to the Sunken Pavilion near the church, right?
'Estella ......, don't say such nasty things.'
I know you're having a hard time responding because you're right.
'Recently, I've seen a lot of things around Theron. ...... Marriage in this city is too tasteless. It's a once-in-a-lifetime event.It's a crossroads in your life. Wouldn't you like to make it more grand (...... and make money where you can) and memorable?
'Now, for a moment ...... you had a very indulgent look on your face, didn't you?
That's why you're so sharp, Estella. Don't overlook something like that!
'Hero-sama!
The door opens, and with a fresh breeze, two fresh-looking people arrive.
Theron and Wendy come to the seat where we are sitting with smiles on their faces.
'Thank you very much for the other day.
Theron bows his head deeply, and Wendy follows suit.
'I talked to Wendy last night, and we've decided to make our marriage official.
'Really?
Ginette's face lit up with joy at the news.
Until now, they had only been in a state of 'probably getting married', but now they seemed to have made a definite decision. Well, I guess you could say it's a big step.
'Yes. That ...... Theron proposed to me ............ and ......'.
Whoa!
Did Theron propose to you properly after that?
'There's a small hill beyond the main square, ...... with a good view, and a flower garden where bees are playing can be seen in the distance, it's a somewhat romantic place ......'.
Hmmm?
I remember that place.
Oh, come on, Wendy. You're not talking about that no-death kind of proposal, are you?
''Never, never leave me alone,'' he said to .......
Wendy's cheeks flush.
Wow, ......, that's a very positive brain transformation. ............
'I'm sure there will be no one in the future that I will love more than Theron, and if that ...... Theron wants me, I'll be happy to make a vow to the ...... spirit gods...' ... ............!
Yeah, yeah. Isn't she cute and innocent?
So I gave Theron a kick in the ass.
'Huh?
'Theron-kun~ ............, why do you make her say everything?
'Oh, well ......, I'm too ............ embarrassed to say it.'
'Alright, alright. Let's talk a little bit.
'Um, Hero-sama!It hurts, it hurts!
He held Theron's neck tightly and took him to the corner of the dining room.
I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.
'Are you trying to muddle the waters with a hazy proposal like that?
'But ...... Wendy was happy to see me, and if I ...... conveyed my feelings, then that's good enough for me.'
This is ......
What happened to your enthusiasm when you left yesterday? I'm not sure what to say.
'Look, Theron. I'm giving you one more chance. This time, you're going to tell Wendy how you feel, in your own words.'
'In my words, .............'
I can still see a hint of hesitation in his expression.
I'll give her a little pep talk.
'Are you going to live off of Wendy's care for the rest of your life?
'Pampered by ......?
'Are you going to make no moves, take no risks, and force the airheaded Wendy to guess everything?
'That's .......'
'Is that ......?'
'............'
'............ that's. It must be very lonely for you, Wendy. She doesn't even tell me she likes me.'
'............ Yes, it is.
Even after all this pushing, this handsome guy still doesn't seem to be clear.
That's it. You need a rough treatment.
Besides, ...... if we get it right, it might make a bit of a splash. ......
'Okay, Theron!And Wendy!
I release Theron from his hold and call out to Wendy.
'What is it, hero?'
Wendy, who was chatting happily without knowing anything, turns her gaze to me.
The ladies of the sunlit pavilion and the gutters are standing around the back of her. Mm, the atmosphere is completely ours.
''We're having a wedding!
''Wedding?''
The ones who tilted their heads were naturally the two who didn't know about the earlier conversation.
''It's a sacred ceremony with Wendy in a pure white dress and Theron welcoming her.''
'Wendy is wearing a ...... pure white dress ............'.
Theron's cheeks turned a hint of color as he imagined the sight.
'And we'll have a wedding party.
''''''Hirou-En?''''''
This one has everyone tilting their heads in agreement.
I see. I guess I didn't explain earlier.
'It's like a party to celebrate the beginning of a new marriage. We're going to have a party to celebrate the bride and groom at this sunny pavilion near the church. We're going to have a big cake, which we're going to cut together for the first time, and we're going to eat delicious food that will bring us good luck, and we're going to talk about the beginning of our relationship, and we're going to have entertainment by our friends, and we're going to have a big party.
'That sounds like fun!Let's do it!
Ginette, who was already in the mood to cook, rolled up her sleeves.
When I glanced at Wendy, she had the reddest face I've ever seen.
'Oh,......,' she said,......, 'it's not like we're the stars of the show,......, and it's not like we can throw a party like that. ...... is it okay to have such a party?
In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The star of the party ...... is something that a girl deserves to aspire to. Wendy seems to like that kind of princessy glittery stuff.
'So, I'm going to ask Theron to propose to you again.
'So, that's it?
I give a serious look to Theron, who is a little reluctant.
'Prove it in front of all of us. Let's see who loves Wendy the most in the world. ......'
Theron gulps down his gullet.
But it was not with a look of fear, but with a ...... dignified expression of determination.
'If you're still sluggish there, then ............'.
'At that time, ......?'
'Consider Umaro lifeless.'
'Why Mr. Umaro?
'...... Magda will intercede.'
'Se, Theron!Mr. Umaro is a very nice man, good luck!
'Uh, yeah!I'll do my best!
No, Wendy. I'm going to confess my love to you.
Do you understand that, these people?
'But the wedding and the reception, they both take time to prepare.
'I'll help you too. Let's make another big event a success with all the power of the Forty-Two Wards!
'Then a new culture will be born in District Forty-two!
'...... model case'
'I'm sure everyone will like it.
Yes.
They're right.
Under Estella's power, a new culture will take root in the entire 42nd district.
Theron and Wendy will be the models for that.
Weddings are so sacred, receptions are so glamorous, and brides are so beautiful. ......
And as more and more girls aspire to be brides, more and more couples will hold weddings.
In proportion to this, there will be wedding receptions and after parties ......
All of them will be the trend of the first wedding party held at YODAMARI-TEI!
No matter how many similar companies there are after this, being the first will be handed down forever, and just being the first will bring a premium.
It raises the bar.
The more weddings become popular,......, the more money YODAMARI-TEI will make!
The more weddings become popular, the more money the ...... Sunshine Pavilion will make!I can smell the money!
I'm not sure what to say.You have to make sure you succeed!Do you understand that, Theron?
'Ha, yes!............ 'So, what's the ...... reason for this?'
Don't worry about the details.
You guys just have to show me a great wedding.
'We'll take care of the preparations ...... Theron, you just make sure you take care of yourselves.'
'What do you mean ...... about ourselves?'
'All right, hero!
Wendy raised her hand cheerfully in place of Theron, who seemed unsure.
All right, then, Wendy. Answer the question.
'So you want me to deepen my love for you even more before then!
'Blast it!
'Why me?
Wendy's aura of happiness was so dazzling that she unintentionally slammed her goo into Theron's side.
'Why me?
Idiot!Of course it's because you can't hit Wendy!
The punishment for a man is an iron fist!For women, it's breast implants.No, butt-f*cking!
But I'm afraid I can't do that to a woman with a partner, so I'll have the man take the blame!
'I don't care about Bojek's stupidity. ......'
'Well, hero,...... I dare say, with the pain in my side,...... calling my father an idiot is ......'
'Is that wrong?'
'No, sir. Not even a little. But he's been rounding up lately, so please be gentle with him. ......'
Theron holding his side. He's also very handsome when he's sweating.
I'm sure this is what you mean when you say "a good man who can also gouge his sides". ............ There is no such word, but...
It's a good idea to go to Wendy's parents instead of Theron's parents to say hello.
And right after I made a perfectly legitimate statement...
Boom!
--Wendy sparked.
'What's going on?
'...... Oh. I'm so sorry.
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.
...... Did I step on a landmine?
'Oh, you know what? My family is ...... far away, so it's not like I'm going to go out of my way to greet them. ......'
I see.
It's just like Theron said.
'What is it, Wendy? You don't like my family?'
I avoided the word 'hate'. 'We don't get along' would have been met with 'Well, that's not very nice.
'No, no, I don't ...... hate ......, but ......'.
I'm not sure what to make of it.
'Then you should definitely ask your parents to come to the wedding ......'.
Just as I was about to say this, Wendy sparked again, this time with a beehive.
............ Are you out of control?
Is she starting to wake up with a fierce anger in her calm heart?
'This wedding is partly a demonstration to spread the new culture of the forty-two districts. Sorry to seem like I'm taking advantage of you, but in return, I'll give you a wonderful ceremony with the lord's money.''
'What, mine?...... Well, that's fine. If more and more people want to have their weddings in the Forty-Two Wards, we can expect an economic effect. ......'
Yes. As for demonstrations, I don't mind at all. Rather, I'm just happy that the heroes and lords are doing the ceremony for us. ......'
Thank you, Wendy.
I don't see any signs of anger.
But ......
'That's why. In order to show that we are perfectly happy from every angle, we need to have both families together ......'
Crunch crunch!
Wendy's body glows fiercely and her hair stands on end.
Wendy,......, are you still that thing?I'm not sure if it's about Krillin or not.
'Wendy, Wendy!Calm down!
'What?I'm so sorry!...... me.'
I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... Well, ............ unconscious?
Let's give it a try.
'Wendy.
'Yes.'
Wendy answers my call honestly.
I can't see any anger in her face.
Now, ......
'My parents.'
Buzz!
'Theron.'
Smiling.
'Me.'
'Peco.
'Ginette.
Smiling .
'Gouge-chan.
'Korra!'
Estella's unnecessary intervention interrupted, once again: ......
'Mother.'
'Bumblebee!
'Father.'
Bumblebee!
'Daddy, mommy, daddy, mother, daddy mommy!
'Crunch, crunch, crunch!
Wendy's body flickered brightly, sparks flying all over her body.
...... This might be more serious than I thought.
I'm not sure what to say.It's not that!
'Wendy ...... is the type of person who argues a lot when she goes home, isn't she?
'How did you know?
I don't know. ...... This couple is too easy to understand.
'But you don't hate them, do you?
'That's ............ yes. After all, we are a family .......'
Wendy looked forlorn as she said this. But there was a clear blue streak on her forehead. ............ What?
I'm not sure what to make of it.
'No, I don't hold a grudge' (eyebrows, twitching ......)
I'm sorry.I'm getting a little confused, aren't I?
'I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.
'Yes,......, it's a bit serious,......'.
What is this rejection ...... that is so deep-rooted?
'Well, ...... you're going to do the ceremony, but ...... if my family is rude, ......'
Wendy's expression clouded.
Then she turned to me with a somewhat resigned look.
'I still think you shouldn't invite my family ......'.
'I see.'
So I simply back off.
'Well, if Wendy doesn't want to come, I guess I can't help it.
'Oh, ............ yes. I'm sorry,...... for your concern,.......'
'Then Theron. Let's get married in secret, without telling Wendy's family.'
'Secretly. ......'
Theron's brow creased.
Seeing this, ...... Wendy held her chest. It was as if she was trying to hold back a tearing sensation.
'That look on your face is the answer, isn't it?
I say to the two of them, who look like they're having a hard time.
'The truth is, I want to understand you. ...... And I don't want Theron to see you like that. ............ That's what you really want, isn't it? Wendy.'
'............'
Wendy doesn't answer.
'Neither does Theron.'
Theron doesn't want Wendy to see him like this, either.
That's why he came to me.
Now I know.
Theron was well aware of Wendy's feelings. But he couldn't step in on his own. He was afraid he'd hurt her.
That's why I stuck with her.
...... I don't want you to get your hopes up too high,............, but I'll make it special just this once.
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's been thinking about getting married.
Get a grip. He tore down Theron's back as hard as he could.
'Ouch ......'.
Theron's face twisted in pain, but he quickly adjusted his expression and stared straight at Wendy.
'This may be selfish of me. But ......'
Gently, he places his hands on Wendy's shoulders.
With his arms on either side of her shoulders, they stare straight at each other, and Theron speaks to Wendy.
'I want you to be the happiest wife in the world, Wendy. I want her to be the happiest wife in the world, so perfect that there won't be the slightest hint of hesitation.
'...... Theron.'
Wendy's eyes quivered finely.
'But I might ............ cause trouble for the heroes. ...... No, I'm sure I will... .........If that happens, I ......'
'Idiot.
If you say that I will be inconvenienced, Theron will not be able to say, 'Don't worry about it, it's not like that! I don't think I can say that. That's why I have to make this clear to him.
'In the first place, is there even one person in this town who hasn't bothered me?
It's too late to be bothered by a nuisance or two.
That's how I feel.
Wendy looks like she's about to cry, and Theron looks at me as if he's moved.
On the other side, Ginette is smiling happily.
'And by the way, there isn't a territory that hasn't been bothered by Yashiro.
'You're annoying. Don't break up the conversation at the right moment.
I'll complain to Estella, who looks so pleased.
But perhaps that was a good backup shot, because Wendy smiled ...... and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with her fingers.
'Heroes, lords. And everyone. And ...... Theron.'
Wendy gently dropped Theron's hand and straightened her back.
Then she bowed slowly to us.
'Nice to meet you, sir.
To put it bluntly, it's nothing short of meddlesome.
But I have a hunch.
This wedding will be a meaningful one that will change the values of the 42nd district. You know.