Ch.422Chapter 422. The Sky Remains Forever and the River Flows Eternally (5)

* * *

After the once-in-a-lifetime summit that determined everyone’s fate concluded, a few days later.

A peace treaty was finalized between the Lunarian Army and Swen’s Army.

While it was called a “peace treaty,” this was truly extraordinary news.

It was inevitably different from any peace treaty that had come before.

Well… there were only two countries left on the continent.

The only two remaining countries had signed a peace treaty. This essentially meant the permanent end of war.

“So from now on, there will be two countries left on the continent?”

“It’s been quite some time since the Einhart Empire fell… I guess they thought there’s no need to obsess over unification just to avoid prolonging the war.”

“I’m all for it anyway. I’m starting to want to go back home.”

Most of the rank-and-file soldiers—regardless of whether they belonged to Swen’s Army or the Lunarian Army—generally welcomed the peace treaty.

One continent, two countries—

This arrangement wasn’t unprecedented in the continent’s history, and since they had signed a peace treaty with the intention of coexistence, many optimistically believed that people would soon adapt to this new arrangement.

However.

“I heard this is just a peace treaty, and they don’t intend to end things here?”

“Is that true?”

“The General said so. Apparently, the rulers are working out some kind of arrangement.”

Those with some rank among the soldiers and armed forces unanimously agreed that “two permanently divided nations” was not the final goal.

Though they had only heard rumors that discussions were happening between the rulers.

Anyway, peace had finally arrived.

Soldiers at the border relaxed their vigilance and returned to their units.

The fact that neither country had lifted their mobilization orders yet suggested that neither ruler intended to maintain this situation permanently…

But in truth, for most ordinary people, such matters were of little concern.

What truly mattered to them was peace.

The peaceful situation itself.

Soldiers from each country could finally enjoy precious time to recover from the fatigue accumulated during the endless period of unrest.

How much time had passed since then?

Indeed, as the higher-ups had declared—it became clear that both rulers considered the permanent division merely as a transitional phase.

Of course, the way this was revealed was… somewhat shocking.

“What…? Is that true?!”

Ohana, who had been monitoring the situation from a base camp near the eastern border, exclaimed in surprise to his loyal servant Rupio.

“Yes, it’s true. It seems all this time our lord has been silent because he was working out the details for this arrangement…!”

“No…”

Ohana started to say something, then shrugged his shoulders and—

“…No. No. At least as far as worst-case scenarios go, this isn’t so bad.”

“That’s true. We just didn’t predict it.”

In fact.

Ohana knew.

That Lunarian wasn’t a woman who would simply give up.

Wasn’t he himself the one who had faced her murderous gaze when she boldly entered enemy territory alone and arrogantly declared, “I don’t want to stain my sword with blood, so follow my will”—such a ruthless figure!

Therefore, he thought this “peace treaty” must have some ulterior motive.

Of course, he didn’t know exactly what that motive was. Ohana wasn’t that clever, nor did he have the ability to keenly grasp world affairs, nor did he have an exceptionally intelligent advisor.

Rupio at his side was loyal and trustworthy—but not particularly remarkable.

However.

He never imagined it would turn out like this…

Despite it being perfectly conceivable, he couldn’t foresee it. Because he had met Lunarian. As one of the few who had faced her cold and cruel inner self—so frigid it could freeze you just by being in her presence—he simply couldn’t imagine this outcome.

Could it be…

“That red-eyed dragon… is getting married?”

“I never thought of it either, but it seems that’s what’s happening.”

The news Rupio brought—

The marriage between their lord Lunarian Ineanne and the former enemy lord Swen.

Apparently, this wedding would differ from ordinary weddings in some way—but that was really beside the point.

“…So, is it over then?”

“What do you mean?”

“The age of chaos, of course.”

If they marry and become family, then a single “house” will rule the continent.

A unified kingdom will be formed.

Who becomes the ruler… doesn’t really matter. Preferably Lunarian should be the ruler. There was no guarantee that this man Swen would keep his promise to preserve the principality.

“Hasn’t the age of chaos already ended? Since the treaty, we’ve been experiencing days of unprecedented peace. Haven’t you heard that merchant caravans have resumed full operations throughout the territories?”

“Well, that’s true…”

Ohana wondered.

In this great turbulent era, did I make the right decision—

“Lord Ohana.”

“…What is it, Rupio?”

“Didn’t you say it yourself? That ultimately, the one who survives is the strongest.”

Rupio said with a casual smile.

“And we survived. Isn’t that enough?”

“…Ha!”

Ohana laughed without worry.

Since the beginning of the chaotic era, this was the first moment he—who had risen to his position to lead the bandit group—set aside his concerns and worries.

* * *

The wedding hall in the capital city of Einhart.

Originally built to host imperial weddings, this venue had essentially been abandoned for a considerable period since the beginning of the chaotic era, not properly functioning for quite some time.

Now, after a long while, it was bustling with activity again.

The wedding of Lord Swen and Lord Lunarian.

A historic moment was about to unfold—the marriage of two national leaders.

And—

In what appeared to be a waiting room, an old man sat deep in thought.

Ginor Nighthart.

The last chancellor of the Empire—and one of the few comrades from that era who survived to witness the birth of the new unified kingdom.

‘…To think they would entrust this task to me.’

Ginor thought.

Well, as someone who had served Lunarian, her marriage to Swen was within the realm of his expectations.

But this wasn’t an ordinary wedding. It was—

“Lord Ginor. It’s time.”

“…I understand. I’ll be right out.”

Ginor stopped his thoughts and rose from his seat.

Whatever form it took… if this was their choice, it was right to follow it, he thought.

* * *

—Bright.

The sunlight streaming through the windows felt especially bright today.

Perhaps because today was a special day.

This was the wedding hall inside Einhart Castle.

Though it hadn’t been used much recently, it was incredibly splendid as befitting a building originally used by the imperial family.

Einhart Castle had been well-preserved since it had never been engulfed in flames except during rebellions.

‘It would have been nice if Irene and Serpina could have married in such a nice place.’

The wedding with Lady Irene held in a temporary venue on a very small scale.

The marriage with Serpina that was literally “a ceremony for just the two of them.”

Of course, the scale of a wedding isn’t everything, but having heard that the wedding moment is the most important for a woman, I couldn’t help but feel concerned.

I should treat them better. From now on… I’ll have plenty of time to treat them both better.

I carefully looked at Ginor standing before me.

The expression he made when I asked him to officiate… honestly, it was such a masterpiece that I would have captured it with a camera if such a thing existed in this world.

Yes. This world—no longer an “other world” but my world, a world so precious to me.

“The brides are entering!”

I slowly turned my head to the side.

Looking over… there were people walking down the red carpet wearing extremely gorgeous and beautiful dresses.

Lunarian Ineanne.

My one and only lord, and now soon to be my wife—who would give me one more name.

In truth, the reason I had come this far was to keep my promise to Lady Luna—to place the world in her hands.

Perhaps because our relationship as lord and strategist was so clear?

I never imagined I would be having a wedding ceremony with Lady Luna.

But—after hearing about Lady Luna’s feelings from Lord Ginor.

Thinking about it, the reason I was able to desperately rush here, risking my life—was for her who trusted me unconditionally.

If trusting someone unconditionally is called “love”… I wanted to take responsibility for the love Lady Luna had given me.

…Just then.

“Kyaa!”

—Thud!

“A-are you alright?!”

Several maids rushed to the pink-haired woman in a dress.

“Ah, oww…!! I-I’m s-s-sorry… I’ll, I’ll die! I bit my tongue… I’ll die!”

“You can’t die! It’s such a joyous day!”

“Haah…”

Hearing Ginor’s small sigh behind me, I couldn’t help but smile.

Yes.

As I mentioned earlier—there were people walking down the red carpet wearing beautiful dresses.

One was Lady Luna.

And the other was—Ms. Reika.

Reika Nighthart.

At first, I approached her simply because of her magic, but somehow her innocent nature came to mean something more to me than just strategic value.

Since meeting me, she had never been far from my side, illuminating my path with her magic at crucial moments—she was precious to me.

Considering that even Lady Irene had left to become a corps commander—perhaps Reika had spent the most physical time with me.

We met as an amateur teacher and genius student, and over time, we seeped into each other’s lives.

Thinking about how many crises I couldn’t have overcome without her—she was essentially my lifesaver.

Yes.

Bride Lunarian Ineanne.

And, bride Reika Nighthart.

—Today was the day I would marry two women.