Chapter 123

It was technically called a “youth business,” but… come to think of it, I don’t even know what the heck I’m supposed to do about this myself.

I’ve ever been in love? Ever been married? I’ve got zero experience with that sort of thing—what do I know?

Thus, all I could really do was awkwardly try to bring them closer together and watch from the sidelines.

Like subtly giving the Hero a nudge when there was some heavy lifting to be done, or sharing good game with him after a successful forest hunt.

I also made sure to give both parties little pushes here and there, trying to help them get closer.

Especially on the Girl’s side… She seemed hesitant to approach the Hero, probably worried about my reaction. But once I gave her a rough explanation of the situation, her eyes lit up in a peculiar way.

I mean, unrequited love for the Dragon Priestess is one thing, but why does it seem like she’s so invested in this? Anyway…

So, after persuading her, the result was this:

“I may not be able to replace the Dragon Priestess, but I believe I can still support you, Hero. Please consider dating me with marriage as a premise!”

On the seventh day since the Hero had settled into the village, the Girl mustered the courage to make her move.

But hey! You’re not supposed to mention me during a confession! Bringing someone else’s name into a declaration of love like that!!!

And then there’s that “replacement” bit! Sure, it’s great that she gathered the courage to confess, trimming down her usual wordiness into something concise, but it just feels… off!

Ugh. When I summed it up, this confession barely deserved a 50 out of 100. Whether or not it would capture the Hero’s heart remained uncertain.

Then, the Hero, upon hearing this confession…

“Sorry.”

WHAT A DISASTER!!

Yeah, okay, it wasn’t exactly a stellar confession, but to outright reject her like that?! Hero! That’s going too far! The poor girl worked up all her courage for this!

Did I raise you to be this heartless?! This mother certainly didn’t teach you such behavior! Foolish One who manages the dark spirits!!

To so coldly dismiss the Girl’s heartfelt declaration—truly unacceptable!

While I was contemplating whether or not to wallop the Hero later…

“I’ve been pretty indecisive lately, which might’ve made things uncomfortable for you.”

The Hero sheepishly laughed.

“It should’ve been me making the first move anyway.”

Wait, what? Is the Hero’s vibe… positive now? No, how can you say that after rejecting her earlier?! Now you’re just creating false anticipation!

“So, let me say it: Would you consider dating me with marriage as a premise? Of course, not as a replacement for your sister… the Dragon Priestess. Simply because I’d like to have you by my side.”

Oh… OH!?

OH MY GOODNESS!!! THIS KID JUST DID IT!!!

The Hero! So that’s why you rejected her earlier—you were planning to do it yourself?!

Admittedly, it’s awkward when women initiate confessions—it looks better when men take the lead, right?!

The Girl’s expression turned bright red at the Hero’s words.

“Yes… Yes!”

She shyly nodded her head in agreement.

And just like that, a new couple was born in this small village.

Sure, they were an older bachelor and spinster pair, but…

From their first meeting to becoming a couple took 15 days.

Engagement followed in 9 days.

And their wedding happened in another 6 days.

Total: 30 days. About a month.

Humans, isn’t that a bit too fast? I understood that human lives are fleeting like blossoms, but this is ridiculous!

It’s like everything was planned from the start—they grew close, started dating, fell in love, and promised marriage—all within a blink!

Too fast!

Though, admittedly, there was already some connection between them. The Girl was apparently a fan of the Hero, and the Hero harbored feelings for her too!

I figured a little push would bring them together quickly enough, but still…

“Oh my, are those mermaids out in the distant sea?”

“Yes. They had human torsos and fish tails. They served the God of the Sea.”

And the biggest reason their relationship developed so rapidly?

The Hero’s own adventure tales told directly by him!

Naturally, these stories were lethal to the Girl, who was already a fan. His journeys across the world, encounters with countless people, battles against numerous monsters—these adventures alone carried immense charm.

Ultimately, the Girl drowned in the Hero’s storytelling.

Interestingly, the usually talkative Girl became quieter whenever the Hero recounted his adventures.

Is it love?! The power of love?! Enough to suppress her overflowing words?!

“The sea. It sounds intriguing.”

“It was vast, stretching endlessly in every direction—a boundless ocean.”

“I’ve never even seen a lake before.”

At the Girl’s words, the Hero smiled softly.

“Perhaps someday I’ll show it to you.”

Hmm. The sea, huh.

Alright, maybe I’ll lend a hand here! Since they’re engaged now, let’s prepare the necessary items for their wedding! Though formal weddings aren’t common in this Age of the Gods…

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event; doing it half-heartedly would be boring, wouldn’t it?

First, engagement rings, a wedding venue, and other assorted preparations. Hmm, there’s quite a lot to do!

The Hero has worked hard for me until now, so I wish for his remaining life to be filled with happiness!

Time flew by, and the Hero and Girl’s wedding day approached swiftly.

Not exactly grand, but at least the villagers were invited.

Ideally, we’d want more guests for a larger celebration, but is that even feasible?

They moved so quickly—from meeting to marrying in just 12 days—that there wasn’t much time for news to spread.

No post office exists to send invitations, no email or messenger services unless you’re a god.

So, I decided to cheat a little.

Let’s see… Among the companions met during adventures, the First Beast and his caretaker, the King and Queen of Arcadia, should definitely be invited.

Also, Yggdrasil and Sagarmatha, the representatives of the Dwarves and Elves, deserve a heads-up.

Oh, and Thetis, Ifrit, Shamash too… Let’s reach out to them.

Can’t forget Sylphid either—she’d get upset if everyone else was invited but her.

Considering I practically raised her, she’s practically their younger sister.

Hmm… What about Procyon? Might as well extend an invitation while things settle down over there.

As for the human lands… Hmm… Better skip them. Don’t want any political entanglements involving the Hero.

Truthfully, it’s been only a short while since leaving Arcadia, so inviting them feels a bit awkward—but the First Beast is involved, so it can’t be helped.

Anyway, after roughly drafting the guest list, I sent out the invitations.

Announcing the Hero’s wedding and including tickets for a magical portal leading straight to the wedding venue.

No need for fancy gifts—just come celebrate the birth of a new family!

Time passed quickly again.

A ring crafted from mithril and diamond. Check.

A seaside wedding venue fully decorated and ready. Check.

Some seating prepared for unknown numbers of guests. Check.

Earth-style wedding dresses and suits for the bride and groom. Check. Their bewilderment at unfamiliar outfits was amusing.

After-party arrangements. Check. Great! All set!

I’m not entirely sure what else is needed, but… considering this world doesn’t have formal weddings, this will do. Around here, once a man and woman mutually agree, they’re practically married.

Only kings typically throw lavish ceremonies. The Hero isn’t a king, so this modest setup should suffice.

The big day arrived.

“Am I really alright to do this?”

“You’re fine, stop worrying.”

I looked at the Girl, nervously fidgeting in her wedding dress.

Hmm. Wings on the dress. And I managed to apply some basic makeup despite the era lacking proper cosmetics.

In a world without proper skincare products, hiding blemishes makes her look flawless.

Not bad at all. After all, applying substances to enhance appearance isn’t unheard of here.

“Still… I feel unworthy to marry the Hero. It seems strange somehow!”

“There you go again.”

I lightly tapped the fretful Girl’s head.

“But…”

“No negativity allowed. Right now, you’re the perfect bride for him. Have confidence.”

I gave her one last push.

Because if you don’t make the Hero happy, I’ll be the one in trouble.