198 – It’s the last teamfight, everyone, let’s fix it at home (3)
A gift.
It usually refers to an object that the bride and groom give each other as a memento when they get married. It is used in a slightly different sense here. In a word, it is meant to be used as a substitute for congratulatory money.
Guests give helpful gifts to the bride and groom. Then, the bride and groom receive thanks and treat the guests with food. That is the wedding ceremony held by the elves.
Because originally, the bride and groom are the main characters. They don’t usually do joint weddings, but this time they made an exception. Because no one knows when this day will come again.
Of course, Clara and Cluna brought gifts according to the number of people getting married. Indeed, Hans did not prepare any gifts. He hadn’t even imagined it was a wedding in the first place.
‘Damn it, if it’s a wedding, I’ll tell you in advance.’
I even thought I was following you for no reason. Hans immediately shook his head. There are cases where he sends a colleague to a distant place and things go wrong. With that in mind, coming with his mother and daughter made sense.
Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that I attended the wedding empty-handed. Hans sighed. Even now he must prepare an offering. The number of gifts required is 7.
In other words, it means that 7 couples will get married at today’s wedding. It shouldn’t be too flimsy, and it shouldn’t be too expensive either. Then, the gifts you can get right now are… ….
“Hey bro. Looks like you need a gift.”
“……You?”
“I have something useful for you. Would you like to take a look?”
He was too thin for an elf. Hans couldn’t afford to argue about that right now. Hans looked at all the skinny elf’s things.
“Ring and necklace…”
From noble mtl dot com
“Wouldn’t this be perfect for a gift?”
“That’s right. Can you give me seven?”
“The price is like this~.”
“That’s it.”
Cluna stopped Hans from really trying to buy a necklace and a ring. Conversely, the skinny elf who tried to sell something to Hans was hit by the elder with a cane and ran away.
“Why are you drying it?”
“Would you spend that much money on a fake that is plainly plated?”
“That, that’s…”
“You have no face. I didn’t expect you to try to scam a customer.”
Captain Makenis readily apologized. Surprisingly, it seems that there are quite a few cheaters among the elves. Gorgeous looks and colorful teeth. Also, elves are often fooled by their racial values.
“But don’t you have to prepare a gift?”
No matter how preoccupied Hans is with the gift, it still smells like fraud. He couldn’t help but know. However, in order to show the sincerity of preparing the gift anyway.
Even if it’s fake, shouldn’t there be a gift? After hearing what Hans said, Captain Makenis tilted his head. Soon he sighed and laughed. It’s the first laugh you’ve ever shown.
“I didn’t expect you to be so fearless.”
“Just stick to the basics.”
“Then can I ask you a favor instead?”
“What is it?”
“Please officiate at this wedding.”
You want to officiate? At the sudden request of the elder, Hans looked at him without saying anything. But surprisingly, there were quite a few requests from guests or friends to officiate the wedding ceremony.
Moreover, Hans is the captain and hero of the Royal Knights. He was the frontmost knight in the current war. Of course, you can say something better for those who are preparing for death and getting married.
Captain Makenis judged that. Meanwhile, Hans couldn’t even say no. There is no right gift to give right away. Would you decline a request in this situation? Then it’s just over.
“But isn’t everyone officiating?”
“How can you be anyone? Aren’t you a hero?”
“…….”
“Anything will help those who are determined.”
It’s over. I couldn’t refuse any more. Reluctantly, Hans agreed to officiate. All in all, it was a good option. Because the money doesn’t go out, and you just have to wipe your mouth.
But Hans felt guilty for some reason. Do I really deserve to officiate? I, who had tried to turn away and run away on my own until now. To those who dare to step forward.
With a complicated mind, Hans looked up at the sky. The sky was filthy clear today. However, even that was short-lived, and Hans, unable to overcome Cluna and Clara’s annoyance, walked with them.
It was time to present gifts to the bride and groom.
* * *
“I never thought you would come out here.”
It wasn’t that difficult to give a present. Unless a familiar face appeared in the middle. And was it the same for opponents? He had the same rotten expression as Hans.
And it was the same for Cluna and Clara. After looking alternately at Hans and the elf mother and daughter for a moment, she sighed and raised her hands. It was her gesture of surrender.
“Surrender, surrender. You don’t intend to cause any more trouble?”
“Amelie.”
“…….”
A watchman of the forest who tried to offer sacrifices to the World Tree in the past. An old colleague of Cluna, and at the same time a crazy b*tch who tried to sell out Clara. But what if she suddenly gets married?
“I know we’re in a bad relationship. I think I’ve done something wrong. But just let it go today, I’m begging you.”
“Is it because of the marriage?”
“Is there any other reason?”
I was very confused whether it was an attitude of self-reflection or not. At least there was no hostility in her face. Hans sighed. He didn’t think he would punish.
In the first place, the elves thought it was natural to offer sacrifices to the world tree. Even then he turned against Hans for saving the elves. But I never thought we’d meet again like this.
“……Who are you going to marry?”
“Howells, my childhood friend.”
“You mean the one that followed you behind your back?”
“I thought so at the time. It was annoying too.”
Cluna and Amelie started talking about old times they knew each other. After hearing the story, Howells said that he had been following Amelie for a long time. Although there were quite a few angular points.
He was always by Amelie’s side. It was the same when she was punished according to her rules. She said that from then on she started to notice little by little. Amelie let out a sigh and said.
“I thought there would be no one else to take care of me.”
“For that matter, you look quite comfortable, don’t you?”
“It’s an illusion! An illusion!”
Looks like he’s been hit hard. Amelie groaned and yelled at Cluna. Seeing that figure, she was giggling and smiling for a while. Cluna, who was soon looking at Amelie, erased her feelings.
“I will not forgive you for what you did.”
“I know. You’ll probably never be forgiven.”
“Yes, that’s right. I don’t consider you a close friend anymore.”
“…….”
“……Still.”
Before Cluna finished her sentence, she closed her eyes for a moment. It seems that memories and emotions are welling up from the past to the present. But that was for a while, and after finishing her tidying up, Cluna opened her mouth.
“Please, I hope you are happy.”
“……Thank you, Cluna.”
“Enough then.”
Cluna made a clear declaration. That I will never forgive But until now, I have a friend’s affection. She wished her happiness. Personally, she thought it was a neat ending.
Give gifts. I also talked to each bride and groom. After all, the time has come. Hans swallowed dryly. To see her suddenly officiate at a wedding. No but this is the best
Although it was Hans who was so nervous that now his ego split. Unfortunately, time did not wait for him. Should I just use time reversal to go backwards? Or even a time stop?
‘No, I can’t run away anymore.’
Hans made up his mind. Now, let’s face it without running away. Same thing happened just before. In fact, for Hans to refuse, he could say no enough. But Hans did not refuse.
Because I wanted to meet him in person. The faces of those who chose love despite an uncertain future. I’ll have to face them, since Hans himself will be able to decide for sure.
And finally the time has come. Hans stood on the podium. Like an elven wedding, there were no artificial decorations to be seen. Instead, there were trees, a full-grown flower bed, and a table with roots sprouting.
The number of elves who attended the wedding was very large. It seemed that all the elves in the forest were present. Some elves were getting married, while others still looked like a couple.
“Unimaginable hardships and loneliness may come upon you in the future.”
After a brief greeting, the highlight part finally came. But, who are you talking about? Hans himself did not know. Are you talking to them or me…….
“Maybe we’ll get caught up in a war and never see each other again. The sad memories will remain forever.”
“…….”
“Still, do you swear to love each other?”
Not a single elf denied that question.