#771 The Attendees’ Perspective 1: The Man Who May Be Unbothered but Can Still Be Taken by Surprise

I am Olba, a Demon King’s Army officer.

Well... actually, I’m about to retire from the army and become a nobleman due to my upcoming marriage. But due to some responsibilities, I’ll have to remain in service for a little while, even after getting married.

Yet, I’m on top of the world!

Why, you ask? Because my wedding is just around the corner!

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that everyone looks forward to, and now it’s my turn!!!

It’ll be a big day for both my fiancée and me!

Let’s make it the happiest day ever, shall we?!

...Huh?

A joint wedding?

I didn’t hear about this. Are you telling me there are other couples who are getting married around the same time, so we’re just bundling all the ceremonies together?

How could they treat this occasion like some laundry task...?!

Well, whatever.

As long as Batemy, my soon-to-be-wife, is happy. Batemy is so intelligent and beautiful; if she gives the green light, then it’s all good!

The more the merrier, I say.

Getting competitive over who’s the happiest will only lead to disputes.

Let’s all share the joy!!!

...So, who else is joining?

Huh?

A teacher from the Mermaid Kingdom?

Mermaids, huh... I thought we’d be having a joint wedding with our own kind, but it seems it will be an international affair.

No, no. It’s not a big deal, I just wasn’t expecting it.

In the future, there’ll probably be more interactions across nations.

In that sense, it’s an honor for our wedding to be at the forefront of international relations.

Let’s embrace it with open arms!

...Huh?

There’s more?

Just how many couples are getting married at the same time? Four in total?

Okay then…

I mean, the mermaid teacher was surprising enough. I think I’m prepared for anything now!

...Pardon?

The Mermaid Kingdom’s female Prime Minister?

Being a Prime Minister means she’s the top-ranking official in her nation, right?

And her being a woman in such a position is historically significant, especially in the Demon Kingdom, where that’s yet to happen.

You’re telling me that very person is getting married?

And we’re sharing the stage with her?!

Yeah, it’s totally fine!

It’s just a tad unexpected!

But isn’t the mermaid teacher going to have a harder time?!

Sharing a stage with the Prime Minister of your own nation during your wedding must be nerve-wracking.

I hope they’re okay with it, especially since it’s going to be their wedding and all...

They are?

They’re always at each other’s throats, you say?

...That’s concerning in a different way. 

Oh well.

Different cultures, different customs, I guess.

Alright, let’s do this!

It’s mine and Batemy’s wedding, so the grander the better!

But if their Prime Minister is getting married, doesn’t that mean the Mermaid King might attend?!

Our wedding might get overshadowed by all these bigwigs.

Huh? It’ll be okay?

...I’m starting to doubt your assurances, Batemy. Well, at least regarding this matter.

So, when you say it’s okay, you mean the Mermaid King won’t be attending the wedding?

Wouldn’t that be a bit sad for the Mermaid Prime Minister?

Wait, the Mermaid King is attending after all?

So then, what exactly is okay...? Hmm?

His Majesty is also attending?!

This is news to me.

What? No way! Sure, I hold the position of aide to the Heavenly Four in the Demon King’s army and have a decent rank as a noble.

But I’m nowhere near important enough to receive a direct blessing from the Demon King himself!

But he’s actually coming?!

Did I hear that right?!

Why, though?!

Oh, I see. My beloved Batemy was once the aide to the current Demon Queen Astres, and she’s bringing her husband, the Demon King, to our wedding.

Queen Astres was always compassionate. Unlike my current superior, Belphgamilia, who declined to come because it was “too much hassle.”

...Huh? What now?

There’s more to the story?

What’s going on?

Nevermind.

Back to the topic.

You mentioned four couples in total earlier, so there’s one more.

Tell me, who’s the last one?

The news even involved foreign prime ministers; surely nothing more shocking could arise. My heart is as calm as a still lake.

Go ahead, shock me one more time! 

...

Hm?

Dragons?

Dragons getting married?

...

...

......What?!

I had just proclaimed that nothing could disturb my peace of mind, yet now it’s in turmoil!

Since when do dragons marry?

I’ve never heard such a thing!

...What?

The world’s first? The Dragon Emperor and his Empress?

Enough! 

Don’t pile on more surprises; I can’t take it anymore!!!

***

The day of the wedding arrived.

Seeing my beloved Batemy in her bridal gown overwhelmed me with joy.

I felt re-energized immediately.

My family attended, and even my usually home-bound mother came to celebrate.

She quickly bonded with Batemy, which pleased me.

...But, well.

The venue surpassed all expectations in grandeur.

I wasn’t informed that it was outside the Demon Kingdom...

I’ve never been to a place that required teleportation magic to reach.

Where is this? The Dragon Emperor’s castle? Never heard of it.

Oh, the residence of the most powerful dragon, the Emperor? That’s a first.

...

Why am I having a ceremony in such an extravagant place?

I thought I was just a regular demon!

Or is it because my bride is the world’s most beautiful?!

Ahahaaa...

As I took in the sights of the venue, I nearly fainted.

Among the hundreds of wedding guests, I spotted someone.

The Demon King.

He was really there.

I looked away, hoping I was mistaken, but upon a second glance, it was definitely the Demon King.

And the strong-looking merman beside him... could it be...?

Batemy whispered in my ear, revealing his identity.

It was King Arowana! I knew it!

And who’s the human standing with both kings? 

He seems like a powerful feudal lord!

Positioned with rulers of the land and sea, he must be an influential figure!

Should I ask for his name during the ceremony?

But Batemy already told me!

It’s Lord Dalkish, a renowned human lord!

He must be incredibly formidable to have friendly relations with the Demon King and King Arowana!!!

“I sense another selfless workaholic in the making.”

Hm? Did you say something, Batemy?