#440 The Wedding Reception

Thus, a hellish trampling down of a “battle” broke out.

Not even a minute had passed before it ended.

None of the witches were hurt, nor were their dresses affected in any way.

All the jealous mermaids who attacked Puffer for marrying Prince Arowana are now floating on the canal.

I think they’re alive, at the very least.

“This can’t even be called an intermission,” says Platy.

That one comment from her was all it took for me to understand.

This fiasco was no entertainment for the ladies, let alone a battle.

They’re too strong.

This event would go down in history as a demonstration of the Six Witches’ power feared in the Mermaid Kingdom.

After all, the place is packed with ordinary citizens who want to catch a glimpse of Prince Arowana’s parade.

“Amazing! This is what the Six Mad Witches are like!”

“Who would’ve thought the Six Mad Witches would be seen fighting together?”

“Each one of them is so strong! I guess witches are not called the strongest potion compounders for nothing!”

The audience goes wild with enthusiasm.

But please don’t keep calling them the Six Mad Witches. They don’t like it.

These six women were chosen after rumors of the strongest mermaids spread far and wide in the nation.

Therefore, they aren’t related to each other.

The audience must be as thrilled as if they’re watching an all-star event because they are all in one place to fight as a team.

“Oh, if only the Witch of Darkness were here!”

“If only! It would’ve been perfect!”

...The Witch of Darkness is here with us, though.

“Oh well. This witch’s existence itself is dubious...”

“You’re right. Five witches present is still amazing...!”

Don’t worry. She exists, all right.

Though she is stubbornly refusing to reveal her identity, she is here.

“My beloved people of the Mermaid Kingdom! This is the power of the Six Witches! The power of fear! If this power is misused, the world will fall into a state of existential peril!”

The Witch of Darkness speaks of scary things again.

“But such a serious situation will not happen! Because the most prudent and powerful of the group, Puffer, the Witch of the Bitter Cold, is now future-king Arowana’s wife! Her ferocious nature will wane in the love of my son!”

The people become more and more excited by their queen’s declaration.

What an amazing mermaid Prince Arowana is to be able to marry a fearsome witch and bring her under control.

Long live the future Mermaid King!

“Puffer? The most ferocious? I beg to disagree on that...”

“Shh, Lampeye! This is a public announcement...!” says Platy to restrain Lampeye.

“I’m crazy? I can’t believe she’s making me appear that way...!”

“You too, Puffer! Don’t you get it? This’ll make Arowana’s public esteem rise more!”

Platy has her hands full.

Although some were not convinced, Queen Mahi’s speech struck a chord with the people.

“Long live Prince Arowana!”

“Long live Her Royal Highness Puffer!”

“May you live happily ever after!”

“Our nation will flourish even more in the next generation!”

As one would expect from someone who has been queen for several decades, Queen Mahi knows how to incite her people.

“Do you understand, Puffer? You have to be able to do this, too.”

“Ngh... I will... Someday...!”

The unexpected trouble has entertained the crowd and made it easier for the prince and his wife to be accepted.

The parade resumes as planned, and we exit the giant fish’s belly and proceed underwater.

We will surface and reach Paradise Island, Prince Arowana and Puffer’s reception venue.

***

If a shinzenshiki is a ceremony to vow marriage to God, a wedding reception is a banquet to report that marriage to society.

Both are important events.

In such a social and secular reception, many more important guests from other nations will be present.

A prince’s marriage naturally comes with congratulatory speeches and diplomats.

This is proof of a good international relationship.

It’s no surprise that the reception will be held on Paradise Island, which serves as a window to the nations on land.

The banquet is already in full swing, with many demons, humans, and dragons gathered in the hall. Mermaids who had come ashore with the bride and groom joined them.

I look around and immediately see a familiar face.

“Demon King!”

The ruler of the Demon Kingdom and head of the demon race is here at the reception.

“We would’ve loved to see you at the ceremony too...”

“Oh, no, no. The marriage sacrament is a serious thing for each race. It is not something outsiders can just casually participate in,” responds the Demon King with political prudence. “Prince Arowana is indeed our ally, but this time I wanted to give priority to the relationship between our nations. Only then will our friendship last for a long time.”

I see.

So that’s why he chose to go straight to the reception.

Other travel companions who accompanied Prince Arowana during his pilgrimage are also present.

Songokufon, Hakkai, and Geyser Dragon Ardheg.

“Ad rather not attend anythin’ as uptight as ceremonies, so am thankful we get ta be here instead. I can’t wait ta dig in!” says Songokufon as she makes a beeline for the catered buffet.

As for the others...

“It’s been a while, Ardheg.”

“Oh, Lord Saint! I apologize for not having expressed my gratitude to you yet despite all the help you’ve done for me...!”

His greeting has become similar to a typical Japanese salaryman.

Since he’s mingling at a buffet for mankind, Ardheg has naturally transformed into his human form.

Behind him are about four other people.

But one of them...

“I didn’t know you were here, Veil.”

“Master! Yay! I get to see Junior again!”

Veil rushes to Junior, who is in Platy’s arms.

I thought she’d come with us since she usually never leaves Junior's side. But by the time we were about to leave, she didn’t show up.

I wasn’t expecting we’d meet up here.

“I wanted to be spared from that boring ritual. So, I stayed here and chowed on some grub while I waited!”

It’s no different from what Songokufon said.

There are other humanized dragons behind Ardheg.

“Look, Sis Mary! The bride is so gorgeous!”

“Seidour, don’t let the appearance of an inferior race fool you.”

If it isn’t Bloody Mary and Seidour.

But why are they with Ardheg?

“This is so dreamy! I’ve long admired mankind’s marriage ceremonies! I wish I could get married in a pure white dress like that one day!”

“What are you blabbering about? Pathetic of a proud dragon to imitate the likes of this inferior race... But... But...!”

Bloody Mary hasn’t been taking her eyes off Puffer, who sits at the bride and groom’s table.

“W-White doesn’t suit me! Wh-What do you think, Ardheg?”

“I think any color would suit you, Sis Mary.”

“Are you saying I can wear a wedding dress too?!”

What’s with the rom-com atmosphere between these two dragons?

Meanwhile, Al Gor, the previous Geyser Dragon, is busy filling up his plate with a blank expression on his face.

I guess that’s what happens to someone when they’re forced to witness rom-com scenarios up close.

***

“...Fufu, I’m so happy to see so many people come for Arowana and Puffer’s wedding,” says Queen Mahi solemnly.

She’s right.

There are even dragons here.

This must be the first human wedding attended by the Dragon Emperor and his family.

“This is undoubtedly the work of Arowana and his friends’ natural virtue. They’ve grown to be such fine individuals. What do you say we announce that now?”

“Ahem!” responds His Majesty Nagus.

I wonder what it is?