Kapitel 15: 15. Marriage
Two.
Three.
Kotaro and Mitsuri took three sips of sake from three cups under the gaze of their families and deities, marking the completion of their wedding ceremony. Now, Kotaro Kenshin and Mitsuri Kanroji were officially married!
"Mitsuri, you're always beautiful, but today you are more beautiful than ever," Kotaro said, dressed in the traditional black kimono for the marriage. He smiled and whispered into Mitsuri's ear.
Mitsuri, too, was dressed in formal attire—a white kimono with a headpiece called a "tsunokakushi." The white color made Mitsuri shine, accentuating her purity and beauty. Kotaro felt incredibly fortunate to have her by his side.
He was grateful to the gods for reincarnating him, his aunt for matchmaking him, but most of all, he was grateful to the unnamed man who had previously rejected Mitsuri. Without that rejection, he wouldn't have had the chance to be with her. Kotaro didn't know who the man was, but he decided to sing praises to him for the rest of his life.
Mitsuri's ears turned red at the compliment, and a smile bloomed on her face, revealing her joy from the marriage. This moment meant a lot to her.
"Kotaro-sama," she said softly.
"Hmm?" Kotaro responded.
"Today, I am happier than anyone else."
"What a coincidence! Me too. I'm also happier than anyone else."
They exchanged vows and promises, and then the priest offered prayers and offerings to the deities for their happiness and prosperity, marking the end of their traditional Shinto wedding.
…
"Kotaro… Sniff! He is finally married. Do you know how much I waited for this?" Aunt Aiko said among the guests. As Kotaro's guardian and matchmaker, she had played a crucial role in arranging the marriage. Now, with tears in her eyes, she recounted Kotaro's difficulties and her efforts to overcome them.
"He was like, 'I can't get married!' But then I told him, 'How can you not get married? I'll find a bride for you.'"
Even during the wedding, she advertised her matchmaking business, causing Kotaro to twitch with irritation.
"Aunt Aiko!"
"Tsk!"
"Did I hear that correctly? Wasn't that—"
"What is it, Kotaro?"
Kotaro was always amazed by Aunt Aiko's ability to maintain her composure. Just a moment ago, she had clicked her tongue, but now her face showed no trace of dissatisfaction.
"It's nothing. I just wanted to ask you to come with me to meet Mitsuri's parents."
Although Kotaro had spent time with his wife, Mitsuri Kanroji, he hadn't spent much time getting to know her parents, now his father- and mother-in-law. Despite her reluctance, Aiko bid farewell to her guests and accompanied him.
"Kotaro-san, please take care of my daughter," Mitsuri's mother said, bowing to him, which made him flustered. The respect he was receiving as the groom was overwhelming.
"Please don't bow to me. You're older than I am."
"But—"
"It's alright. Moreover, you're now my mother as well. I should be the one bowing to you."
With that, Kotaro bowed, seeking her blessings for himself and Mitsuri.
"Mother, please bless our marriage."
Mitsuri's mother, with a helpless smile, patted his head and granted her blessings. Kotaro stood up and smiled, making a commitment.
"Don't worry. I will take care of Mitsuri for the rest of my life."
"Thank you."
After speaking with Mitsuri's mother, Kotaro also spoke with his father-in-law, who appeared to be a warm and gentle man. Mitsuri had inherited her moles from him—two moles under each eye.
"Kotaro-san, thank you for accepting Mitsuri."
"It's not just me accepting her. Mitsuri accepted me as well."
The father-in-law's smile widened, and he patted Kotaro's shoulder in agreement.
"I know."
He then gestured for Kotaro to look at Mitsuri, who was clad in her white bridal dress, looking beautiful and smiling with happiness.
"See that?"
"Yes."
"Mitsuri was special from birth. She had immense strength, making her different from others. She ate a lot, could lift boulders, and her hair even turned pink, setting her apart from other girls her age. Yet, I never let her feel inferior because she is my precious daughter. But…"
Mitsuri's father paused, reminiscing about when Mitsuri struggled and he and his wife could do nothing to help.
"In terms of marriage, I couldn't do anything. When she was rejected, it was the first time Mitsuri realized how different she was. Not me, not my wife, or her brothers—only she was different. That rejection became an obsession for her. Despite being different, Mitsuri believed that if she got married and became a wife and mother, she would be accepted as a normal girl, not a boar, a bear or as a monster."
Mitsuri's father continued his story, while Kotaro listened attentively.
"She dyed her natural pink hair black, ate small portions, and hid her strength. She concealed her true self. My wife and I watched her with worried faces, telling her she could stay with us forever, but she didn't listen. Then…"
He turned to Kotaro, meeting his gaze.
"Then you came."
He truly seemed relieved when he said that.
"I was very worried about her, unable to help, but I'm glad you came and saved her. I am very grateful to you, Kotaro-san. I'm truly happy that you accepted Mitsuri for who she is."
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A/N:
Sorry, guys, for the late uploads.
I have no excuse. I just couldn't find the words to write and procrastinated, causing the delay. But I pulled through at the last minute, and here it is.
The marriage chapter.
What do you think of the chapter? Tell me your opinions!
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