Capítulo 190: Final Chapter: I Became a Sengoku Lord!
To my dear best friend and the hero of the old world, Rai
For the past decade, I have led a life that may not be lacking in regrets, but one that I know I can be proud of once my time has come. Everyday that passed, I remember the words that you gave me back then when I was lost after the only woman that I loved left me to pursue her dreams. You told me that if she is pursuing her dreams, then I should do the same… to overcome adversity if I really desire to be there with her and for her.
I still can't believe everything that happened in the old world after I died over there. All these things about people with extraordinary powers, these higher beings that possess people as well as the hellish events that preceded the destruction of earth before it was reborn to give mankind a second chance to come to pursue a better future. However, if there is one thing that brings me comfort during these moments, it would be the fact that it was you who ended it and you finally found it in your heart to believe that mankind can change for the better and deserve another chance.
Nevertheless, I know that this letter will never reach you and I am simply writing in vain… but perhaps, in the off chance that the restrictions placed on you were lifted and you one day come back here, I want you to know that all of these could have never happened without you.
Well then… It's time for me, buddy. I want to write more things, but I have neither the time, the pen or paper to do it. My only wish I guess is for you to one day wander these streets and know immediately that all of this could've never happened without you… that if it was anybody else, mankind will never receive a second chance and I will never be the man that I failed to become in the old world.
With regards, Iwasawa Hiroshi.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
At October 1555, the capital of Kiko prefecture was in joyous celebration as people of all walks of life set aside their work and responsibilities for the week to gather on the main street and the buildings that line the route from Naka castle and Aoya city to the newly built St. John the Divine Cathedral at the outskirts of the city.
From Aoya city that now acts as the cultural and educational center of the province, the Aoyama manor was bustling with movement from the maids that served the Aoyama clan.
"Come on! Get that done already!"
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
"Is the hairdresser here? Get her here already! We may run late at this rate!"
"W-We will, ma'am!"
Heading the maids of the manor was no other than Misanagi Rinne who only 10 years ago was nothing more than a mischievous, sniffling brat that was the source of annoyance and receiver of doting from everyone in the village.
Now, aged 16 years old, she is running the maids ragged in preparation for this very special day.
"My, my… Look at Rinne-chan. No wonder she was our boss back then."
"Don't remind me of those dark ages of ours, Chito. Have this head chop!"
"Eek!"
Sitting by the wall are the twins, Handa Yukari and Imai Chito, who are Rinne's childhood friends and belongs to a special group for this special day.
"Kaguya-san! Did you hear any update from auntie Rie?"
"She and her personal team are already "all hands, on deck" with the preparations! And for the last time, that's Master chef Rie for you!"
"Alright, alright…! Haah, I just want nothing in this day to be a mess! It all has to go perfectly!"
Suddenly, from behind her, a woman came out and hugged Rinne from behind alongside a soft chuckle.
"Perfectly? Hahaha! If they are here, both grandpa and granny would cry rivers of tears of joy after hearing that."
"Waah! Why are you out here?! Get back in your room!"
"Hahaha! Alright, alright… I'm going inside now."
While being pushed back inside her room by Rinne, Chiyo saw Chito and Yukari smiling towards her and she gave them a friendly waving of hand. The two returned the gesture before Rinne closed the door behind her.
"She's really pretty, isn't she?"
"…Yeah, I guess it really is true that women become more beautiful at such a day like this."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
At the grand central station of Naka city, countless express trains arrived on the station with so little time between each arrival that a delay of a few seconds can likely cause a collision between two trains. Thankfully, the masterful planning of the station master, as well as the strict and dutiful leading of the stationmen, saved the locomotives and passengers from such a disaster.
"Disembark! Disembark now with all your belongings!"
"You only have five minutes to empty this cab! Get out properly with all your things as we will not allow anyone to step back inside the cab!"
Every ten minutes, like clockwork, trains arrived, emptied out all of the passengers and cargo it carried before heading to the grand train depot outside the city where the entire train is turned around and fitted with a new batch of train cabs before speeding out to its new line destined to return to Naka as scheduled.
"Headcount from this exit."
"It is… 421,834 people, sir. Most of which has taken the taxi carriages and tram cars to the eastern wharf."
"The eastern wharf… the hotels and resorts, huh?"
"Yes."
"I see. Keep up the good work."
"Yes!"
Because of the special event happening today, the estimated population of the city, which is a mere 120,000 people, ballooned out to an excessive 1.2 million. These people, renting out hotel and resort rooms, have contributed an estimated 300 million yen into the city's coffers already, and that figure will likely balloon out more as the days go by.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
In Naka castle, the hubbub in the Aoyama manor is in stark contrast to the calm and collected preparations being done by the castle maids.
"Please raise your arms, sir."
"A-Ah, yes…"
"Hmm… I was right, it's good that I loosened up the suit over here and there in advance."
"Huh? You jackass, I told you to slow down on the meat and sweets! Look at what you're making master Hakuro do this late into our preparations!"
"Itaaa! S-stop! Your nails are digging into the---"
"I ain't hearin' it, you idjit!"
At a raised platform, a young man had his butt pinched painfully by a short woman wearing a formal maid uniform while the elderly tailor calmly brought a white suit to a nearby sewing machine and quickly worked on it.
"Ahaha… K-Kahono-darling, can you please spare Iwasawa-sama from your wrath?"
"You shut your trap, Tatsu! Or do you want to substitute for him?"
"Eeek!"
Faced with the intimidating glare of his wife, Tatsu cowered into a corner and meekly replied a "No" with the shaking of his head.
"Now, now, Kahono-san. Please do spare Iwasawa-sama already… it was our fault that he put on some weight anyway."
Seeing his master struggling, Nobisuke tried to calm Kahono down but instead, got an earful from him.
"Haah… I know what you're preparing him for, but at least be considerate of the people being affected by a drastic change like this. It already took all my points of favor to bring Hakuro-sama out of retirement so he can prepare the suit, after hearing that it didn't fit just this morning, I brought him here again and I'm definitely in his debt now."
"Now, now… Don't be silly like that, Kahono-chan. I might be a bag of bones now who should put down his needle and just rest, but I can never pass up on an opportunity like this to have such a great person to wear my work… Now then, can you try it on, Iwasawa-sama?"
"Mm… Woah! It's like night and day! I don't even feel like it's limiting my movement!"
"Haha! I'm glad you like it, Iwasawa-sama."
As he looked at himself on the mirror with admiration for his superb suit, Nobisuke, Tatsu and Kahono all smiled towards him.
"Now then, let's rehearse your lines again, Iwasawa-sama."
"Mm! I'm ready for it already."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
At the Kurayama College of Culinary Arts, the massive kitchen was wafting out the smell of all kinds of scrumptious dishes never seen or tasted before outside the campus grounds of the academy.
Delicacies and luxurious food made from the best ingredients using the best equipment by the best chefs who received the best education in Japan has worked tirelessly for the past 3 months to design the menu and for the past 12 hours has ceaselessly gave it their all to bring it all to fruition.
"…Too salty! Go bring that to the stove and fix it! Once we bring that outside and it cools down even a degree colder, the entire thing would be ruined!"
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
"You there! Get that misshapen diced carrot out of the bunch, we can't have a single one of those to get mixed into the dish."
"Y-Yes, head chef!"
"And you there! How many times do I have to remind you to quit opening the chiller! The baked flans need to set properly and ruining the temperature inside is only delaying it!"
"S-S-Sorry, head chef!"
Even though known outside to be very kind and approachable, Kurayama Rie is known within the confines of the culinary academy as the "Master chef of Purgatory's feast hall" due to her very strict way of teaching to her students.
Tasked with handling the feast for today's event, the entirety of the college is being led by her and any mishap that would happen is hers to bear… which is why her strictness that entered another deeper circle in hell is justified.
"Rie-sama!"
"Oh, Junko-chan. Is there something of note?"
"The transportation trucks are here now."
"I see. Facilitate the hand-over procedures and make sure that the stabilizers on the trucks are working. We don't want any of our hard work here ruined by an accident during the trip towards there."
"Yes, ma'am!"
And so, the noon grew dimmer towards the afternoon as the long-awaited event began for both sides.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
At the Cathedral where the event will be held, all prominent individuals are seated amongst the pews (church benches).
First of all, there are the prominent people from Kiko's closest ally, Shinka prefecture which are Lady Kusanagi Kyoko, Ishigawa Gojo, Ayanami Mitsuhide and her sister, Ayanami Mitsuha. However, three of the women left shortly after they arrived, leaving the Ayanami Mitsuha and Ishigawa Gojo alone on their reserved seats.
Second, there were the sibling lords from Fuku: Yamaguchi Koshiro and Kaede. Perhaps out of consideration for the fact that her master is already of age and might be teased for needing a chaperone, their chamberlain, Nayoko, was nowhere to be seen.
Third, there is the daimyo of Kise prefecture and the lone remaining member of the main Daigo clan: Daigo Shizuka. Although such is the case for her, she attended with an entourage from the branch family who are rumored to have successfully negotiated with her to be adopted into the main family line through a one-done adoption.
Fourth, there is the daimyo of Mizuki prefecture: Mizuki Rin alongside a portable computer panel she has set on her lap that contains her AI, Chitosedori. On her side is a cot that contains her newborn child that is sleeping soundly even amidst the slightly noisy cathedral. Although she has been offered a seat beside her husband who cannot leave his own designated seat at the frontmost bench, Rin decided to honor the people she is representing by sitting down on her own set area. However, just like Kyoko and her subordinates, she exchanged cursory expressions with the other guests before disappearing and leaving her servants on their benches and tending to both her AI and child.
Lastly, there is the seat of the Shogun's family where another member of their family can be seen being lulled to sleep by her mother while the one-and-a-half-year-old heir was sitting on his adoptive elder sister's lap while playing aimlessly on a toy abacus. As for the Shogun himself, he has dozed off, possibly after watching over his two newborn children the night before.
If the Imperial family was here, it would a be complete gathering of eminent people, but out of consideration for what is happening today, the emperor found it fitting to excuse himself and the rest of his family from attending as it may steal everyone's attention. Instead, he simply sent a letter filled with his blessings and congratulations. Thankfully, the imperial palace received a high-end television set a week ago as well as a lifetime cable TV subscription from the Imperial Broadcasting Service who are seamlessly broadcasting the event from all the places where it will happen.
At the frontmost seats at the left side of the cathedral as viewed from the entrance doors, the prominent people of Kiko are seated such as the siblings Akizuki Hisako and Minori, beside them are the important ministers Kurogawa Toshinori, Nagisa Masami and Fumikage Rie alongside their respective families. Behind that crowd are the ambassadors of several provinces with strong ties with Kiko such as Yutaka Eimi and Aimi and many more. Once again, just like Kyoko and Rin, Minori, Hisako, Masami and Rie also disappeared from sight after a while.
"Wow… what a crowd."
"Not just any crowd, mind you. Those are the most powerful people in this nation."
"Eeep! I'm already quite nervous!"
"You idiot, this isn't the right time to be nervous!"
Behind the altar where a door leading to the inner convent are located, a young priest peered out into the crowd and saw what might be thousands of guests that came there and shook in nervousness from the sight. This caused him to be scolded by the nun behind him.
"I know, I know… I just… I just feel overwhelmed about being the one given this work, y'know?"
"Haah… Which is exactly why I want you to understand that our contribution here will lay a solid foundation to proving our sincerity to this nation."
"…"
"Come on, boy. England and Prussia await the good news we're going to give them. Once this is done, the alliance will also be signed, and you will be remembered as the one who sealed two promises in one day."
"Haah… Alright then. Let's do this!"
After slapping his face to drive the nervousness away, the young priest went inside the inner convent to iron out the flow of events and rituals that would be done by his altar servers and nuns.
After ten minutes, the altar servers went to the bell tower where they pulled on the ropes to ring the twelve smaller bells.
With the beginning of the event, the cathedral's interior was silenced as the reporters turned on their video cameras to cover the initial processions of the event.
The church's choir, a mix of local Japanese converts, and British missionaries sent to man the new cathedral, began to sing a hymn as the priest and the church servants marched along the aisle of the church while spreading incense smoke.
After the opening ceremonies was finished, the noise of horse hooves and the cheering of people from the outside went through even the closed doors of the cathedral, marking the arrival of one of the two people who will kneel by the altar today.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Half an hour ago, the gates of Naka castle that has been kept shut tight for the past three days slowly swung open as a battalion of the castle's finest horsemen from the Hikigaya clan galloped along while bearing countless flags and standards including the provincial flag of Kiko, the three banners of the main samurai families of Aoyama, Fumikage and Hikigaya, the flag of the southern quartet alliance and most importantly of all, the flag of the Kirin Lord.
The steeds are finely combed and waxed, and the riders wore uniforms and fittings that are finely ironed and creased according to regulation. Their weapons are also cleaned and shined to their utmost appearance.
Next followed a convoy of two black cars carrying a contingent of Crow agents carrying all manner of weaponry to defend the person riding the white luxury car between their vehicles.
Above, a unmanned drone was flying, watching the crowd for suspicious movements and the stability of the crowd-control barriers placed along the roadway. Behind the monitor of this drone is the leader of a group of elite marksmen, ready to give orders in case something happens.
"Coast is clear. Proceed to Hanami Avenue and into the first route."
["Roger."]
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
At that same moment, a similar convoy has left the confines of the Aoyama manor and immediately head into the highway that was cleared especially for this day. On the pathways, excited people waved their hands to the convoy and out of the kindness of her heart, Chiyo opened the sunroof of her car and slipped out through it to wave towards the people, earning their cheers.
Unfortunately, she was pulled back down, and the sunroof was closed a moment later by a fussy and annoyed Rinne who immediately put back on her head her veil and on her shoulders, the white bridal coat that fell down after she peered out of the sunroof.
"Chiyo-nee! You're not supposed to do something like that! This is your big day!"
"I know it's my big day, but it's not supposed to be just for me. Look around us, our people are excited for me, and I want to at least do something to pay back their enthusiasm and cheers."
After saying that, she rolled down the window of her car door and waved towards the people who shouted out cheers and even threw flowers and petals over the passing convoy. This frustrated Rinne who complained about it before being rebuffed by Kaguya who was sitting on the front passenger seat of the car.
"Argh…! Why are you so hardheaded now of all times…?"
"Wow! Look at the kettle, calling the pot black… Did you finally get a taste of our suffering when you're such an annoying brat?"
"T-This and that are different things! And besides, you're one to talk, Kaguya-san! Auntie Rie already told me that you were such a handful too when you were at that age!"
"Argh-!!! Dammit, mother! Why did you have to tell her?!"
"Ahahaha! You guys really are best friends, aren't you?"
""We're not!!!""
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
As the newly established satellite communication system was partially opened to private and public usage, the limitations imposed on television coverage disappeared completely and in a matter of months, almost all homes in Japan that has access to electricity also acquired its own television set.
And today across Japan, all the radio and television channels are covering this event that many have begun to call as the "most awaited ceremony of all time".
Those who has a television opened their houses to their neighbors who has none just so everyone interested can come and watch it. There are even those who brought out the new 2-meter-wide television set offered by Dori Electronics to give their neighborhood a public viewing experience.
To put it simply, the entire nation was almost completely held by this event and there are even some rumors that a pair of faraway nations allied with Japan had their royal families watching it unfold as well.
Nevertheless, as the music from the cathedral's orchestra and choir died down, a single shout rang across the church's interior and the television coverage.
"Kirin Lord Iwasawa Hiroshi! Daimyo of Kiko and Chancellor of the Southern Alliance! Entering!!!"
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Hiroshi's entrance into the cathedral was nothing short of stunning.
His entourage of groomsmen, filled with big-name individuals such as his direct retainers, General Shimura Nobisuke, General Ishida Takeo, Admiral Fumikage Ryuusui, Director Akizuki Minori and Commander Ayasaki Ayato, as well as close friends such as Edogawa Gin and Asada Tatsu.
The military men, according to custom, was wearing their respective uniforms while the other two who had no such affiliations wore formal kimonos. The one thing they all do have with them are a pair of katanas tucked on their waists.
After the groomsmen have entered, Hiroshi stepped into the cathedral before the doors were closed once again. With a calm pace, he walked towards the altar, and this was the moment when everyone saw him wearing a white suit and carrying the same pair of swords on his waist as his groomsmen are.
As soon as he walked past the line of groomsmen, Minori and Nobisuke stepped out of the groomsmen's line. Minori followed Hiroshi as he stepped up to the front of the altar, only stopping one step below him where he reached out his hands as Hiroshi took off his swords and handed it to him.
For Nobisuke, he walked through the side passage to avoid walking down the center aisle and by walking through a large gap between the benches, he arrived at the center of the auditorium where he drew his sword and raised it in attention while standing upright in a military fashion. After that, the sound of horse hooves and the accompanying cheers of the crowd resounded even through the closed doors.
Once again, a shout resounded inside the cathedral, announcing the arrival of the other person who will approach the altar today to change the rest of her life.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Outside the cathedral, the car that was carrying her had its door covered by a canopy that hid her appearance from both the crowd and the television cameras. As she walked out and entered the cathedral's courtyard, the canopy opened towards the church where she saw her bridesmaids.
"W-Wow…"
"Goodness, Chiyo! Y-You're…"
"You're so beautiful!!!"
The first to greet her was her dearest friends and even former love rivals, Kusanagi Kyoko, Ayanami Mitsuhide and even Himeji Kotori.
"Hahaha! You guys are overreacting again. I just left it all to the manor's head maid, so I didn't have much input on it."
"Lies! Tell me, which master tailor made your clothes?! These are beyond exquisite, this is almost heavenly!"
"Your lack of womanly experience is seeping out again, Kusanagi-sama. Her gown might be beautiful, but this is the true show-stopper! Look at her face, the make-up is so naturally applied that it looks like she doesn't have any of it at all!"
"No, Mitsuha! It's definitely her gown!"
"With all due respect, Kusanagi-sama, you are simply wrong!"
"What was that?!"
"I will not back down!"
As the two were having an argument, the one who was being silent all this time spoke up.
"It's neither of that, Kusanagi-san and Ayanami-san, that makes her look so perfect."
"K-Kotori…"
"It's because its Chiyo who is here today that it's perfectly picturesque."
Hearing that, Kyoko and Mitushide sighed and agreed with her statement as they approached Chiyo and placed one of their hands over her shoulder.
"She's right… it's because this is your day that it's so perfect."
"You really deserve this win, Chiyo-chan."
Finally receiving those words from the three meant everything to Chiyo who has always been bothered about what they may feel now that she has truly triumphed in their little rivalry over Hiroshi's heart.
"Kuh-!"
"H-hey now! Don't cry and ruin your make-up, will you?!"
"D-Don't you dare blame us if you look awful out there!"
Hearing Kyoko and Mitsuhide's retorts, Chiyo held back her tears and bowed to the three before giving her utmost thanks.
"T-Thank you very much, you three… I… I've always thought that I would never get a chance to resolve this but hearing all of that now… I can't help but feel grateful to you guys."
When they saw that, Kyoko, Mitsuhide and Kotori went close to Chiyo and embraced her tightly.
"No, no… It's you who we should thank, Chiyo."
"Right. There's no need to have regrets or feel sorry for us. We all did our best, but you're really the one that he really loved."
"We will find our own ways through life, Chiyo-sama. Right now, your own path is just beyond this door, and you should welcome it with a smile and all the appreciation in your heart."
As the four parted from their embrace, a young woman holding a bouquet of flowers native to Kiko handed her the flowers before she used a spell that blew a gust of wind and sorted out the creases on her gown caused by the hug.
"Come on already, Chiyo-san. Everyone is waiting for us."
"Mm… By the way, that's a beautiful kimono, Kurumi-san."
"Well, since from now on I am going to be of service to you, I want to make a good first impression. Look at her too, she's dressed the part today."
"Huh? Oh, ahaha! What happened to you, Reiha-san?"
"Muu! Don't annoy me more than I already am-mujina!"
While Kurumi was wearing an exquisite traditional kimono with vibrant prints and colors, Reiha is wearing a kimono as well, although on her head is a huge bow (ribbon) that is tying her hair that is styled disproportionally larger than her own head.
"What is that for anyway?"
"To ward off evil spirits and malevolent yokai. As you can see, we're hiding our spiritual appendages using spells and that tend to attract some nasty fellows."
"Although this place of worship is foreign from our lands, it also exudes a glow that is driving them away and that largely nullifies that attraction effect. But for the sake of doubling our safety, Reiha stuffed her hair bow with wards."
"I see. Thank you very much for this, Kurumi-san and Reiha-san."
Before they can delay any further, a strict voice spoke up and reminded them of why they are here in the first place.
"Seriously, guys. We have to get in already."
"Nagisa-san is right, we're going to hold up the ceremony if we delay any further!"
"Alright, alright! Let's line up then and get this done!"
After they lined up according to the prearranged pattern, the soldier on the door shouted their arrival and the door of the cathedral opened.
"Princess Aoyama Chiyo of Aoyama Clan! Heiress of Aoyama Domain and Bride of the Lord of Kiko Province! Entering!!!"
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
The entrance of the bridesmaid earned the surprise and smiles of the people both inside the cathedral and the ones listening or watching from their homes via radio and television.
There was the daimyo of Shinka, Kusanagi Kyoko, as well as her subordinate Ayanami Mitsuhide. There is also the daimyo of Mizuki, Mizuki Rin. Next came a trio of trusted friends and great contributors to Kiko's government such as Nagisa Masami, Fumikage Rie and Akizuki Hisako. Next was the newly inducted retainers of Chiyo, Momiji Kotori and Tanukichi Reiha. The last bridesmaid caused some gasps among the crowd as she walked down the carpet and for once, was seen not wearing her military uniform, her being no one else than Himeji Kotori.
Nevertheless, as the bridesmaid entered and walked down the aisle with a calm pace, everyone waited for the arrival of the bride and as soon as the last of the bridesmaid stood by their seat, the orchestra swelled into life with music perfectly chosen for her arrival.
"Lady Chiyo…"
"Mm. Let's do this, Asada-san."
By the doorway, a woman with a noticeably short height took Chiyo by the hand and assisted her as she walked down the aisle until they reached the point where Nobisuke is standing. Once there, Kahono let go of Chiyo's hand as she gave a curtsy bow towards Nobisuke as he sheathed his sword and took over the act of leading her towards the altar. Before they left, Kahono reached towards Chiyo's veil and closed it over her face.
"You look nice, Nobi-nii."
"That's my line, Chi-chan. You're so gorgeous that I'm sure Iwasawa-sama has to pick up his jaw from the floor."
"Ahahaha! You're going to be scolded if he hears that."
Nobisuke and Chiyo walked the rest of the way to the altar where at the stairs leading to the altar, Nobisuke let go of Chiyo who took the rest of the steps by herself, and he returned to the groomsmen's line. At that moment, Hisako stepped out of the bridesmaid's line and took the same level on the stairs as her brother Minori while carrying a cushion that has a pair of gold rings.
At that moment, the wedding started, and the priest gave a short sermon to the crowd.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"Since time immemorial and generations that have passed, the sanctity of the union between man and woman has been etched not only in the traditions and ceremony of mankind but on the essence of nature itself. All across nature, we have seen one thing alone that produced the next generation and the continuity and flourishing of all living and that is none other than the bond of a man and a woman. Today, we are here to witness a bond that will be remembered for decades and if God allows, the rest of time…"
The priest left his podium and took from the hand of a church servant a vial of oil as he approached Hiroshi.
"Iwasawa Hiroshi, child of the faith. Do you pledge to honor and serve your wife and your people with all your might and your heart?"
"I do, father."
"Then may you be blessed and guided by the Lord."
The priest dabbed his finger at the mouth of the vial and with the oil on it, drew a cross on his forehead.
"As dictated by the Word and solidified not only by my authority but also the guidance of fate that brought you here to pledge your love upon this altar, let us begin the exchange of vows. Groom, take the lead."
With that cue, Hisako reached out the cushion that contains their rings and Hiroshi took one and as he Chiyo's hand gently.
"I, Iwasawa Hiroshi, take you, Aoyama Chiyo, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy law… In the presence of God, I make this vow to you and only you… I love you, Chiyo."
Hiroshi's words, caught by a microphone lapel pin, caused a stir among the crowd who can't help but let out sounds of excitement, with some of them even giggling after teasing him.
"Now, bride… give your vows."
"I, Aoyama Chiyo, take you, Iwasawa Hiroshi, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy law… In the presence of God, I make this vow to you and only you… I love you more than you'll ever know, Hiroshi."
Chiyo's vows and added words made the crowd and even those listening or watching from their radios or televisions to erupt into excitement as they knew that the two are meant for each other without any shred of doubt.
"…As these vows has been exchanged, they shall remain forevermore. If anyone wishes to oppose this union---"
At that moment, all of the groomsmen including Minori, drew their sword, making the noise of the metal being unsheathed loud as they held it in attention.
"Then they shall oppose both the law of man and the heavens… Now then, with the authority entrusted upon me by the faithful, I officiate the union of Iwasawa Hiroshi and Aoyama Chiyo, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. As it is written, let no one in the shade of the sun or the principalities and powers of this world tear apart that which has been bound."
After that blessing, the most awaited words were finally spoken.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Gently, Hiroshi raised her veil, finally seeing Chiyo's face and taken aback by her beauty and the smile she gave him after being apart for the past three days.
"Y-You're… you're so beautiful, Chiyo."
"Haha… my, my. I have to get used to hearing that from now on, won't I?"
"Ahaha, I'll make sure that you'll be hearing plenty of that from now on."
"Is that a promise?"
"Yes… Now then, let's not keep them waiting any longer."
The two drew close to each other and as soon as they exchanged that kiss, the sound of thousands of camera shutters and millions of cheers filled the air.
As they walked down the aisle to the outside of the cathedral, the doors swung open, showing off the newlywed couple that briefly presented their selves to the applauding crowd.
"Long live Iwasawa-sama!"
"Be fruitful and have a blessed future!"
Some of the onlookers even threw rice grains on them, a traditional custom in Kiko to bless newlywed couples. After a few minutes of giving the crowd a chance to bid them well, Hiroshi and Chiyo rode a car which was led by their now combined convoys of horsemen and security vehicles.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
At the wedding reception party, a celebration that rivalled the victory parties four years ago filled the courtyards of Naka castle. Barrels of Sake and Wine were given out and all manner of food was served in the outer courtyard where anyone can come and enjoy as much as they want.
In the inner courtyard, the private reception was held that was tamer than the one outside. Although it may seem like this is a division between social strata, the fact that Edogawa Gin, one of the groomsmen, is not only partying but is the ringleader of the chaos in the outer courtyard, invalidated that.
The dinner party is still quite loud as the guests exchanged stories and laughed out loudly at times while enjoying the exquisite dishes served by the Kurayama culinary college, but it was way more calm than the outside.
As the dinner course was finished and everyone was drinking their glasses of liquor, a wide television screen was brought out that caught everyone's attention.
"What is that about?"
"Are they going to play something?"
At that moment, Nobisuke stood up and took a microphone as he walked towards the screen.
"Good evening, everyone. I know some of you might be confused why we brought out this monitor right here and as some of you may already suspect, we are indeed playing a video that we prepared just for tonight."
Hiroshi and Chiyo, both clueless about this, looked at the screen intently as Nobisuke operated it until it played the video. However, the one who was in it was someone missing during today's event… and not for the reason of simple tardiness.
"Hello everyone, it's as you have guessed, it's me, Aoyama Takeshi or as I was called back in my prime, "Asura". Well, that's long in the past now, isn't it?"
It was Aoyama Takeshi, one of the three great samurai of Kiko back then who is Chiyo's father and now, Hiroshi's father-in-law.
On the video, he was laying in bed with an oxygen line on his nostrils and on his hand is an IV line connected to a medicine dropper. Additionally, his manly vigor has faded, and his eyes no longer transmit the same gaze full of strength and courage as it used to have before.
"I guess it won't be wrong to say that once you have seen this recording, I have long been gone from this world. This disease that appeared out of nowhere and has eaten away my strength every passing day, seem to have turned its appetite on my life instead and now, I can barely even crawl to the washroom by myself. Ahahaha---Cack-! Kah-!"
While he was laughing, a coughing fit blocked his throat and forced him to violently cough for a few moments before he drew a sharp intake of breath to recompose himself.
The crowd, many of which personally knew Takeshi, can't help but feel hurt after seeing him suffering at his last days. Even Kyoko and her contingent felt pain seeing him like that despite their bitter enmity years ago.
"Now… I've tasked Nobisuke to take and keep this record until this time has come. I know not when, but I do know that I will not live long enough to see Chiyo wed given what happened to Hiroshi and what he is going through right now… As you may have surmised, he is my doctor and yet, I can see that more than me, he's the one who needs help from someone right now."
After a short pause, he took a piece of paper from beneath his pillow, put on his reading glasses, and began reading it out in front of the camera.
"Since I will be gone soon anyway, I'll air out my gripes from all of you before it becomes too late. Just for disclosure, this is my unfiltered feelings and if you have any complaints, feel free to visit my grave and curse at me afterwards… Well then, let's start big and loudly… Kusanagi Kyoko, you're a brat who got hit too little on the butt as a kid and because of that, you're insufferable and immature. Boom, roasted!"
"Screw you! Screw you, old man! Why do I have to be the first one?!"
Following his words, Kyoko shouted out and gained the laughs and jeering of the other guests. However, she did laughed it off afterwards, showing that she has grown out of that.
"Next, those two sisters from the Ayanami clan. While I owe you a lot for helping me out regarding some past issues and you treated my daughter fairly and raised her to be a good warrior and woman, I'd like to warn you that you're a bit older than she is and if you are still unmarried by the time this video is played, it might already be too late for you two."
"What the-!? That damn baldie-!!!"
"Argh! Don't remind me of that!!!"
Both Mitsuha and Mitsuhide complained out loud, the elder being serious about it and the other simply playing along with the spectacle.
"Next, there's Ishigawa Gojo… First of all, I do want to say that I have nothing but respect for you given your long service to Shinka and its daimyo. However, I do want to tell you to learn how to tuck your little man in when you're crossdressing, because boy, you're blessed by the heavens itself down there and it shows every single time."
Gojo can't help but cover his face in embarrassment while also laughing alongside the crowd after that was mentioned. Although he hasn't appeared out in the public dressed as a woman ever since the war ended, he cannot deny that there were times when he had to excuse himself to tend to what he just mentioned down there.
Next, there's the princess of the Daigo clan... If she's there wherever she is seated, here's my stare… I don't think I have to say anything else, right? Don't do it, little girl… don't make the same mistake now, alright?"
Although she didn't laugh and so did the guests given that she did lose her entire family and a lot of her people during the betrayal of the Daigo clan against the rest of the alliance, she did give a smile that showed that she's not going to do the thing he mentioned.
"For the siblings of Fuku, I don't have any complaints. I will miss you a lot, Kaede-chan and I will watch over your reign from above, young lord Koshiro. Be strong, courageous and wise… also, don't wet the bed anymore, you two."
"Oh, grandpa…"
"Ahahaha!"
Koshiro and Kaede can't help but laugh along with the crowd as even though he said that he has no complaints to give, he still slipped in some childish embarrassments about the two of them.
The video went on and on until it arrived to address Nobisuke himself.
"Now then, I may have instructed you to not watch this yourself before the wedding reception, but I know you're too sharp or hardheaded to listen to me properly. I---"
Nobisuke paused the video and spoke into the microphone a disclaimer.
"I didn't watch it. This is actually my first time seeing this myself."
After that, he played the video, and it started back at where it stopped.
"I don't have much to say about you Nobisuke other than what transpired between you, Shido and your mother… you may have handled it in a way that I personally do not like but in the end, it is your judgement, and I will respect that no matter than happens. Because of that, I want you to treat your wife and child the best way that you can possibly do… Rin-chan is a good girl and although no one but you two really know what bonded you together, I'm sure that you will learn how to do it as you go through your own life."
"Uncle…"
"Also, retire from the army before you turn 60. I like Rin-chan more than I like you and I don't want to see her being neglected because you have to serve Kiko till your last breath. Learn from me and the two old farts, alright? Ah! That reminds me, are they still with you over there? Hey! If you follow me to the other side shortly after I get there, the first round is on me!"
The joke, although quite morbid, caused the crowd to laugh loudly. While all of the Kiko Three has already passed away, reliving those memories caused them to feel as if they are still there with them.
"Now then, to my dear son-in-law… I have a lot of things to complain about you."
"Oh no… here we go." Hiroshi groaned out, gaining everyone's laugh.
"First of all, you really had to wait for me to kick the bucket before you married my daughter, huh? What is this treatment? Is this supposed to be how you treat your dear father-in-law? It was my dream to lead the bridal convoy of my daughter, y'know?"
As Hiroshi hid his face with his hands, the guests all laughed at his expense while also giving out some of their jeering.
"Nevertheless, I am relieved that after I am gone, there will be someone who will look after her and give her all the love and care that she deserves to have. Soon, I will be reunited with my wife and her mother and I'm sure that she will feel alone since even Nobisuke has a family now. But now that you are married, I could never wish for any greater outcome than this. Take care of her, Hiroshi… and do make sure to give me a lot of grandchildren, alright?"
"F-Father-!!!"
"I'll make sure to do that, Takeshi-dono!"
"Oh come on, Hiro-kun, not you too!"
After all of that, the last minute of the video was dedicated to no other than Chiyo.
"Chiyo, sweetie… I know in my heart that I've done all that I can to raise you properly and even when I was forced to hand you over to the Ayanami clan, I did all that I can to make sure that you are safe and looked after. Although it was only a few years, maybe just a decade since you were freed from your duties to the Ayanami clan, every moment we spent together was full of sweet and poignant memories that I will carry even to the afterlife…"
"Father…"
As the video drew to close to its end, even with his weakened and pained body, Takeshi gave a smile as he spoke his last words to his one and only child.
"Thank you for being my daughter, Chiyo. Live your life happily from now on."
Unable to hold it back anymore, Chiyo let out tears of joy as Hiroshi embraced her and hid her face out of consideration. The others can't help but smile after seeing that scene, with some even letting out tears after being moved because of that moment.
After that night, Hiroshi and Chiyo went on their honeymoon that would last 2 weeks. As the two of them had different choices on where to go, with Hiroshi wanting to go to Inazuma province in Hokkaido and enjoy the snow as well as its renowned dairy and ramen products while Chiyo wanted to head to Okinawa to enjoy the beach and the sun, the two ended up with a compromise and as a show of affection to his wife, Hiroshi chose to head down to Okinawa first.
Since arriving, it has already been three days of enjoying the beach and travelling around Okinawa. At their last night before they take the express ferry to Hokkaido, Chiyo woke up to see Hiroshi at the balcony of their hotel room, gazing up to the moon. After tidying her clothes, she approached him, and he kissed her softly before asking her a question.
"Did I wake you up?"
"No, not really… we're not doing much sleeping earlier anyway."
"C-Chi-chan, you…"
"Ehehe!"
As he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, keeping her close and she leaned her head on his chest, Hiroshi talked about what was on his mind while they are gazing at the moon.
"You know, despite all the horrible things I had to do because of it, I didn't regret being a Sengoku lord at all."
"Really? Why so?"
"Because if I wasn't, I would've likely believed that this second chance is just another life for me to waste instead of enjoy… I would never believe that I can be something more and I would likely not meet any of you guys, and never be able to learn that you are here as well, Chi-chan."
"I see… I guess we're similar on that then."
Silence took over for a while before Hiroshi blurted out something that made Chiyo's heart skip a beat.
"I love you, Chiyo. Let's spend this life together till the end."
"I love you too, Hiro. You're right. Let's make sure to enjoy every moment of it."
Upon hearing that, all kinds of emotions stirred inside Hiroshi's heart as his sense of reason and manly instincts had a tug-of-war om which will take charge of his next action. After a moment, one side has won, and it led him to tuck his other arm under Chiyo's knees and begin lifting her up with a princess carry back into their room.
"E-E-Ehhh?! W-W-W-What?! Right now?! Again?!?!?! KYAAA-!!!"
As the saying goes, nothing fills the heart better than a good ending. And in the case of these two in this moment and their long, long story, it was a good ending indeed.
And so, the story of Hiroshi and his journey draws to a close. Years later, Japan will remain stable and at the absence of any other trouble, Hiroshi finally decided to break the truth to the people about all the things that transpired ever since he decided to change the world for the better alongside his fellows.
However, given the fact that some of it may sound ridiculous unless the one who is reading would do their due research, which he has ordered to never be hidden or kept away from anyone's desire to uncover the truth, he chose to write it down as a story "inspired by the truth", and in choosing a title, his wife's suggestion was what he took.
[I Became a Sengoku Lord!]
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
Ephraim_Chronia
Ephraim_Chronia ...And CUT! Rooolll Credits!
- Editor KEY
"Alright, that's a wrap!"
-Editor ZERO
"It's not yet done, you two. There's still something left."
-Author Rai
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