May 19, 3460.
Prince Ernest Lilm Andrew of the Kingdom of Egerea, sixteen years old.
Princess Lieschen Physis Klein of the Klein Kingdom, fifteen years old.
The day had finally arrived for the two to be wed.
The exchange of vows, the sacred heart of the ceremony, was held in the inner sanctum of the castle with only the royal family and their close relatives in attendance. However, the reception that followed was a much more public and lively affair.
Emerging from the depths of the castle to the heartfelt blessings of the people, the couple proceeded to the reception venue: the Great Hall.
This was the very place where the Golem Party had once been held years ago.
While the scars of past destruction had lingered for some time, the hall had since been meticulously and beautifully restored to its former glory.
"Congratulations, Your Highnesses!"
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you."
"Thank you!"
Both had reached the age of adulthood in this world. Prince Ernest had grown into a tall, gallant young man, while Princess Lieschen had matured into a graceful lady.
Basking in the cheers of the knights and ladies-in-waiting serving the castle, the two took their places at the center of a dais prepared at the front of the vast hall. Behind them, the monarchs of various nations sat in a dignified row.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we shall now begin the wedding reception for His Highness Prince Ernest of the Kingdom of Egerea and Her Highness Princess Lieschen of the Klein Kingdom."
A voice amplified by a magi-device resonated throughout the room, and the Great Hall was instantly enveloped in thunderous applause.
"First, we shall hear congratulatory remarks from the representatives of each nation... Her Majesty the Empress of the Shouro Empire."
The Empress rose, offered the couple a gentle smile, and began her speech.
"Congratulations. To both the Kingdom of Egerea and the Klein Kingdom, I offer my most heartfelt felicitations."
Pausing for a moment, the Empress offered a slight nod to the assembled guests before continuing her address.
"On this auspicious day, I wish to share the joy of celebrating this young couple with everyone present. May you find eternal happiness. Empress of the Shouro Empire, Gerhardt Hilde von Rubies Shouro."
Another wave of applause erupted.
Following her, King Cesar Valois de Celuroa of the Celuroa Kingdom, King Rotaro de Franz of the Kingdom of Franz (formerly Rotaro de Lafayette), and King Alois Lux Klein of the Klein Kingdom each offered their own words of celebration.
The final speaker was King Alphons Alba Elias of the Kingdom of Elias.
Because his father had been bedridden for many years, Alphons had handled the majority of state affairs as regent; now, having officially succeeded to the throne, he had become a truly capable monarch.
"Thank you. We have received wonderful words of celebration from our honored guests. Let us have another round of applause."
The guests gathered in the Great Hall offered a generous and sustained ovation.
"Next, we move to the presentation of gifts from our guests..."
The reception proceeded with festive energy.
＊ ＊ ＊
(As always, these formal ceremonies are exhausting,) Jin thought, grumbling to himself even as he watched the happy couple with a smile.
A wide space had been cleared just below the dais for various performances.
(Oh, it's Stearena.)
Stearena’s three crystal golems were currently showcasing a song and dance routine. The sight of the red Ruby Golem, the yellow Citrine Golem, and the light blue Blue Topaz Golem singing and dancing in perfect synchronization was a magnificent spectacle.
(Back then, it was Celes, the crystal golem, wasn't it?)
Jin found himself reminiscing fondly about the Golem Party where he had first met Stearena.
(Now it's Reinhard's turn.)
The Schwarzritter, Noir, raised a mock sword and shield, performing a spirited martial demonstration. Behind it, the Shouro Empire's military band played a majestic, driving anthem.
Because Prince Ernest was a known enthusiast of golems and automata, many of the acts were focused on them, though the program also included traditional songs and poetry recitals.
Among the human acts, what caught Jin’s eye was a short skit. Tailored for such a celebratory occasion, it featured a man and a woman engaging in humorous, fast-paced banter—a routine that reminded Jin of a classic comedy duo.
"Next, we have Elena-dono, representing Nostalgia."
"Oh?"
Jin focused his attention. To his surprise, Elena was actually in attendance.
"My name is Elena. I serve as the Honorary Advisor for Nostalgia."
Greeting the crowd with a voice as clear and resonant as a ringing bell—just as it had always been—Elena began to sing while performing a slow, rhythmic dance.
"Blue sky, white clouds. The dazzling, radiant sun; the quietly glowing moon. Twinkling stars; the wind that crosses the world. The cycling water of healing; the blazing flames. The earth's bounty; the fruitful forest. Flowering meadows; sheer mountains. Silent lakes..."
The audience watched her as if they had forgotten to breathe.
"On this auspicious day, may happiness find these two souls bound by fate..."
She concluded her performance with words that sounded like a sacred prayer. As Elena dipped into a graceful curtsy, the room erupted in a deafening roar of applause and cheers.
(Elena’s still got it,) Jin mused.
She no longer possessed eyes that could cast a Charm effect, but her natural grace and movements seemed to captivate the common folk all the same.
＊ ＊ ＊
The performances were followed by the presentation of gifts. It was finally Jin’s turn.
After several magi-devices and exquisite works of art were unveiled, the announcer spoke again.
"From the Magi Craft Meister, Lord Jin Nidou: an automobile."
A collective "Ooh" of wonder rose from the crowd.
It was the same model as the automobile he had previously presented to the Empress. Designed with a classic aesthetic, it was often referred to as a "horseless carriage"—literally, a carriage that required no horse.
With a top speed of only about twenty kilometers per hour, it was more of a collector’s hobby item than a practical transport. In truth, Jin could have easily made it reach sixty kilometers per hour, but he had detuned it significantly to ensure no member of the royal family would accidentally be injured.
He hoped that if it gained popularity among the nobility here, perhaps one day...
(Though they weren't very common even four hundred years in the future,) he recalled.
In this world, golem horses were far more culturally accepted, and carriages drawn by them remained the preferred standard over the automobile.
＊ ＊ ＊
The reception continued into the evening as a buffet-style party.
"Jin! I finally get to talk to you!"
"Jin! I am so glad you could make it."
Prince Ernest and Princess Lieschen approached Jin, wearing weary but happy smiles. It seemed the long day of festivities was taking a toll even on the young royals.
"Congratulations on your marriage," Jin said, maintaining a polite, somewhat formal tone for the public setting.
"Thank you."
"I wanted to bring Elsa with me as well, but the children are still quite small."
"Oh, that's right! You did mention that the twins were born."
"Yes. Their names are Yuu and Mio."
"I truly hope to meet them one day."
Reinhard and Stearena joined the group shortly after.
"Reinhard!"
"And Stearena, it has been far too long."
As they spent a moment chatting with their old friends, both Highnesses wore bright, carefree smiles, looking as if they had been transported back to simpler, happier times.