Chapter 21 The Disappointing Hero Screams Within His Heart
"Higashimura family, Yanashima family, congratulations today. Now, the entrance of the groom and bride."
With the host's greeting, Kanae and I linked arms and entered the venue.
Greeted by thunderous applause, we made our way to our seats.
"The groom, Tadayuki Higashimura-san, has achieved excellent academic results in his studies..."
After the host introduced our backgrounds, they handed me the microphone.
Now, it's time for my welcome speech.
I surveyed the venue, confirming the attendees once again.
Next to me is Kanae, of course, and in the friends' section, the Kato couple and their son, everyone from the Yanashima family, and Kanae's friend, Mizuno-san.
I really want to say something like 'Welcome to hell,' but I held it back.
"Thank you very much for gathering here today despite your busy schedules. Perhaps it's because all of you have prayed for our new beginning. Today, without a single cloud, has truly become a perfect day for a wedding. I deeply express my gratitude for this."
After glancing at Kanae, I continued my speech.
"And above all, today is the day my dream comes true. Since as long as I can remember, I have loved Kanae, who is now by my side. Wanting to walk through life with her has been my dream for many years. On this day when that dream finally comes true, I am truly a fortunate person to receive blessings from all of you."
As I spoke, the venue was filled with a warm atmosphere. Imagining it turning extremely cold later, a smile naturally appeared on my face.
"And my beloved Kanae has given me a new dream. It might come as a surprise to some here, but there is a new life growing inside her."
A slight commotion spread through the venue. However, it didn't feel entirely negative. It will change to complete denial later, though!
"Wanting to walk through life with Kanae, my dream began as such. It transformed into a stronger desire to walk together as three. I hope that all of you... no, I hope everyone will continue to watch over the future of our dream, our future together. In gratitude for your kindness, I have invited a three-star Michelin chef from Tokyo to offer the best hospitality I can provide. Though our time today is limited, I hope you enjoy yourselves. With that, I thank you in advance."
As the speech concluded, a louder round of applause enveloped the venue compared to when they entered.
"A three-star chef!"
"Incredible!"
Pretty amazing, huh? I think you won't even be able to taste the food properly halfway through! By the way, this is an additional charge. Well, I'll collect it later though.
But speaking of myself, I think it was a pretty good speech. It was a good practice for the real thing. Ah, today was the real thing too, hehe.
The wedding progressed, and next up was the speech by the friend representative. Of course, the friend representative was Takashi.
"When I was a kid, Tadayuki and I used to pull pranks together quite often. Tadayuki would come up with the ideas, and I would be the one executing them. We made a great team, you know? For instance..."
In a salesman-like manner, he entertained everyone with a lively talk, incorporating past episodes for laughter. Ah, those were the days. Today, Takashi, I am both the mastermind and executor of the mischief. Hope you enjoy it.
During his pitch claiming credit for "the marriage of the two," I felt a slight pang of murderous intent... Oh, whoops, that's the second time I've killed him off already.
And finally, the moment of judgment draws near.
"Now, let us all take a look at the memories and the path the bride and groom have walked so far. This video was created by the bride's friend, Mizuno Shoko-san. Mizuno-san works at a TV station..."
Hahaha, sorry about that, Mizuno-san. But you see, you're my enemy, right? After this ceremony ends, things might get tough for you, but hang in there!
Mizuno-san's created video, saved on the USB, has been brought here through a splendid relay of 'Mizuno-san → Kanae → Me disguised as a venue staff → Me disguised as Kanae → Venue Staff.'
And then, one more person.
In this video, I have no involvement whatsoever. To prove this, I have placed an 'assassin' at this wedding.
There was, of course, a risk of my plans being exposed by this 'assassin.'
But, taking the risk yielded results.
Of course, I hedged my bets on the risk.
I obtained a crucial piece to claim that I had no involvement in this video.
Do it well, alright?
"Now then, let the play button for this memorial video be pressed by the groom Tadayuki-san! Tadayuki-san, please come over here!"
Hehehe, this is also my suggestion.
If someone tries to stop the video, I will halt them, saying, "No, I want to confirm the content."
Worst-case scenario, I'll use my skills to eliminate any interference, establishing my territory for that purpose.
I stand in front of the PC connected to the projector. Clicking it, the video plays.
Not just the culmination of my activities over the past six months - no, it's the culmination of my entire life. Thinking so, an overwhelming mix of emotions wells up within me.
The enjoyable days of elementary school. The afternoons in junior high spent talking until it got dark with my friends. The high school years, when every day was enjoyable after starting to date Kanae. The college years, feeling the loneliness of being apart, yet cherishing the occasional reunions with happiness. The life in another world, the battles fought just to meet Kanae again...
All of that is now condensed right here.
...I've felt a similar sensation before.
For instance, in the past with games. Playing my beloved RPG to its fullest, nothing left but to defeat the final boss. Or following a series of novels to its ultimate conclusion. Despite the gripping interest and the craving to know what happens next, there's a loneliness as the remaining pages dwindle.
The moment I realize this, it's like a sudden cooling sensation.
Continuing this means the end of the enjoyable time. It will only be watching the credits roll by.
However, I still want to play, but I don't have anything to play with anymore. If the remaining pages run out, the protagonist's journey will have no choice but to come to an end. To avoid that unwanted conclusion, one must either abandon the clear and throw away the game or simply close the book.
Perhaps people always want to enjoy the process. They might prefer savoring the journey toward the conclusion rather than witnessing the end.
Maybe they don't want to check the visible results every time. When I think about it, my hands hesitate──.
And then, in my mind, the figure of my favorite comedian appeared. Well, maybe it's because I happened to see him on TV yesterday. Anyway, he said, "The result is already decided! Don't hesitate like this! Go with the flow!"
Ah, that's right. In situations like this, you have to go with the flow without overthinking it!
It's not the time to be nibbling on the thoughts.
Thank you, master. As I express gratitude in my mind, the comedian gives me a thumbs up.
Now, Higashimura Tadayuki, it's a once-in-a-lifetime moment!
Here it goes!
I screamed in my head, expressing my respect for my master.
"Announcement of the results! Switch on!"
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