Marriage - Part 1

It was a few days after the New Year. Carl had arrived a few days prior, and they had celebrated the New Year together. It was more like a public gathering: people came together, visiting temples of the gods they believed in and eating tasty food. Hiroto thought celebrations here were no different than those on Earth. The Rodrick family head made a public speech, wishing everyone a happy New Year and outlining changes that would follow in the coming year. The fire of the New Year died down after a few days, but the main event was yet to come: the marriage between Carl Rodrick and Emma Shaw. Everything was ready, and Hiroto was proud of his preparations. He had been so busy that he didn't even have time to study his magic. Before he knew it, it was the day of the marriage.

The marriage would span two days. On the first day, guests would arrive. No one would want to attend an event immediately after traveling long distances, so guests would focus on relaxing and enjoying their time on the first day. The marriage was held on the second day, when everyone had recovered and was full of vigor. It was a foolproof plan; Hiroto was sure of it.

Hiroto was monitoring everything, starting from the entrance. There, he saw the guards who would verify the guests' identities and let them in.

A noble family arrived at the entrance in a carriage. A man stepped out, his servant opening the carriage door. After him, his wife and daughter emerged. The man was well-built, clearly made for war, yet possessed gentle eyes and fiery red hair. His wife was beautifully dressed in a long yellow gown, with a large white hat and long gloves that extended up her arms. She had black hair, visible only from the back due to how she had tied it together. Her daughter looked to be the same age as Carl. She was well-dressed and had a serious look in her eyes, as if she would chew anyone alive who dared approach her. She had black hair, like her mother, flowing down to her waist, held by a single band. Her eyes were red, like her father's, a clear mark of their shared lineage.

They approached the guard to verify their identity. Hiroto knew who they were: the Leo family, one of the Diamond guests—Dart Leo, Melisa Leo, and Lily Leo. Dart was about to take out the invitation, but the guard spoke before he could, "You all are the great Leo family. You are verified. If you may follow me, I will escort you to where you will be staying." Dart was surprised to be recognized before saying anything, but he didn't mind and followed the guard.

It was all because of Hiroto. He had made every guard in the house memorize the guests' characteristics so that they could speed up the verification process without any obstacles. Hiroto smiled, pleased with his work, and checked the area where the guests would be staying.

The guest area was just a building where rooms were assigned based on the invitation received. Diamond invitations secured rooms on the top floor, with rank decreasing by each floor. Diamond guests received individual rooms, while others had to share with family members due to limited space. However, there was a separate female quarter prepared by the first wife. So, the building Hiroto was in charge of was male-only. He checked in with the workers, and nothing was out of order. Hiroto felt satisfied and left the building, though he couldn't shake the feeling that he was acting like a head butler. 

Why do I have to do this stuff? He wondered.

As he moved to check other areas, he met with Luna, his elder sister. 

Carl is getting married, but why isn't she married yet? He mused internally. 

Their eyes met. Luna was wearing a light blue dress that looked very fluffy. Her silver hair was tied in a bun with braids around it, and a white, net-like cloth covered her head, hooked somehow to stay in place. Her black eyes scanned Hiroto, and a disgusted expression covered her face.

"Good morning, Sister Luna," Hiroto greeted.

"..."

Hiroto wondered why she was so disgusted by him.

"You've done what you always do, right?" Luna spoke, as if her meaning was obvious, but Hiroto tilted his head in confusion. 

"Don't tell me you forgot to do it?" Luna closed in on Hiroto.

 A soft chime could be heard as she moved, likely from her accessories. She pressed her finger into Hiroto's chest. 

"You know, right, I need a separate area where my friends and I can party together."

"But, Sister, it's Brother Carl's wedding, shouldn't you be..."

"So now you're telling me what to do?" Luna cut Hiroto off, pushing him with the finger still on his chest. "Who are you to tell me what to do?"

Though Hiroto could have resisted the push, he didn't. He figured it would only make things worse. 

"I'm sorry," he offered.

"...Just do what you are told." Luna clicked her tongue.

Hiroto wanted to punch her and ask why he had to do that, and who she was to order him around. But he held back, knowing he would only make enemies he didn't need. He nodded and Luna left him behind. Hiroto wondered why she needed a separate area; she could have just enjoyed the party with everyone. Why would she need a private space? Hiroto didn't have time to think about these things, so he pushed the thought to the back of his mind and continued with his duties.

It was already lunchtime, and everyone began to arrive at the venue. The event was about to start and would continue until tomorrow. Guests were sitting at tables assigned by invitation rank, with the highest-ranked in the center and ranks decreasing outwards. Everyone was seated, waiting for food to be served. Out of the four Diamond tables, only two were filled: one by the Leo family and the other by the Shaw family. Hiroto asked why the other two were empty. He learned that the royal family hadn't arrived yet, and the Priestess from the Holy Empire would arrive tomorrow.

After confirming that most guests were present, Hiroto instructed the servants to bring the food. The food was held in artifacts prepared by Coral and Hammer, which could keep the food hot or cold for a long time. Their work was simple: an enchanted stone of the lowest grade was added to either cool or heat the food, as only moderate temperature control was needed to maintain freshness.

The servants came out with dishes and served them to everyone. First was the starter. Everyone looked at the dishes with strange expressions; Hiroto expected that. The Head Chef, Mr. Garge, stood next to Hiroto and smiled. Hiroto looked at him, and taking the cue, Mr. Garge stepped forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Garge Voldick, the head chef of the Rodrick family. What you see in front of you are new dishes that have never been seen or made before." He paused, letting everyone take in his words. "The long yellow sticks you see are called 'French Fries,' made from potatoes. Although the recipe is a secret, I can guarantee your taste. The red, dense liquid next to it is a tomato sauce, which goes perfectly with it."

Everyone looked skeptical and hesitated to eat something they had never seen.

"Wow, it tastes so good!" someone's voice echoed, breaking the silence.

Chef Garge smiled and continued. "The large thing is called 'Pizza.' It has been cut into smaller slices for ease of eating." 

Everyone took a slice and began eating with a fork and knife. They were surprised by the taste; it was a new flavor.

After that, the main course arrived: Chicken Nuggets, carbonated lime water, Griffin meat, wine, vibrant salads, and crisp root vegetables prepared in complex, layered dishes. It was evident that everyone liked the food. Whispers of awe came from all over the place. The Rodrick family was also among them, occupying a table and enjoying lunch. Fred's face was etched in surprise with each bite, and Luna was eating like there was no tomorrow. Hiroto looked at his work and its success, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

After the main course, it was time for dessert: Ice Cream. It took a lot of trials to make it. Hiroto knew the general method to prepare it—freeze milk at a particular temperature and process it—but he didn't know the exact temperature, so it took some time. Everyone looked at the white cream placed in front of them. They ate a spoonful of it. The reactions were exactly as Hiroto imagined: 

"I have never eaten something like this!"
"It has a sweet aroma!"
"Is it strawberry?" 
"..."

Whispers of delight filled the air.

Hiroto was smiling from ear to ear, truly satisfied.

After lunch, everyone mingled, the hall alive with chatter. His father spoke with guests, and the first wife gossiped animatedly with other ladies. Hiroto watched them from a distance, satisfied, having also provided Luna with the private area she'd demanded.

"Baron Fred, I didn't know your estate boasted such amazing food! If it's alright with you, could you provide the recipe for it? I'm even willing to pay for it," Dart Leo exclaimed to Fred.

Fred was taken aback. He didn't even know about the food, having been busy with other tasks and the menu being the least of his worries. He knew Hemal had overseen the catering, but he hadn't realized he was the one who'd introduced the dishes to the chefs. 

"If you wish, we can discuss it in detail after the event," Fred replied smoothly.

"I would love that," Dart said, his interest piqued.

Hiroto saw the noble children playing, each clutching a small paper bag. It was another one of Hiroto's touches. While ice cream was the MVP of today's lunch, popcorn was proving incredibly popular among the kids with its easy chewiness and different flavors.

He observed everyone laughing and talking, a scene of genuine enjoyment he had orchestrated.