It Ends Where It Began

Renet was still busy, so for the next few days, I was incredibly bored and quickly started getting out of bed, if only to see what was happening outside the window. Tifia busied herself with preparations for the wedding, which was to take place two weeks later. From what I gathered, it was to be highly symbolic.

Although the atmosphere was peaceful and most people seemed happy about it, everyone was still burdened by the knowledge that so many had died. I regretted not being able to attend the funerals, but Tifia told me that everyone had been bid farewell with great honors and that there were plans to commemorate them, although the specific form was still being discussed. I was glad that it ultimately turned out the way I wanted, but I regretted that I hadn't tried harder to prevent it sooner.

Still, I often wondered what I would be able to do with myself in this world. I doubted my shooting skills would be of any use, beyond the occasional competitive sport, now that war was no longer a threat. And I hoped they'd never be needed again, but I still felt useless. Renet had his duties as a ruling prince and painting in his free time. Besides, everyone else had their own activities simply because they were part of this world, and I wasn't yet.

I was surprised that when I started going for walks, I met the Dragonid's king during one of them. He was admiring the beauty of the garden, which was the pride of Michael's mother. He also told me about their meeting.

"I never thought I'd meet such an important person in my life again," he said with a smile. "I'm glad you've recovered. Thank you for what you did and stopping all this."

"I couldn't think of anything else," I laughed nervously. "Your Highness."

"Oh, no more of those." He patted me hard on the back, almost throwing me to the ground. "As if we were family. But I admit, it was stupid."

"Yes, indeed," I agreed. "But I don't regret it."

While we were walking by chance, we caught Michael and Sevie on what seemed like a date. They weren't at each other's throats anymore, which was a surprising change, but they looked like they were enjoying a romantic meeting. I didn't know what had happened between them or which one had used some tricks to win the other over, but the important thing was that it worked. They hadn't noticed us, so we backed off.

"Their mothers would be happy if they saw it," the king said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I guess I am too, after all. Are they still pretending to hate each other?"

"As if," I confirmed. "I guess the change couldn't have been that drastic, so I'm not surprised they're still pretending."

"You're right." He smiled. "I have a favor to ask. Be their bond and be good to my son." He extended his hand to me, and I shook it confidently.

"Of course."

"Rest more. I'll see you at the wedding." He started to walk away, but I still heard him. "I'm too old for this, but apparently I can die peacefully now."

Indeed, we met again only then. The wedding took place at the Gate; someone had actually planned it deliberately during the construction of the Wall. And as I later learned, it turned out that similar openings were possible in many other places. A banquet area had been prepared on both sides. Renet stood next to me in the ceremonial clothing of his people, and I wore a top-quality suit. Michael, in a tailcoat and crown, was waiting at the Gate for his bride. He was clearly very nervous, like everyone else around him, dressed in their best clothes. I felt strangely calm; the orchestra played in the background, but that might have been because I could still hold Renet's hand.

Somewhere among the arrivals, I spotted Wanda and Wilhelm. I was glad he was holding her back, as she clearly wanted to confront us. Tifia was helping Sevia get ready, and on this side, Bernie, whom I almost didn't recognize because he had shaved, was waiting for her. Hans had his arm around Martha's waist, so I suspected that more than one wedding awaited us in the future. The ceremony itself was led by the Dragonid's king, who was currently comforting his future son-in-law. They both turned to the other side; it was obvious that Sevia was approaching, and after that, everyone was eager to see the bride. She wore a beautiful white dress, and judging by Tifia's proud expression as she held the train, it was clear she had played a major role in its creation. Despite everything, I heard quiet sighs of delight from the humans, especially since Sevia had taken human form.

"She looks stunning," I said, and not at all terrifying, like when I first saw her.

"Mhhm," Renet looked at me expectantly.

"You too, of course," I murmured, blushing. He immediately felt proud.

"I have something to tell you."

"It's not nice to talk like that during the ceremony," I said, trying to convince him to stop distracting me.

"Everything will be on their heads." He pointed to the bride and groom. "I'll have time just for you. I'd like to show you the other side, maybe discover the rest of this world with you. What do you think?"

"I can't wait." I smiled and squeezed his hand even tighter.

The ceremony continued, the newlyweds' kiss met with cheers and awkward smiles, because this time they couldn't hide the fact that they shared something other than hatred. Then Michael spoke.

"I'm grateful that we all met here and that no one interrupted our ceremony," he joked to lighten the mood; it didn't necessarily work. "We stand here, in this symbolic place, to once again allow our races to be friends. Although it cost us great losses, I hope we will learn the most important lesson. To never forget that we were once divided, we decided not to tear down the Wall to remind us of it, but thanks to Gates like this one we stand under, we can freely seize this opportunity."

I nodded, agreeing with every word. Even Sevia didn't interfere, but she turned to me and looked into my eyes for a moment. She bowed her head gently in thanks, and I smiled warmly at her. I noticed Gregory approaching Michael with a red pillow, on which rested the tiara I'd seen during our first meeting, but probably after a slight refresh.

"Since we're married, it's obvious that my wife will also become queen. I don't intend to place something of ours on her head, but to honor the traditions of her people." He took the tiara from the pillow and placed it on Sevia's head, which must have earned him the Dragonides' sympathy, because from where we were, I noticed several nodding in approval. "We are young, but allow us to learn and take care of the future of this place."

"Together," the new queen added loudly. "And equally, neither of us will be above the other. You know I won't let that happen!"

I heard cheers on the other side. The banquet had begun. The young people invited guests to cross to the other side, which a few did very hesitantly, but seeing Renet and Tifia, who seemed at ease among us, they gained a bit of courage. Curiosity drove people more willingly through the Gate. After a while, Renet and I sat on the Wall and watched the rest of the crowd in the setting sun. Some were already dancing; the traffic through the gate had definitely increased. I pointed at Wanda, who was surrounded by a ring of admirers, including many Dragonides. They weren't discouraged even when she clearly showed she preferred the company of her own kind. However, one young man with blue hair stood out from the crowd; I could see she was interested.

"You probably don't recognize him, but he's the other one who caught you back then. Maybe he has a chance," Renet commented. "But he probably has no idea what he's signing up for."

"Yes. I didn't know either when I met you," I laughed, resting my head on his shoulder.

"Do you regret it?" He kissed me gently on the forehead.

"No. Why should I regret it when I've found love and happiness?"

THE END