All Joshua POV
I have finally professed my feelings to Yumi.
I have done it before the people, in an unprecedented fashion.
Now in a relationship with her, I reel out our so-called 'first date'.
I feel such happiness to have seen her smile today.
And, after that...
We head back to the castle after our wonderful picnic.
The sun is sinking as Dres Van Manor comes into view.
(Not long now...)
I look carefully towards the gates.
(If I'm not mistaken...)
Then, as we pass a hedge, I suddenly see human figures.
(Oh...)
One, two...then as we move closer to the manor, many citizens are there, waving.
(I didn't expect so many...)
I feel slightly moved, and Yumi looks surprised at all the people.
[Yumi]
"Is there something going on today?"
[Me]
"No. Everyone wants to congratulate you"
[Yumi]
"Huh?"
[Me]
"Look at their faces. Not a single person denounces you. You were worried that you were fooling the people with a fake marriage, weren't you?"
I open the window and wave back at the people.
Spotting Yumi next to me, cries of 'Yumi, Princess!' fill the air.
[Yumi]
"...!"
Actually, I had asked Jan to do something before we left.
I told him when we would return and had him announce the schedule.
(I thought that if they knew, anyone who wanted to show their support may show up.
I thought we might have a few, but...
I never guessed so many would come)
Now, many people turn to Yumi.
And congratulate her.
[Yumi]
"Thank you, thank you"
(Thank goodness...I'm sure that you will be a much-beloved Princess)
I smile while I watch over her as she waves with tears in her eyes.
When we arrive at the manor...
[M.Pierre]
"Oh? Isn't it a little early for tears?"
[Naomi]
"We came over to congratulate you, Yumi!"
[Yumi]
"Monsieur Pierre! Naomi! But why?!"
As Yumi exclaims in surprise, Leonardo appears behind us.
[Leonardo]
"Yumi. No, Princess Yumi. Congratulations"
(He's been through a lot, too. Yet he's congratulating her like this)
Then a lively party joins us.
[Roberto]
"We were almost sick of waiting for you, Yumi!"
(Hey, Roberto, don't think you can stand so close to her, damn it!)
[Keith]
"Jeez, making people wait like that...
I guess I'll let you off today"
(He's condescending as usual...)
[Glenn]
"Where did you two go off to, in such a fancy car? A convertible, too"
(What's wrong with that? I go on dates...)
[Wilfred]
"It's unusual for you to drive, Prince Joshua"
(It is?😌)
Then Edward says something serious.
[Edward]
"Congratulations, Miss Yumi.
There are some people here who are happier for you than anyone"
As that, Yumi's parents appear behind us.
[Yumi]
"Mom! Dad!"
Yumi's surprise breaks down as the tears pour.
(I'm so glad she's this happy)
Suddenly I feel tears well up in my own eyes, though I try to hold them back.
[Keith]
"Oh, what's this? Stoic Prince Joshua, crying?"
[Me]
"I-I'm not crying!"
~~~
That night, we hold a wedding party for close friends and family.
Of course Yumi's parents and the King and Queen are in attendance.
[Yumi]
"You're awful, keeping something like this from me...
I had no idea you liked surprises so much"
Though she is dressed as well as anyone, her words are tinged with anger.
#JoshuaLieben #BeMyPrincess #Voltageinc