As soon as the words were spoken, all the guests froze for a moment, their gazes turning in unison to Daren.
Daren's expression also showed surprise.
Are we... that close?
"Daren-san, this is the wish of His Majesty Neptune and Queen Otohime," the turtle prime minister said earnestly as he approached and lowered his voice beside Daren.
Daren looked over at Neptune and Otohime, puzzled.
Neptune nodded with a smile, while Otohime offered a gentle, sincere look.
"Daren-san, you once saved Fish-Man Island from the clutches of evil pirates. Having you as our witness would be our greatest honor."
Daren paused, remembering the bronze statue of himself in Gyoncorde Plaza. It all started to make sense.
"Bwahahaha! Go on, Daren!" Garp's loud laughter rang out from behind as he gave him a push. "Since King Neptune has invited you so graciously, don't turn him down!"
"Well then, I won't refuse." Daren smiled, stepping onto the red carpet under everyone's gaze and slowly making his way to the stage.
Looks like Fish-Man Island is really putting all its chips on this Marine...
But it makes sense. As one of the Marines' most high-profile figures, Rogers Daren has enormous influence.
And from what I've heard, he's also deeply trusted by the World Government...
If they can secure his support and protection, maybe many of the Fishmen's long-standing issues could finally be resolved...
Guests from all over the world whispered among themselves, their eyes flickering as they watched Daren.
He slowly ascended the platform, standing before Neptune and Otohime.
"My apologies, Vice Admiral Daren, I didn't inform you in advance," Neptune said with an embarrassed expression.
"It was my idea," Otohime added softly. "Ryugu Palace will do its best to compensate you afterwards."
Daren simply shook his head with a smile. "No worries. I'm here to celebrate with you both."
He understood their intentions well and didn't feel bothered. Instead, he felt a sense of sympathy for how hard it was for the Fishmen to survive in this vast ocean.
After all, as a king of a World Government member nation, Neptune should outrank a mere Vice Admiral like himself. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't be remotely qualified to act as the witness at such a grand wedding.
This could only mean Neptune and Otohime were facing a difficult challenge—and hoped this wedding could earn them his support.
If that was the case, Daren was more than willing.
The Fishmen were a powerful force at sea, and he had long wanted to integrate them into his diving forces to coordinate with the aerial fleet.
Hearing Daren's response, Neptune and Otohime both looked visibly relieved and pleased.
Daren raised his head, and his deep, magnetic voice took on a solemn tone as he spoke:
"I, Rogers Daren, Vice Admiral of the Marine Headquarters, am honored to serve as the witness for this couple."
"Bride and groom, please take each other's hands and listen closely."
He turned to Neptune.
"Groom, in the name of love, do you vow to take the woman before you as your wife?"
"In joy or sorrow, in wealth or hardship, in health or illness... will you stay by her side for life, never abandoning her, cherishing her forever?"
Neptune gazed lovingly at Otohime and smiled.
Daren looked at Otohime with a smile.
"Bride, in the name of love, do you vow to take the man before you as your husband?"
"In joy or sorrow, in wealth or hardship, in health or illness... will you stay by his side for life, never abandoning him, cherishing him forever?"
Otohime smiled sweetly, her eyes misty, and nodded.
"Wonderful. Now, let's all give the happy couple a round of warm applause to celebrate their union and beautiful moment together!"
Daren was the first to clap.
The crowd burst into smiles and applause as the music swelled once more.
With the ceremony complete, the lights brightened and the wedding party officially began.
Smiling guests naturally cleared a space as Neptune and Otohime stepped into their first dance as husband and wife.
Seeing this, the others soon paired up and joined in, filling the party with joy and celebration. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
"Vice Admiral Daren, may I have this dance?"
At that moment, a queen in her elegant court gown walked over gracefully and gave Daren a playful wink.
"...So you can feel just how soft my body really is."
As soon as she spoke, the noblewomen, ladies, queens, and princesses who had been watching eagerly surged forward, their heated gazes locked on Daren.
A crowd of royals and dignitaries stood there stunned, their expressions slowly darkening.
"Of course, no problem... though, which lady should I dance with first?"
Daren said with a cheerful smile.
The excited women instantly lined up.
Even Daren was briefly stunned—he had clearly underestimated how desperate this crowd of women was.
"How about starting with me, Daren-san?"
A soft voice came from a figure in a snow-white wedding dress who walked over with a smile.
Daren looked at the elegant Queen Otohime in front of him and turned to the others with a grin.
"My apologies, lovely ladies, but Queen Otohime is the star of today's event. I'll have to accept her invitation first."
The others had no choice but to watch as Daren was led by Otohime to the center of the hall.
As gentle music began to play, Daren placed one hand in Queen Otohime's and the other lightly at her waist, stepping into the dance.
"Vice Admiral Daren really is popular..."
Otohime's hand rested gently on his shoulder. They maintained a proper, respectful distance—nothing suggestive.
It was customary in noble circles to dance together after the wedding ceremony, a normal part of upper-class socializing.
Her elegant face held a faint smile as she looked at Daren's flawless, handsome features and blinked playfully.
"...All the women here are completely enchanted by you. I doubt any of them will be able to sleep tonight..."
Daren chuckled without much concern.
"What about Queen Otohime?"
Otohime's smile faltered for a moment.
Her dance steps even paused slightly.
"Hahahaha, just kidding."
Daren winked mischievously.
"I'm in your care now, Princess Otohime—so you have to take responsibility for me."
p@treon com / PinkSnake