After that, the elf village was in turmoil from top to bottom.
The Spirit of Light blessed a human woman.
In the once-in-a-decade summer festival, which is celebrated by all the villagers, there was not a soul who didn't know what happened.
With this one case, Anna was completely recognized and accepted by the elves of the village. That much was good, but …….
"Congratulations to Allen-sama and Anastasia-san."
Her Majesty congratulates us.
"Th-Thank you"
"Hmm, hmm, nevertheless, you're a good couple, isn't it?"
Sheryl Laura-san, too. We're not married, right?
""Congratulations!""
"T-Thank you"
Well, as you can see, Anna and I are now fully treated as husband and wife. I found out later that the event was, in essence, like an elf wedding.
(TL:- Congratulations, Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ)
However, elves do not have the same concept of marriage as humans.
If they get along with each other, they become partners and form a couple-like relationship, then if they don't get along, they simply part ways.
However, it is said that this is not the case after the summer festival event and that participating in this event is an indication of one's desire to have a child.
And when I asked what those guys meant by mourning? It seems that the elves are having fun by deciding on such roles.
In fact, I heard that one of them has a partner and a child.
And since we jumped in and overcame such an event, the elves naturally thought we were very close.
And when it comes to humans having children, it means married, thinking that we're married, they are congratulating us.
But let me say a few words.
If it's so important, say it first!!
Anna spoke to me, who is like that.
"Hey, Allen. I really like this village. The elves and the spirits all seem to be happy."
"Is that so."
"There is no royalty or nobility collecting taxes from the people and using the money to live a life of luxury for nothing. Everyone is equal."
"Yes"
"Why can't humans be like this…."
Anna's expression looked terribly sad as she said this.
Lively music rang around the bonfire as the elves and spirits danced and sang happily.
Sheryl Laura-san, who is supposed to be the princess of the elves village, was dancing happily in the circle with others. There was no such thing as a status barrier you could find there.
There is simply one elf named Sheryl Laura.
"What exactly is a king, and what exactly is an aristocrat?"
"Anna …"
There is also a queen in the village of the elves. However, she doesn't seem to make any decisions forcefully but rather acts as a mediator when something troublesome happens, or does something when an external enemy appears, which is rarely.
There is no such thing as a crown prince who uses his status to give orders.
"But I suppose it's still impossible for humans."
Anna mumbled sadly and rested her head against mine. I hold her shoulders and gently support her.
"Hey, Allen. Can I be just Anastasia here and not the Duchess of Ramslett?"
"……Yes."
The feeling of loving, cherishing, and protection comes from my heart.
"Then, will Allen be just Allen, not the commoner Allen?"
Anna looks at me with moist eyes as if she is clinging to me.
I couldn't help but cover her lips.
That time seemed like an eternity. So…
・
・
・
Night falls in the village of Elves.
This is deep in a lost forest that humans can never enter. Once every 10 years, joyful music and dance are played to celebrate the birth of a new couple.
And that night, I and Anna …
(Tl:- Ko tsukuri.)
＊＊＊＊
When I woke up, I couldn't feel anything in my left arm.
Oh, that's right.
And I think about the important existence, who is also the cause. She sleeps peacefully with my left arm as a pillow, and I feel two conflicting emotions: the desire to look at her forever and the feeling that it's too late.
As I was struggling with this, and wondering if I should wake her up, Anna woke up.
"Ah……"
The moment her eyes meet mine, she turns bright red and then tends to look down.
"Good morning. Anna."
"G-Good morning, Allen…."
After she replied, Anna fell silent.
"Um, Anna. Wake up?"
"Oh, umm, yeah, I need to get dressed."
(TL:- best wishes to the future life. （ ^^）o自自o（^^ ）)
With that, Anna got up from the bed and slowly walked towards her luggage with an awkward gait as if she was protecting something that was not typical of Anna.
＊＊＊＊
I came with Anna to a beautiful fountain on the outskirts of the village.
Around the fountain filled with clear water, various flowers are in full bloom, and the spirits are flying around it, creating a very mysterious atmosphere.
In the midst of all this, I muster up the courage to open my mouth.
"Anna, you see?"
"What?"
"Well, you know, about yesterday."
The moment I said that vermillion bled into Anna's face at once.
"Wha? Don't apologize to me now, okay? I….I…!"
I shake my head and kneel down to Anna, who says this in a panicked manner.
"Anna. I don't know when it's going to happen, but I'm going to make sure that I'm recognized by the Duke so that I can come to pick up Anna. And I will protect you forever. So, please marry me, even though the order is reversed."
I said so and held out the『Substitute ring』.
Anna alternately looked at my face and the ring I offered her, and then she started to shed tears.
"……Yes"
When she said that, I gently slipped the 『Substitute ring』 on her left ring finger.
(TL:- Yesssss, Allen is fully determined, Now the world will see his true strength.)