414 Dekan's Wedding
That being said...
As a secret agent, one must always remain calm—this is a well-known saying.
After all, if you lose your composure or become lazy and unmotivated when you receive a commission, even luck will no longer favor you.
This is Clay's reflection on his work.
He felt that these words would definitely help the man beside him who was currently feeling anxious.
However, it's quite amusing to see how nervous the guy next to me looks.
Clay dress was perfectly wrinkle-free and whose shirt was impeccably pressed, turned his head and chuckled a few times.
"So, you don't need to hire me anymore?"
He stood beside Dekan and asked.
The area where the two stood was bathed in rays of light that poured freely through the windowpanes. The refraction of light through the rose window glass added a sense of otherworldliness to the already dim interior of the church.
A month had passed since they returned to the Royal Capital, Heavenlyte, from Tristin.
This is a corner of the apse of Heavenlyte Cathedral.
Dekan's fingers were gently tapping on the stained glass window behind him.
He seemed a little distracted, as if he hadn't even heard Clay's question.
In my mind, all I could think about was what it would be like to see Cornelia in her wedding dress walking into the church.
His mood was like a rollercoaster, going up and down.
On this special day, he had been preparing for a long time for himself and his loved ones.
In preparation for the wedding, he eliminated the Resurrection Church and the Church of Calamity, reconciled the Kingdom Association and the Empire, and ended the reign of the Chaos God Realm, which had been eyeing the present world with hostility.
Looking back, I realize that I've done so many amazing things.
My initial intention was simply to live a peaceful life, nothing more.
This long journey has finally come to an end.
However, as he was about to witness the scenery he had been dreaming of, he felt a sense of disorientation between reality and illusion, which made him dizzy.
Did someone just talk to me?
As if realizing something, Dekan's pupils gradually cleared and brightened, and he replied:
"Having you as my best man is my last request. However, you're welcome to visit me in the Vihart Kingdom in the future."
Dekan looked at Clay and smiled with relief.
This man, whom he trusted and feared most, seems incredibly reliable even today.
Perhaps it was because Dekan was in an exceptionally good mood today that everything seemed pleasant to him.
For the upcoming wedding, only one best man and one maid of honor have been invited.
Clay was the only designated best man chosen by Dekan.
They were already waiting in the church.
Dekan, who might already be a little nervous, would likely fall into a state of over-vigilance if he didn't see Clay.
Cornelia chose Mie as her bridesmaid.
First, Mie is beautiful, dignified, and has an outstanding temperament; second, Mie is Cornelia's first female friend in Heavenlyte; and third, if the best man is a bishop, Cornelia hopes that the bridesmaids will be bishops of equal stature.
Although Dekan suspected Cornelia wanted to forge a bond between the three bishops, he had no evidence.
However, whenever the three bishops gathered together, things would go exceptionally smoothly, which could be considered a good omen.
Whether it was the seventh-tier team assessment in the Randir Kingdom, the final battle of the Hero Festival in the Philoven Kingdom, or the counterattack in the Salong Imperial Capital, it was all because these three inexplicably came together. Each of them had their own ulterior motives, yet they all shared the same ultimate goal, resulting in a series of chaotic and wonderful collaborations.
"Even I feel like a lot has happened; time really flies."
Clay looked up at the cross in the center of the church and the various shimmering images of gods on the towering walls, and couldn't help but sigh.
He wandered the world, hiding in the shadows, and most of the time he was a witness, seeing Dekan rise from an ordinary person to a legend.
Although a few years for humans are but a fleeting moment in the eyes of the gods.
Even the span from the Holy Kingdom to the present day might not seem too long to the gods.
But only by experiencing the passage of time firsthand can one truly understand the preciousness of this moment.
For example, for them in the Holy Kingdom, this momentary sense of security, or the unease that arises from the impending happiness, is something they can hardly hope for.
"For me, sitting in the small shop in the border town feels like it was just yesterday."
Dekan said with a smile.
He was carefree, spending his days happily researching Magic Card out of pure interest, running the shop, and selling cards.
Later, he arrived in the Royal Capital, enrolled in school, challenged the Shadow World, saved Tristin City and the Randir Kingdom, defeated the Pope, uncovered the truth of history, and sealed the Chaos God. It was a fulfilling and realistic experience, not bad at all.
But what he looks forward to most is the new day ahead.
"Sigh, border town... Back then, although you already showed some signs of being from the Underworld, you were still quite innocent. Unlike now, you've completely become anthropomorphic."
Talomati appeared beside Dekan with a sigh, his arms crossed.
Who would have thought that the small-town boy who once called her "Master" is now her brother?
I still feel the generational hierarchy is off.
She hoped that Dekan would maintain the respect due to a teacher to her, while also being a reliable older brother.
"You think you get all the good things? Even Delois couldn't do that!"
However, Dekan was fully aware of what she was thinking.
Ta: "What can't we do about Delois? He never makes anyone angry easily, he's strong and reliable."
De: "That's your nostalgic filter! Now look closely, I am the real Delois, no doubt about it. Whether you accept it or not, that's the truth."
Seeing the siblings' daily bickering, Clay couldn't help but laugh.
Are you nervous right now?
"Talomati asked."
"I'm not nervous at all."
Dekan answered confidently.
"...?"
Talomati never expected that this guy would still be so stubborn even now.
But she didn't say anything, just stared at him.
"Okay, I am indeed a little nervous."
Dekan finally felt too guilty to meet Talomati's gaze and admitted it.
"That's more like it. Delois would never be as humiliating as you are at a time like this. Even if you really are Delois, you've changed too much. How dare you still say you're Delois here?"
"..."
Dekan was momentarily speechless, stung by Talomati's words.
He had to admit that if it were Delois, she would have remained absolutely calm, even before the wedding.
Delois will conduct a meticulous wedding like a perfect man.
That's really cool.
This is the state that Dekan most hopes to be in right now.
He always felt that whatever Delois could do, he could do too.
But at this moment, he really couldn't help but be nervous...
Seeing that Dekan seemed to have become more nervous because of his words, Talomati hesitated for a moment, then coughed twice and said:
"Well, although you're much more embarrassing Delois, Cornelia this is exactly how you are right now, so I hope the wedding goes smoothly. This is my blessing to you as an elder."
"... I see."
Upon hearing Talomati's mature-sounding words, Dekan couldn't help but smile and shake his head.
"I admit that your age is worthy of the title 'elder'..."
As if the words had slipped out unconsciously, Dekan immediately felt his heart start racing again.
"Hey, let's talk this out, don't resort to violence today!"
"... Don't worry."
Talomati managed to suppress his anger and managed a slight smile.
She has always been reasonable.
"Let me tell you one last thing: the Delois hidden deep in your eyes has long since vanished. You are you, the fountain of life surging endlessly, vast and brilliant. Why should you retain even a trace of the past?"
After saying that, she disappeared from the spot.
Hearing her words, Dekan paused for a moment in the dappled light and shadow of the church.
After a long while, he glanced at the clock and realized that the time for the wedding to begin was drawing ever closer.
But just now I had a few words with Talomati.
It seems like I've unconsciously forgotten how nervous I was.