Three months later, the situation had gradually stabilized, and ghouls had all but been eradicated.
1st Ward, Sunlit Garden.
Spring sunlight gently spilled across the lush green lawn.
A soft breeze carried the fragrance of flowers.
A grand yet intimate lawn wedding was being held here, the air filled with happiness and joy.
Uesugi Ryu wore a perfectly tailored white suit. His tall figure looked especially dazzling beneath the sunlight.
A faint smile rested on his lips, his eyes full of tenderness and anticipation.
Mado Akira wore an elegant strapless wedding dress, the hem swaying gently with each step.
Her pale golden hair was pinned up loosely, with a few strands dancing in the breeze, making her all the more beautiful.
Hand in hand, the two walked slowly down a path strewn with flower petals, surrounded by the cheers and blessings of their family and friends.
Suzuya Juuzou, Amon Koutarou, Takizawa Seidou, Kaneki Ken, and their other friends stood on either side, sincere smiles on their faces.
Mado Akira's father, Mado Kureo, along with elders such as Marude Itsuki, sat in the front row.
Flowers and ribbons rained down from above, settling on their hair and shoulders.
Uesugi Ryu turned slightly to look at Mado Akira beside him, his eyes filled with affection.
Mado Akira looked back at him, her cheeks faintly flushed, happiness shining in her eyes.
The ceremony itself was simple and solemn.
Before everyone present, they exchanged rings and vows, then embraced tightly.
Uesugi Ryu's fingers brushed aside the loose strands beneath Mado Akira's veil, and a mint-scented kiss landed softly on her lips.
At that moment, time itself seemed to stand still, every blessing and every joy condensed into a single instant.
After the ceremony, the celebration truly began.
"Take this!"
Suzuya Juuzou excitedly grabbed a bottle of champagne, shook it vigorously, and then popped the cork with a loud bang.
Champagne sprayed out like a fountain, tracing sparkling arcs through the air.
A moment later, it rained down like shooting stars onto the brand-new black suits of Marude Itsuki, Amon Koutarou, and the others.
Marude Itsuki's face darkened.
To look impressive today, he had worn the most expensive suit in his wardrobe.
He glared furiously at Suzuya Juuzou.
"Juuzou, you little brat!"
Takizawa Seidou staggered backward with his camera, laughing loudly.
His lens captured the ridiculous sight of Marude Itsuki chasing Suzuya Juuzou across the lawn while wielding the bridal bouquet.
White rose petals mixed with the champagne shower, scattering across the grass.
Amon Koutarou remained perfectly calm.
He casually brushed the foam from his shoulder.
Then a grin spread across his face as he grabbed a champagne bottle and sprayed it straight at Suzuya Juuzou.
At that moment, Suzuya Juuzou had ducked behind Shinohara Yukinori to avoid Marude Itsuki.
Amon Koutarou failed to notice in time, and the entire blast of champagne drenched Shinohara Yukinori instead.
Shinohara Yukinori stared expressionlessly at Amon Koutarou, foam still clinging to his cheeks.
"Amon..."
Amon Koutarou gave an awkward laugh, immediately bowed ninety degrees, and apologized frantically.
"Hontou ni sumimasen! Really, I'm so sorry!"
A trace of wistfulness flashed through Mado Kureo's eyes.
His emotions were complicated. Happiness, reluctance, and a little confusion all mixed together.
Kuroiwa Iwao gently patted him on the shoulder.
"What is it? Having second thoughts?"
Marude Itsuki squeezed over with a special RC cocktail in hand, grinning mischievously.
"The old man's about to cry."
Mado Kureo's smile froze for a moment before turning into one of helpless amusement.
Marude Itsuki glanced around, then waved at Arima Kishou and Shinohara Yukinori.
"Arima, Shinohara, get over here. Let's toast the Bureau Director's father-in-law!"
Arima Kishou's brows relaxed, a hint of nostalgia appearing in his eyes.
He and Shinohara Yukinori joined the gathering.
Kaneki Ken stood nearby, smiling as he watched everything unfold, occasionally becoming collateral damage from Suzuya Juuzou's champagne attacks.
Kirishima Touka leaned against the table and said flatly,
"What are you grinning about? You're not the one getting married."
Kaneki Ken gently took Kirishima Touka's hand and looked into her violet eyes.
"Touka-chan, don't you want to marry me?"
A blush instantly crossed Kirishima Touka's face.
She turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.
"W-Who would want to marry a bookworm like you..."
Yoriko's eyes sparkled as she watched.
"Wah! Wah! Wah! An embarrassed Touka-chan is so cute!"
Kuroiwa Takeomi glanced toward his father. Hearing Kosaka Yoriko's exclamation, he turned to her hesitantly.
"Yoriko, I..."
Kosaka Yoriko looked at him, a mischievous smile appearing.
"Kuroiwa-kun, don't tell me you're about to confess to me."
Kuroiwa Takeomi did not bother hiding it.
He nodded gently.
"Huh?!"
Kosaka Yoriko's expression instantly froze, and steam practically rose from her head.
Ihei Hairu watched the heartwarming scene, envy flickering in her eyes.
"How wonderful..."
This wedding had no complicated formalities, only genuine emotions and endless joy.
Watching her father laugh heartily while drinking with his friends, Mado Akira's lips curved into a radiant smile.
Uesugi Ryu held his beloved's hand, and together they joined the celebration.
This was a special moment belonging to Uesugi Ryu and Mado Akira, and a treasured memory for everyone present.
The festivities continued from afternoon until night.
The alcohol served at the banquet had all been diluted from Wine-Sack Rice-Bag's production.
Mado Kureo, Marude Itsuki, and the others were completely wasted, sprawled across the lawn in every direction.
Suzuya Juuzou let out an enormous burp and rubbed his stomach with satisfaction.
Shinohara Yukinori had made him drink quite a bit, though Suzuya Juuzou still preferred cake.
He staggered over to Uesugi Ryu and Mado Akira, stood at attention, and loudly declared,
"Uesugi and Mado-chan, happy wedding!"
Mado Akira could not help laughing at Suzuya Juuzou's serious expression.
"Thank you, Juuzou."
Uesugi Ryu glanced at Mado Kureo and the others lying all over the grass, feeling a headache coming on.
It was still spring, and the nights were a little chilly.
Sleeping out here would be an excellent way to catch a cold.
Suzuya Juuzou frowned, trying desperately to remember something.
"How did it go again? Houji Kousuke taught me this!"
"Hayaku... kodak..ara... no... megumaremasu yō ni!"*
Hearing that horribly mangled phrase, Uesugi Ryu nearly spat out his drink.
Mado Akira, on the other hand, did not understand.
"What is he trying to say?"
Suzuya Juuzou scratched his head and grinned.
"Um... I think it means have a baby soon. That's what Houji Kousuke said!"
Uesugi Ryu coughed several times, preparing to shut that topic down.
He was only twenty years old. What baby? Stop cursing him.
Naturally, Mado Akira caught his meaning.
She looked up at him quietly.
"In that case, we'll have to work hard too."
Faced with Mado Akira's gaze, Uesugi Ryu could only force out a stiff smile.
"Yeah... I suppose so..."
........
TL Note:
'早く子宝に恵まれますように' (Hayaku kodakara ni megumaremasu yō ni) means "May you be blessed with children soon."