ITK C421: Those Who Long to be Wed

Yep, it’s me.

Let’s quickly put into action the goal we have set for this year.

What? It’s too late for that?
Don’t be so harsh. I have a lot of things to do, too, and I have to do them chronologically.

Anyway, here is this year’s goal: get Prince Arowana and Puffer married.

Many couples have found their match here that we’re almost like a match-making farm.
Among them, Prince Arowana and Puffer were one of the earliest couples.

Prince Arowana, who is promised to become the future mermaid king.
Puffer, one of the Six Witches, a heretic of the mermaid realm.

Regime and heresy.
Order and chaos.
Leader and outlaw.

They seem to be polar opposites, but somehow, they hit it off and came to like one another.
Then again, it was love at first sight for Puffer.

Their relationship was strengthened after going on a pilgrimage.
Their feelings became mutual, and they seemed like they were just a few steps away from getting married. Unfortunately, reality wasn’t as forgiving as that.

Their limbo state has been going on since last year.

Clearly, something must be done about this. So, we gathered the related parties and discussed a strategy.

This isn’t unnecessary meddling, mind you.

For the living, the cycle of procreation and upbringing of offspring is a mission that must be prioritized above all else.
The fact that this is a different world where civilization’s aid is still inadequate and harsh increases its importance.

Moreover, marriage is also important as a preliminary step.
We must work together as one!

Thus, all concerned people gathered at my house to discuss.

Today’s agenda is: Why can’t Prince Arowana and Puffer get married?
Dudun.

Let’s hear what the people in question have to say first.
Prince Arowana and Puffer.

“I want to get married… I want to get married!”

Puffer is already bawling her eyes out on the desk.
She must want to marry Prince Arowana very much. And yet, she can’t get married. Why is that?

“…First, I cannot thank you enough for gathering here and offering your support.”

A sincere prince.
It was this personality of his that made him well-liked by everyone and a suitable candidate to be the next king.

“I am sorry you have to use your precious time for our sake. As much as I would like to turn down your offer, lately…”

Yes?

“This place has given me plenty of opportunities to make friends and have idle chats. Usually, it’s just me, Lord Saint, and the Demon King. But then, both Lord Saint and the Demon King became fathers… And then, all that they ever talk about now is their children!”

Yes.
Sorry about that.

“Fathers get very excited talking about how cute their children are and the hardships they face in caring for them. But I, a bachelor, can’t join in the conversation! Every time I’m left alone to my thoughts! I want to get married too and have children!”

Er, sorry, prince.
It’s as he said. Lately, more than 90% of my chats with the Demon King have been about our kids.

I mean, his kids are a little older than Junior’s, so hearing about his experiences is a huge help, okay?!

But in turn, that has also made Prince Arowana feel alienated!
I’m so sowwy!!!

But if that’s the case, Prince Arowana is just as eager to get married as Puffer.
Why can’t they get married even if they both want it so badly?

Let us inspect that first.

“The floor is all yours, Hendra.”
“Certainly.”

Our first speaker is Hendra, the controversialist merman and a loyal friend of Prince Arowana.

He usually lives in the Mermaid Kingdom and knows more about his nation than those of us who live on land.
That is why I invited him to attend this meeting.

Prince Arowana’s position means that he must be aware of the national sentiment when it comes to his every move.
He’s a public figure who cannot decide his life by his own will.

In contrast, his fiancée, Puffer, is one of the six most feared witches.
If she were to marry the prince, there’d naturally be obstacles in the way.

If the prince is the future king, his wife becomes the future queen.
If a witch becomes queen, most people think their country will crumble.

I thought he might be afraid to get married for fear of such an adverse wind, but…

“I don’t think so.”

Here’s a calm analytical report from Hendra.

“The Six Witches may have a side as outlaws, but they also have a respected side as the best potion compounders in the Mermaid Kingdom. If one of them has a passionate love affair with the prince, many people will be there to give their blessings.”

I see.
But not all of them, right?

“Won’t there be a faction adhering to the old regime that’s against outlaws?”
“There is, yes. Wait, no. Was.”

Huh?

“Just to add, the recent purge has resulted in the arrest of all the rebels. Another wrong move could result in their immediate end. I doubt they have the guts to find fault with the prince’s marriage.”

Even more so since the purge was triggered by the marriage proposal of the princess, Platy, eh?

“As such, I don’t think there is any cause for concern about their marriage in terms of public sentiment. With all due respect, I, too, am very much in favor.”

Good one on the closing remarks there, Hendra.

“May I say something as well?” asks Lampeye, hand raised.

Like Puffer, she is one of the Six Witches and is the Witch of Hellfire.

Does she have any good ideas?

“Let’s also discuss my marriage with Hendra.”
“Oh, for crying out loud…”

It was just a request.
Lampeye is in a relationship with Hendra, you see.

“This opportunity is meant for me and my hun! Don’t just butt in with your own desires!”

Puffer’s so furious she grabbed Lampeye by the collar.

“We also want to make things official soon. Please support us, too!”
“You guys can get married on your own if you want! That won’t happen in our case, so we’re asking for help from everyone!!!”

She’s right.

Prince Arowana and Puffer want to marry each other so badly.
But the fact that they can’t is a sign that there are external obstacles.

But that is not the national sentiment of the Mermaid Kingdom.
Hendra’s statement earlier proved so.

So, what else is there?

“It’s obvious.”

This is when Platy finally spoke up.
She had been with us the entire time but had remained silent with Junior.

“It’s Mom who’s sabotaging this couple’s marriage more than anyone or anything else.”
“Yeah.”
“I know, right?”
“I mean, yeah.”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“Definitely that.”
“Oh, yeah!”
“Exactly!!!”

The last person to let out a peeved cry was none other than Puffer herself.

Mermaid Queen Mahi Kanne.
Wife of His Majesty Nagus and mother to Prince Arowana and Platy.
She is against the marriage of her eldest son.
…Right?

“Mom just isn’t ready to let go of her child. She feels Puffer is taking Arowana away. She knows she has to approve their marriage eventually, but she’s been trying to drag it on for as long as she can.”

As a result, no progress has been made to date.
I understand the queen’s feelings as a mother, but it would indeed be a pity for the couple if this goes on any longer.

Something must be done to break out of this deadlock.

“The heart of the matter is Mom. If we manage to convince her, the two can get married.”

Platy continues, “And I have just the idea!”

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