The First Garden

May the bride and groom-to-be, who have sworn their vows under the Covenant of Swords, please step forward.

Lady Yipha, Sir Bertrand... By the power vested in me, I, Priestess Mariel, hereby pronounce you newly betrothed.

Lady Yipha, I'm so happy for you!

Sob sob... How could this be... My precious Yipha, getting married! But...

As long as she's happy, I'm happy! All the best, Lady Yipha!

Everyone... Thank you so much for your kind blessings on this special day.

Of all the people I have met, I would never have imagined I'd be so lucky as to marry Sir Bertrand.

You'd better take good care of her! Make our Lady Yipha happy, you hear?

You have my word.

Congratulations, you two!

What a lovely couple they make. May your days be filled with joy!

Thank you! Everyone, thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Sir Bertrand...

Yes?

I... I think this may be the happiest moment of my life.

Then I am happy as well.

(Wow... I didn't know it was possible to feel this happy. I can hardly feel my toes!) (This all feels like some wild, crazy dream...)

(And it all started a few days ago, under the most trying of circumstances...)

Ugggh...

Are you feeling all right, Yipha? Judging by those groans of yours, you went out again last night.

You know me too well, Allee... Yesterday, Zuki said she stocked up on some rare booze, so I downed it by the pint. I mean, can you blame a girl?

Hozuki's pub, huh? Why am I not surprised? Also, rare booze is meant to be savored, sip by sip. Anyway, didn't Lakhesis ask to consult with you today? Do you really want to show up like that?

You've gotta be kidding me! Laky has the worst timing... Ugh, it just had to be today, didn't it?

I take it this isn't the first time?

Hear me out, Allee. If things start turning south halfway through...

You'll cover for me with that incredible follow-up of yours, right? Pretty pleeease?

So that's why you brought me here...

Guess we'd better get going, then. I'm assuming you're meeting Lakhesis in his study?

Yup! You're the greatest, Allee! I knew I could count on you!

Well aren't you chipper... We should go. Don't want to keep him waiting!

Owww... Not so loud, Allee. My head is killing me...

Sorry to keep you waiting, Sir Lakhesis.

Gwah!

(Wh-What's the head priestess doing here?!)

Greetings, Yipha. Are you feeling all right? You sound like someone stepped on a frog.

Huh?! Oh, heehee... Yes, I'm fine. Just clearing my throat.

Really? Because I could've sworn you let out a croak as soon as you saw my face.

High priestess, I would never dream of such a thing! Oh ho ho ho!

(Yipha... You're not fooling anyone.)

I-In any case! I didn't expect to see your holiness here. Could this have something to do with the matter you asked for my help with, Sir Lakhesis?

Yes. Thank you for coming all this way. I felt this particular request required permission from the high priestess.

Oh? How so?

Lately, there have been reports of a nobleman dealing in the slave trade.

"Slave trade"?!

Rumors say his men go to the poorest lands, kidnapping women and children to then sell to nobles and thieves... Even traveling as far as the east to make their deals.

How awful... How could anyone do such a thing?!

If you know this much, why haven't you arrested him yet?

The man behind it all is a prominent aristocrat, and we have yet to gather conclusive proof. We recently sent our spies to a town he's known to do business in, along with a skilled mercenary for protection. However, they came back empty handed. His vast wealth and power act as a buffer between him and anyone who dares get close to the truth.

I see... Now that he knows he's being watched, he's stopped engaging in such dealings?

Perhaps for the time being. But that is hardly what I'd call a fitting resolution.

Moreover, we have no guarantee that their activities are truly on hold. A few of the children they managed to rescue had been abducted while on their way to the temple.

What?! Apprentices of the church?!

I'm afraid so. The newly appointed apprentices were captured while on their way to Unigan. To think even children blessed by the temple and hard at work on their studies were targeted...

I had no idea our brothers and sisters underwent such hardship...

Sir Lakhesis, correct me if I'm wrong, but your request wouldn't have to do with arresting this noble, would it?

That's precisely right. He is currently in hiding after the mercenary destroyed his base of operations in the area.

I have no doubt that he will continue his dealings as soon as he is able, so there is no time to waste. We'll flush him out of his hideout and gather him and his lackeys in one fell swoop.

Excellent! I'm happy to assist in any way I can.

Make that two of us! What would you have us do?

My goal is to draw attention off the mercenary I hired. If the noble believes he's left the area, it will give him all the incentive he needs to continue business as usual.

A distraction, then. And how will we do that?

I'll get right to the point. Yipha...

I would like you to marry the mercenary in question.

...Huh?

...WHAAAT?!

M-M-Marry?!

...Ahem. A marriage, you say?

A ruse, of course.

And by marry, I mean participate in a formal engagement ceremony, which is less binding than sacred wedding vows. Doing so would save countless people, and, of course, the entire thing would be fabricated.

Amongst the church's abolished rituals, there is one such rite in which a member of the clergy blesses a couple's union. This is the ceremony we are asking you to partake in.

I see... So this is why you needed the high priestess' permission.

Indeed. Without it, nullifying the engagement after the fact would've proven quite...difficult.

After luring out our culprit, you are free to pull out of the engagement. That said, news of your betrothal will spread far and wide, especially considering the church's blessing.

That won't do! Because Yipha already has someone she likes!

D-D-Don't be ridiculous, Aldo! Of course I don't!

(Allee, what are you saying?! That was supposed to be a secret!)

(Wh-Whoops. Cat's out of the bag...)

(But, lie or no, are you really okay with this?! Getting engaged to someone other than Bertrand?!)

(I...)

(It's just for show... And this despicable nobleman must be stopped at all costs!) (So I'll do whatever I must...)

What on earth are you two whispering about? You still haven't heard who Yipha's partner will be.

M-my apologies, high priestess.

Sorry I'm late.

Is that, ?!

Wha, ? But I, Uhhh... B-Bertrand, what are you doing here?

Oh? You two know each other? This is the mercenary you'll be engaged to.

Forgive me... Because of my failure to apprehend the nobleman, I've once again caused you hardship. A priestess like yourself should never have to engage in such nonsense.

I-I wouldn't, I mean... For you, no, for this! For this cause, I would gladly make an exception!

So! Umm, if... If you would have me... Bertra, er, Sir Bertrand! It may be a lie... It may be just another strategy, but... W-W-Will you... Will you marry me?!

...... ...You beat me to it. I truly am sorry, Yipha. I have no intention of forcing you. If you feel even the slightest bit of hesitation, just say so, and we will find another way.

Nooo, no worry on that front! I can promise you that much! And I will do my best to be your lawfully wedded wi, er, bride-to-be!

...Very well. You have my gratitude. I will also give my all to being a fitting fiancé.

(Wh-What is this? Am I dreaming?) (Could my ears be playing tricks on me?)

(Way to go, Yipha! You must be elated!) (Though you're shaking like crazy...)

Wonderful. If you two are both in agreement, then I'll go into the details.

Lady Yipha? She seems dazed. Did something happen?

H-Huh?! ...My apologies. I was lost in my thoughts.

Oooh, reminiscing? About when you first fell in love with Sir Bertrand?!

Or perhaps when he proposed to you? Hmm?

("Propose"?! I mean, there WAS a proposal, in a way... But I asked him!)

Heehee. Something like that...

Tell us! Tell us!

Teehee... Don't you know the saying? A lady never tells.

(Sorry, but there's no way I'm saying "We got engaged to take down an evil noble"! Really kills the romance...) (But a proposal, huh? Four little words and...BOOM! Together forever.) (I'm dizzy just thinking about it! Ah, ! There I go daydreaming again! Forgive me, Bertie!!)

Miss Yipha, you must be the loveliest lady in the world today! Of that I have no doubt.

Mariel... You're too sweet. Of all the clergy members who could bless our union today, I'm glad it was you.

Sniffle... Miss Yipha!

Mariel!

(If only this was real!)

(Mal! I promise the next one won't be an act!)

So, you two will be staying in Baruoki for a while?

That's correct.

In addition to his work as a mercenary, Bertrand also aids the Imperial Knights, but he tends to...overdo it. I suggested that he and Yipha take this excellent opportunity for some alone time.

Wow, that sounds amazing! So you'll be taking a trip to celebrate your engagement?!

Yes, something like that...

So, this is the site of the happy union... Why, head priestess!

My, my... So good of you to come all this way.

Well, I could hardly refuse a formal invitation from the church itself! To think... a lovely lily of the temple getting betrothed to the famous knight Sir Bertrand himself!

You're familiar?

Am I familiar? Ha! Why, word of your great feats has reached my ears ever since your time in service to the king! And what of your lovely bride-to-be? To catch the eye of a man of your caliber, she must be a fair flower indeed.

Yipha, dear. Come join us.

Coming!

Thank you for blessing our union on this most joyous of days. I hope it was not too far?

Ahhh, I see now... So this is the gorgeous young lady who stole your heart.

Good sir, you flatter me...

Her appearance is not the only thing I fell for. Her heart is just as lovely. In fact, she outshines me in every way. Simply standing at her side is an honor.

Ha ha ha! What a treat this is! I'd heard many tales of your valor, but never one of love. What a lovesick puppy you've become. Ha! Very well... Now that I've seen the happy lovebirds, I think it's time I take my leave.

My liege, I heard the mercenary is going on a trip of some sort Now's our chance!

Yes, I heard mention of "Baruoki." As much as I hate to visit such a podunk town in the middle of nowhere...

Heheheh! This is an opportunity I can't afford to waste!

So that's the mastermind, huh?

Yes, he's donated a hefty sum to the church and as such, holds much sway. No doubt a ploy of piety to mask his dark deeds.

In any case, he seems to have believed our ruse. But there's a chance he'll use his underlings to test its veracity... Meaning the rest is up to you two. We're counting on you.

We won't fail you, Sir Lakhesis!

Miss Yipha, be careful out there!

Onto our newly betrothed trip, then? I'm fine to head straight to Baruoki. How about you, Yipha? Not too tired from the festivities?

N-Nope! All ready on my end! In fact, I've never been readier!

I'm glad to hear it. Just let me know if you should need anything.

R-right. Will do...

(She's blushing all the way to her ears! Is she going to be like this for the entire trip?)

(So this... This is...)

(This marks the start of my new life with Bertie?!) (N-No, wait a sec. This is just a job for him!) (Plus, going on a trip together is hardly the same as moving in together!)

(Hold on... "A trip together"?! With Bertie?! Then that means...) (No... Don't tell me...) (Does that mean Bertie and I will be staying the night together?!)

...Yipha.

Ack! Y-Yes?

You seem to be a bit nervous. Just remember...I'm here for you.

R-Right!

Those curtains...

Wh-What?! Oh, the color? Yes, it's quite lovely, don't you think?! A fresh green for a freshly new bride! Hahaha... O-Once I'm married, I would love curtains like this in my home!

Yipha, deep breaths... I was merely thinking we'd be spotted through the window, so we may want to close them...

But on second thought, we want to be seen, do we not? Best leave them open.

Oh, right... That makes sense. Haha... Gosh, what am I even saying?

...... The feeling is mutual.

Hm?

I have nothing against fresh-colored drapes. They let in the morning light... Which is a real treat to wake up to.

Oh!

Then, in that case, I'll get thin curtains for the new home! They'll let in lots of light!

Wh-What do you say?

...I'd like that. Then every morning would be sure to be a bright one.

Mhm!

(Crap, did I really just say that?! And he totally played along!) (This is really bad for my heart!)

Are you hungry?

I-I haven't, ! I mean, this dress is so tight, I don't think I could eat anything even if I wanted to!

Oh! But if you're hungry, Sir Bertrand, I'd be happy to make something for you!

You'd cook for me?

Yes, I...

(Nooooo! You idiot! What are you saying?! You can't cook!!!) (AAHHH! All those nights getting wasted at Zuki's... I could've at least asked how to make the snacks I always get!)

Heh... Forget I asked.

Eek?! B-But...

I always carry a few rations on hand. Let me know if you'd like any.

I do look forward to your home cooking, though. Once this mission is over, I'll be able to eat it every day, yes?

Y-Yes! Yes, of course!

(..."Every day"? Does that mean, ?!) (No, keep it together! He's simply playing the part of fiancé! I know that! But even still, Even still!) (I vow to learn how to cook! And I won't cut corners this time!)

B-B-Beds!!!

...What about them?

Huh?! O-Oh, I, ! Will you be getting out of your armor when you go to bed?

...What? Yes, I'll need to disrobe when the time comes.

I-I see... (I can see it now... Bertie, without his armor, defenseless. With only a shirt to cover his che, ) (Noooo! Get your mind out of the gutter, Yipha! Remember what you came here for! Now is NOT the time!)

...... You'll get used to it, you know.

What?! Wh-What ever do you mean?!

...Never mind. The sun is still high. It's too early for such talk.

R-Right!

Wine barrels?

W-W-Wine?! Sweet, heavenly...

(Snap out of it! Bertie still doesn't know you're a heavy drinker!) (Though, with those two giant barrels in our room, it may not stay that way for much longer...)

...... We may not be able to drink tonight, but there's nothing stopping us from raising a glass once all this is over.

(D-Did I hear that right?! Did Bertie just ask me out to drink?!)

Yes! I would love that! I'm so happy... I can't wait!

(Craaaap!! Time to learn how to drink like a lady!)

(...... Is this part of the act? Or a real promise within the performance?)

(UGGGGGHHH. I can't focus right now! And I've been spouting nothing but nonsense since we got here!) (He must think I'm crazy...)

By the way, I've been meaning to ask you...

Y-Yes?! Please, Sir Bertrand, ask away!

Have you decided to stop calling me that?

Wha, ? Um... By "that", you mean...?

Oh! Yes, I remember now.

Please, call me whatever comes naturally to you. I have never been one for titles and the like.

(And calling me "sir" all the time is unlikely to convince our enemies that we're betrothed...)

(O-Oh! Good point!)

Very well, then... Bertrand.

Good.

Heehee... Bertrand.

Yes? What is it?

Oh, nothing... I'm just happy.

I see...

(Yipha and Bertrand... They look so happy together.)

(Though, lo and behold...) (There's a lookout, just like we predicted.)

Now ain't that the spittin' image of a happy couple? Who woulda thought? The mighty Bertrand, struck low by the lance a' love. Guess there's nothin' to worry about if we start back up first thing in the mornin'.

Hey, you.

Who? Me?!

I'm a lookout, too! Sent here by your boss.

Wha, ? He didn't say anythin' 'bout a second lookout... But only a real creep would stand outside watchin' people through their windows with no reason, so...

(Oof. I know that's not what I'm doing, so how did it still feel like a jab?)

Sure, I'll believe ya. So? Whaddya want?

Tomorrow's deal. Where is it?

Rucyana Sands. Yeesh... Get it together, man. Did bein' a peepin' tom get to yer head or sumthin? I know we have ta keep an eye on them all night, but there's nunthin wrong with takin' a break every now n' then...

Haha... Fair, fair...

("All night"?! Is Yipha really going to be all right?!)

(Uh-oh.)

(Allee, help meeeeee! I can't sleeeeep!!) (Not with Bertie's sleeping within touching distance!)

Yipha? You're still awake?

Wha, ?! H-How did you, ?

Your breathi, No, that is to say... I'm also finding it difficult to sleep.

You too? Heehee... This is quite the predicament.

This reminds me, of that night long ago...

Oh?

Once, long after I'd become a mercenary, I was badly injured and had to be carried into a temple. It wasn't looking good... I broke out into a fever and kept going in and out of consciousness.

Yet all night long, a priestess kept watch at my side.

......

The robe over my head wasn't enough to hide my sobs, but that didn't put her off one bit... She tightly held my hand and didn't let go, even while she administered advanced healing spells, one after the next. I wanted nothing more than to thank her, but by the time I'd fully recovered, she had long since left my bedside.

Even now, I've only ever been able to express my gratitude to others.

...Have faith! There is no better way you could thank her than by using the life she saved to help others... Of that, I am certain. ...Whoops! There I go, speaking for others!

Yipha...

W-Well, I don't know about you, but I'm suddenly feeling quite tired! Haha...

...Heh. Very well. Let's get some rest, shall we?

B-Bertrand! Good morning!

Indeed. Good morning, Yipha. The lookout left right before you woke up. They seem completely convinced.

Fantastic! Then we can finally head to their base?

Yes, in Rucyana Sands.

Perfect! Let's get going, then!

...Right. ......

Hm? Bertrand?

Stay vigilant. For the time being, we won't know who could be watching.

...Give me your hand. Best to look like a couple while we leave.

Huh?!

O-Oh, good idea.

(No way... I can't believe I'm holding Bertie's hand!!)

...After you, my lady.

Wh-Why thank you!

Gentleman, you've outdone yourselves once again. This batch is sure to sell for a pretty penny in the east.

Heh heh. Does that mean we can take one to Unigan, boss?

We'll be suspending sales in Unigan for a short while, and increasing our shipments to the east in their place.

After that Bertrand interfered, I thought my work here was done for... Lucky for us, the bastard went n' got himself hitched! While he's off makin' love, we'll be makin' profits!

No! Let us go!

Waaah! I was going be a great priestess...like Yipha!

Quit your cryin', kid! And get a move o...

Step away from those children!

Wha, ?!

The jig is up!

Slave-trading scum, we've caught you red-handed!

Wh-What are you doing here?! Shouldn't you be off in Baruoki, consummating your betrothal?!

C-Comsummating our, ?! How dare you speak of our holy union in such vulgar terms!

Yipha, you can drop the act now...

The ceremony, the trip... It was all a ruse to put a stop to your business, once and for all. There will be no talking your way out of this one.

Grrr... So even the church conspired against me! I suppose that leaves me no choice but to send you back from whence you came!

Leave it to us, boss! They'll wish they never messed with you when they see what we brought!

I wouldn't be so sure, boy.

Nipping young buds before they've had time to blossom... Only the vilest of creatures would do such a thing. It's time we rid ourselves of this vermin.

Bertrand, we're with you.

Wait, What am I saying? Allee! Let's end this!

Children, you're safe now. By the holy light of the temple, I swear to protect you.

Ready, you two?

What the, ?! So this is what they meant by the power of love!

Dammit!

Accept it! There's no escape!

Curses... You'll rue the day!

Much appreciated.

We did it! The dastardly nobleman will finally be behind bars.

Indeed. ...And it wouldn't have been possible without your help.

O-Oh! I don't know about that... The church also did its part...

(Now that the noble's been captured... our work here is done.) (Meaning, once more, Bertrand will be gone just as fast as he came...)

(Nooo! Stop that! I hate how selfish I am when it comes to him...) (I should just be happy that he knew who I was, and called me by name... Isn't that enough?)

(So why... Why, after a little taste of paradise, do I want more? I'm so weak...) (Bertrand lives life on his own terms. That's one of the things I admire most about him.)

(I refuse to be a burden. I want to support him, however I can. Even if it means putting my own desires aside...) (Isn't that right, Yipha?)

...I guess you'll be going soon. Off to whatever next job awaits?

......

...Not yet. Do you have a few moments? There's somewhere I'd like to take you.

Hm?

Oh! You mean like investigating their hideout? You don't think there are other children inside, do you?! Oh gosh, they must be so frightened! Come on, what are we waiting for?!

Allee, !

Yipha.

I meant to talk privately, just the two of us.

Huh?! "P-Privately"?

Aldo, we won't be long.

(Am I...dreaming?!) (He...took my hand! Again!!)

He...looked pretty serious. He said "just the two of us", so I won't check up on them, but... Are they returning to Unigan?

We're here.

This is, !

The temple gardens. Why did you bring me here?

......

It hasn't changed one bit... Much time has passed since I last stepped foot in here... And you mistook me for a garden ornament.

You remember, ?! I-I mean, that was, !

...Heh.

I need to thank you. On that day, all those years ago... Your words gave me the push I needed.

Oh, well, I was so young... I'm sure I didn't know what I was saying...

"All people experience hesitation. We think about something, come to a conclusion, then resign ourselves... But even then, our hearts need time to accept the decision we have reached."

You remember...

My mind... has always been made up. Yipha... Sorry to have kept you waiting. Are you ready to hear my answer? From that day?

Wait... You don't mean...

Gasp! When I asked you to be my shield?!

......

No, not quite.

(Dang it! I spoke too soon!! Was that heavy feeling in the air just me?!) (Ugghhh... My feelings got the best of me... How embarrassingggg!! I can never show my face to hi...)

The answer I'm referring to is, well, it has some connection to your request from the day we first met, yes, but... That day in Rinde...When you told me you love me.

Um...what?

I have already dedicated my shield to someone else. Even so, Yipha...if I were not the Shield of Miglance, or a mercenary... If I were stripped of my armor and shield, just myself, an ordinary man... Would you still have me?

...Ummm. What?

I may not be much, but... Could I come home to you, when all is said and done?

...Uhhh. I... ("Come home"? As in...to ME?) (And what was that earlier? "Love"? I told him... I love him?!)

I've run away all this time. Made excuse after excuse... Like how I would only get in the way of the bright future ahead of you...

Or that making a living with my line of work would only put you in harm's way. Even this fake engagement... I agonized over whether to go forward with it, because doing so would mean getting you involved.

Let us spend our days together. The young girl from my memory has grown into a beautiful woman... So elegant and strong...it takes my breath away. Yet her entire face lights up when she laughs, just like before.

Yipha, all this time... I should have known...

Bertrand...

When you cared for me all night long... When you told me how you feel... I thought I could protect you by distancing myself, but you are not the kind of woman that needs protecting. The only one who wasn't strong enough... Was me.

No... That's not...

It's unfair of me to ask you this, after running away from you for so long. Of that, I am all too aware.

But Yipha...would you still have me? I'm afraid I am not half the man you believe me to be. I do not shine as bright. Even so...

Wait... Stop right there. I, um, I don't... Yes! A thousand times yes!

Of course I'll still have you, silly. I love you no matter what form you take. So please don't hesitate to be weak around me. I embrace all your wounds, even those that fester. I want you to be able to be comfortable around me, exactly as you are.

...... Well spoken. I suppose I should have expected nothing less.

Huh?!

B-But, right now, I'm a little confused. And in disbelief, if I'm being honest. I'm overjoyed... Is this even real? Never in my wildest dreams did I think you'd be the one confessing to me...

A-Also! You say you're not who I think you are, but the real me is probably a lot worse! In fact, I'm a mess! Actually, um... The more I think about it, the more convinced I am this is all some crazy dream...

...Heh.

Bertrand?

...Then swear to me this.

Hm?

?!?!

...Okay, definitely not a dream.

You are radiant just the way you are. Please, don't ever change.

I have another job I must complete... But I'll be back. So until I return... Wait for me, Yipha.

Then, when I'm at your side once more... Let's go and get a drink together.

A-A drink?!

...... ...... St...

Stay safe! Stay safe, Bertrand! Just you wait! By the time you get back... I'll be such a good cook!

......Looking forward to it!

...D-Did that just really, ?

Heheh... Heehee... Teeheehee! I can't wait!!