TBA (初めての, Hajimete no?) is the fourth chapter of Volume 6 of the sixth My Happy Marriage novel.
Summary[]
A month has passed since the battle. Most of the injured soldiers have recovered, but there are some who either lost their lives or were lingering between life and death. Arata Usuba was one of them, but managed to survive thanks to his strong Gift-user body and timely treatment by Jakuji Unan. Miyo Saimori sits next to his hospital bed in the military hospital. It's the first time he's well enough to talk to people. Arata reflects that it all feels like a dream, and Miyo is relieved that it ended this way. With Naoshi Usui's death, the Gifted Communion has collapsed. Gift-users working under him, including Houjou, who lack his outstanding abilities, the artificial Gift-users, who realize they can't compete with real Gifts, and the collaborators in the government, who only sought benefits from Naoshi's new empire, are now all arrested. Kiyoka Kudou's suspected crimes have all been cleared, and the population's craze for the Gifted Communion has waned.
Miyo asks Arata if he had always intended to kill Naoshi, and he confirms. Despite being disappointed in his own family when Sumi Usuba was married off, Naoshi still favored the Usubas and wanted them to be on top of his new world, believing only Usubas would understand their pain. Arata took advantage of this naive belief and took on Naoshi's offer to join his cause. He also reported this to Takaihito, who left the decision to him. Arata then asks if Miyo placed them into a dream to protect them, and she confirms it. Her attempt at prolonging the discussion during the confrontation was aimed at preventing Arata from shooting Naoshi. Arata apologizes for not understanding her intentions at the time. When Miyo's fully awakened Dream-Sight is brought up, she voices her reluctance to continue using her power, doubting she can lead a happy life while wielding her power. Just then, they hear Masashi Ookaito in the corridor telling Kiyoka to contact him if he changes his mind, and Kiyoka responding that it will never happen and advises him to recruit other talents. Miyo says goodbye to Arata and leaves with Kiyoka.
The two head to Suzushima's, where they are greeted by Keiko. They hear Fuyu Kudou and Hazuki Kudou, who Kiyoka has entrusted with the wedding preparations, debating Miyo's outfit for the wedding. When Miyo apologizes for being late, Fuyu is displeased, but Hazuki excitedly shows Miyo a white shiromuku that she and her mother wore during their weddings. Miyo becomes emotional as she looks at the dress. Hazuki suggests Miyo wear a wig for easier styling during an outfit change. Kiyoka, not versed in such matters, steps out of the room. After Hazuki shows Miyo a colorful uchikake, they confirm all the necessary items with Keiko. As for the Western dress, Fuyu ordered it from a specialized shop, and Miyo will have to try it once it's finished. Miyo expresses her gratitude to both women, and Hazuki encourages her to pass down this preparation tradition. Kiyoka, who has returned, confirms there are no issues with the guest list, which features family contacts and guests with Gift-user or military affiliations. Miyo is relieved the Saimoris won't attend.
After leaving the shop, Kiyoka apologizes to Miyo for always being busy. Their limited time together was due to Kiyoka's responsibilities related to the follow-up of Naoshi's failed coup and Miyo's interrogations and assistance with investigations stemming from her Usuba background and Naoshi's targeting. They visit a dessert shop and Miyo reminisces about their date a year ago at the same place. On Miyo's suggestion, they then visit the shrine they went to during New Year, which is now peaceful. Kiyoka explains that the Kudou family tradition is to hold weddings in the Old Capital, where their family originated, and they plan to go there for at least a tea gathering. Miyo gets excited about visiting the place after their wedding and wonders how Kouji Tatsuishi is doing there. They pray at the shrine and leave.
After strolling aimlessly, they eventually arrive at Shitamachi. Kiyoka suggests going to the Ryōunkaku tower, and after climbing twelve floors, they enjoy the scenery from the top observation deck. Miyo's perspective changes, and she shares her realization that even though she thought she had to let go of her Dream-Sight to live an ordinary happy life, she now sees that one person's impact, no matter how powerful, is minimal in a world with so many people. Kiyoka confides that he plans to lighten his own burden too. He's talked to Masashi about resigning as a soldier once military issues are resolved, as he never intended to join the army in the first place. After leaving the tower, they return to Kiyoka's car parked at the unit station and drive home. Before exiting the car, Kiyoka gives Miyo a hairpin he bought at Suzushima's. Miyo asks him to put it in her hair, and she promises to wear it every day. Miyo also prepared a gift for Kiyoka — a new hair tie, as the old one broke during his imprisonment. She ties his hair with it, and he hugs her tightly, expressing that during his imprisonment he realized he can't live without her and that she is his life. Miyo responds that she loves him.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Mentioned characters[]
- Jakuji Unan
- Naoshi Usui
- Houjou
- Gifted Communion members
- Hasebe
- Secretary of Education
- Takaihito
- Shinichi Saimori
- Kanoko Saimori
- Kaya Saimori
- Kouji Tatsuishi
Chapter Notes[]
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