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Hello, everyone! Sorry for the long wait. I hope you all would forgive me. Today I'm only going to release the chapter and would make a separate announcement post. For now, please enjoy~ Chapter 10 - Kano Prepares for Her Wedding Seasons have changed, and soon it will be spring. The spring, which I would casually welcome every year, will be a little different for me this year. “So, are you ready?” It was our lunch break at my workplace. The store owner’s wife, Miyoko-san, asked me, who was eating my meal, with a bright smile. “Yes, just gradually, though. I’m mostly preoccupied with packing my things such as throwing away unnecessary things in preparation for moving out of the house. I’ve been living there for twenty-nine years, so I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff as expected.”
“I see, after exchanging engagement gifts, it will be your wedding and reception. I’m excited~ I want to see Kano-chan as a bride.” Absentmindedly, Miyoko-san sighed in wonder. When I asked if the store manager and Miyoko-san, who were much pleased with my marriage than I expected, could attend the wedding, they readily agreed. Apparently that day, they will be temporarily closed upon the owner’s discretion. “Well . . . we’re still discussing the details. The ceremony will be held at the temple. We’re still considering the reception. He told me he want to hold the reception at the hotel because he wants to see me in a dress, but . . . wearing a kimono and a dress is a bit extravagant. We need to discuss it a little more.” Recalling our argument, I unknowingly let out a sigh. Well…… I can see him pressing me no matter how much I opposed him. “Oh, it only happens once in your lifetime so you should wear it. Kano-chan wearing a dress will surely look lovely. I’m looking forward to the ceremony too~ It will be a feast for my eyes since the groom is also good-looking. By the way, does he have a brother?” Just now, Miyoko-san’s eyes were shining brightly…… I stopped eating my curry meal and took a sip of tea. “He has a younger brother. I heard that he is currently attending graduate school at a Buddhist university, so he is not at their house.” “I see. Is his brother also good-looking like him?” “Who knows? I haven’t met him yet. From what I heard, his facial features are similar to their mother and not much like him.” “Oh, is that so? But, really, Soushun-san is cool, right~ It felt like I’ve never seen a good-looking man for a long time……” I smiled wryly as I saw the enraptured expression of Miyoko-san. After we decided to get married, Hazekura-san visited the store once. Miyoko-san’s excitement that time was over the top. “Kano-chan!! Oh, my--!! His sex appeal is so impressive……!! Good job for finding such an amazing man!!” I witnessed Miyoko-san’s face I’ve never seen turn beet red before, and I didn’t know how to react. Her enthusiasm was so wild that Hazekura-san, who is always calm, became a little confused. Remembering that, I continued to eat my meal. Today’s menu is beef shank curry. —It’s really delicious. I’ve been eating their meals here for ten years, but in a few days…… When I thought of that, I suddenly felt lonely and sad. “But,” Miyoko-san said, who has already finished eating, and looked at me with kind eyes. “A lot of commotion has demanded your decision…… You have worked with us all this time, Kano-chan, and now that you will be gone, we will be lonely.” “I’m sorry. I did not want to quit either…… But I have to…… How is your job hiring?” I am quitting as a full-time employee, so I asked Miyoko-san earlier to find someone to replace me. I want to teach them what I can teach while I am here. “We’re still in the middle of hiring a full-time employee, but there is someone who can be promoted by the end of March.” Uhm, could that be…… Someone came to mind. “Is it Yokota-san?” My guess was probably right, as Miyoko-san’s expression relaxed. “It seems that she can’t find a job. She has been working hard for a while now, aiming to become a full-time employee. She asked for a lot of shifts to cover as much as she could.” “So that’s how it is……. I didn’t know at all because I didn’t have the opportunity to spend time talking to others.” For her own reasons, she has been working here for more than half a year, and now she became a reliable person. She was very delighted when I told her I’m about to get married. “Really!? So you’ve finally decided, huh? Congratulations!” Yokota-san held my hand and gave me her blessing with a smile, but her expression soon became downcast. “What? But if that happens, you’re going to quit, right? Ah! Nooo!! Don’t resign~!!” Saying that, Yokota-san looked as if she was about to cry, her expression tugging at my heartstrings, but I shook my head. No. Yokota-san…… Do your best. While thinking about my remaining time in my workplace, I suddenly remembered what transpired the other day. After reaffirming my feelings, Hazekura-san came to our house to greet my parents. When the doorbell rang at the scheduled time, I opened the door, and my jaw dropped. It’s because the Hazekura-san, who is usually clad in monk’s robes, was standing in front of me, looking handsome in a dark gray suit. “S-So Hazekura-san also wears suits.” For some reason, Hazekura-san’s unfamiliar appearance made my heart beat wildly. “Yes, I do. I thought that I should wear this than my monk’s clothes for a marriage meeting.” A little shy, Hazekura-san entered our house. Then our shoulders touched when he passed by me. “Oh, just now, my mother……” “Weeell!! It’s been a while, Hazekura-san. Thank you for coming!! Come in, come in!!” I was about to say, “I’ll call my mother”, when my impatient mother fetched us from the entrance. Frankly, my mother is a fan of Hazekura-san. Therefore, even if I told her that I would marry Hazekura-san, she wouldn’t object…… “So you finally wanted to settle down. That’s good. That’s good. And when are you going to register the marriage?” I was a bit stumped at my mother’s unenthusiastic reply as she watched T.V. But my mother’s reactions was within my expectations. The problem is my father. Maybe my father heard about Hazekura-san. With those thougths, I nervously told my father that I want to get married. I hoped he would not oppose, but I was a little surprised by my father’s reply. “If that’s what you want, then go ahead.” My father, after coming home from work, stopped reading the newspaper to throw me a glance, and returned his eyes to the newspaper again. “Huh? That’s all……” I thought I’d be told something more, so I was a bit disappointed. “What do you mean ‘that’s all’? Have you not decided to get married already? Then we can’t do anything about it. I’d be more relieved if you have someone to look after you than be alone forever.” Hearing those perfectly reasonable words, I could only nod my head and say, “Yes.” And lastly, I told my younger brother Tasuku and his reaction was--“I see . . . Good for you, Sister.” I patted my chest in relief. It’s because I made Tasuku worry . . . Feeling sorry, I silently apologized. “That Hazekura-san will become my brother-in-law? Somehow, it made me happy…… Sister, are you going to live in his family’s house after the wedding?” “I thought we would, but I was told that we will use the annex beside their house for a while. It seems that they are using it as a warehouse now, but they might remodel it. It’s not that I hate living with my in-laws, but I’m relieved.” “I see. Will it be okay to visit there sometimes?” “Yes, of course. Why, are you going to miss your sister~?” When I peered into Tasuku’s face as I giggled, I was frankly told with a serious expression. “No, it’s Hazekura-san.” —Don’t tell me, you are also a fan……? Hazekura-san, you’re so popular in my family. That’s why, it was easy for Hazekura-san, who came to our house for a marriage meeting, to obtain consent from my family. Even Hazekura-san was surprised with it, and said with a chuckle, “Actually, I was quite nervous, though……” After that, we took dinner in the living room, where homemade meals and sushi made by my mother where laid out on the table. Hazekura-san was nervous at first, but when his shoulders have relaxed a little, he was able to chat with my father and answer questions from my mother and Tasuku with a smile. Well…… It went well and then we pushed into marriage. A few days later, I went to greet Hazekura-san’s parents. I heard that his father is a monk and his mother is the one who manages the temple. Moreover, since they are the parents of Hazekura-san, they must be sober and honest people……! It was pretty obvious that I was very nervous that day. I was so nervous that almost everything Hazekura-san said went in one ear and out of the other. When I came to their house, it was his mother who showed me around first. Apparently, she was busy in the kitchen when I arrived. It felt like . . . she doesn’t resemble Hazekura-san, but she is very beautiful, and she was happy to meet me. “You’re Kano-san, the one whom Toshi likes very much, right?! Oh, you’re so lovely! Thank goodness, Toshi’s greatest wish came true! Then I’m sure you’re going to settle down, right~ I’m glad~” It seems that Hazekura-san was Toshi. Because his name was pronounced as “Munetoshi” before he entered priesthood. [Buddhist] “I’m Kuzuhara Kano. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “Yes, I know, I know. Nice to meet you too! You see, Toshi doesn’t listen to us anymore, so I would be grateful to you, Kano-san, if you bring him under control. “Mother, you’re embarrassing me so please stop it.” Hazekura-san shyly said that, but his mother showed no signs of clamming up her mouth. “This child has good looks like his grandfather, so I did not give up on arranging marriage talks. But he himself would only say, ‘I won’t’. He would always decline and bow his head, you know? But finally, this will finally save me from trouble~” Hearing the story from his mother, I threw a glance at Hazekura-san, and he looked somewhat uncomfortable. I wonder what happened during those marriage talks…… “You might feel anxious about being a daughter-in-law of the temple, but you have Toshi and me, so don’t worry too much, okay?” “Yes…… Thank you.” I almost cried in relief at his mother’s kind words. “Toshi will do all the troublesome things, so it’s going to be okay!” “Y-Yes. Then I’ll be in your care……!” I’m not sure if I should agree, but I nodded for the time being. Then I went to face his father. It seems I have intruded him while he was watching T.V. in the living room. Wearing a pair of glasses and looking slightly scary, I started to get cold feet as I approached his father. But the moment he saw me, his father’s face suddenly brightened. “Oh! Are you the infamous Kano-chan? I see, my son caught another cute girl~” His father . . . huh? He’s much cheerful than my first impression……? “I’m K-Kuzuhara Kano. I’m pleased to meet you.” Immediately after recovering from the shock, I hurriedly knelt and greeted. “I’m Soushun’s father, Hazekura Souhan. Nice to meet you. We only have sons so I’m delighted to have a daughter. Tell me, how did you fall in love with Soushun? This guy is stoic, you know~? Kano-chan, are you really content with this guy?” “..….” My smile stiffened. “You’re finished, right? Kano-san, let’s go.” Hazekura-san, who somehow realized something undercurrent, pulled my arm to leave the room. “Hey, stop! I want to talk to Kano-chan more!” “It would be nice if it has more substance, but it would be a waste of time. Come, Kano-san. Let’s have tea in my room.” As I walked down the hall with Hazekura-san, I heard him sigh a little. “.…..I’m sure you were surprised to see what kind of person my father is. He behaves well during work, but just now, that’s what he really is.” Hazekura-san explained with a lopsided smile. “Well, more like…… I imagined him to be somewhat like you, Hazekura-san.” “My grandfather was a very stern person, and my father told me that my reactions were similar to him. My mother also told me that my looks and personality are similar to my grandfather.” “Then, will you become more stern in the future?” Hazekura-san glanced back at me and suddenly chuckled. “Let’s see…… I also have the blood of my father. Moreover, I’m sure I can’t contradict you.” Ugh…… those words are foul play. “Hazekura-san, you’re going to regret it later if you say that……” “I won’t.” He gripped my hand tightly. “I won’t regret being with you, whom I have yearned for a long time.” Uwaaa——!! Embarrassing! Embarrassing! Embarrassing! That was obvious from the fiery blush that swiftly appeared on my cheeks. I glared at Hazekura-san in front of me and fanned my cheeks with my free hand. “Ha-Hazekura-san! You’re forbidden to say sweet things today!!” Otherwise, I’m going to reach my limit. “.…..What?” Hazekura-san, who didn’t seem to understand what he was saying, curiously frowned, looking as if he was troubled. —Ah, really……! Reminded by my embarrassment that time, I had to agonize myself during my lunch break. * * * With our wedding gradually approaching, I would frequently go to his house during convenient days to prepare for the wedding. But whenever I visit his room, I would be always caught in his arms. “Hnng…… Ahh…… Ha-Hazekura-san……” “A little more.” “……Wait, Hazekura-san, I’m not ready for this……” As I entered his room, he hugged me and gave me passionate kisses. We would always do this, but at this rate, the preparations will not be finished. I pushed Hazekura-san with all my strength. But he doesn’t budge at my resistance. “We can talk and do other things anytime. I want to do this with you right now.” Hazekura-san whispered sweet nothings to me while trailing his lips on my neck. “N-No! Even so, if someone comes, we’ll be in trouble!” “I won’t be troubled at all……” [T/N: So thirsty?] After murmuring that, Hazekura-san stopped kissing my neck regrettably. “.…..You’re unexpectedly serious, Kano-san…… When the one you love is by your side, it is inevitable to want to touch her.” “You always want to touch, right!? Moreover, whenever I come here…… Today, I am not ready for that! I have made up my mind earlier!” I complain in a strong tone whilst being shy. But why is it that Hazekura-san seemed to look pleased instead of being offended? I must have imagined that. “Yes, yes.” Chuckling, Hazekura-san moved away from me and sat on the floor. I also sat on the cushion and began to read the list of wedding guests. “Thinking about it, it has been less than a year since we met each other, and it’s strange for us to plan for our wedding like this. I never thought I would be married in my twenties.” [T/N: Meeting in summer, planning the wedding in spring.] Really, I thought it was the end for me. I was completely used to living alone after breaking up with my ex-boyfriend, so who would have thought that I’m going to become a bride of the temple…… “I didn’t know what will happen in my life until that time. I never dreamed that the day would come when I will be with you, whom I had been loving for a long time.” Hazekura-san smiled at me as he checked the documents. He’s lying…… He had been adamant on marrying me from the very beginning, so he pushed too hard, didn’t he……? Remembering our first meeting, I sent Hazekura-san a suspicious glance. “Oh? You don’t believe me, do you? I’m not lying to you.” “Fine, fine.” Just as I was smiling at him, I heard someone call “Assistant Chief Priest” behind the sliding door. I almost jumped in surprise at that moment. So dangerous……!! Thank god we’re not making out…… “Oh, Shouji-kun. Come in.” “I’m sorry for interrupting. This is the drawing of the blueprint for the renovation that I mentioned earlier. I also received a phone call from Itou-sama.” “Thank you. Kano-san, this is the blueprint of the new house. You can tell me if you wish for some changes. I’m sorry, I’m going to leave you for a while.” “Oh, okay.” Hazekura-san stood up and left the room. In his place, Shouji-san, who came to transact with Hazekura-san, and laid the blueprint on the table. “Please take a look. If you have any concerns, we still have room for changes……” I pored over the blueprint intently. But…… I’m not so particular about it, so I didn’t find anything particularly interesting. I checked everything then handed the blueprint back to Shouji-san. “I think there is no problem.” “Okay…… Kuzuhara-san.” Shouji-san called my name with a straight face. With his usual solemn expression, I didn’t mind. I wonder what it is…… Perhaps I made some blunder……? “Yes……?” At my timid reply, Shouji-san bowed his head deeply towards me. “Please take care of the assistant chief priest.” “Eh!?!” I did not expect him to bow at me, so I got flustered. “Shouji-san, please stop that. I’m the one who should do that.” “No, the assistant chief priest was depressed when you temporarily dumped him, and I could not bear to watch him.” “Hazekura-san was……?” Even though he was always calm in front of me, he showed such expression to Shouji-san…… Wait, does that mean Hazekura-san confide everything to Shouji-san? “Uhm, does Hazekura-san tell you anything about himself?” “I could easily tell. His emotions is rarely shaken by his work, so if he is obviously depressed, I can immediately tell that it is because of you.” Is-Is that so…… I felt a little embarrassed though. But it is evident that Hazekura-san trusts Shouji-san that much…… The fact that Shouji-san tells me this once again means that he really wishes for Hazekura-san’s happiness. I corrected my posture and faced Shouji-san. “I am still inexperienced but I will continue to do my best, so please take care of me.” I put my hand on the floor and bowed my head deeply, and Shouji-san bowed at me once again. “If you have any problems, please do not hesitate to ask me.” “I-I don’t want to trouble you.” “No, even if you get married, you’ll still be strangers to each other. No matter what happens, you would have complaints. But it would be difficult for you to say that to him. In that case, please do not hesitate to vent your complaints to me.” “Shouji-san…… Thank you very much.” Shouji-san smiled softly, then stood up and went to leave the room. Just then, as if he remembered something, he stopped and looked back at me. “By the way, let me relate a good news. It is about the old lady you helped with her dress that day at the flea market. That person is the wife of Katsura-sama, the representative of the temple supporters. It seems that she came to like you after that incident. She especially came to the temple to express that she is looking forward for your upcoming wedding. It’s good that you got a strong ally. Well then.” “E-Eh……!?” Then Shouji-san bowed and left the room. I, who was left behind, remembered the lady that day. Huh? Huh? She is the wife of the representative? She did not mention that. At that time, Katsura-san encouraged me, and I felt very reassured. Thanks to her, it felt like I’ve come to this point without feeling frustrated. Immersing in my emotions alone for a moment, Hazekura-san who had finished his business returned to the room. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Did you see the blueprint?” “Yes. I think there’s no problem.” I changed my position and picked up the materials for the wedding again. Hazekura-san also sat down and poured tea. “What were you talking with Shouji-kun just now?” “What?” Looking up at Hazekura-san, I saw him looking at me with a slightly mysterious expression. Now that’s rare. I tilted my head, curious. “Weren’t the two of you talking before I came back?” “Yeah…… We talked a bit about the flea market last time. Also, I was asked to support Hazekura-san. Shouji-san is kind, isn’t he?” When I honestly told him, Hazekura-san frowned for some reason. “Hazekura-san, you’re going to get wrinkles here.” When I pointed my finger in between his eyebrows, he gave me an uncomfortable look. He then relaxed his brows and remained silent. Oh, could it be……? “Hazekura-san, are you jealous?” When I asked, he suddenly turned away from me. What—!? Hazekura-san was jealous?! That’s unexpected…… “Yes, I felt jealous. Shouji-kun is a very intelligent and very capable man. Besides, he has a cool temperament, and is extremely popular with some of the supporters. It’s natural that I’d be anxious if you get along with such a man.” “No, it’s normal for me to get along with him. Besides, who are you to say something about popularity when you’re popular yourself……” Not only to the supporters, but my family and the employees of the Sumiretei were also charmed by him. Restless, Hazekura-san averted his gaze from me and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Oh, stop worring about that! But it’s surprising. I never thought you would ever become jealous, Hazekura-san.” After telling him honestly, Hazekura-san sighed and slumped his shoulders. “What do you think I am? I’m just a man, too. Moreover…… will you please stop calling me, ‘Hazekura-san’?” “Huh…? So-Soushun-san?” “I won’t mind, any name will do. Soushun, or even just Shun.” “Then…… Then, Shun-san?” I was a bit embarrassed, but I spoke his name and looked up at him. When I did, Hazekura-san gave me a brilliant smile. “That’s it, Kano-san.” I’m also happy that he was pleased, but I noticed that he also always speaks to me politely and calls my name with a suffix. “Then, Shun-san, you should also stop calling me with honorifics. Because…… we’re going to become a married couple after all……” “Oh, you’re right. Then—Kano? Come here.” “—!!” Even though I requested it, it felt like he was calling another person when he dropped the honorific. “Kano?” “.…..Yes?” When I approached Shun-san, who opened his arms and waited for me, he gently embraced me. “If you have any problems, please consult me first. Okay?” “Yes.” “And…… call your family that you’re not going home tonight.” “What!?” Surprised, I looked up at him. He wore a mischievous grin. “Shun-san! What do you mean by that……” When I chided him, he tangled his fingers with mine. “We didn’t have a real lover’s date. It’s my day off today, so let’s go out and have a date like normal lovers do. Like watch movies, eat in a restaurant…… No, perhaps you’d like to go to an electronics retail store?” He’s precisely using my few hobbies. As expected. “I-I want to go……” “That’s settled. Then contact your family first. Tonight…… Shall we go to a hotel? Let’s spend time together without being disturbed by anyone.” “Yes, Shun-san……” “I love you, Kano.” He said and kissed my lips. With my lips sealed, I could not speak. But I also want to say I love you too…… After this kiss, I have to call my mother. A sweet newlywed life together with him all the time. I have a lot of worries, but…… If I’m together him, will I be able to see the things I wasn’t able to understand or see? Well, I’ll cross the bridge when I get there. —Then, a few months later, the sound of the bell akin to that of a wedding bell reverberated. It was as if it gave its blessing to the bride coming to this temple.
4 Comments
dandanies
5/26/2021 11:57:58 pm
Oww its been really long sknce im waiting for this story. They are so cute uwu. Thank you for the translation ❤️❤️❤️
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Manic Josei
6/4/2021 08:04:00 pm
Coming up next: Epilogue chapter ^_^
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fan63
6/6/2021 08:41:49 pm
Kano seems to be ready to start her new life with her very own love machine. . He does treasure her. Let's hope that the females of his congregation stay out of their personal lives. Thanks for continuing this novel.
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Rogue
8/30/2021 07:14:29 am
New reader here… really like the story. Can’t find link to chapter 5 tho. Thanks for translating!
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