The greatest social event in the history of the duchy took place today. The wedding of Erzherzog Benedikt von Hohengoldlinden and Koshaku Kirishima Yumiko.
The port was occupied by various ships from different countries that were invited to the grand spectacle.
The main estate too was filled with so many guests and their attendees that it took the utmost care and structure to keep things neatly organised and calm.
Although only a few guests were invited to the wedding it still came to a huge number of guests from both the western and eastern continent. Benedikt had wished for a small scale wedding, however the overall meaning and consequence of their marriage was something that included far more people than desired.
They were able to compromise to only the most important families from either side.
The Hohengoldlinden employees were preparing for this day for over half a year now and their efforts paid off since everything went smoothly.
The rehearsal of the entire ceremony had prepared them all for this specific day. Both customs from Allemania and Yashima were engraved within Benedikt and Yumiko's mind so that they were able to fulfil all expectations.
It was still early in the morning but everyone at the estate was already busy.
Benedikt finally wore his wedding attire. The same blue suit that he had tried on several times before already. Now that the day has finally come, he felt the most calm.
He stood by the window of his room and looked at the blueish line at the horizon. The waves were calm and the water was glistening softly in the morning sun.
There were still a few clouds up in the sky, but they would be gone by the time the second wedding ceremony would start.
It was planned that they first had the yashimian traditional ceremony in the soft dewy hours of the morning. In those few almost magical hours before everything has awakened they would get married according to the yashimian customs.
For that a priest had joined the Kirishimas for their journey and would hold the ceremony.
Afterwards they would hold the allemanian wedding.
It was going to be an exhausting day for everyone, but Benedikt worried the most about Yumiko. For her the entirety of their wedding must be even more difficult. At the same time he knew that she would master it without any troubles.
He would give his best to make it easier for her today.
His heart pounded when thinking about the fact that they would finally be married. No more polite back and forth with both their parents, no more meetings along with their attendees. Finally, it would be only them freely living out their marriage at their own pace.
They would also move to Kleingoldlinden after the wedding ceremonies, so they won't be returning to this main estate afterwards.
Benedikt turned around and looked at his room. All of his personal belongings have been moved to their new home already. He had never seen his room this empty.
It gave him a nostalgic feeling, seeing how he would leave the place of his childhood.
At the same time the excitement of a new start filled his heart.
He wondered how Yumiko felt at this moment.
Was she as nervous as him? As excited and happy?
For her the wedding meant parting from her family and joining him. Certainly it was only on paper and now one would forbid her from staying in close contact with her family members. Nevertheless the impact of a wedding between different continents was far more demanding for her. At the end of the day she was still the outsider who joined them. Furthermore the royal intrigues within the female half of the royalties was another aspect that she had to face. That was a scale of procedures and customs that Benedikt wouldn't be able to help her with.
For that he was glad that Isabella had befriended his fianceé so easily. Isabella, Linda and his mother wouldn't let Yumiko run straight into the knife of the western royal culture. He too wouldn't let that happen, though in some aspects his hands were tied.
Knock knock.
"Come in."
"Your Royal Highness Benedikt, it is time," Hagen bowed down and smiled at him.
Benedikt took his hat and returned the smile. "Let us go."
The first ceremony took place in the open winter garden of the main estate.
Due to the more intimate nature of the ceremony only the most important guests would attend this half. Within those guests was the Emperor and his family of Allemania.
Naturally his attendance was an equally special event as the Imperial family wouldn't attend weddings outside of that from the reigning royal families. Since this was a marriage between two continents they had to attend to show not only their support for the arrangement but also to represent their country.
Both the Hohengoldlindens and the Kirishimas had met up with the Imperial family beforehand, so that the formal introductions weren't necessary anymore.
The garden was beautifully decorated and the gentle sunlight through the clouds gave it an even more enchanting feeling.
Benedikt was waiting in his position for Yumiko to come so that they could walk up the aisle towards the yashimian priest together. Their family members and the few selected guests were already seated inside.
Damp murmur was heard from the inside and Benedikt could feel the excitement pounding in his chest.
"Benedikt?"
He turned around as the familiar voice carefully called out to him.
Yumiko approached him and for a moment he was completely struck by awe.
Her wedding gown was overwhelmingly beautiful. Yumiko looked even more mesmerising than he could have ever imagined. Her kimono was pure white with red details.
In his eyes she looked like a fairy, beautiful, almost too unreal.
"Wow," he whispered under his breath. She must have heard him since her lips curled up to a shy smile.
"Yes, I'm here." Benedikt snapped out of his fascination and met her along the way. "You look stunning." He took her hand gently, lifting it up and kissed the back of her hand softly.
Yumiko blushed a little. "Thank you."
"Are you ready?"
She nodded and he led them to the garden.
As they walked along the aisle the participants were silently watching them.
Benedikt put on his serious expression and guided Yumiko to the priest who waited for them.
The priest began the ceremony by purifying them.
In this garden the tremendous meaning of their marriage felt rather personal and along with the yashimian procedure it had an almost whimsical feeling.
Afterwards they shared nuptial cups of sake and as always Benedikt observed Yumiko's elegant movements that made everything look so natural to her.
He knew that a lot of practice and focus were required for her to make it look so casual, all the more reason for him to feel the pride and respect towards her inside of him.
Then it was his turn to read the words of commitment.
His eyes weren't on the paper that he held in his hands but rather remained on Yumiko who stood beside him. Benedikt had unintentionally memorised what he had to read out loud for the ceremony.
As he spoke the words in yashimin almost flawlessly he couldn't help but keep his gaze upon Yumiko. He meant every single word and gladly spoke these words of commitment towards her.
His beautiful wife had a faint smile on her red lips as she listened to him attentively.
Finally, they had to give a symbolic offering to the yashimian gods, represented by the priest.
Benedikt had decided to offer his first military badge that he had received as a soldier and Yumiko handed the priest her first kumihimo bracelet that she had ever braided.
They haven't discussed which items they would offer but it seemed like they both had the same intentions and Benedikt couldn't hold back his grin when he saw it.
With that their marriage under the yashimian traditions was completed. Though for Benedikt it felt like they were now officially married, a wedding ceremony is still a wedding ceremony, regardless of the cultural heritage.
Exhilaration and pride filled his heart. Yumiko was now his wife and he was her husband.
As he led them outside the garden he whispered towards her. "How are you feeling?"
Subtly she turned to him with a smile on her lips. "Blissful."
He grinned. "Me too."
As Yumiko walked and was guided by Benedikt's gentle hands, she could hear her heart thumping loudly in her ears.
All kinds of emotions and thoughts were rushing through her mind and she was glad that Benedikt led her to their next destination.
After the yashimian ceremony they wanted to appreciate the more quiet hours of the morning and have some tea along with some traditional delicacies. That part was exclusively for each of the family members while the attending guests were served the same in a different location.
It was also symbolic as Yumiko and Benedikt were indeed a married couple now and should share this sensitive moment with their close family.
Moments from the procedure during the ceremony flickered inside her head. Benedikt's words and the priest's prayer echoed repeatedly as the feeling in her fingertips and the feeling of the sake in her throat still tingled. Right now Benedikt gave her comfort and stability, like a firm pillar that also gave her warmth and gentle care.
As they entered the room the familiar smell from burning incense greeted Yumiko and she felt a sense of ease.
They all sat down on the pillows around the low wooden table, both facing their parents on the other side. Along with the tea and the treats it felt the most home-like since their arrival from Yashima. Benedikt continued to hold her hand as they sat beside each other.
"The ceremony was wonderful," her mother spoke up first in yashimin, sounding proud yet sentimental. "I'm very happy for both of you. You have my blessings for a marriage filled with joy, laughter, love and many many memories to come. Keep holding each other in honour and cherish and you shall be able to overcome all difficulties."
Her mother's voice was as firm and noble as always, but she couldn't entirely conceal the trembling that came with the last sentence.
It pained Yumiko to know that her parents felt sadness due to her marriage. She too could now feel the almost overwhelming melancholy that naturally followed her wedding ceremony.
She was now more or less wed off to a different family, a foreign family far away from her home. Yumiko was therefore no longer a real part of the Kirishima clan anymore, her commitment and devotion were from now on dedicated to the Hohengoldlindens.
Certainly, they all knew that long before the wedding, however it always seemed so distant.
Yumiko could feel how Benedikt bowed down and she followed him, going as far as to touch their foreheads on the back of their hands being placed on the floor.
She took that moment to collect her thoughts. It was a joyous day and she didn't want to cry.
"As the head of the Kirishima family, I, Kirishima Saigo, am also giving you my blessings for a successful marriage. Your future shall prosper with health and happiness. May fortune always be your companion." When Yumiko heard her father speak she couldn't stop the tears rolling down her cheeks onto her hands. They were still bowing down and she felt how Benedikt reached over to her, gently wiping her tears away.
He got up first, but Yumiko wasn't ready to face her parents yet.
"It is my greatest honour to be blessed with your approval and your generous well wishes for our marriage. Please rest assured that there will be no day in which I shall ever disappoint your expectations, I shall pride myself worthy as your daughter's husband." Benedikt spoke in fluent yashimin as well, confident and clear.
Encouraged by his words Yumiko slowly got up as well, wiping away the remnants of her tears.
She straightened her back and looked firmly straight ahead at her parents.
"For everything you have done for me until now, I shall forever be grateful. To be your daughter is the greatest honour that I was blessed with and I shall carry that pride with me, honouring the Kirishima name until the end. Please watch over me as I will continue to honour what you have taught me and how I will be a virtuous wife."
With an earnest smile she ended her declaration and took Benedikt's hand.
"Very well said. We shall consolidate your resolve, let us be cheerful, today shall be a day filled with bliss and joy." Her father's ceremonious tone encouraged everyone to easen up.
The tea was poured and the light delicacies were enjoyed by everyone.
Yumiko could feel the love from her parents, their care and blessings will certainly accompany her even after many years. She was prepared for this exact day for many months yet she didn't imagine that the emotional consequences would hit her so deeply.
She was confident in being able to devote herself as an immaculate wife for Archduke Benedikt whilst also carrying the origin as a Kirishima in her heart.
The conversations were light and it was almost palpable how part of the tension had disappeared.
By now both families have gotten comfortable with each other so the feeling of two families celebrating alongside felt pleasant. It didn't feel like two parties who completed their objective to achieve the best possible outcome, the celebration was far beyond that and had everyone genuinely enjoying the new unification of both Yumiko and Benedikt.
Nevertheless, the most important part was still ahead of them as the grand wedding would decide the foundation of their marriage on the western continent.
"Ojou-sama, may I have a word with you?" Takane-san approached Yumiko carefully.
"Yes, of course," Yumiko smiled at her happily since she didn't have the opportunity yet to speak to her own maid after they had gotten ready for the ceremony.
Takane-san took Yumiko's hands within hers and sniffled. "I'm so incredibly proud of you, Ojou-sama. You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen and the ceremony was perfect. There are so many things I would like to tell you, but I'll keep it short for now. As your loyal maid I have been with you since you were a little girl, I have seen you grow up to be such a refined young lady and now I have witnessed you honouring the clan's name by marrying - it's been truly my greatest glory to be with you all this time." She had started to cry but tried to keep her tears and sniffles in. Yumiko listened carefully to her words between her sobs.
"I'm so honoured to continue on by your side, Ojou-sama."
Yumiko started to pat Takane-san's hands. "The honour is on my side as well and I'm fortunate to have you with me through all these stages in my life. Please watch over me too as my future will unfold even more."
Takane-san kept on sniffling and Yumiko tried to comfort her. Then a familiar hand grabbed Yumiko by her shoulder. "Please pardon my interruption," Benedikt got beside her. "Takane-san, I also want to express my gratitude towards you. Yumiko is indeed a refined young lady and she is more than capable enough to honour her family's name as she is now my wife. That is also thanks to your commitment and I hope you will accept me as a worthy husband to her. Please watch over me as well and feel free to tell me any mistakes I make."
His tone was warm and Yumiko could feel his empathy for the current situation. She looked at him and smiled while leaning on him for a little bit.
"Oh, Your Royal Highness, I could never dare to do that. I'm more than delighted to know you by my Ojou-sama's side. Thank you so much for your kind words." Yumiko could feel her bow down but she kept on holding onto her hands.
"Takane-san, be joyous! Enjoy the celebrations! This isn't a farewell, you will stay by my side even after the wedding." Yumiko gave her the brightest smile as she herself felt the happiness welling up inside her. Having her family members approving her personally so earnestly and wholeheartedly to her marriage felt so encouraging. Those weren't any forced phrases to accommodate any shallow expectations. It was her family genuinely confirming their support for her and trusting her with the duty that was arranged for her.
"You are right, Ojou-sama. I shouldn't be shedding tears on your grand day. I'm just so proud of you," Takane-san finally laughed through her sniffles and shook their hands enthusiastically.
Yumiko joined her laughter and Takane-san politely took her leave.
"Thank you for your kind words, Your Royal Highness, it seems like you always have just the right words for any situation." Yumiko turned around to face Benedikt.
"I think it's more about just saying what's on my mind and it just happens to resonate to the listener," he chuckles playfully. "And I think I have told you that I'm not too fond of titles. Especially now that we are on the same side, isn't that so Yumiko?"
She could hear his grin.
"Well, it's something that I have to get used to, please be patient with me, Benedikt."
Yumiko gave him a smirk to match his boldness.
Benedikt laughed for a brief moment.
"I'll wait patiently for you to comfortably address me for as long as it takes. However I have to say that I'd rather have you get used to it as soon as possible." He took her hand and gently kissed its back. "I'll take the opportunity to tell you personally that I'm truly looking forward to our future together."
Yumiko continued to smile and bowed down slightly as he still held onto her hand.
"I'm looking forward to it as well. Please take care of me."
He seemed to bow down too. "Yes, please take care of me."
"Please inform the guests that the wedding ceremony will soon begin. The horse carriages have already been prepared to bring them to the church." Hagen spoke to the group of the Hohengoldlinden estate employees that were attending to the guests.
He checked the plan that was crucial for this important day. So far everything went according as anticipated. Aside from the head butler and the head maid he was also responsible to lead the overall organisation.
Certainly it was exhausting and the stakes were high, but for Hagen it simply was his duty as not only the closest aid and companion of Archduke Benedikt, but also as his friend to make this marvellous day as spectacular as possible. Just like any other employee of the Hohengoldlinden family, he took pride in great hospitality and accommodating the guests during their stay here.
Especially with the attendance of the Imperial family, it was even more necessary to reflect the noble heritage of the Hohengoldlindens and ensure the smooth procedure for the wedding of Archduke Benedikt and Koshaku Yumiko. As much as this marriage was important to Benedikt, it was also significant for Hagen himself for them to have a memorable celebration.
The princess was truly lovable with a kind soul. Hagen enjoyed seeing them together and he wanted them to have a magnificent wedding with which they could begin their journey happily.
So far the guests have been pleasant in terms of their individual demands and needs. The Hohengoldlinden duchy was greatly prepared for any wishes and all employees were able to work collectively to achieve their shared objective of not embarrassing the name of their Archduke. Hagen attended the yashimian ceremony at the very back of the garden and was greatly impressed by the procedure. He didn't understand everything that was said, but he could feel the consequential moment that the ceremony meant. Watching over Archduke Benedikt as he flawlessly followed the process along with Koshaku Yumiko and the priest was wholesome and impressive. Hagen could almost feel that his Archduke matured and took his new duty and responsibility with an open mind and a clear heart.
Seeing him getting married made him feel sentimental too, naturally this day would have come either way, but in his eyes Archduke Benedikt was still the playful and mischievous young boy who was way too free-spirited to be chained down by any obligations that his birth forced on him. At the same time he always managed to perfectly oblige and meet all expectations from those around him with a natural ease that sometimes seemed a bit scary. More than often he was scolded for skipping his lessons or responding in a way that didn't seem appropriate. However the blonde younger Archduke always managed to use his charming side to his advantage.
During his time in the naval academy he had finally found his path and excelled in every discipline and subject. He enjoyed the camaraderie shared amongst the cadets along with the meaningful purpose the academy prepared them for.
Even then Hagen was beside him and graduated with the Archduke. As his longest companion Hagen couldn't help but see the Archduke as a more passionate captain on the sea, than a duke who had to work through dozens of documents and sit behind a desk.
In some way Archduke Benedikt also enjoyed the bothersome paperwork, however he was more fit to go out surrounding himself with the people he was responsible for.
Now this very same man was married to a woman from a foreign country and had to face new changes and challenges.
Hagen felt proud yet nervous about that. The unknown ahead of them was unfamiliar, but he was ready to support the Archduke and his Archduchess to the best of his abilities.
And he had to begin by bringing them all to the next venue to hold the wedding ceremony in front of all the prestigious guests of the western and eastern continent.