A Mistake, Held in Your Arms ~ I Don’t Want to Marry My Matchmaking Partner, So I Will Offer My Virginity to You ~ - Chapter 15

Mr. Kawai Kaichi, Ms. Tora

I hope this letter finds you both in good health.

The Seirenso herb—you called it “Aonagiku” there, if I recall correctly.

Thank you again for your generous contribution back then. Thanks to you, we’ve successfully developed a medicine with stable efficacy, and though gradually, we’re beginning to see a path toward mass production.

I’ve enclosed some trial products for your use, should you wish to try them. May they bring even the slightest relief to your customers’ injuries and pains.

Now, on a personal note—

On an auspicious day this coming March, I, Fujita Hina, will be wed to Saotome Keiichiro in a Shinto ceremony.

We sincerely hope you both can attend, and have sent separate invitations by mail.

With heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Yunoya.

Sincerely,

Fujita Hina

──The spring sunlight gently bathed the Saotome family garden.

March. A radiant season when flower buds begin to unfurl.

In the garden beds, violets bloomed as if blessing the couple.

On this day, Hina and Keiichiro’s wedding was held at the small shrine on the Saotome estate—a shrine built generations ago to pray for the family’s protection.

Clad in a pure white shiromuku, Hina took small, measured steps.

Though tension and emotion warred within her, the warmth of Keiichiro’s hand in hers was a steadfast anchor.

Among the attendees were Kawai Kaichi and Tora, who had traveled all the way from Kansai.

Keito, fidgeting in his unfamiliar formal wear, stood at the very front with Yamane, murmuring, “Mom… so pretty…”

“…Beautiful,” Keiichiro whispered softly, his smile tender. His voice was unwavering, free of doubt.

Hina lowered her flushed cheeks and replied in a whisper, “Thank you… Keiichiro-sama, you look very dashing yourself.”

Their eyes met, and in that silent exchange, their smiles conveyed more than words ever could.

Guided by the priest, they stepped toward the altar set up in the garden.

Walking directly behind them was Kiyoe, dressed in a formal black tomesode.

Once, she had forbidden this union—but now, as the family matriarch and as a mother, she stood witness to their new beginning, more than anyone else.

Over these past months, Kiyoe had gradually changed.

Seeing Keiichiro and Hina pour their hearts into rebuilding Saotome Pharmaceuticals and earnestly forging a future together had thawed her long-frozen heart.

When the couple reached the altar, Kiyoe slowly retreated into the crowd.

The priest stepped forward and solemnly recited the purification prayer.

His clear voice resonated through the silent shrine, cleansing their bodies and souls.

Hina closed her eyes and steadied her breath.

Next, the priest offered the norito prayer.

“Today, before the gods, we announce the marriage of Saotome Keiichiro and Fujita Hina.”

His words seemed to rise into the heavens, proclaiming their vows to the universe.

Then, three sake cups were placed before the altar.

Keiichiro drank from the first cup, followed by Hina from the same one.

The second and third cups were likewise shared between them.

With each exchange, Hina felt their hearts intertwine.

(With Keiichiro-sama… I can overcome any hardship.)

She secretly thought this in the depths of her heart.

“Now, your vows.”

Following the priest’s guidance, the two turned toward the shrine and spoke their pledges.

“I, Saotome Keiichiro, vow to honor my wife, walk beside her, and remain by her side through all things.”

“I, Fujita Hina, vow to devote my life to supporting my husband, protecting our home, and offering my utmost sincerity.”

Their clear voices rang through the spring sky, met with thunderous applause from the guests.

Keito clapped enthusiastically with his small hands.

Kiyoe rested a gentle hand on his shoulder, her eyes softening with a quiet smile.

After the reception, small jars of Hina’s handmade Seirenso ointment were distributed as gifts.

“May this medicine bring warmth to your hearts, just as it does to your bodies.”

At last, the ceremony came to a close.

A single exchanged glance conveyed everything.

Hina and Keiichiro had finally become “husband and wife.”

Just then, Keito squeezed between them, beaming.

“Dad! Mom!”

The words sent a rush of warmth through Hina’s chest.

But Keiichiro seemed even more profoundly moved.

In that instant, he lifted Keito into a firm embrace.

“Keiichiro-sama, your clothes—”

Keito’s shoes left marks on Keiichiro’s pristine mon-tsuki hakama.

Yet Keiichiro merely shook his head slightly.

“It doesn’t matter.”

The man who rarely showed emotion now surrendered completely to the joy of fatherhood.

Watching them, Hina thought—

At last, the three of them had become a true family.