We finished lunch and moved to our destination.
It seemed the place we were looking for was located in the area at the far right of the amusement park.
It was a highly popular area where glamorous and luxurious buildings stood, and many mascot characters from Screaming Land made appearances.
The laughter of children.
Couples with happy smiles.
Groups of friends playing joyfully.
The majority of Screaming Land is focused on attractions meant to make you scream.
But this area was a peaceful place that had nothing to do with such things.
Was our destination really in a place like this?
“Riran, tell me already.”
“No way. We’re almost there.”
She had been refusing to tell me in that same tone for a while now.
Well, Riran seemed to be looking forward to it, so I guess it was fine.
I walked through the park, glancing at Riran as she hummed a tune beside me.
Then, she stopped in front of one building.
Its luxury stood out even compared to the other buildings. It looked like a mansion from overseas.
It seemed like some kind of facility, but what exactly was it...?
I followed Riran inside.
Not just the exterior, but the interior was incredibly elaborate as well.
It felt as if we had wandered into medieval Europe or another world entirely.
Heading toward the reception desk directly in front of the entrance, Riran began some kind of procedure.
“Excuse me, I’m Kuonji, I have a reservation.”
“We have been waiting for you, Kuonji-sama. Is this gentleman Sanada-sama?”
“Y-yes. That is correct.”
“Oh my, oh my.”
Wait, what? Why are you looking at us with those eyes as if you're watching something heartwarming?
“Then, let us begin preparations immediately. Kuonji-sama, please come this way. Sanada-sama, another staff member will guide you.”
“I understand. Well then, Akito. See you later.”
“O-oh?”
I was led to a different room from Riran and was told to change into various things as instructed.
I sat in a luxurious chair and had light makeup applied.
My hair was even styled with wax.
In the blink of an eye, my appearance had been completely groomed.
During the final touch-up, I spent some time adjusting in front of the mirror.
I was overwhelmed by the sheer speed of it, but now might be the only time to ask.
“Um, may I ask something?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“I came here without being told anything at all, so what exactly am I going to do?”
“Eh? ...Ah, I see. Fufu. It seems your girlfriend wanted to give you a surprise.”
A surprise?
“Actually, Screaming Land is currently running a collaboration project with the Jūmonji Group.”
Jūmonji Group... Jūmonji... Jūmonji... Neika!?
Wait, is Screaming Land collaborating with Neika’s family right now!?
The Jūmonji family, who have influence all over the world. I didn't expect to hear that name in a place like this.
“W-what kind of collaboration is it?”
“Well. Since you've already come this far, you'll find out eventually anyway.”
The female staff member removed the cloth wrapped around my neck and guided me to a full-length mirror.
What appeared there—was me, dressed in a white tuxedo.
“....................................Huh?”
◆
“Now, we will begin the Wedding Experience. Groom, enter.”
...What is this.
It happened so suddenly that I didn't understand what was going on.
Tuxedo? Wedding experience? Groom? What does that even mean?
While walking down the virgin road alone, I was currently perplexed and confused.
Since it was an 'experience,' there were no attendees, but it was still nerve-wracking.
Without being able to organize my chaotic thoughts, I arrived in front of the altar.
“Next. Bride, enter.”
Bride... Bride... Bride... BRIDE!!
My confused thoughts were blown away, and I turned around before I could even think.
Clunk—.
The doors opened with a heavy sound.
The doors opened slowly.
From beyond them, a pure white bride illuminated by backlighting appeared.
An A-line dress with plenty of frills.
In her hands was a bouquet made of pure white flowers.
Her face wasn't clearly visible due to the backlight and the wedding veil, which is said to protect the bride from evil things, but red anemone earrings were sparkling on her ears.
Riran walked down the virgin road slowly and alone.
As she drew closer step by step, the light from the altar illuminated her.
I began to see Riran's face behind the veil, which gave off a different impression than usual.
Was it because of the makeup?
Or was it the effect of this extraordinary atmosphere?
I didn't know if it was both.
The usual competitive, lovely, and occasionally mischievous innocent girl was nowhere to be found.
Ephemeral, dedicated, and beautiful. A perfect beauty was standing there.
“Riran...”
“Ehehe. A surprise... just kidding.”
She laughed shyly from behind the veil.
Ah, this is a hell of a surprise. To think I'd be able to see Riran in a wedding dress in a place like this.
“I asked Neika and had her force a reservation for me.”
Well, I figured as much.
A reservation for a place like this would normally need to be made at least a month in advance.
So it's thanks to Neika-sama, then.
I stood in front of the altar alongside Riran.
I knew it was just a wedding experience.
But when I'm wearing a tuxedo like this, with Riran in a wedding dress beside me... I get the illusion that this might be a real wedding ceremony.
“...Hey, Riran.”
“What?”
“Marry me.”
“...Pfft. What are you saying now? ...Yes, with pleasure.”
Riran smiled happily, and I couldn't help but smile too.
Riran said it was her own reward. But... seeing Riran in a wedding dress is a reward for me too... right?