The blue light of the Flying Thunder God array dissipated in the Land of Fire Daimyo Mansion square.
Shun, holding Kurenai's hand, followed by Tsunade, Shiryu, and their entourage, slowly landed on the familiar ground.
As soon as they landed, the ministers and attendants waiting in the square came forward to bow and salute, their gazes at Kurenai filled with awe and respect.
The late-night commotion in the Land of Fire had already spread among the Land of Water's high-ranking officials, brought back by the returning entourage.
The news that "Kurenai is the Lord's designated Queen" had become an open secret.
In the past, although some ministers knew Kurenai was a close secretary to Shun, they only regarded her as an ordinary subordinate, and occasionally, some would secretly look down on her because of her small ninja clan background.
But now, with Shun publicly declaring her identity in the Land of Fire, coupled with the precedent of Asuma suffering a tragic fate for harassing her, it caused everyone in the Land of Water to no longer dare to underestimate this seemingly gentle secretary.
Even the noblewomen, who used to be somewhat distant towards her, would now proactively greet her, their tone carrying an intentional closeness.
Kurenai felt these changes, and while there were ripples in her heart, she did not show the slightest hint of it.
...
A few months later, in the morning, after the government affairs in the council hall were dealt with, the ministers left one after another.
Only Shun, Tsunade, and Kurenai remained.
Shiryu sat on a soft cushion nearby, playing with a wooden dragon carving, occasionally looking up at his father, his eyes full of dependence.
Shun leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the ginkgo leaves falling outside the window, and suddenly said, "Kurenai, I've already sent someone to notify your father."
Kurenai was stunned for a moment and looked at him in confusion. "Your Excellency, why notify my father?"
Tsunade sat nearby, a hint of understanding flashing in her eyes, and a smile on her lip. She had probably guessed what Shun wanted to say.
Shun's gaze swept over Tsunade and Kurenai in turn. "I have decided to hold the wedding on May 21st, Konoha 54th year, to marry you and Mei."
"Wed-wedding?" Kurenai's eyes instantly widened, her cheeks flushed, and even her breathing became a little rapid.
Although she knew she was Shun's "designated Queen," she didn't expect the wedding date to come so quickly, and for a moment, she was at a loss. She subconsciously lowered her head, her fingers tightly gripping her skirt hem.
Tsunade smiled and patted her shoulder, her tone teasing. "Silly girl, this is good news, why are you still shy?"
Then, she looked at Shun, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You certainly know how to pick a day. May 21st is Mei's birthday. It seems you had this planned for a long time."
"Indeed, I've had this plan for a long time, not only to bring good luck but also to set an example for the people."
Shun slowly sat up straight, his tone becoming more serious. "As you know, in the past, it was customary in the Land of Water for girls to marry after the age of 14. But at 14, a girl's body is not yet fully developed, and many who married at that age experienced difficult childbirths, with many women losing their lives each year."
He paused, recalling the scene when he first became the Daimyo of the Land of Water, his expression becoming solemn.
"So, shortly after I took office, I first changed the legal marriage age for women from 14 to 16. Later, I found that there were still many difficult childbirth cases at 16, so I further adjusted it to 18. Only when the body is fully mature can tragedies be avoided to the greatest extent."
Tsunade nodded in agreement. "Your decision was indeed wise. In recent years, the mortality rate for women in childbirth and infants in the Land of Water has decreased by at least 70% compared to before."
Shun changed the subject, his tone softening slightly. "Many years ago, I announced that Mei was my fiancée, but at that time, she was only 15, far from the legal marriage age of 18. As the Daimyo, I must set an example and not violate the rules I set myself, so I have waited until now."
These words dispelled the unease in Kurenai's heart. She looked up, meeting Shun's gentle yet firm gaze, and the panic in her heart gradually gave way to warmth.
She nodded gently, her voice a little choked. "Thank you, Your Excellency... no, thank you, Shun."
Just then, the council hall door opened, and Mei walked in, wearing a long, light blue dress.
She had a sly smile on her face as she said, "It seems I've arrived just in time. I heard you talking about the wedding as soon as I reached the door."
She reached out and took his arm. "Shun, you scoundrel, have you finally decided to give me a proper title? I thought I'd have to wait until the end of time."
Shun chuckled and pinched her cheek, his eyes full of apology. "It's my fault for making you wait so long. Now that you're 18, everything is just right. I've already had the Ministry of Rites begin preparations for the wedding. I promise you and Kurenai a grand wedding."
Mei nodded contentedly, a hint of imperceptible emotion flashing in her eyes.
Then, she looked at Kurenai, walked over and took her hand. "That's more like it, Kurenai. From now on, we'll be sisters. We must work together to assist Shun and protect the Land of Water well."
Kurenai felt the warmth of Mei's palm, and the feeling of unfamiliarity completely dissipated.
She smiled and nodded. "Yes, together."
Shiryu, seeing the adults chatting lively, ran to Shun's side, hugged his leg, and looked up, asking curiously, "Daddy, what is a wedding? Is there delicious cake?"
Everyone was amused by his innocent words, and the atmosphere in the council hall instantly became warm and lively.
Shun bent down and picked up Shiryu, kissing him on the cheek. "Yes, there's lots of delicious food at the wedding, and beautiful clothes. Will you be Daddy's little flower boy then?"
"Okay."
Shiryu clapped his hands excitedly, his face full of anticipation.
With the wedding date set, everyone in the Land of Water became busy.
Some praised Shun for setting an example and adhering to the marriage age rules he had established.
In a secret Anbu room deep within the Daimyo Mansion, a document marked "Top Secret" lay on the table.
The intelligence stated, "Sarutobi Asuma has left the Land of Fire. His current whereabouts are unknown."
Shun looked at this intel, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, his fingers gently tapping on the document.
He knew that Asuma's hatred would not easily dissipate. This upcoming wedding might not be as peaceful as it seemed on the surface.