— — — — — —
"Mm, but all of that is a bit much," Mira said with a playful smile. "I want to take things slowly. How about we start with something basic, like dating?"
Back when she'd made that promise, offering everything she had as her reward, it had been a spur-of-the-moment thing.
But now, looking at Kazuma, she felt like actually honoring that promise wasn't such a bad idea after all.
"Then let's take it slow," Kazuma replied. "Though I really don't have time for dates or shopping. At best, I can walk around the world with you."
"That will be great," Mira said happily.
After chatting with Mira and the others for a bit longer, Kazuma left. There was still a mountain of work waiting for him at the palace.
---
Half a month after his visit, Mira officially resigned from her position at the Fairy Tail guild and moved into the capital.
Mira became the second Queen. She stayed by Kazuma's side, helping him handle clerical work while also growing closer to him day by day.
As for why there was a second queen… well, Kazuma hated all that harem-ranking nonsense. To him, all his women were queens. Rules? Traditions? Cultures? They didn't even get a chance to breathe before Kazuma blasted them.
And Tohru… thankfully, Kazuma was smart enough to send her back to her world once he claimed the Shadow Kingdom. Most of the dragons went with her, too. The ones who stayed were the ones who actually liked it here—happy to nap, lounge, and take in the view.
...
As the kingdom steadily got back on track, Kazuma's workload finally eased up. At the same time, missions in the outside world began to be completed more efficiently as well.
One day, while Kazuma was working, the two Lisannas came to see Mira, both wearing worried expressions.
"Mira, why are you suddenly becoming a queen?" the Edolas Lisanna asked anxiously, holding Mira's left hand. "Are you really sure this is okay?"
"And if you're doing this for us… for Fairy Tail..." the other Lisanna said, gripping Mira's right hand just as tightly, "you really don't have to sacrifice yourself like that."
"What the hell are you two thinking?" Mira laughed. "I'm getting married and becoming a queen because I want to. I'm not exactly young anymore, you know. Other people in the guild are already married, some even have kids running around."
She sighed dramatically. "Last time I went back, that kid even called me 'Aunt Mira.' That hurt a little."
Mira's face was filled with happiness as she pulled her hands free and gently flicked both girls on the forehead.
"Really?" one Lisanna protested. "You've only known him for a few months. Isn't getting married now a bit rushed?"
"Mira, you're really not doing this because of us?" the other pressed.
The two of them spoke over each other, not because they doubted Kazuma, but because they couldn't bear the thought of Mira leaving them.
It felt like once their sister got married, she wouldn't belong to them anymore.
"Of course not," Mira said softly. "Kazuma might look a little scary sometimes, but he's actually very gentle. He takes good care of me."
"And back then, he clearly had the power to take Lisanna away immediately. He didn't have to care about how I felt at all."
"But he still promised me he'd bring back the Lisanna of this world, and he actually kept that promise."
"A man who's strong, kind, and willing to promise he'll protect me forever wants to marry me. Why would I say no?"
She smiled as she spoke. She was truly satisfied with her life now.
She had someone who loved her, and someone she loved in return.
In the future, if she had a few children and built the warm family she'd always dreamed of, she wouldn't want anything else.
"Mira…" Lisanna began, still wanting to say something.
But just then, someone came to announce that the ceremony was about to begin. It was time.
"Come on," Mira said, taking Lisannas' hands.
She led both Lisannas outside. The moment they stepped out, sunlight spilled over her wine-red gown.
In the distance, Kazuma was already waiting, smiling brightly.
And even farther beyond him stood the entire nation, gathered to bear witness.
"Tell me," Mira said softly, "is there any wedding in the world grander or more beautiful than this?"
"There isn't," Lisanna replied, stunned by the sight.
A girl only got one such moment in her life, and her sister had found the very best ending.
The ceremony went smoothly, without a single hitch. Erza had no objections, and the bond between the three of them was strong.
---
Another month passed.
After Kazuma finished handling all remaining affairs, he traveled around with Erza and Mira, enjoying a short honeymoon before finally preparing to leave.
"I won't be gone for long," Kazuma said.
"Give our regards to the other world," Erza replied.
"Mine too," Mira added.
The two women stepped forward and each gave Kazuma a farewell kiss.
They watched as he summoned the Spirit King and, just like when he'd arrived, walked away along a path woven from starlight.
"I wonder what we're like in the other world," Erza said curiously.
"No idea," Mira replied with a smile. "But based on what we know, the me in that world probably likes our husband too."
"Umm.... I hopw he returns safely."
.
.
.