Bride of the Snow Moon Flower/Story

Summary by User:HanXanth

## Prologue

You arrive in Aphros, in the Ephemeral Country, during a time when Aphros is full of love and blessings. You are attending the ancient “Wedding Banquet Ceremony” and have just finished with your official duties. You marvel to yourself at the beauty of the ceremony, which is now over, as you walk through the “Garden of the Colors of the Seasons”. Amidst the four seasons represented in the garden, lovers modestly pledge their love to each other, and you begin to think about marriage.

Even the flower petals fall, dancing as two lovers promising their futures to each other. As you take in the beautiful sight, a sense of longing fills you. However that longing is soon met with a certain sense of anxiety and you let out a small sigh.

At that time, a familiar voice calls out to you, and you turn to see the princes of the Country of Four Seasons, who had also come to attend the ceremony like yourself. Kaede, Mikage, Toya, and Oka are all there. You ask if they’ve come to stroll through the garden as well, and Hikage says they figured since they were already there, they should see it to have something to talk about later. Hikage comments on how the greenery in the garden is from Hourai, and Kaede comments with surprise that Hikage would even know that. Of course Hikage responds in kind with “Don’t make fun of me! Of course I know stuff!” Toya laughs at their predictable behavior, and you try to change the subject by commenting on the beauty of the garden and remarking you’re glad the four of them could see it.
Oka thanks you, and comments on how the beautifully fluttering sakura petals are celebrating the new start for the couple. Kaede mentions that there’s nowhere else you can see the Shrine of the Water Mirror and the banquet. Toya puts in that he was surprised that there are so many gods in Aphros that exist for the sake of the pledges of love, and you were also surprised at that when you heard.

Kaede continues about how it’s recommended that the royalty participating in the wedding banquet visit the shrine, though the recommendation was a little more like strong encouragement. You question Kaede, who says in this country, member of the royal family from all of the other countries hold their ceremonies here.
That’s when you remember the request from an attendant of Aphros. They had wanted you to officiate the wedding ceremony to strengthen the blessing of the gods, and told you that there is great importance in receiving the blessing of love in Aphros. You had hesitated, but as you are lost in your memory, Oka calls your name and looks at you worriedly.

You quickly say there’s nothing wrong. Hikage says holding a ceremony like this is nice and all, but people have different tastes. He thinks you should express your love in a way that feels right to you. Kaede acts surprised that he could say something so romantic-sounding. Hikage lashes back. As the two start fighting again, Oka yells at them and Toya laughs. You think about what Hikage said, and watch the happy couples walking in the garden. Then looking up…
You see snow. It glitters as it falls among the colorful flower petals. Toya and Oka say how pretty it is, and you all stand watching it. Then, in the brilliance of the snow, you see a figure approaching. He calls out to you, and you realize it’s Frost and the other princes from the Country of Snow. You question them about the snow, and Synny says someone had wanted it to snow in the garden, to make it an unforgettable ceremony, so he had granted their wish. As you watch, the people you had seen before address Synny politely, and Graysia comments on how this country has a long relationship with Snowphilia.

Kaede says the garden represents “walking together forever in the cycling of the seasons”, and Toya mentions he of course thinks a winter garden is lovely, but the way the snowflakes mix with the flower petals is truly something to behold. You ponder what Kaede said about the meaning of the garden, and Synny chimes in that he thinks the “Shrine of the Ice Mirror” is better. You ask about it, and Graysia mentions that long ago, an architect from Snowphilia was part of the construction of the shrine. It’s said that couples who look into the mirror will have their memories reflected on its surface. Frost says that when that happens, the two can receive a blessing from the gods of Aphros.

You marvel at the idea of a mirror that shows memories, and at the variety of gods in Aphros. Frost asks if you’d like to go see the ice mirror, and if you so desire, he will guide you. You readily agree, and Hikage, not one to be outdone, asks if they can come along too. Frost agrees and again marvels at the beauty of the garden. Graysia says he was worried about that, and Synny whispers to you that Frost had said something about wanting to make something like this garden back in Snowphilia. Frost asks after what they’re talking about, and Graysia and Synny both say in unison “Nothing!!”
And so you, the 3 princes of Snowphilia, and the 4 princes of Hourai set off for the Shrine of the Ice Mirror. The sky appears solemn, and the air is crisp. You arrive at the shrine, and are welcomed by a mirror that shines with a strange brilliance. Frost says the mirror is made of ice that will never melt, and Graysia says it is a symbol of unshakable love. You consider the phrase “unshakable love” and Synny asks if something’s wrong. You ease his concern by saying you were simply thinking about the cycling of the seasons, the showing of memories, and how the ceremony where two people in love pledge their lives to each other is so very important.

Frost says you’re looking awfully depressed if that’s the case, and Oka also mentions wanting to know what it is that has you so down. You react with shock, having not even realized that’s the kind of expression you were making. They’re all so interested that you decide to tell them about the discussion you had with the attendant from Aphros regarding the wedding ceremony, then say that you know it’s a formal ceremony, but you have no idea how to do it right.
When you finish, Frost asks what you were so concerned about. Of course he’s suited to be your partner for such a thing. Hikage jumps in and asks Frost what he means by that, and Oka says he thinks you’re a good fit for the job, and to do the ceremony the way you think is best. Synny pipes in and says you can have a great wedding ceremony with him. Hikage then turns his attention to Synny while Toya laughs and says he thinks a ceremony full of endless laughter would be good. Listening to everyone, your heart dances.

As you think about Oka’s words and take in the scene before you, you begin to imagine a ceremony full of happiness with the people beside you.

## Oka

Garden of 4 Seasons, Spring Garden…

In the lovely spring breeze, sakura petals give their blessing as they dance.
The beautiful melody of a flute can be heard as you walk in the garden.

*What a mysterious mood…*

You wear a white kimono, and Oka stands dressed in formal attire.

“You look very beautiful.” Oka says.

“Thank you,” you reply. “You look quite lovely too Oka.”

Guests have arrived to give their blessing under a large umbrella. Oka smiles kindly at you, his face like sunlight through the trees.

“I never thought I would be walking like this with you as a bride,” he says.

His eyes are gentle and overflowing with happiness.

*Oka...*

More so than any other instant, you burn this memory into your heart.

“Congratulations!” says one of the guests.

“I wish you both happiness!” says another.

You hear more people calling out to you.

“Haha, it’s a little embarrassing isn’t it,” Oka says.

“Yes…it really is,” you reply.

*It’s like a real wedding ceremony.*

Suddenly, you feel your face heating up and…

“I’m very happy,” says Oka. “And…proud.”

“Eh?” you ask.

“That my bride is so beautiful.”

“!”

At his words, your heart pounds in your chest.

*I wonder if I can do it right…*

You feel your body stiffen under the eyes of so many people.

Oka calls your name and places his warm hand on yours.

“Please,” he says, “raise your head.”

His voice wraps around you gently and…you feel drawn out by the feeling of his hand and his smile. Guided by his gesture, you raise your head.

*Ah…*

You look up, and your vision is filled with the color of many blooming sakura flowers. The lovely flower petals dance down around you, beautifully accenting the white kimono.

Again, Oka calls your name.

Beside you, he smiles, and that sight is more beautiful to you than the flowers.

“You don’t need to rush,” Oka says. “Let’s enjoy the lovely sakura together, today.”

At Oka’s kind words, your tight body relaxes.

“Right,” you say.

With a small nod, Oka looks at you affectionately. His hand still on yours, the two of you begin to walk.

“It’s a simple thing,” Oka says, “and it makes me happy.”

Saying so, Oka turns his face up to the pure blue sky.

“Beneath this sky, we can pledge our love,” Oka continues, “…I’ve never been happier.”

“Oka…”

When you had first met, Oka had seemed so lonely… but now, he was always so cheerful.

“Me too,” you say, “I’m really happy too. Walking with you like this, it’s really nice.”

Oka affectionately says your name.

His eyes glitter, and you see his face turn just the faintest hit of red as a gentle breeze blows around you.

“Ah…”

The sakura fall down around you, wrapping the two of you in a flower petal embrace. The site makes you think of a flower shower blessing two lovers.

*It’s beautiful…*

The dance of the gorgeous flower petals makes you smile. While taking in the beautiful sakura, Oka looks at you.

“I’m very glad you chose me,” Oka says. “It makes me happy to just be here by your side right now…but it seems I may have gotten caught up in the performance.”

“Performance…?” you ask.

“Yes,” Oka says. “The performance of the wedding ceremony for you and me.”

“!”

*Does that mean…*

You stand there flustered, and Oka smiles at you kindly. That smile is like the fragrant smell of flowers. Your heart pounds loudly, different from when it was from the tension, and you can’t seem to quiet it.

END

## Hikage

Garden of Four Seasons, Summer Garden…

Beneath the glare of the sun, the air is filled with the zeal of insects.

Hikage says nothing.

With a serious expression, Hikage puts a small cup full of sacred sake to his lips.

His intense expression makes your heart beat quicker.

*No, if I don’t concentrate…*

Caught up in looking at him, you quickly turn your attention to the scenery around you.

The place the two of you chosen to stand at and vow your love to each other was among the young trees of the Summer Garden.

*This garden…it’s a lot like Hikage.*

Looking at the fresh greenery, you feel the strength of the sunlight shining down on you.

Hikage calls to you.

“…right,” you reply.

Hikage offers you the sake cup, and you take it with a weight of ceremony.

This is the ceremony where two people swear their love for all eternity and become a married couple…

Offering the sacred sake to the god of Aphros, you drink from one cup.

*Love with Hikage…*

Holding the sake cup to your mouth, the strong scent of alcohol tickles your nose, but you say nothing.

You take a small sip of the sacred sake, and return the cup to the tray in front of you.

*…my face feels warm.*

Your face feels flushed, but you aren't sure if it's from the sake or from the stress.

“Did you push yourself?” Hikage asks.

Hikage looks at your face and lowers his brow in concern.

His kind concern makes you happy, and you can’t help smiling.

“Thank for asking,” you reply. “I’m just a little nervous…but I’m fine.”

“Oh, ok, good.” Hikage says in relief. “Though…I’m kinda nervous too.”

You speak to each other as if it’s a secret, and the two of you can’t help giggling.

And just like that, the strain on your heart eases.

“…so, I was thinking…” Hikage starts.

“About what?” you ask.

“This kind of stuffy ceremony isn’t all that bad but…”

He takes your hand, and quickly stands up.

“I like things to be a little more lively,” Hikage finishes.

You feel moved by the brightness of his smile, which shines like the sun.

“Hey everyone!” Hikage calls out. “Thanks for coming! Now let’s have some fun!”

With his voice full of energy, the entire solemn ceremony changes, and soon it’s lively and overflowing with the sound of laughter.

*That’s just like Hikage.*

The attendants surrounding Hikage and yourself exchange glances and start to laugh.

*I’m sure if I’m with Hikage…every day would be spent in happiness and enjoyment, just like this.*

Imagining a future like that with him, the corners of your mouth lift in a smile.

The ceremony that you had with Hikage, which turned out to be quite fun, comes to and end…-

Basking in the lingering memory, the two of you now rest beneath a tree.

“I hadn’t really planned on it going that way,” Hikage says. “But everyone seemed to have a good time, so I guess it’s fine.”

“Haha…you’re right,” you say.

Thinking back to the ceremony which had turned out so lively, just like Hikage, you can’t help smiling.

“Sorry for asking you to do this all of a sudden,” you say to him.

“It’s fine,” Hikage replies. “I was real surprised you asked me but… I thought it’d be fun to do something like this with the person you like.”

“!”

His sudden words make your heart skip a beat, and you feel a warmth spread throughout your body.

“Anyway, in the middle of the ceremony you were grinning like an idiot. What were you thinking about?” Hikage asks.

“I-I wasn’t…”

“You were,” Hikage says. “You definitely were. Come on, what was it?”

*I was thinking about a future with Hikage…*

He was so straightforward as he pressed the question, you feel your cheeks heat up. But…

“…I was thinking of how someday you’ll stand up and do something like this with someone,” you reply.

“Eh…”

Hikage stares at you as you honestly tell him what you were thinking.

*Because that is my true wish…*

“…”

Hikage calls your name, and as he does so, he lifts you up, you still wearing your kimono.

“!? Hikage, what are you…”

“Come on,” Hikage says. “That’s not fair. Saying something like that…while looking so beautiful.”

Confused, Hikage tells you this a little brusquely.

“Shouldn’t I be the one…saying I want someone to stand beside me someday?” Hikage says.

“Hikage…”

He looks up at you, his face bright red…-

Seeing that change come over him, your heart leaps.

While still holding you up, Hikage walks by some of the attendants.

“Hikage,” you say, “everyone can see…”

Embarrassed under the gathered stares of everyone, you raise your voice but…

“Just look at me,” Hikage says. “Then you won’t have a reason to feel embarrassed, right?”

You can’t respond, but at his gentle urging you turn your flushed face into his chest.

“Um…” you ask, “where are we going?”

“So we can be more alone,” Hikage says. “…I just don’t want to let anyone else see you looking so cute.”

His words sounded like they were pouting, but there was affection flowing from them…-

Looking at Hikage, the sunlight shines through his hair.

*I … like Hikage.*

You feel satisfied from the bottom of your heart, like the refreshing summer breeze, as you keep that thought close to your heart…-

END

## Kaede

Garden of Four Seasons, Autumn Garden…

The brilliant autumn leaves fall, adding color to the stone pavement of the garden.

The ceremony continues solemnly in the light of the garden lanterns.

“…”

You say nothing and steal a glance up at Kaede, who stands beside you.

He too remains silent.

You see an unusually gentle expression in his eyes as he glances at you, and your heart leaps.

“We selected a fine day to hold the vowing ceremony beneath the autumn leaves,” Kaede says.

His voice is dignified as he speaks, and he smiles at you.

It was as if his smile conveyed all of his thoughts to you…

“Please,” you pray, “protect us for all eternity.” My words followed Kaede’s.

“And now,” the priest says, “the token of the autumn leaves.”

At the priest’s words, you take a leaf that has been placed before you. As instructed, you gently kiss the leaf. You then hand the leaf
to Kaede, who does the same. He then says your name.

“…yes, Kaede,” you reply.

Kindly saying his name, you both approach the edge of the water. Kaede still holds the leaf, and gently places his hand over yours.

*After this, we float the leaf on the surface of the water…*

Your body stiffens as you try to remember all of the proper etiquettes.

“Haha…”

You hear Kaede’s quiet laugh from next to you and turn to look at him, when Kaede suddenly grabs you around the waist and holds you tightly.

*…!*

In time with that, the autumn leaf drops onto the surface of the water, and gently floats away.

“With this,” the priest spoke, “the two of you have just completed the symbol of the autumn leaf, and vowed your love.”

It’s difficult to hear the voice of the priest over the beating of your own heart.

“U-um…” you ask hesitantly.

With Kaede still holding you, you shyly look up at him.

“Ah, sorry,” Kaede says. “Did I startle you? You just seemed so stressed .”

In his eyes is a mixture of teasing and kindness, and he looks at you closely.

The moon illuminates the surface of the water where the autumn leaves float.

Following the ceremony, the two of you take in the beautiful vermillion-colored garden.

“Since it wasn’t a real ceremony,” Kaede says, “I thought it would be better if you weren’t so stressed.”

“That’s…”

*Even if that’s true, it was Kaede’s ceremony after all.*

But the idea was so vague, you couldn’t exactly put it into words. And then…

“Ah,” Kaede says, “I wonder if it’s because of me?”

“!”

Realizing that he has seen through to your true feelings, your face heats up. After he finishes laughing, he turns to look at you.

“Even so…” Kaede begins, “I already knew it, even with you clad in that kimono, but you really are an easy mark.”

*It really is just as he says but…*

You say nothing, lapsing into silence as you feel slightly chagrined at his true intentions. Then…

“…geez,” Kaede says. “here you are, dressed looking your finest, and because of that, my plans have gone awry.”

“Eh?” you ask in confusion.

*Then, could that possibly mean…*

At those words, your heart makes a little leap.

“Was that what you were hoping for?” Kaede asks.

He lifts up your chin, and you see a mischievous smile on his face.

*He really is making fun of me again…!*

“Kaede, I - !”

A mixture of embarrassment and frustration rises inside of you and you open your mouth to complain, but at that time…

“Well,” Kaede says, “you’re not exactly wrong.”

He turns away his gaze and says quietly as if to himself.

“What…?” you ask.

“Ah, didn’t you hear? And here I was telling you the truth and everything.”

“Wha-I…!” you stutter.

“My my,” Kaede says, “such a troublesome bride.”

Kaede pinches your cheeks, and before you realize it, his arms move to gently embrace you.

“That was insensitive,” he says, “but you’re just so cute.”

You’re startled by his sweet words, and the sound of your beating heart gets louder.

“You being this way…” he continues, “no matter how much time passes, I don’t think it will ever change. And I’ll always look forward to
it.”

His eyes are still mischievous, but you can’t seem to get out a complaint.

*I suppose…Kaede is just going to keep teasing me like this.*

Imagining that kind of future, you can’t help but smile.

As if keeping an eye on your rendezvous, the autumn leaves continue to fall around you.

END

## Toya

Garden of Four Seasons, Winter Garden...

The garden is wrapped in silence, except for the sound of snow falling from the the branches.

Toya says nothing as he carefully holds a branch with a pointed leaf still clinging to it. The branch is tied with purifying paper.

Following proper etiquette, the ceremony continues as you stand together to vow your love to each other.

*Next we exchange the branches...*

Turning to your side, you lock onto Toya's clear eyes, though he says nothing.

In that instant, Toya's tight expression turns into a smile.

*Toya...*

At his gentle smile, you feel the tenseness slowly vanish and smile in return.

At that, Toya's smile only grows wider.

*Looking at Toya's smile, I feel so happy...*

As your gazes intertwine, it feels as if time has stopped.

But...-

The branches the two of you are holding hit together and make a sound.

"!"Toya jumps slightly in surprise.

The rough sound echoes loudly throughout the snowy landscape, and shocks the two of you back to your senses.

Toya says nothing, his lips stiffening as the two of you again continue the proper etiquette for the ceremony.

*Oh no, I have to do this right.*

Seeing his serious expression, you also focus your mind on the task ahead of you.

"And now," the priest says, "please exchange your branches."

At the priest's words, the two of you exchange branches.

*Grab the base of the branch with my right hand, and then the left...*

You exchange branches without making a mistake.

As if trying to ease your stress, Toya puts his fingers on yours.

*They're warm...*

It's as if his feelings are conveyed to you through that touch.

"When you're here," Toya says, "...I end up smiling."

"Eh...!?"

"I feel so full of happiness," Toya continues.

*I do too...*

In the garden painted silver, Toya's profile seems to glitter and dazzle you.

Your mind is blank as you continue to stare at him.

After the ceremony is over, the Winter Garden is bathed in moonlight.

"Aaah, I was so nervous!" Toya says.

The two of you now alone, Toya stretches and lets out a deep sigh.

"Haha, I was too," you reply.

"It was really hard following all that etiquette," Toya says, "but what was even harder...was thinking of doing the ceremony with you. My
face kept relaxing and I couldn't help smiling."

Toya looks at you kindly, and there is a loveliness reflected in those eyes.

"Even though I knew it was a performance..." Toya continues, "when you're my partner, I can't help myself from imagining that kind of future."

"Eh...?"

"Ah..."

Toya looks surprised as he realizes what he just said, and as his face flushes slightly, you feel your own face start to heat up.

"If I were to pledge my love to someone," Toya says, "I'd like for it to be with you but...I wonder if you wouldn't like that."

Toya says the last part as a question, as if to gauge your reaction.

His expression seems strained, but also full of anticipation...and your heart skips a beat.

'...I'd be happy.

"Me too," you say, "I wouldn't dislike that Toya."

You reply shyly, and Toya bursts into a smile.

Conveying your thoughts, you feel swept away in that feeling of happiness.

*I'd like to smile with him like this, always...*

Toya's skin and hair glitter brightly like the snow itself.

*Beautiful...*

You become enraptured by his beauty, which almost makes him seem transparent.

Watching you like that, Toya starts to look anxious.

"...are you cold?" he asks.

He gently puts his hand on you, and you feel its warmth, just like the warmth in his heart.

"...I'm fine," you say. "I'm not cold if you're here Toya. Besides, I love winter, because it's when I got to meet you."

Even as a cold wind touches your skin, you think it's lovely.

"...thank you," Toya says as he calls your name.

Toya's eyes sparkle as he smiles brightly.

"Let's spend winter together like this from now on," he says. "And not just the winters, spring and summer and autumn...no matter the season, together."

"Yes," you reply, "of course."

You feel as if you want to get closer to his sweet words and his warmth...and you quietly cuddle up close to Toya's shoulder.

END

## Synny

In Aphros, the ceremony of vowing love...

The person you choose to exchange your feelings with...-

...

......

The air at the Shrine of the Ice Mirror is heavy with solemnity, and your footsteps along with Synny's echo in the shrine...-

"Hey," Synny says, "don't fall, ok?"

Synny speaks politely and takes your hand.

"Haha," you giggle, "I'm fine. Thank you Synny, for coming to do this with me."

"W-why wouldn't I?" Synny stammers. "If my servant is in trouble, it's only natural that I as your master come to help you! And... I
figured I'd do this with you sooner or later."

"!"

Synny straightens his back and walks stiffly to the ice mirror. Seeing him like this, it's as if his shoulders have gotten a little broader...and you feel your heart pound.

"Now," the priest says, " stand before the ice mirror."

The two of you stand before the mirror, and its surface sparkles brightly as it begins to show your memories...

"Ah..." Synny says.

In Synny's eyes is reflected the time the two of you met.

As thanks for saving him, he says he'll make you his servant...

*Haha, this is kind of nostalgic...*

A warmth spreads out from your chest, and your mouth turns up in a smile.

Then...

The ice mirror's gentle light fades, and soon the memory ends.

"Why are you laughing by yourself?" Synny asks.

Synny looks at you strangely.

"I'm just happy," you say, "that I've made so many memories with you Synny."

At your answer, Synny smiles proudly and...

"Well," Synny says, "I guess the time I spent with you was kinda fun."

"Only kind of?" you ask.

"!"

At your follow-up question, Synny's eyes go wide and he suddenly turns away from you.

"...no," he says, "it was really fun."

"Thank you Synny," you say.

You smile, and this time his slightly sulking expression breaks with happiness.

*Moving round and round, I can't keep from looking at his beautiful eyes...*

"Hey," Synny says as he calls your name. "Look here."

As he speaks, Synny moves his fingers.

Then, sparkling flecks of magic gather at his finger tips, and a small snowman appears.

"A snowman...!" you exclaim. "It's so cute."

"I'm not done yet," Synny says.

Synny moves his fingers again and the snowman starts to move...-

"Ah! It's...!"

The snowman holds out a brooch, the one the two of you had arranged for after the ceremony.

*Wow...!*

"Well?" Synny asks. "I bet you're surprised."

The light reflected off of the ice shines on his expression, and he seems more grown up...

And you are fascinated by his beautiful red eyes, which take your breath away.

In the unmeltable Ice Shrine, the light of the sun shines through...

Holding the brooch from the snowman, the two of you face each other in front of the ice mirror.

"It's very beautiful," you say.

Transparent snow crystals shines in the brooch, and catch the light.

"I had it prepared especially for you," Synny says." Because...you'll be my future queen."

At his words of proclamation, your heart pounds rapidly in your chest.

"Come on," Synny says, "come here."

At his urging, Synny carefully affixes the brooch to your chest.

"The truth is," Synny says, "I had thought about swearing my love to you here but...I'm sure there's still a lot of things I need to learn, and I still have some growing up to do."

"Synny..."

"So..."

Synny finishes pinning on the brooch and looks up at you.

Your eyes meet, and though his expression is cold, you feel your heart waver.

"You'll wait for me right?" Synny says. "Until the day I come to get you."

"..."

Your chest fills with happiness, and you're at a loss for words.

*Synny...when did he become such an adult?*

Enthralled by his ruby-like eyes, you find yourself stiffening.

"Don't worry," Synny says. "Because I'll make you the happiest in the whole world."

Synny puffs out his chest in pride, full of self-confidence.

*He's like a grown-up...and still so cute...It'd be nice to be with Synny from now on.*

"...right!" you respond.

You respond loudly, and hold him firmly in your gaze.

You think about a future with Synny, as he grows each time you meet.

END

## Graysia

In Aphros, the ceremony of vowing love...

The person you choose to exchange your feelings with...-

...

......

The temple glitters like a crystal, the gentle sunlight shining through.

The two of you have come before the Shrine of the Ice Mirror to go through the vowing ceremony.

Graysia says nothing as he stands in front of the ice mirror, his brows furrowed together as he thinks of something.

"Graysia," you ask, "what's wrong?"

"...why," Graysia begins. "Why did you choose me?"

"Eh...?"

"Even if you say it's just a formality, it's...this is..."

He only speaks up to that point, then brusquely averts his gaze.

Seeing his face turn slightly red, you feel deep in your heart that you should tell him your true feelings.

"I..." you begin, "I wasn't thinking it was a formality. I wanted to do it with you Graysia."

Graysia says nothing but he turns his gaze back to you.

In his beautiful red eyes, you see yourself reflected there, wearing your pure white dress.

"And now," the priest says, "approach the ice mirror."

Both of your faces are equally red as you approach the mirror...

As it reflects the two of you standing there, it begins to emit a faint light.

Before long, the days you spent with Graysia come to the surface of the mirror.

*A lot of things happened then.*

The feelings from that time are reawakened, and your heart fills with pleasant nostalgia.

"This is..." Graysia begins.

"Graysia?"

"I just let you do all the talking..."

*Eh...?*

Both his murmured words and the memories reflected in the ice mirror slowly fade with the light.

"Graysia..."

Graysia hesitantly calls your name, his voice low and cool, and it makes your heart leap.

"...thank you. For always being near," Graysia finishes.

He blushes slightly, and gives an embarrassed smile.

"I should be the one thanking you," you reply.

Amidst your memories reflected in the ice mirror are your happily smiling faces.

As you feel your affection deepen, the two of you lock eyes, and smile together.

The ice mirror reflected a record of the affection the two of you shared.

*I'm glad I did this ceremony with Graysia...*

Slowly, you feel wrapped up in the strong feelings you have for him.

Then a beautifully decorated cake is brought out before you.

"This is...!" you exclaim in surprise.

"I'm told it's one of the customs for when a man and woman vow their love," Graysia says. "I figured you'd like something like this."

"...! You did this for me?"

"Aah..."

Without really confirming or denying it, Graysia puts his hand on your back and pulls you closer.

He puts his hand around yours, and together you grip the knife.

*My heart's beating so fast it feels like it's going to leap out of my chest...*

As your heart rings in your chest, the knife enters the cake...

The attendant observing the ceremony makes a big show of applauding.

*I'm happy, but this is kind of embarrassing...*

Curious about Graysia's expression, you glance over at him.

He also looks embarrassed.

"...here," Graysia says.

Holding a fork, Graysia holds a piece of cake up to your mouth.

"T-thank you...!" you stammer out.

Nervously, you take the bite.

*It's so good...!*

A faint sweetness spreads over your tongue, and you can't help smiling.

Seeing you like that, Graysia lets slip a small laugh.

"I figured that was the face you'd make," he says.

Your heart beats loudly as his expression melts into a smile.

In the next instant...-

"!"

Graysia's face moves closer, and he gently kisses you on the lips.

At the sudden and sweet sensation, your face tingles...-

"...you were always looking at me," Graysia says.

He only moves a little distance from your lips, and he speaks quietly, like a sigh.

"I can't think of anything but you," he says.

"Graysia..."

Graysia gazes at you with a burning intensity.

"So," Graysia continues, "look only at me from now on..."

As he speaks quietly, his eyes draw closer to you...and as if answering him, you slowly close your eyes.

END

## Frost

In Aphros, the ceremony of vowing love...

The person you choose to exchange your feelings with...-

...

......

A faint blue smoke flows around the transparent ice of the shrine.

You pass through the door, your pure white dress gliding on the floor.

"You're here," Frost says.

"...Frost."

Frost's lips lift up in an elegant smile as he stands waiting for you, clad in a pure white uniform befitting the prince of the Country
of Snow.

He stands naturally with a straight back, cutting a brilliant and impressive figure.

*I have to do this right...I want to be a proper lady for Frost.*

You look straight ahead at Frost, your heart beating fast.

Frost smiles kindly at you.

"You look beautiful," he says.

"Thank you..." you reply. "You chose the dress for me."

"There's no need for you to thank me," he says. "It's only natural that I would support the woman who becomes my wife."

Your face flushes at his words, so straightforward.

"You look quite different from the time we met," Frost continues. "You've become more beautiful than you were in the time we spent
together."

"Frost..."

His red eyes, burning like fire, see only you.

Under that strong gaze, your heart leaps with delight.

He calls out your name, and holds his arm out to you.

Wrapping your hand around his arm, the two of you continue your walk to the ice mirror.

*Being able to walk with Frost like this is...*

Even the attendants have their eyes fixed on Frost's elegant figure.

*I want to be at his side like this forever.*

You're sure of yourself as you carry that desire deep in your heart.

"Now," the priest says, "approach the ice mirror."

Before long the two of you arrive at the altar, and the priest urges you on.

*Couples who want to share their vows look into the mirror, and it reflects the memories they have of each other...*

Your breath catches as you and Frost approach the ice mirror...and you are wrapped in a beautifully pure white glow.

The ice mirror glitters as it displays your memories one after the other.

It takes you on a tour through the days you spent with Frost, and your heart is filled with longing.

*In the beginning...I was really nervous to be near him. But before I knew it...*

Looking to Frost as be stands beside you, you become caught up in his gaze, though he says nothing.

*Frost...*

You're surprised to see a gentle expression full of love, making your heart leap.

Before long, the light of the ice mirror fades, and the shrine is still once more.

"And now for the words of your oath," the priest says.

At the priest's words, you turn to face Frost, and then...

"Gods of Aphros, who rule over love..." Frost begins. "In this sacred place, I have no intention of standing here and swearing a false
vow before you."

"Eh?"

His cloak flutters, and Frost kneels before you.

"Princess of Traumere..." Frost says. "I have chosen you as my one and only. I swear my love to you for all eternity, and swear that we
shall never part."

"! Frost...!"

As you stand there shocked, Frost takes your hand and gently kisses the back of it.

At such a noble gesture, your heart hammers in your chest and...

*I want to tell Frost exactly how I feel...*

As if feeling some kind of pressure on you back, you slowly open your mouth to speak.

"Me too," you say, "Here and now, I swear to you Frost....The love I have for you won't change."

At your words, Frost smiles.

"Very good," Frost says. "And with that, our vow is complete. Of course, we'll go back to Snowphilia and hold a magnificent wedding
ceremony."

He rises gallantly, and holds on to you almost painfully tight.

As if congratulating you and wishing the two of you good fortune, glittering snowflakes begin to gently fall around you.

*I'm so happy...*

Wrapped in Frost's arms, you feel a profound sense of peace fall over you...and your lips meet again, filled with heat, as you vow your
love for each other.

END