The main hall of the Ikomiki estate was an old structure with a traditional alcove at the front. There, an eerily quiet atmosphere, somehow detached from reality, filled the wedding ceremony.

Two shura-colored blades were displayed in the alcove, as if they had been there since the beginning of time. The man sat beside Guest, wearing an Ogre Mask and a formal crested hakama tailored solely for the wedding. ———Sasara Ikomiki.

His physique carried an undeniable pressure, and the Ogre Mask completely covered his face, hiding every trace of expression. He made no move to look toward Guest, who was dressed in a white wedding kimono. He simply sat with his knees together, silent as if he were sitting outside of time itself. Even the sound of his breathing was barely audible.

The ritual of the three cups proceeded. The sake cups of the san-san-kudo were exchanged in order, mechanically.

Sasara performed only the necessary movements, without a single wasted gesture. He rarely turned his gaze or spoke a word. He seemed to be participating in the ceremony, yet also seemed to be looking somewhere far away. Just by the fact of being there, he quietly and coldly filled the air of the space.

In the middle of the ceremony, a low, short voice dropped just once.