Epilogue: A wedding is a happy ending

Aoi's Pov 

It feels like a dream. What happened a lifetime ago in another timeline. I died. Killed by Uncle Ra who I didn't know that he was my Uncle yet. Witnessed Kii being violated by someone I respect so much. Losing her. Then I was given a second chance to protect her.

The first time I came back in time, I never thought about how I did that. I thought it was a miracle. I knew about the ritual, but I haven't had a chance to research it. I thought I was lucky. I never questioned it anymore. I was just happy that I can protect Kii now.

It was because of him, huh. Arzen said that it was Arzen that had sacrificed his own soul to make me back in time. Eh, hold on... Arzen said that it was Arzen... Er... It kind of making me confused. I mean this Arzen said that the Arzen from before... No, it doesn't sound good either. Hmm...

Okay, Portgas D Ace said that it was Arzen that did the ritual with the help of the keeper. Yeah, that sound better.

That time when I followed him and saw him in Kii prison, they just finished drawing the magic circle and doing the blood ritual. The keeper also gave his own life force to make sure Arzen had the strength until I came to him. He knew I would follow him. He knew if I was about to die, I also would want to die in the place where Kii was gone.

So they purposely made the ritual there. As soon as I come near Arzen, the ritual was completed. That was why I found Arzen died when I reached him. 

I guess I should thank him? I don't know. I still hate him. I admit that he was a genius. Even in that condition, he still able to notice my hatred to him. I also admit that his love toward Kii is also genuine, but I still not able to completely forgive him. Whether he wants it or not, whether it was his fault or not. It still the truth that he made Kii sad and suffered. 

Knowing that Kii was pregnant that time made it worse. My heart hurts so much. Arzen, this Arzen, er, Ace asked that why would I want to know about it. He said it might be just his imagination. He said that even the Arzen in his dream also said that all of it was an illusion. Arzen, no, Ace believed that the Arzen he met there is real though, strangely so did I.

Like Arzen, um I mean Ace. Damn! It hard to talk about the two Arzen. I will just call this Arzen, Ace to differ them. 

So I was saying that like Ace, I also would like to believe that the Kii that was suffering there was finally found happiness with her own Arzen and their baby. Why? I guess I just want to make myself feel better. Deep down, I still can't let go of this guilt. Because even if this Kii is happy, past Kii was suffering. And even if it is not happening, would never happen, has been erased, it still existed in my memory. I can't let it go.

So, I really was happy when Ace said that he asked Arzen if he was happy, and his answer that said that he was happy with his Kii and their baby. Hence, I know he said he was living in his own illusion but still, he and Kii is happy. That is good enough rather than nothing.

I renew my promise to myself that this time I will protect Kii's happiness.

Today, Kii looks so happy. My baby sister is getting married. She looks gorgeous in her wedding dress. Her face is glowing with happiness.

This Kii smiles more. This Kii is strong. This Kii is happy.

As they said their vow, I feel tears flowing on my cheeks. Ether-sama, I am so happy. With this, I think I finally able to let go of my past. I won't forget it. What happened in the past. The Kii that has suffered so much. The Arzen that had to lose his own beloved and sacrifice his own soul so she can have another chance to be happy. The keeper that had atoned his regret for not helping her. I won't forget them. I will keep them in my heart, in my memory. But it won't become a burden to me. It would become a reminder of what my promise is. Reminder to a mistake that I vow not to repeat.

My sister is so pretty. She looks best with a smile on her face. And I will protect it.

Arzen looks as if he was given a universe. I never saw someone grin this huge. I am glad that he is the one that reincarnated in the prince's body. I am glad that he is falling in love with Kii. I am really glad he is born here. 

Arzen or Ace, whatever he wants to be called is able to make Kii become the happiest person. That is good enough for me. I still want to know his past life though.

Kii and I have talked about this Portgas D Ace and his past. More I know about him, more worry I was. I really want to meet his past self to make sure that he really is deserving to have Kii.

He was a criminal for heaven sake!

I know the one that born here is not bad. Even so, it is my duty as Kii brother to check on him. I just won't satisfied until I meet Portgas D Ace in person. I really really really need to know just what kind of person my little sister married. I am curious.

The question is just how. Maybe I will ask Uncle Ra and Ben. They mentioned that they did some research on another dimension. Maybe some of their research can help me to meet Portgas D Ace. Hmm... It is not impossible. 

Alright. I decided! I am going to accept their offer to join their research. I am curious, and when Aoi Fern Wallace is curious... I smirk to myself. Nothing is impossible.

Besides, maybe by joining their research I would able to shake Rhuifen just for a moment?

I sigh. Why is this my life?

How come a ladies man like me being pursued by a man? Damn you, Rhuifen!

Sweet Kii has found her own happiness. I thought as I saw her dancing happily with Arzen. Midori-Nee also has found her beloved in Arren Nii-sama. Akai Nii-sama is still busy with his work and study, but I am not worried. I am sure that soon or later he also will find a suitable lady. I did hear that he was being friendly with one of the girls from The Elven tribes. I know he is going to be alright.

Angela now is also actively pursuing Noah. I heard that some men had tried to make her leave Noah and offered her to be their wife. She refused. She also has stopped sleeping around with men. It seems that she has dedicated herself to Noah. Noah himself though doesn't seem to recuperate her feeling yet. But even when he was cold to her, I often saw her talking to him happily. Well, I guess love is weird. In the past, Noah was not able to let her go to the point that he sold his own kingdom to the enemy. He then raped Angela before I killed him and Angela. I still vaguely remember seeing his body on top of her and his blood that splattered around when I killed him.

I shake my head to get rid of the images. I guess it is thanks to Kii that Noah didn't turn out to be a crazy person?

Why thanks to Kii? I am not sure too. I just heard Noah and Arzen talking one day, and Noah mentioned that it was thanks to Kii that he is being who he is right now. Noah told Arzen that he loves Kii, but not in a romantic way. He said that he wishes to witness Kii being happy with Arzen. For the sake of his love that will never back. For the sake of his Angie, he said. I got lost in his Angie part, but I got a bit of an understanding of his statement. What I can grasp is that it was because of Kii that he turns to be an okay guy.

My Kii is amazing, right?

I look at her again who is now dancing with Father. Father also looks happy. The happiest I ever saw him. Our family didn't suddenly become a warm and cuddly family. Mother also didn't suddenly turns into anew leaf and love Kii. No, it is not like that.

The maids in the house not suddenly treating Kii nicely. Some of them still nasty at her. We get rid of them (not in a cruel way) as soon as we found who treat her badly. The house did not suddenly welcome Kii nicely but we did our best to make Kii feel welcomed. I knew Kii appreciate it greatly.

Kii is dancing with Uncle Robert now, who Arzen oh so smartly called Uncle King, She still gorgeous. Our whole family is here. Not only Kii that is happy, but also me. The downward is only now the family also think that Rhuifen and I are a thing. Sigh... Again... Why is this my life?

I tried to explain to them several times that I like women and No, I do not have that kind of relationship with Rhuifen. They just didn't listen. They thought I was shy. Honestly, me? Shy? Peh...

In the end, I just give up and don't care anymore about what people think about Rhuifen and I. That doesn't mean that I accept his feeling though. I still prefer women.

I sigh again for Ether-sama knows for how many times.

Better stop talking about the unimportant thing. This is a happy day. My beloved sister is getting married today. I also better line up for a dance with her.

The past will never change, even if we are able to reset the time, the past still stays with us in our heart and memory. The future though is something that we still can change. Make it better than your past. How you want it to be is your own choice.

I smile at Kii as it is finally my turn to dance with her. Wrapped in a beautiful white dress, completed by her happy expression, makes her more gorgeous than usual. Kii looks like a Goddess that just descended from heaven.

Both this Kii and past Kii is my precious sister. I wasn't able to protect past Kii, I will make sure to treasure the Kii in front of me more.

I was able to get back in time to protect your happiness, Kii. I will make sure make use the chance well. 

Be happy, Kii. Go explore the world. Go find more happiness. I know you're strong, but please know that as strong as you are. Even if you're stronger than me, I will always there with you. I also will be there to protect your happiness with you.

Arzen soon takes Kii away from me. I saw them giggling happily over some silly things. Then Arzen bent to kiss her. His eyes full of love for her. There are so many I love yous in between their kiss. I even hear his whisper to her.

"Thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for letting in your life. Thank you for giving me chances to love you. You are the best thing that I ever have in this world. I love you so much, Kii. So much that sometimes I feel it is going to burst from my heart" 

Kii didn't answer him. She just kisses him as deeply. I sigh at their cliche. I guess I can't get angry at them anymore when I found out that they were kissing or when Arzen makes Kii stay up all night. I can't help but smile at myself. Their happiness is also enveloping me in its warmth.

They are husband and wife now. I turn from them with a smile decorating my face. I saw that it is not only me that is happy for them. The others are also smiling.

At least this Arzen and Kii is not an illusion. Their happiness is real and they live in reality. They are happy for real.

I look at their happy face again to make sure that I am not dreaming.

I hear uncle Raselle approaching me and remember what he said about being in my place a few years back. I smile at him before I go along with him, leaving Kii with Arzen. I am not worried. I knew Arzen will always protect her as well as I do. I knew Kii is Arzen treasure. They will happy forever.

Uncle Raselle rubs my hair in an affectionate gesture.

"Her happiness overflowing you too, huh? You can't help but feel content for, huh?" Uncle Raselle smile.

"Yeah" I answered.

"Alright, Aoi-kun?" He asked with a smile. I turn to him.

"Never better" I smile.