CHAPTER 153: CHAPTER 153 – “A GARDEN WEDDING”

The Mizuno countryside home had never looked more radiant.

Morning light filtered through rows of cherry blossom trees lining the wide garden. Gentle strings of golden lights twinkled overhead, interwoven with fresh sakura and hydrangea. The soft hum of nature, combined with Lucia’s low ambient system melodies, gave the day a sacred calm.

Lucia Observation Mode: Enabled. Emotion Suppression Filters: Active. Memory Archiving: Live.Designation: Hikari Mizuno’s Wedding Day.

Preparations

Inside the house, Aoi adjusted Hikari’s hairpiece with delicate fingers. The bride’s long, silken dress shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Her expression was calm but her hands trembled.

"You look just like I did," Aoi whispered, smiling through moist eyes."And maybe a bit better."

Hikari laughed nervously.

"Mom, if I cry now, I won’t stop."

From the other room, Ren’s voice floated in—

"We can delay this wedding if the groom’s even a second late."

Aoi called back, "Ren, stop threatening our son-in-law!"

The Ceremony

Rows of chairs had been placed along the flower path, occupied by loved ones—extended family, former classmates, professors, a few now-famous tech partners, and a surprising number of elders from the local town who had watched Hikari grow up.

At the altar stood Aoto, now a confident man with a gentle demeanor, adjusting his collar under pressure from Ren’s silent gaze.

Lucia, disguised as a gentle butterfly drone on a nearby branch, observed with her golden iris glowing softly.

"All systems stable," she whispered into Aoi’s discreet ear-piece."Heart rates normal. Atmospheric sensors optimal. Happiness levels: Maximum."

The Walk

Ren extended his hand to Hikari.

"Ready?"

Hikari nodded, eyes full of tears. She clutched his arm, and they walked slowly down the petal-covered path.

Guests stood. Aoi waited at the front beside Aoto, her expression serene, holding Hina’s hand—now a blooming teenager, mischief still alive in her eyes.

Ren kissed Hikari’s forehead before stepping aside.

"You’ll always be my brightest creation."

Vows & Memories

Hikari and Aoto exchanged vows under the peach tree they’d once played beneath during university visits. They spoke of trust, of dreams shaped together, of small joys and wild inventions.

As they kissed, the garden burst into a pre-programmed flurry of holographic lights—cherry petals floating upward instead of down.

Lucia, watching quietly, stored everything into the Mizuno Memory Crystal.

"Event: Saved. Family Protocols: Strong."

Evening Celebration

As evening set in, paper lanterns floated across the lake.

Hina gave a speech.

"I’m not crying because you’re leaving. I’m crying because Aoto is now family, and I’ve already threatened him twice not to mess it up."

Everyone laughed.

Ren and Aoi danced together under the stars, holding each other close. Just as they had promised to, decades ago.

"We did good," Aoi whispered.

"We’re not done yet," Ren smiled. "There’s still one more wedding I’m worried about."

She grinned.

"Oh, you mean Hina? We’ll need two ceremonies for that wild child."

Lucia flickered briefly.

"Prediction logged: 89.2% probability Hina Mizuno wedding event will involve high-energy anomalies."