LIGHTNOVELWORLD chapter 64
64. Tokiwa Nightingale’s Marital Plans 1
“By the way, Sora-san. When should we file the marriage registration?”
“W-what!?”
It’s true that we’ve talked about getting married, but I couldn’t help but exclaim when she suddenly brought up something so specific.
The terrible thing is that I have no intention of actually staying married to Nightingale for the rest of my life. I’m just gently avoiding giving her a clear rejection because the doctor told me not to deny her marriage proposal for now. If the marriage registration is accepted, there’s no going back. I don’t want to be divorced at this age.
“I picked it up on the way back from the hospital today.”
Saying this, Nightingale took out a paper from a blue clear file that solemnly read “Marriage Registration.” Not only the “Wife” section but also the “Husband” section had already been filled out, as if it were a matter of course. Doesn’t the person have to write this in their own handwriting?
“You see, there was a gap between the day you proposed and the day I gave my answer. So I was thinking of making the day we file the marriage registration our wedding anniversary. Is that okay with you?”
“W-well, um”
“Some couples choose the day they hold their wedding ceremony… but personally, I’d like to emphasize the meaning of a special day just for the two of us. That’s why I’d like to make the day we file the registration , an event just for the two of us, rather than a wedding ceremony that we announce to everyone. Of course, I think it’s nice to have as many anniversaries as possible, but a wedding anniversary is still something special.”
Ignoring my dazed and confused state, Nightingale happily continued to make plans based on the assumption that we would file the marriage registration. Of course, that’s how it should be. A marriage registration after a proposal is a given, but I never expected her to be so prepared, to the point of having everything ready for our reunion and the day of my discharge from the hospital.
“And then there’s the date. I’d like to choose an auspicious day, but an easy-to-remember day is also appealing. Something like a repeating number or the beginning of a month. Of course, I’ll never forget, but I’ve heard that men tend to be forgetful about these kinds of anniversaries, so I think it would be better to choose a clear date that’s easy for Sora-san to remember. Oh, but maybe we should visit Sora-san’s parents to say hello before we file the registration. I don’t need to, it’s fine if I don’t, I don’t want to go near my parents’ house and we’re estranged, so I don’t have to worry about my relatives at all.”
“Um, about that…”
“Ah! Maybe you don’t like the standard marriage registration form? I’m sorry, I know there are ones with character collaborations and various designs these days, but I was in such a hurry that I just went with the first one I found. If Sora-san has a design you prefer, let’s get it.”
This is bad. She’s not showing any hesitation or doubt about going through with the marriage procedures. If I just go with the flow, we’ll be married by the weekend.
“Speaking of which, what should we do about our last names? I’m not particularly attached to the Tokiwa family name, and I’ve always dreamed of having the same name as someone I love, so if it’s okay with you, I ‘d like to take the Asagi name. The option of separate surnames for married couples isn’t uncommon, but I’d like to have a strong sense of being a couple with the same last name. Besides, Asagi Nightingale… it has a beautiful ring to it and I really like it. It feels like a good fit, or maybe I’m just used to the combination because I’ve been thinking about it so much in my head. Fufu, how embarrassing.”
I feel like she just said something really cute, but I can’t process it at all, Nightingale.
No, this is bad. If I stay silent, things will only get worse. I have to at least stall for more time. I’ll have the doctor make some time for me, no matter what, and think of a solution. Yes , that’s what I’ll do.
“Um, Nightingale-san. Can we wait a little longer to file the registration?”
“Huh?”
Ugh, her “newlywed” demeanor, which had been in full swing until now, suddenly wilted, her expression turning anxious. But if I hesitate now, Asagi Nightingale will be inevitable.
“W-well… I mean, university. We’re both university students, right? For now, we could have a common-law marriage? Or an engagement? And then we could actually go to the city hall to file the Paperwork after we graduate… Is that… no good?”
Certainly! Here’s the translated excerpt, preserving the line breaks and atmosphere:
—
“Does that mean we won’t become an official couple until about four years after you graduate from university, Mr. Sora?”
I sense anger, or rather suspicion. It’s understandable; why propose if it leads to this?
“Look, I’m not popular, and I’ve had zero luck with women, so if my friends suddenly find out I’m married, they’ll be suspicious. And if, by any chance, someone discovers that Uguisu-san is Philanthrope Green, it would be a disaster. Marriages between college students are rare and naturally attract attention, so for now, let’s just say we’re dating, just a facade, okay? Even my parents would get anxious if I suddenly brought home a beautiful wife like Uguisu-san, thinking I’ve done something bad. That’s how mismatched Uguisu-san and I appear to others.”
It’s a bit of a stretch, but what do you think?