Scene – In the palace of Odela Kingdom, King Kolie is sitting on his throne. His wife Asely sits to his right, and Kirito is seated to his left. Suddenly, the grand doors open — the Guild Master of Spirit Kingdom’s largest guild enters with his wife and daughter.

Kolie – Welcome, Yarta and Yumina… and you must be their daughter, Mari.

Scene – Kolie rises from his throne and approaches them along with Asely. Kirito follows them from behind.

Yarta – Hmm, it’s been a long time since I last saw King Kolie and Queen Asely.

Asely – I think the last time we talked was 10 years ago, during the birth of Kirito and Mari?

Yarta – Yes, that’s right.

Asely – Hope you didn’t have any trouble getting here?

Yumina – No, no, we arrived just fine. (: Oh yes! This is my daughter, Mari. Haha, I just mentioned her name, didn’t I? Silly me! Hehe!

Kolie – And this is my son, Kirito. Say hello, Kirito.

Kirito – Hi, my name is Kirito.

Kirito (thinking) – So this is my future wife… she’s cute—no, very cute!

Mari – It’s nice to meet you too.

Scene – Mari says this a bit shyly.

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Scene 2 – Kirito walks closer to Mari and says:

Kirito – Ahem, ahem… So I’m your future husband. The moment I saw you, I… I fell in love with you!

Mari – Hmm!!!

Kolie – Hahahaha! And you were saying yesterday that you’re still too young to marry.

Asely – Phamm... Hmhmhmhm.

Kirito – -_-! Whatever it is, from now on it’s my responsibility to protect Mari. I’ll treasure her more than my own life. You all will see — one day, you’ll say that what I did for her… not just anyone could have done it!

Mari – Amm!

Yarta – Alright, alright, I believe you love her deeply. Makes me happy. After all, you are her future husband. Hahaha...

Kolie – Now then, all of you should rest. Mari also has to attend the academy admission test.

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Scene – Outside the palace gates. Kirito and Mari are about to leave. Behind them stand Kolie, Asely, Yarta, and Yumina, waving goodbye.

Kirito – We’re heading off now. Bye!

Yumina – Kirito… please take care of Mari.

Kirito – You can trust me completely.

Mari – Bye, Mommy, Daddy!

Scene – Kirito and Mari ride off in a royal horse carriage. Inside the carriage:

Kirito – Ahem, ahem... so now we’re alone.

Mari – Hmm.

Kirito – So... umm... so...

Mari – I have a question.

Kirito – Yeah, go ahead.

Mari – Are you unhappy with this marriage?

Kirito – Huh?! No, not at all! I’m very happy. So happy that I could destroy a whole mountain just to express it! I... I fell in love with you the moment I saw you at the palace!

Mari – Ahmm (:

Kirito – Are you happy with this marriage? If not, I won’t go through with it. But if yes, then there’s no problem.

Mari – No, no! I’m also very happy! I like you too! Ever since childhood, I’ve heard about you from my mom — how you were weak at the start...

Kirito – Yeah, yeah...

Mari – But you worked hard, gained power, trained to become stronger — all those stories made me fall in love with you. I was a bit nervous when Mommy said we’re coming to meet you and we’d be married. I mean, hearing about someone since childhood and finally meeting them — someone you love but have never seen — it’s a bit scary. I even wondered whether you’d like me or not...

Kirito – But now everything is fine! I love you very much, and you love me too — so there’s nothing to worry about.

Mari – Hmm (:

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Scene – The carriage passes through a forest, then a wide field, then a river, and then another open plain where a large school can be seen in the distance.

Kirito – Looks like we’re almost there.

Mari – Yes, I can see the school!

Scene – The horse carriage stops at the academy's main gate. Kirito steps out first, then extends his hand toward Mari to help her down.

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Scene 2 – A crowd of students has gathered to take the test.

Kirito – Hmm, there are a lot of students here.

Mari – Do you think we’ll pass?

Kirito – Of course! Why not?

Scene – Suddenly, a voice is heard: “Hey, look who’s here! If I’m not wrong, that’s Mari! Hahaha!”

Kirito – Hmm?

Mari – Hmm? You...

Voice – Yeah, it’s me. Surprised to see me?

Kirito – Mari, who is this?

Mari – His name is Taran. We trained together. He’s rude and ill-mannered.

Taran – Oh good, at least you remember me. Hmm… wait, could it be that you love me? That’s why you remember me, right? Listen, I’m not interested in girls like you. But if you request…

Scene – Taran walks up and grabs Mari’s hand.

Kirito – Hmm!

Scene – Kirito grabs Taran’s hand, punches him in the back, and Taran falls to the ground.

Kirito – Whoever you are, learn some manners! Got it?

Taran – Aghh! Hah! Who… who are you?! And how dare you hit me?! Do you even know who I am?! And — and this girl is my lover! I can do whatever I want with her — what’s it to you?!

Kirito – What did you just say...?

Scene – Kirito angrily approaches Taran, grabs his hair, and punches him twice in the face. Nearby students watch in shock.

Kirito – What! Did! You! Just! Say!?

Scene – Kirito throws Taran hard onto the ground and steps on his stomach.

Kirito – Your lover?! You think you can do whatever you want to her?!

Scene – Blood drips from Taran’s face as he lies on the ground. Kirito kneels beside him.

Kirito – What was that you said!!!

Scene – Kirito grabs both of Taran’s arms and dislocates them from his shoulders.

Taran – AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!!

Mari – Aaannn..!

Kirito – Sorry Mari, you had to witness this...

Mari – Hmm… it’s okay.

Kirito – Next time, think 10 — no, 100 times before saying something like that!

Taran – Mo...! Monster... who are you?! WHO ARE YOU?!?

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[End of Chapter 5]