As his search for an umbrella grew desperate, the Commander uttered a silent curse and wondered why things would always disappear the moment people needed them. And while he wouldn't begrudge her for it, his bride, already impeccably dressed for the occasion, wasn't perturbed by the commotion. She was gazing into the sky as she stood by the threshold that separated the house from the outside world.

All the while, the rain continued to pour, sounding like the pattering of a thousand marching feet as they fell on the stone path and the roof. Again recalling the dread creeping upon him as the rumble rose into a grating crescendo before, the Commander cursed some more. It sounded like nature's mockery of what was supposed to be a happy moment.

The Commander had no idea what Jintsuu was looking for in the rain. But even though she wasn't the most straightforward person—even after loosening up a little—the subtle movements of her ears and the less subtle swaying of her tail were enough for him to understand that what she was seeing must've been something so intriguing—she didn't even seem to notice he was watching her so intently. He decided to leave her be, if she was that happy—and focus on the more important task.

At least that was his intention, but then she decided to whip around, revealing a smile untroubled and beckoning him to come.

"Come here, Commander. You must see this."

The Commander had thought of declining, but apparently, his curiosity about her fascination with the rain was stronger than his common sense. Instead of hastening his search for the umbrella as he thought he should, he joined her by the door.

"Look, Commander, it's a sunshower," Jintsuu gestured outside, and the Commander peered at the sky. There were no clouds to obstruct the sun; it shined through the mist and the torrential curtain like a veiled lamp or ghostly light. In a way, it did seem ethereal, but he wasn't as enchanted by it as Jintsuu was.

"And how fitting it is," Jintsuu stepped outside before the Commander could realize what had happened, allowing herself to be drenched.

"Today is the fox's wedding—the day this bride's dream came true!" Jintsuu proclaimed to the heavens. Her arms were spread in jubilation.

"Come, husband. Let us begin this wedding procession," she then called out as she turned to the Commander, arms open in welcome, her voice drowning the showers.

The Commander, having snapped out of his daze, saw everything. He could only shake his head—then he laughed. She, for once, had allowed herself to forgo caution. But this was her—their—wedding. It only made sense.

"Coming," he cried back and walked to meet her. No sooner than one step outside, he was already as soaked as her. But the Commander soldiered on. He felt warmth but was unsure if it was from the faint light falling into his skin.

Jintsuu didn't say anything when they met. The Commander surmised she was too overjoyed to speak. He knew he did. It's their wedding day. There was no strategy, no plans. Only emotions. When they joined hands, he could see the water in her eyes and knew they weren't from the rain, which didn't show any signs of abating soon—it was a face he had never thought she would make.

But her smile was like the sun above, shining unfazed through it all. And seeing that, the sound of rain didn't bother him anymore.