Marriage to Ikaruga

Upon my return to Ikaruga after having two children with Kai, he reached Level 24 and told me this again.

You definitely have a positive effect on him, whether or not you marry him.

As the only living human being he trusts and loves, it is difficult not to feel responsible for him.  After all, you courted him and told him that he was the only one you loved.

I needed to go back to my fate where I am married to Ikaruga.  I left him to marry Kai but I documented all the dialogues you share with him after marriage.  I now have returned to have a second child with him.  I have logged some of those little events now in this post.

I was as much a traditional girl as any one when I was growing up, but now I understand women actually have the ability to say 'No' and in the nicest possible way even to some one she loves, to declare she is in charge of her own destiny.  Marriage can be a partnership between equals.  I am not that thrilled with Ikaruga's lectures on my safety.  After all, I am a fighter here who never backed off from any battle and it was I who saved Azuma or at least was in charge of that fight.  I think one of the reasons Kai suits me so well is that whenever my fighting level increases, he says: 'I can't wait until you reach the top!'  He does not insult my abilities by usurpimg my place.  He is willing to stand at my right hand always.

There were two recurring reasons why I wanted to leave Ikaruga.  One was the way he began every conversation with:

'Is something wrong?'

He is my husband, for mercy's sake, not a physician on call!

And the other:

Surely a Mystic sent on a mission to kill a dangerous Monster should not complain about carrying his little son!  And he has those shikigami who helped me carry HIM to my Shrine when he was wounded.  How could they not help bear the tiny burden known as our child Nikolai if he asked?

It is curious to discover I really am not a 'player' in Azuma.  I am fiercely loyal to Kai and it diminishes the fun frankly!  In 'IRL', I never felt that monogamy came naturally to me, but in a world where one is encouraged to create multiple marriages, I keep going back to Kai.  He is not perfect by any means, but there is no one who could be more completely invested in our life together.  And he is more vulnerable in truth than any of the others while trying so hard to be better.

I have to admit that the knowledge that Kai will sleep on a barstool or beneath the nearest bush if I am not married to him is an incentive to stay with him as well.  

Ikaruga is a very sweet husband but his first loyalty is to his job even if he gives up some opportunities to stay with you.  I have to admit I do not share his sort of passion for food in any world.  I am a very discriminating eater.  I do not eat 'fast food' and never will, and I like only dishes made from fresh ingredients.  I know spices, having learned to cook very young with spices in Nepal, but again, it does not dominate my thoughts.  My favourite food always will be ice cream and plain vanilla at that.  As a matter of fact, I love almost any dish with vanilla, whether white cake, blancmange or custard... I am not keen on chocolate in cooking.

Actually there was a time when I was working on a comprehensive Harvest Moon cookbook with real recipes for all the dishes one could make in the games.  I should have gone directly to Marvelous for permission.  The American firm that controlled the English versions at the time withheld permission.  I should have completed it notwithstanding.  Such a book with artwork from the series would have its fans.

Both Harvest Moon and Rune Factory are very international where cooking is concerned.  It is a learning experience in terms of the traditions of different cultures.

So here we have Ikaruga at Iroha's teahouse and a statement that I never heard before even when we were married:

What happened to the iron discipline of his corps?  At this rate, he will become more like a member of the St. Coquille family in middle age than Mauro ever will allow himself to be!

Again, one thing I did not like about Ikaruga is the way he begins any interaction with:

'Is something wrong?'

I know he cares, but it puts a negative spin on life in a way.

When you first meet him, he believes children should be left to their fates.  He feels he was responsible for his Master's death because his fascination with monsters led him into the greateat danger as a child.  Protecting him cost his Master his life.  Thus the significance of this:

The first event with Ikaruga that surprised me was when you can share a parasol with him on a rainy day.  He will tell you about the special parasols in the Capital that were painted like art works and he will offer to buy all the supplies needed for you to create a special artistic parasol together the next time he visits the Capital for his work.

You begin to see he is not as one dimensional as he first appeared to be.  This is a random mini event based on the parasol interaction option.

I went to the Orb again after marrying Kai, having two children and obtaining all the Level 15 Bonding Rewards.

I am wondering if Ikaruga ever will ask me to have a second child or, if leaving directly after the birth of our first put an end to that schedule.

It is 25 Spring now of the 18th year and I will stay with Ikaruga for a full season to see if he wants a second child.

One conversation that disturbed me is where I begin by saying I believe he has shikigami that resemble animals.  He says that is the case and conjures one that lands on my hand before transforming back into paper.  Then Ikaruga displays an immature petulant jealousy by declaring: ' ... You seemed far more interested in the shikigami than you did me in that moment.'

Much to my displeasure, my character thinks: 

(Look at him acting all jealous... It's kind of cute.)

No, it is not cute!

I never saw Kai display any jealousy whatsoever.  He accepts me as I am, and cannot conceive that my heart would be be any less devoted than his.

And then Ikaruga says: 'I'd ask why you're smiling, but I'd rather not know.'

And I respond: 'Ack!  I'm sorry, okay?  Come on, cheer up!

Admittedly, Ikaruga has matured tremendously since our first meeting, but prodigy or not, I have no patience with this nonsense... jealous of his own creation!

There are conversations, however, that demonstrate his goodness and genuine desire to improve:

And yet a few moments later, he complains about the soreness of his back again!

Contrast this with a conversation with my daughter with Kai, Isabel, who tells me how proud Papa Kai is that she cleared the dishes from the breakfast table.  Kai never tires of his role as husband or father.

And even married to Ikaruga, Kai remains my right hand man:

Kai: 'Makin' this too easy!'

Ikaruga has moments where he expresses romantic sentiments though.

Moreover, there are many wonderful little mini events you experience only if you are married.  They depict a very cozy, comfortable domestic relationship between you and your spouse.

In one event, you tell him you seldom see him im traditional clothing:

Um... Come to think of it, you rarely dress up in more trafitional outfits, Darling.

Hmm?  Is that so?  I suppose I do wear my uniform more often than not.

So I'd love to see you wearing a nice kimono... What do you say?

Er, v-very well!  Then let's pay a visit to the store sometime soon.  Why only purchase an outfit for me when we could easily buy a pair?

Wait, are you sure?  I ferl like I'm forcing your hand.

(No.)  Hardly.  Any partner wants their spouse to look their best.  I would love to buy you one.

Well, if you insist.  (I sure married the right man...!!)

In another:

Say, do your fortunetelling abilities include compatibility readings?

Yes, I can determine whether two people are bound by fate.  Why do you ask?

Kids love that stuff these days.  It made me wonder what ours would say...

Is that so?  Well, let's have a look.  One moment, please.

Hmm... *ahem*  maybe some things are better left to the imagination.

What?  You can't just leave me on a cliffhanger like that.  Now I'm dying to know!

What am I going to do now?  Where could it be...?

Is something wrong, Eugenia?

Darling... I lost a gift you gave me a while ago.  I'd been so careful with it, too!  I can't believe it's gone... *sigh*

Eugenia... I appreciate that you took such good care of it.  If you like, I could search for it with my powers.

(Thank you very much.) Really?  Great! I never imagined your skills had so many mundane uses.

They range far beyond fortunes and curses, I'll have you know.  Aha... Here we are.  Is this it?

Yes!  Thank you so much!  Oh, what a relief.

Eugenia, are you free this evening?

(Right)  Sure, I don't have any plans.  Why?

Well... even though we're not having a festival, the gods ate planning a drinking party in Summer Village.  (What do you think?)  Matsuri insialsted that I join them, so I wanted to invite you as well.

Hee hee!  So she roped you in, did she?  Oh, why don't I make some snacks to bring along?

I wpuld appreciate that.  *sigh*  You'd almost mistake them for gods of excessive carousing..

Me: (He would have flat-out refused not too long ago.  I'm 

glad he's opening up.)

Ikaruga:  I overheard the local women mention the master angler would be quite the catch if he didn't discuss fish non-stop.

Care to guess why I'm so upset, Eugenia?

I know, I know... I shouldn't have let the thief disgiised as a villager dupe me like that.

If it weren't for the shikigami I sent along, you could have been hurt.  I admire how easily you trust other people.  But remember some of them would just as easily betray your trust.  Do you hear me?

L-loud and clear!  I'll be more careful.

He is surprisingly full of gossip about the Winter Village:

The forgemaster must get along eather well with the ladies of Winter Village.  They often come together for a little chat.

Fubuki and Ulalaka seem more like siblings than friends.  Don't they make such a heartwarming pair?

Although the master angler tends to spout nonsense, when it comes to fish, his ib

Nsight is unmatched.

You can't hide that smile from me.  Did something special happen today, Darling?

Indeed!  Yes, actually.  Remember that village child we once rescued?  I happened across him and his parents.

Oh, wow!  Is the kid doing all right?

Right!  His smiling face suggested as much.  The parents thanked me profusely.  While I wouldn't say I no longer dislije chikdren or distruat adults...  their genuine gratitude still warmed my heart.  If not for you, I never would have experienced this change.  Im proud of who I've become, and eternally grateful that fate brought us together.

No!  You changed as a person through your own hard work.  I can't take all the credit.  But I appreciate the thought.  I'm glad you told me that.

On 16 Summer, he asks if I wo7ld like a second child.  Om 21 Summer, I ask him to visit the Fateweaver Shrine again with me and Woolby announces a child is on the way.  I ask for a girl and an energetic one.

I go home that night to find Ikaruga tucked up asleep in his futon at 10.20 but Nikolai wandering about awake and alone.

On 26 Summer, our second child, a daughter, energetic and sociable, is born.

The event of her birth is rather touching as he actually weeps when he thinks of your ordeal giving birth.