Chapter 266: The Dawn of a New Year.
At the break of the year, the scene of individuals offering their prayers to the rising sun was a common sight across the continent. Nevertheless, the ambiance within the McLaine Kingdom this year, particularly in the capital, Grand, and the royal palace, was notably distinct from other regions.
Nobles who would typically have leisurely celebrated the New Year in their own estates had started to assemble at the royal palace even before the dawn had arrived.
"Truly remarkable."
"How much did all of this cost?"
"Amazing."
The nobles, considered prosperous by continental standards, all expressed their amazement.
The royal palace of Grandpia was always magnificent, but on this day, it truly dazzled the eyes. The pristine white statues and artworks in the garden sparkled under the soft magical illumination, reflecting light at exquisite angles and enhancing their beauty. The path leading to the main hall was adorned with jewels that glistened like a river of stars in the night sky.
This sight alone was enough to leave onlookers in awe, but the most awe-inspiring feature was the wedding setting arranged in the vast space in front of the main hall.
"Wow!"
A noble couldn't contain an exclamation of astonishment at the grandeur, hurriedly covering their mouth, although the other nobles were all gazing ahead with enthralled expressions as well.
Walking along the jeweled path felt like traversing above the Milky Way, and then a space filled with radiant white light unfolded before them.
"What is this?"
"Incredible."
"Haha."
The only sounds echoing among the gathered hundreds of nobles were exclamations of wonder.
Someone in the midst of the nobles, seemingly enchanted by the arrangement of the wedding setting, inquired,
"... Is this truly made of clouds?"
In front of the main hall's entrance, the area that should have been adorned with cold marble was now enveloped in a mist resembling clouds.
Stepping onto the soft, fluffy mist, it felt as though one was standing on actual clouds. Above the cloud-like floor that seemed to radiate light, where plain pillars should have stood, there were walls embellished with a variety of colorful flowers.
"Ah, the fragrance is delightful."
The spontaneous compliment was not an exaggeration.
The aromas of hundreds of different flowers intermingled, creating a unique harmony. The scent, combined with the softness of the cloud floor, brought a sense of vitality that uplifted spirits.
Nobles who had stayed awake all night to attend appeared fresh and splendid and felt rejuvenated just by beholding the setting.
When they raised their gazes and glanced ahead, they beheld murals depicting the rise of gods intricately carved across the walls of the main hall, showcasing their divine presence.
"O Divine."
One by one, the nobles made reverent gestures.
The mural illustrated the ascent of the gods, who had received the light of the Creator and their divine powers, just as it had been painted at the inception of the sacred text of the Nine Great Gods. Merely gazing at the mural instilled reverence. Even those who seldom visited temples were compelled to make gestures of piety.
Above the animated mural of the gods, a gem symbolizing the light of the Creator, though still dim with the approaching dawn, gleamed brightly, illuminating the wedding venue.
"Does anyone know what type of gem that is?"
"I'm uncertain."
"It resembles the Eye of the Continent, doesn't it?"
"Uh?"
"That... the gift that the deceased king received from the Empire."
"Ah."
The hushed voices caused the imperial envoys, including the Second Prince, to furrow their brows slightly, but they all acknowledged that the setting was more extravagant than anyone had envisioned.
The exterior walls of the secondary palace were lavishly adorned with angels, taking a moment to register.
The overpowering sight of pure white light and fragrant scents.
Even the sensation of the soft cloud floor.
"It's as if we have ascended to the heavens. It's enchanting."
"Indeed."
"A fitting description."
As someone expressed these sentiments with delight, receiving enthusiastic agreements here and there, a stout dwarf standing among the dignitaries of the McLaine region beamed proudly, and the nobles had already commenced speculating about the inspiration behind this magnificent creation.
"Who could have fashioned all of this?"
"It must be thanks to the Empire's aid."
"Indeed. The capability of the Empire is impressive. How did they accomplish this?"
Crackle.
"Who are those individuals! It's all the handiwork of me and my kinfol—umph!"
"Lord Hammerr. Please maintain silence. The ceremony is about to commence."
"Umph?!"
Hammerr's mouth was muffled by Clayton's hand, and as he widened his eyes and gazed ahead, the doors of the main hall swung open, revealing a priest garbed in a white robe.
"Huh? Is it not the Archbishop?"
"A female bishop... Who is she?"
"She is the Bishop of Amunda, Priestess Illya."
Amidst the murmurs of the nobles, Illya, with a gentle smile, began to speak.
"The wedding ceremony that will be a joyous event for the McLaine royal family and the kingdom under the blessings of the Nine Great Gods is commencing."
With her announcement, everyone in the venue rose to their feet.
"First, the sovereign of our realm, the protector of all the citizens of this land. His Majesty Logan McLaine will now make his entrance."
As Bishop Illya concluded her words, Logan entered the wedding venue adorned in ceremonial white attire.
"Oh, truly."
"It is the first instance I have witnessed him not clad in armor?"
"He exudes a grandeur befitting a superhuman."
The sumptuous ceremonial attire, woven with gold threads on white silk, accentuated Logan's robust physique. By typically concealing his masterful aura, but now fully emanating it, he captivated everyone's attention with each step he took.
Concealing his overwhelming presence yet naturally drawing focus, he had reached the pinnacle even among the intermediate-grade.
The swordmaster beamed contentedly, and Jerome's countenance grew sterner, when suddenly, Logan, having arrived at the altar in front of the main hall, stood before Illya.
As Logan and Illya locked eyes, she smoothly proceeded with the next introduction.
"Next, I present the lady who is to become the mother of our realm. The Countess of Floyd... ahem, rather than Countess, this title suits her better. The kingdom's premier lady knight and the emblem of the McLaine female forces, Lady Eileen Floyd."
The assembly stirred all at once.
Referring to the bride as "Lady" in a wedding ceremony?
Amidst the unconventional introduction, the McLaine nobles furrowed their brows slightly, but Logan chuckled.
'Really...'
He spied a familiar script with emphatic markings on the introduction letter held by Bishop Illya.
In that moment—
"Wow!"
An unexpected cheer erupted.
Startled, Logan turned to see, and he too momentarily lost himself.
The first thing that captured his attention was a dazzling white veil. Beneath the veil intricately embroidered with golden threads, cascades of red, luxuriant hair flowed alluringly.
Eileen's slender, well-toned form was draped in a pristine white gown that harmonized flawlessly with the striking red, enhancing her graceful charm. As she traversed the glowing cloud floor with her billowing skirt, it seemed as though a goddess from mythology was descending upon the clouds.
At that instant, daybreak arrived.
The radiant sun ascended, casting colorful rays of light throughout the wedding venue via the Eye of the Continent.
"Ohhh."
"Eileen was truly resplendent."
"Huh."
Amidst the admiration of all, Eileen approached with grace.
Logan, initially taken aback by her appearance, swiftly regained his composure at a signal from Illya and extended his hand to Eileen.
As Eileen delicately placed her hand in his, he sensed her nervousness, which eased his own tension.
Relaxed and aware that she had frozen with a faint smile on her face, he thought: 'You penned your own introduction with such boldness, yet here you are...'
Logan smiled faintly, tightening his grip on her hand to alleviate his companion's unease.
Then, a slight tremor passed between them.
Even that simple gesture felt precious to him, and as he entertained that notion, Bishop Illya initiated her words of benediction.
"It fills me with immense joy to commence the New Year with such a celebratory occasion. In this place, I am..."
During the protracted blessing—
Logan gazed at his partner.
In the venue bathed in light, she outshone all others.
The contemplation of spending a lifetime alongside this individual stirred a myriad of emotions in his fluttering heart.
Though they had wed for strategic purposes, she had become indispensable.
Images of moments shared with her flitted through his mind. A twinge of guilt washed over him as he realized he had devoted too much time to other matters.
Observing Eileen with complex eyes, Illya's blessings drew to a close.
"In the hope that, like the newly risen sun, you both will become the parents of this nation and embrace all its citizens, I conclude my blessings."
"Wow!"
Unlike Logan, who seemed to have lost track of time, the guests, barely enduring the prolonged ceremony, clapped while stifling yawns.
As Logan observed them with a dazed mind and chuckled unknowingly, he locked gazes with the Second Prince, who regarded him with an inscrutable expression.
The reminder that the true trials were yet to come. When Logan met the prince's gaze, his elation turned cold.
'... Without surmounting the Empire, all of this will be naught but a mirage.'
Do not be beguiled by the illusion of reality.
As if receiving an epiphany, fleeting images of his fallen family and his brother being led away flashed before his eyes momentarily.
A chill ran down his spine, and his teeth clenched involuntarily as he recalled those haunting moments.
"Your Highness?"
Abruptly hearing a flustered voice, Logan's attention diverted once more.
There, Illya gestured towards Eileen, who blushed and bowed her head.
What discussions had taken place while his thoughts wandered?
"Eh?"
What was he to do?
Flustered for a moment—
"Your Highness, please express your vow of love now."
"Ah..."
The vow of love.
With that prompt, Logan promptly regained his composure.
The McLaine tradition, unlike the protracted proceedings of the empire, would culminate in a simple ritual, signifying the conclusion of the ceremony.
It was time to seal their commitment with a kiss.
He swiftly comprehended why his partner was embarrassed.
The sight of Eileen blushing, intertwined with recollections of a past life, strengthened his determination.
In a previous existence, she had perished in a civil conflict.
Logan had already altered the fates of many.
Even if much of it hinged on chance.
'I will prevail.'
Logan refocused away from the future adversary at the edge of his vision and kissed her, contemplating the destiny he was about to shape.
"With this kiss under the guardianship of the Nine Great Gods, I affirm that this union is established."
With the proclamation, Illya bestowed a sacred blessing.
The festive light, enhancing the already magnificent venue, incited a boisterous cheer.
"Wooow!"
Thus concluded the inaugural royal union of the McLaine dynasty.