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She was the top scout in the martial world and, in addition to being the second apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild, she was also the head of Skywing Spire. Although she had entrusted the day-to-day management of Skywing Spire to her deputy, she had come personally as a representative of Skywing Spire to add items to Sophie’s trousseau.
The staff of the Elegance Atelier were seasoned professionals, but the sudden influx of martial world figures, all dressed in fine clothes and not the usual shabby attire of the wandering heroes, surprised them. To those who didn’t know better, it might have seemed like a gathering of noble families.
Sally had intended to help Sophie with her makeup, but she could only stand by and wait until Sophie had finished her emotional farewells and stopped crying before she could attend to her.
Sophie had just managed to dry her tears when she noticed Everett standing next to Kyle.
Feeling another wave of grievance, she said, “Sage Everett, I’m not crying out of sadness. I’m just so happy that I can’t stop the tears. Please don’t punish me.”
Everett Watson glanced at her with a faint smile. “I’ll let it pass this time. But if you cry again, I’ll poke your eyes.”
Everett was in charge of enforcing the Pathfinders Guild’s rules, and he was a figure everyone feared. Even Adrian, upon encountering him, would ingratiate himself with flattering words to avoid any missteps that might lead to a reprimand from his guild junior.
Once a rule was broken, there was no room for leniency.
After being punished once, Adrian deeply regretted appointing Everett as the enforcer of the guild’s regulations. He regretted it day and night, realizing that while it was easy to summon a demon, sending them away was much harder.
Everett’s first and most severe rule was that no one, not even himself, could leave the guild without his permission. Any violators were to be punished without exception.
Sophie covered her eyes, as if fearing that Everett might indeed punish her with his sternness. But when she peeked through her fingers, she was astonished to see him dressed in luxurious brocade garments.
The sight abruptly stilled her urge to cry uncontrollably, and she asked in surprise, “Sage Everett, why are you wearing brocade today? I thought you disliked such luxurious clothing?”
Everett, who viewed wealth as insignificant, typically wore plain cloth and straw sandals. Even in the coldest winters, he would only add an extra layer of clothing, relying on his profound inner force to endure the cold. He had little interest in mingling with the powerful or noble, so Sophie had never imagined that Rafael would be his apprentice before this.
Everett snorted, and waved his hand dismissively. “I feel like I’m covered in thorns. If it weren’t for your grand wedding, would I wear such attire?”
Though Everett was proud and aloof, he still cared about appearances. He gave Sophie a stern look, making it clear that if she dared to bring up the topic again, whether it was her wedding or not, he would sew her mouth shut.
Not daring to speak further, Sophie glanced around but didn’t see Travis. Though she previously assumed he was the martial arts expert sent by the Lunar Guild, she couldn’t be sure.
She choked up and asked, “Where’s Travis? Didn’t he come?”
Violet chuckled. “He’s part of the contribution sent by the Lunar Guild. Naturally, he’s being brought to Hell Monarch Estate along with your dowry.” Sophie turned to look at the head of the Lunar Guild. Despite her usual stern demeanor, she appeared unusually kind-hearted today.
Sophie felt a pang of sadness. The Lunar Guild had only one male apprentice, and yet he had been part of the contribution added to her trousseau.
Frederick wiped his eyes as he approached Sophie. “My lady, the bridal carriage will soon arrive. Please hurry and touch up your makeup.” Now that her master and fellow guild members were here, Sophie felt a pang of reluctance as the time drew near for her to marry.
She hesitated, and asked, “Could we delay by two hours?”
“That’s not possible, my lady. You must complete the ceremony within the allocated time.”
Winona took her hand gently. “Come, let’s get your makeup sorted out. It’s a joyful day, so why are you crying and fussing? That’s inappropriate. We’ve come to see you off, and we’ll accompany you to Hell Monarch Estate. We have seats reserved there for the wedding banquet.”
Sophie blinked, her eyes misty. “So, Prince Rafael knows all of you are coming?”
“He does, but he didn’t know that you were unaware.”
Well, if that was the case, Rafael hadn’t withheld the information from her.
With her mood steadied, Sophie stood and bowed in thanks to the heads of the various guilds and their apprentices who had come to offer their blessings to her.
“There’s no need for thanks. Hurry up and get ready.” Adrian waved dismissively.
Why the need for such gratitude? This was just him calling in a favor.
Sophie sighed inwardly, thinking that her master was indeed quite impolite.
As she was getting ready, there was a commotion outside. The sound of drums filled the air as someone hurriedly reported, “The prince’s wedding procession has arrived! The prince himself is here to welcome the bride!”
Everett, who was sensitive to such loud announcements, could hardly tolerate the noise.
“What’s the big deal about it? Isn’t it customary for him to come and pick up his bride? Why all the shouting? If he dares not show up, I’ll have his ears cut off.”
Faced with Everett’s sharp gaze, the gatekeeper fell silent and retreated obediently.
Viola had thought that her greatest advantage now was that Blake would personally escort her to Valor Estate, whereas Rafael was a prince and was not required to do so.
But upon hearing the news that Rafael had arrived with his wedding entourage, Viola stood there in stunned disbelief.
Why did Rafael treat Sophie so well? Even after a divorce, Sophie couldn’t forget her previous husband-why did she deserve this?
But if Sophie was skilled at disguising her emotions, Rafael would undoubtedly be unaware of it.
As Viola was lost in thought, she heard someone announce from the outside that Blake had arrived to escort her. She gathered herself as her attendants placed the white bridal veil over her head. After Sophie bid farewell to her parents and siblings in the sanctuary hall, she stepped out of the estate.
The two brides left almost simultaneously, but their entourages and their own states of mind were completely different.
Sophie’s head was covered by the white veil. She could only see the hem of her gown and the white satin shoes that peeked out as she moved. Her hand was held by Winona. Winona’s long, slender fingers provided a reassuring grip.
In front of them, the matchmaker spoke many blessings. Sophie couldn’t see anyone, and could only vaguely sense that she had arrived at the estate’s entrance. There was a sense of the pressure of a crowd at the gate, suggesting that many people had come.
“Child, it’s time to enter the carriage. Be good from now on,” Adrian said softly as he approached her. It was a sentiment laden with a father figure’s bittersweet emotion and expectations.
Be good.
As long as Sophie behaved and didn’t cause trouble, it would be less worrisome for him. He wouldn’t have to keep waiving the rent of others for her.
Oh, this mischievous girl was getting married again.
When Sophie first married, Adrian hadn’t attended. He had sent a letter to Melanie, expressing his displeasure at Sophie’s marriage to Blake, who had a falling family with unimpressive martial skills.
Adrian had been unsatisfied with the match.
Melanie had replied, saying the marriage was confirmed. Ultimately, Adrian was Sophie’s martial arts master rather than her father, and he couldn’t prevent it.
After consulting with his guild junior Everett, Everett had said coldly, “Not attending is the greatest protest. If the Jaffe family is trustworthy for a lifetime, you can send additional dowries later. If not, keep it for yourself. There’s always the possibility of a second marriage.”
Adrian’s guild junior’s words were both sharp and prophetic-there was indeed a possibility of a second marriage.
This time, since Sophie didn’t have her parents, it was only natural that her guild members attended.