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Rafael merely smiled at him, reined in his horse, and replied softly, “Thank you for being blind. It allowed me to marry the one I truly love.”
Blake was taken aback, watching as Rafael led his procession away in high spirits.
What had Rafael meant by that? The one he truly loved? Wasn’t Rafael’s marriage to Sophie a matter of necessity?
After Rafael and his procession had moved away, his smile faded.
Dammit, Blake was asking for trouble.
Dylan, who was leading the horses, had overheard the exchange and asked quietly, “Shall we deal with him?”
“Tomorrow!” Rafael uttered firmly.
Today was a day of celebration. There would be no bloodshed.
Most importantly, Everett was present. Rafael definitely didn’t want to experience the older man’s punishment on his wedding night just because of some minor infraction of the rules and family customs. After a pause, Rafael added, “A group beating.”
Dylan was about to nod in agreement when Everett’s chilling voice came from behind, “Quiet down. Is your involvement necessary?”
Rafael immediately straightened his back, facing forward with his eyes fixed ahead.
Sometimes, Everett’s voice could be truly frightening. On this joyous day, couldn’t the older man use a less intimidating tone?
With the accompanying drums playing the entire way, the bridal carriage arrived at Hell Monarch Estate. The journey didn’t take too long, as the residences of the powerful and wealthy were usually not too far apart.
At this moment, the sun still hung low in the sky, slowly descending and dyeing the clouds at the horizon with a magnificent tapestry-like brilliance. It had snowed in the morning, but by noon, the skies had cleared. Now, the setting sun seemed to be gilding the world with a layer of gold leaf. Rather than feeling like dusk or twilight, there was a sense of majestic and grand beauty.
The sunset revealed a grand and majestic beauty, even among the densely packed residences of the capital city.
The carriage came to a halt in front of Hell Monarch Estate. Sophie was effectively blindfolded by the white veil. She could only see the sway of her wedding gown and the movement of people around her. She wanted to move forward, but the matchmaker and Winona held her back. After another round of deafening drum music, Winona and the matchmaker finally guided her inside.
The ground was covered with a red carpet. Sophie couldn’t keep her head lowered for long, or her phoenix crown would slip. She could only keep her neck straight and occasionally glance at her feet to avoid tripping over the threshold.
Didn’t someone carry her in the last time? Why did she have to walk this time?
She didn’t know that this was Adrian’s intention. Now that she was married, she would be required to handle many things on her own.
If she couldn’t even cross this threshold by herself, how could she reassure others in the future?
Adrian also had another point of view: didn’t Sophie want to do everything on her own?
Fine. Go ahead and walk on her own.
Walk through the stone steps and step over the threshold on her own!
Upon entering Hell Monarch Estate, Sophie was immediately overwhelmed by a cacophony of voices, all calling out congratulations and well-wishes. Some of the voices were familiar, while others were unfamiliar.
Among them was Eleanor’s annoying voice.
Oh, Jessica was present too-how irritating.
Her wedding was becoming a mess.
Kyle was the center of attention, outshining Sophie as the bride. But it didn’t matter, because Violet had quietly approached and taken her friend’s hand.
“GURG
who?”
“You’re so childish! You’re Rod!” Sophie joked with a laugh.
“If you say so, Violet replied, chuckling. “Rod is probably in the side hall. After all, he’s part of your dowry.”
Sophie chuckled too, feeling less anxious.
She had no idea what the procedures were. She was just standing there, listening to them set up a table and other things. Her mind wandered. Why were they setting up a table? Were she and Rafael supposed to swear brotherhood here?
That was so funny.
Well, it wasn’t actually funny, but her mind just couldn’t stop wandering because she couldn’t see anything.
Then, she heard someone call for Helen to sit in the main seat, and to prepare for the rituals that needed to be carried out. Another commotion followed once Helen had. taken her seat. Someone requested for another chair because Adrian also needed to sit and receive their salutations.
But Adrian was Sophie’s master. The bride should have bid farewell to her parents at home before coming here. How could she give salutations to her master in the groom’s family’s hall?
It was not the proper etiquette!
Well, proper etiquette or not, Everett would intervene.
A stern voice rang out, “This wedding ritual is about showing respect to their elders. I’m Rafael’s master. What’s the big deal about him giving me salutations?”
In any case, the Pathfinders Guild was adamant that someone from the bride’s side. must be present to receive the couple’s salutations.
Who cared about etiquette? In the world of martial arts, rules were determined by strength.
Everett’s logic was straightforward. As Rafael’s master, him sitting there was entirely appropriate. Then, Everett remarked that since his guild senior, Adrian, was present, it was improper for him, as a guild junior, to be seated while Adrian stood.
Was there such a rule in the capital?
Regardless, the rhetorical question made sense and everyone considered it reasonable.
Ultimately, Adrian got his seat.
Thus, a length of white silk ribbon, tied in a double-heart knot, was handed to Sophie, with the other end held by Rafael. The two of them stood together.
Sophie was familiar with this part. Without hesitation, she turned to face outward and even prompted Rafael, “We should show our respect to the Lord first. We need to face. outside.”
Rafael slowly turned around, his voice calm and even, “We should listen to the ceremonial officer. Today, the Protocol Minister is officiating our wedding.”
Sophie fell silent, realizing her mistake. It was already quite unfortunate for Rafael to be marrying someone who had been married before. She shouldn’t bring up any other matters relating to her previous wedding.
After the salutation ritual, Sophie was led into the newlywed suite. The journey there was long, and she had to keep the white veil on. The veil was only to be lifted by Rafael once they were in their suite.