Chapter 95: 95:Another Wedding
After the mercenaries were paid and finally departed, the next period wasn't followed peace.
Instead, the city of Blank fell into a storm of whispers and restless voices. It was not chaos of blood or war, but a chaos of surprise.
A chaos of goodness, yet filled with shock.
Word spread quickly. Within hours, the announcement reached every corner of the city.
It was the declaration of Baron Ethan marrying a Beastwoman.
The news struck everyone like thunder.
"What?!" voices cried in the market.
"Is this for real?" someone gasped.
"Oh God! Baron Ethan is remarrying?"
"I don't find it that absurd, but… what about the Baroness? How is she reacting to this?"
"She must be unhappy, right? A husband taking another wife is never easy."
"Yes… it feels as if Baron Ethan cheated on her with a beastwoman."
"Our poor lady…" someone sighed.
But before the rumors could twist deeper, a group of men appeared. Their faces were dark, and their eyes were filled with anger. One of them slammed his fist into the stall beside him, silencing the gossipers.
"Have you gone insane?" the man barked.
The crowd froze.
"It was Lady Sophia herself who arranged this marriage."
The gossipers fell silent and confusion washed over their faces.
"Lady Sophia? But why would she do that?"
"Che…Have you gone mad?"
"Just which woman likes her man to take other girls.."
"Stop spouting bullshit."
"Shut up!"
"We heard it ourselves..We work in Blank Estate..Don't you dare spread lies about this."
Some thought it was a lie. Others whispered that perhaps there was a hidden reason behind it. Curiosity and doubt spread through the city like fire in dry grass.
But everything changed when the people saw the Baroness herself.
She was not weeping, nor was she angry. Instead, she personally prepared for the wedding, giving orders and helping with arrangements. The sight silenced most of the doubts.
If Lady Sophia accepted it, then who were they to complain?
The wedding day arrived. Unlike the gatherings of noble families, no grand lords from other regions were invited.
Instead, the guests were people close to Ethan's household, as well as the common folk of Blank. The reception grounds were filled with laughter, music, and the smell of roasted food.
Children ran about, their laughter echoing under the decorated banners.
Thankfully the day arrived with clear skies and a gentle breeze flowing across the courtyard of the Blank estate. Flowers were laid in every corner, and long ribbons swayed softly in the wind. The air was heavy with expectation. People waited in silence, their hearts beating as one.
At the center stood Ethan.
His tall figure drew every gaze. He wore a black ceremonial coat with silver embroidery, sharp lines running along his shoulders and chest.
His broad frame made the clothes appear almost crafted just for him. His expression was calm, but in his eyes, there was a light of warmth. The golden glow of the torches reflected against his hair, and his handsome face carried the dignity of a noble.
The murmur of the crowd hushed when the sound of footsteps echoed. From the inner hall, the bride appeared. Sophia walked beside her, holding her arm gently as if presenting her to the world.
Lia stepped forward, and gasps spread among the guests. She was dressed in a long white gown that shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
The cloth hugged her slender figure, flowing down like water, while the edges trailed softly across the floor. Her beautiful silky hair was pinned up with a few strands falling against her cheeks, framing her delicate beauty.
But what caught every heart were her ears and tail. Her long, fluffy wolf ears twitched gently with every sound, and her fluffy tail flickered lightly behind her, full of joy and life.
She looked both beautiful and pure, yet there was a charm in her that no one could ignore. The happiness in her eyes outshone even the gown she wore.
Sophia's smile was soft as she guided Lia forward. The two women walked slowly down the aisle while the crowd watched in awe.
In the middle of the crowd stood Rony, who was the bride's father. His body shook as tears streamed down his cheeks. He could not hold them back.
"Lia's mother," he cried aloud, his voice rough with emotion, "are you seeing this? Our daughter… our little girl has grown up. She is marrying such a fine, handsome man." His shoulders trembled as he raised his hands to the sky. "I hope both of them lead a happy life together."
He grabbed a handful of flowers from the basket beside him and threw them into the air, showering the bride and groom with blessings.
His voice cracked, but his face was filled with pride and joy.
Ethan extended his hand as Lia reached the end of the aisle. She placed her trembling fingers into his palm, and their eyes met. In that single moment, the rest of the world faded away.
The priest stepped forward, raising his voice for all to hear. "We gather here under the heavens to witness the union of Baron Ethan and Lady Lia. May their vow be bound by truth, trust, and love."
The silence was deep as Ethan looked at Lia. His voice was steady and clear. "I, Ethan Blank, take you, Lia, to be my wife. I vow to stand by your side, to protect you, and to cherish you as long as I live. No matter the path we walk, my heart will remain with you."
Lia's lips trembled as she tried to hold back her tears. She tightened her grip on his hand and spoke softly, yet her words reached everyone present. "I, Lia, take you, Ethan, as my husband. I vow to give you my heart, my loyalty, and my life. I will stand by you in joy and sorrow, and walk with you no matter where fate leads us."
A quiet hush fell over the guests as the vows ended. For a brief moment, the only sound was the wind rustling the flowers.
Then, the priest lowered his hands and declared, "By oath and bond, by truth and trust, I now declare this union complete. You are husband and wife."
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