CHAPTER 225: CHAPTER 184: THE WEDDING (PART 4)

The wine was strong, but it had a unique clarity and straightforwardness that only the Northern Territory possessed. It was just like him: not many words, yet it always left a deep impression.

Next, the court musicians commenced the ceremonial songs.

A bard walked to the center of the hall, singing excerpts from the Empire’s chronicles, praising the glory of the Dragon Ancestor and the joy of the couple’s union.

The song flowed like water, as if history at this moment overlapped with the new nobility marriage, inscribed in the continuing Chapters of the Empire.

Then came the banquet.

Light changed color, silver plates moved, and fragrant mists rose. The noble guests stood up one after another to toast the newlyweds, the sounds of congratulations and clinking glasses intertwined.

On the long table, red flame lobsters from the Imperial Capital, frozen honey chestnuts from Red Tide Territory, and royal special golden feathered pheasant meat were presented one by one, weaving into a feast for the senses.

Emily sat at the main seat, appearing slightly reserved yet trying to respond to every toast with a smile.

She occasionally turned her head to look at Louis.

He remained calm, dealing with each guest, speaking appropriately and responding with ease.

But she noticed that several times, before she looked over, he had already glanced at her.

Their eyes met, and he nodded lightly, without unnecessary words, yet it seemed they shared a silent understanding.

The ceremony neared its end, the music softened, the scent of wine lingered, and the formalities and pleasantries gradually faded away.

Just as everyone was about to leave, Louis leaned in slightly and whispered in Emily’s ear, "Come with me."

Emily was taken aback, not yet reacting before he took her hand.

"L-Louis?" She was being led by him, the hem of her skirt fluttering slightly as she hurried to keep up with his pace.

The two passed through the side door of the banquet hall, walking onto the vast balcony overlooking the stars and the entire hall.

Then, Louis gestured to the attendant behind him, and the accompanying officiant immediately announced loudly:

"Please, distinguished guests, move to the balcony to enjoy the wedding ceremony scene."

The crowd quickly gathered there, and the cold night did not feel biting amidst the fire pits and warm wine, instead adding solemnity and mystery.

The distant night sky was clear as if washed, with sparse starlight, seemingly leaving the stage solely for this moment.

Emily had not yet understood what was happening, but Louis stood in the center of the balcony, nodding slightly to the crowd.

"This marriage belongs not only to the two of us," his tone was steady as he looked at the eyes watching under the stars, "but also to this Northern Territory. I wish for it to be remembered."

He lifted his hand to indicate, and a row of metal devices ignited in the distance.

The next second, the first alchemical firework soared into the sky.

Boom—!

A blazing red sun blossomed in the night sky, its center flame blazing, like the heart of a flame.

The crowd gasped in amazement.

"It’s the sun...a symbol of the Red Tide!"

"So beautiful... It’s my first time seeing Demon Marrow fireworks..."

Emily was also stunned in place, the firelight reflected in her pupils, she quietly glanced at the man beside her.

He did not speak more, just quietly looked at the red fire lotus blooming in the sky.

Then the second burst sounded: boom!

This time, ice-blue flames cascaded downwards, like a snow waterfall pouring from the sky.

Crystal light like snow, drifting like illusion, enveloping the entire Red Tide Territory as if the whole world was surrounded by gentle snow fog.

Emily held her breath, how beautiful...

The third boom—!

One of gold, one of silver, enormous winged fireworks exploded from the sky, spreading out beneath the dome.

The light and shadow of flying wings left a magnificent arc in the night sky, resembling a silver eagle soaring, faintly forming part of the Edmund Clan’s crest, symbolizing order and alliance.

"Wow..." Even the noble children couldn’t help clapping, and the elders also stood in reverence.

Louis raised his brow slightly: "Hillco indeed has some skill."

He had originally scorned that guy’s so-called "alchemy genius."

After all, that person always spouted strange theories and frequently caused trouble, but now he had to admit.

Whenever this guy got serious, he could indeed create something remarkable.

The balcony of the hall was already a place of murmuring interwoven with shock and awe.

Almost no noble guests seeing such a scene for the first time weren’t astonished.

"What’s that?... Magic?" A Southern noble squinted in surprise.

After a series of earth-shattering three firework bursts, the night sky did not return to silence, instead becoming more lively.

As the mechanisms triggered one by one, a series of splendid lights and shadows rose into the sky, flowers, streamlines, whirls, star showers, phoenix tails... one after another, almost dyeing the entire night sky into a moving painting.

The nobility could hardly take it all in, almost pinned in place.

"Is that... magic?" someone opened their mouth blankly, with a trace of reverent uncertainty in the tone.

"No... it’s an illusion technique? How could there be such orderly changes?!"

"Look at that trajectory...is it a Magic Explosion Bullet! Could a Magic Explosion Bullet create such an effect!"

"This, this is no longer the ’ceremonial cannon’ we know..."

People whispered among themselves, yet not one was willing to look away.

They had attended countless weddings, seen countless luxurious spectacles, but never had they witnessed a ceremony that used the "sky" as its canvas.

That wasn’t fireworks; it was a declaration that defied all imagination.

Even the usually composed Duke Edmund raised his head slightly to look for a moment.

He had never cared for lively occasions, nor was he impressed by luxury, but at this moment, he rarely stopped his thoughts, silently gazing, a hint of light appearing in his eyes.

"Indeed quite beautiful." He said.

As if even he had been forced to acknowledge the extraordinary nature of this "young people’s wedding."

The lady standing beside him, Lady Irina, could not conceal the amazement in her eyes; her eyes were bright as if lit by the fireworks, softly exclaiming:

"It’s truly... too beautiful."

It wasn’t just about the fireworks; it seemed to express amazement at her daughter’s wedding and the night’s significance.

"You had planned this all along?" Emily asked softly, her voice so light as if afraid of disturbing the stars ignited.

"Not for everyone." Louis looked at her, his voice still calm but with rare seriousness, "It’s prepared for you."

Emily was stunned, the breeze brushed her hair, yet couldn’t disperse the tremor in her eyes.

Louis spoke slowly, pondering each word, "I know well how much you’ve sacrificed for this day. But I don’t want you to feel like you’re just a family pawn."

He turned his head, looking at the brightly intertwined sky, his voice low yet firm: "After today, you’re my wife. I hope when you look back on today’s scene, it’s the light welcoming you, blooming for you."

Emily stared at him, looking at this destined person.

The fireworks bloomed again, star showers rained on her shoulders, and her heartbeat seemed to skip a beat at this moment.

"Why did you..." She opened her mouth but found her throat tightened, her voice trembling softly.

"I’m not good at saying moving words," Louis chuckled lightly, "but I know you deserve such a night."

At that moment, Emily’s tears almost burst forth.

She slowly reached out, grasping his hand.

The sound of the wind moved slightly, as if it had become gentle.

This moment belonged to them, not to any alliance, family, or empire.

It belonged only to her and him.