Chapter 779

Chapter 779: Rose Wedding

The jolting carriage moved across the wilderness. The passengers inside either rested their eyes or conversed softly, some dozing off against the walls.

“Solande has arrived.”

The carriage gradually slowed down, and the surroundings became noisy. A young blonde girl woke up from her slumber.

Letis rubbed her still drowsy head and stepped out of the carriage with a wicker box in hand.

This was an inn outside the city, where the roadside grass was as green as oil. The open wilderness was brushed by gentle breezes. Looking ahead, the tall city wall made of gray and brown bricks stood on the ground, stretching endlessly.

Following the road forward, there was a grand city gate nearly ten meters high. The slightly weathered carvings on the gate showed its long history. Numerous pedestrians and carriages passed through below, never stopping.

Looking through the gate, the bustling street scene could be seen inside.

Is this the former Westwind, and now Clancia’s capital? Letis felt a mix of hesitation and anticipation.

Following the crowd, she entered the magnificent and desirable city.

A month later.

“Hello, Miss Letis.”

In a small shop by the street, two people sat facing each other. Across from Letis was a woman dressed elegantly.

“I heard that Miss Letis wants to buy this shop?”

“Yes, madam.” Letis nodded.

“Could you tell me what you plan to use it for? There are regulations now that prohibit leaving a shop vacant for more than three months after acquisition, and taxes must be paid during the holding period.”

“I intend to open a clothing store.” Letis said, taking out a stack of her own fashion design sketches from a paper bag beside her.

She handed these sketches to the other party to look at.

After a while, the lady’s brows relaxed, nodding occasionally, seemingly very satisfied and appreciative.

“These are really nice. I find myself quite attracted to a few of them. You don’t seem to be much older; I’m not sure if you’re in need of money, but if possible, I’d like to invest.”

“This…” Letis looked somewhat surprised at the noblewoman. They had only known each other for a few days and had no personal connections. Did the other party really have such confidence in her designs? In fact, she wasn’t very confident herself.

“If you want to invest, I would naturally be very happy, but I think I should lead the store, so I can’t give you too much share.”

“That’s fine. I don’t need much,” the other party seemed completely unconcerned.

The two continued to discuss for a while and finally signed a contract.

Madam Xueqin transferred the shop to Letis without charge and provided 100 gold coins as startup capital, holding only 20% of the shares, which was quite generous. Currently, Letis had only 72 gold coins in total.

“Afterwards, if you need any help, you can also find me. Regarding supplies, I know many suppliers, and for promotion, I can help bring in customers.”

“I look forward to it, Letis. I believe you are a talented girl, and I hope to see the beautiful clothes you make.”

“Thank you, Madam Xueqin.” Letis bowed in gratitude.

“Hehe, then let’s leave it at that today. I imagine you have a lot to do, so I won’t keep you.”

Afterwards, the noblewoman left the shop and got into the carriage to depart.

The shop fell silent again, but now only Letis remained.

Outside, the sunlight was bright and intense. Some pedestrians could be seen walking on the road. Letis stood up and gently touched the facilities and antique furniture in the shop. The rough redwood had many patches and marks, and some edges were worn smooth, indicating that this was an old and historically significant shop. Even now, there were still a few bottles of dusty wine in the corners.

Opening the drawer in the counter, she rummaged through and found an old, yellowed ledger.

“Making friends over wine, regardless of social status.”

The black, elegant script was somewhat blurred, with most of the edges creased and curled, as if it had been soaked in water. Carefully flipping through it, it recorded the past prosperity of the shop.

Among the entries for purchases and sales were famous wines like ‘Purple Blood’ and ‘Kendu’, as well as unique and special wines like ‘Soma’. This wine shop had witnessed the rise and fall of a major trading company.

Now, the past prosperity had faded away, and it would no longer serve as a wine shop but be transformed into a clothing store, rejuvenated.

So, starting from today.

Letis closed the yellowed ledger, raised her head again, and the sky outside the window was a clear blue, with wisps of clouds drifting freely with the wind.

—

The Southern Region, the Tranquil Moon Strait.

Blue seawater undulated beyond the circular window, with several black special vessels bobbing amidst the waves. A young woman in her twenties stood facing the wind, arms outstretched, embracing the azure sky and the sea breeze.

“Hahaha, this is truly delightful!”

Alena slightly closed her eyes, listening to the sound of seagulls calling overhead.

In these past few months, she had led six quasi-submersible ships, greatly suppressing the pirates rampant in the seas, leading to a significant improvement in maritime safety. Ships of all kinds could now navigate smoothly.

To reward this rare achievement, the Crescent Parliament recently awarded her the Crescent Badge and invited her to become an official member of the Crescent Parliament.

“From now on, my status within the kingdom will be higher than my father’s. Haha.”

Holding up the new crescent badge entwined with red berry vines before her eyes, she gazed towards the sunlight. The gleaming light was exquisite and magnificent.

“I am also a renowned High Mage and Alchemist within the kingdom.”

“However, this is just the beginning. I am the great Alena thrice over.”

Under the clear blue sky, the young lady shouted out boldly, startling a flock of birds that flew away into the distance.

———

“Congratulations to ‘Golden Flame Tulip’. You will be the providers of pastries at the imperial wedding. The wedding will take place early next month. Please make them with care.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty and esteemed lords for your recognition. On behalf of the Red Kite family, I promise to contribute our best efforts to this grand celebration!”

Dressed in formal attire, Earl Red Kite thanked and bowed under the envious gazes of others, then accepted the commendation letter from the palace envoy.

Under the elegant Elven-style archway of Titania, golden-haired Elven maids stood quietly on one side. On the white table in the center, various enticing cakes refracted soft light under the sunlight. No one expected that the selection for the most important part of the wedding, the pastries, would be won by a pastry shop from the eastern part of the empire. Other prestigious confectioneries in the imperial capital were left disappointed.

After leaving the palace’s suburban residence, Earl Red Kite boarded the carriage again.

“This victory wouldn’t have been possible without Miss Bumansa’s contributions.”

Inside the carriage, Li Lin looked at the chestnut-haired girl opposite him.

“No, it was just luck, really. I happened to make the future empress’s favorite flavor.”

Bumansa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and gazed out the window at the sky, inadvertently recalling her former roommate and classmate, a somewhat lazy yet innocent and pure girl.

What path will she embark upon in the future? Perhaps this can be considered fulfilling her wishes, just as she once hoped.

Third Era, September 1698

A grand wedding was held in the capital of the Crimson Empire. Compared to the previous wedding years ago that caused a stir, this one was even more splendid and eye-catching.

Noble girls adorned with red feathers soared through the sky, carrying baskets of roses, scattering endless crimson petals, decorating the bustling city.

On both sides of the street, equilateral wicker baskets were neatly arranged. These baskets woven from tender branches held light pink and white roses. Servants dressed in formal coats stood quietly on either side.

Countless people crowded along the main thoroughfare of the imperial capital, looking toward the end of the street, holding their breath and listening intently. Among them were nobles, commoners, and many newly promoted officers.

“The procession is here!”

Melodious music played by a distant orchestra reached their ears. Under the eager gazes of the crowd, a band playing trumpets and music slowly made its way forward.

It seemed that the band consisted entirely of military personnel, and behind them was the ceremonial guard dressed in red and black formal attire.

These 500 guardsmen were almost the same height, handsome, all elite soldiers of sequence 5 or above. They held slender floral swords upright before them, their faces forward, marching steadily with a touch of elegance.

As the procession moved forward, countless petals drifted down from the sky. People cheered and waved, their faces aglow like a vibrant ocean.

Although many nobles believed that the empress’s humble origins were a slight issue, to the common people, this was a great victory.

The emperor’s wife, the mother of the next emperor, another wielder of power in the empire, was a simple girl born of ordinary means, not a scion of a noble house.

This identity sparked countless imaginations. If this girl could achieve such success, did it mean that in the future, individuals like herself, or other commoners, could also ascend to the grand stage and enter the highest echelons of the empire?

Though they didn’t know the ‘Lily Aisote’, this did not stop them from developing a favorable impression of her. This young girl from a minor noble family represented not only herself but also the aspirations of countless common folk.

Hope.

  ”Here we go!”

  The long procession moved forward, with red knights clad in full armor riding alongside a luxurious carriage adorned with roses. On the lavish floral carriage filled with roses, the current emperor of the empire held hands with a petite and beautiful girl before countless spectators.

  Her crimson and splendid gown was studded with roses, each bud blooming as it extended down her trailing dress. This slender maiden wore a crown woven with roses on her head, holding a bouquet of white jasmine symbolizing purity. She waved excitedly at the welcoming crowd, her eyes shimmering with tears.

  Her heart had never beaten like this before. The excitement, nervousness, anxiety, worry, and anticipation all exploded within her, filling every corner and crevice of her heart.

  Lily looked at the enthusiastic faces, hearing the congratulations and well-wishes, as if she were submerged in warm spring water, melting away.

  This once ordinary girl had never experienced such grand scenes, such solemn ceremonies, or such drastic changes in status. If happiness is something that warms the heart, then at this moment, she felt so overwhelmed by its heat that she was restless and fearful, afraid that everything before her was just an illusion.

  ”Stay steady.”

  A familiar and gentle voice echoed beside her ear. The secure grip of their intertwined fingers brought her infinite comfort and reassurance. Lily turned her head to look, and his handsome face stood out under the sun behind him, shining brightly.

  ”Mm.”

  She pressed the bouquet tightly against her chest, taking a deep breath to calm her tumultuous heart.

  Today was the most important day of her life, and she couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.

  The emperor and empress’s carriage slowly passed through the city, the two of them surrounded by countless roses seen by all the citizens of the imperial capital. Finally, amidst a chorus of blessings, they slowly entered the central palace square.

  Under the emperor’s decision, this wedding was not limited to the participation of court nobles but was celebrated together with the vast populace of the empire. Around the square, various pastries and food had been prepared, to be freely distributed to everyone present.

  Of course, there was still a difference between the nobility and commoners; the former would enter the core circle of the wedding, enjoying elegant flower umbrellas and round tables.

  The commoners present had no objections to such arrangements. This was reality; the nobility truly were superior, which was why they yearned to join their ranks.

  Compared to past weddings that were aloof and isolated from the masses, this open and transparent wedding greatly satisfied the curiosity of the people and fostered a sense of closeness towards the newlywed imperial couple.

  This couple had come together right before their very eyes, and this emperor was far more approachable than previous rulers.

  ”Long live His Majesty the Emperor!”

  ”Long live Her Majesty the Empress!”

  Boisterous cheers formed a colorful ocean, spreading far under the sunlight.

  That night, the palace was lit up inside and out.

  The square and palace remained the scene of the ongoing wedding celebration. People on the square danced and sang around the open space, while inside the palace, pairs of nobles dressed in formal attire waltzed gracefully, the light and soothing music echoing through the golden hall.

  From the high tower of the castle within the palace, Aimanke led Lily upward, step by step. The roses on her long dress spiraled up the staircase, resembling a gradually changing crimson rainbow.

  Feeling the firm and reassuring fingers, Lily lifted her skirt and climbed steadily, her gaze filled with tenderness.

  Finally, the two reached the top of the tower. The gentle night breeze blew against them, and the clear night sky sparkled with stars. Looking down, the bustling square below was illuminated with orange-yellow lights.

  ”Do you like it here?” Aimanke turned around to look at Lily.

  ”I love it, I feel very happy,” Lily said, her cheeks slightly flushed as she lowered her head.

  ”Don’t look down. You are my wife, the most esteemed empress in the empire.”

  Aimanke’s fingers gently brushed Lily’s cheek.

  ”Although there is no full moon tonight, I have prepared another gift for you,” he said after finishing. He raised one hand and waved it down.

  Immediately, endless fireworks rose from the distant earth.

  These fireworks in shades of pale blue, bright yellow, rosy red, light purple, and emerald green rose like stars into the sky and then blossomed.

  Colorful meteor trails streaked across the night sky, scattering over the prosperous and beautiful world.

  On the same night, far in the East, in the capital of the House of Plantagenet.

  At the banquet venue on Yuzhang Mountain, a dignified and resonant voice solemnly announced:

  ”Bestowing upon Lolan, a disciple of the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect, the title of Golden Peony Witch of the Dynasty, and one of the Four Blessings of the Dynasty, the Star Wind Blessing!”

  End of Chapter Four: The Eastern Kingdom Arc

  (End of Chapter)