Winter Lord: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 184 Wedding
Before dawn, a thin mist shrouded the eaves of Red Tide City, and dew clung to the stone slabs and vine leaves, as if the world had just opened one eye.

But today is no ordinary day.

This is the wedding day of the great Lord Louis Calvin.

The sky was still dark, but the square outside Red Tide City was already bustling with people.

People gathered spontaneously in twos and threes, and hardly anyone was seen holding weapons or shouting.

They were wearing their best clothes, and some even wore their own embroidered "red sun epaulets," which were the colors of the Red Tide flag.

It's unclear who started it, but every household brought their own "festival food."

Pots of steaming fresh fish soup were laid out on the mats, with wild ginger and radish simmering in the broth, emitting a fragrant aroma.

Dried coarse wheat bread was stacked to one side, next to a berry liqueur flask that the children clutched tightly in their hands, the aroma of which carried a hint of tartness and rustic charm amidst the rich sweetness.

There was no noise or rushing in the entire square.

The crowd sat quietly in a circle, some talking in hushed tones, others with calm gazes fixed on the imposing Red Tide Castle.

That castle they once gazed up at on the coldest winter nights.

"He fed us enough to last through the winter and drove away the barbarians."

"He's getting married today, we should come and offer our blessings."

Although the voice was soft, it seemed to stir up a thousand ripples, prompting everyone to nod silently.

Someone was even secretly wiping away tears. It was an old woman, wearing a rough, worn-out shawl, her face weathered and etched.

“My son… if he hadn’t been killed by the Oathsworn last year, he might have lived to see this day, eating and sleeping well. Great Lord… he saved us all…”

Her words didn't cause much of a stir. Those who heard her simply tugged at her shawl, someone offered her hot soup, and someone else helped her sit down.

In order not to cause trouble for the lord, no one shouted or sang loudly.

Yet it seems as if all emotions are condensed in this wisp of summer breeze before it awakens.

The sun has not yet risen, but the "sun" of the Red Tide Territory has already stood tall in people's hearts.

…………

The castle bells rang out slowly after the seventh chime.

The double doors of the banquet hall deep within the Red Tide City's main fortress quietly closed, shutting out the outside clamor and the people's prayers behind them.

Looking in from the porch, it feels like stepping into another world.

On the high dome, two large coats of arms fluttered in the wind.

The crimson glow of the Calvin family's moon emblem burned brightly, while the silver eagle of the Edmund family's wings seemed poised to take flight; their interplay wove a radiant glow of faith in aristocratic marriages across the hall's ceiling.

The surrounding area is filled with candlesticks, all made of traditional Northern tall bronze castings. The flames are gentle and steady, intermingling with the morning light filtering in from the windows and casting a solemn and holy glow on the walls and flags.

The bluebells, white roses, and ice roses selected by the noble merchant guild in three rounds were cleverly woven into the flower stands and table decorations.

Bluebells tremble like a morning breeze, white roses stand tall, and ice roses are as bright as melting frost and snow. They are not for show, but to remember—loyalty, steadfastness, and glory.

All of this, from the heraldic drapery falling from the sky to the limestone patterns outlined on every inch of the red carpet;

From the selection of flowers to the height and placement of candlesticks, and even the angle of the incoming light.

Moreover, every detail at the event reflected the Calvin family's respect for tradition without appearing extravagant.

These arrangements make guests unconsciously hold their breath and walk softly as soon as they step inside.

All of this is thanks to Bradley's personal design and arrangements.

The old butler of the Calvin family, the chief steward of the Red Tide main castle, has been busy for more than a month.

All for this perfect completion.

He wasn't even seated at the head table, nor was he the center of attention.

But every breath and rhythm of this wedding reveals his design and beliefs.

The guests were already in place, and the wedding hall was completely silent.

On the bench in the front row, a man and a woman sat upright.

One of them was the Governor of the North, a high-ranking official of the Empire, and the Duke of Edmund.

He wore a black and silver ceremonial robe, with a silver eagle cloak draped over his shoulders. His eagle eyes were slightly closed, and his face was as cold and majestic as a stone sculpture.

Today, he set aside all official duties and personally came to Chichao as a father.

Edmund slowly opened his eyes, and in those eagle-like eyes, a hint of almost imperceptible gentleness appeared.

That expression seemed to pull time back more than ten years.

Little Emily, wearing a pale yellow cloak, chased after the eagle in the snow, falling and shouting, "Father! Look, I caught it!"

Before he knew it, it was time for her to get married, which filled him with a mix of emotions.

The woman beside him was Duchess Elena, Emily's stepmother.

She was always dignified and composed, possessing the natural grace of an imperial noblewoman.

However, at this moment, she was tightly clutching a snow-white embroidered handkerchief, her knuckles slightly white.

Elena gazed at the girl who was about to appear at the other end of the red carpet, her eyes already reddening and her lips trembling, as if she was trying hard to suppress some kind of emotion.

She remembered the sound of that child calling her "mother" for the first time.

I remember her having a fever in the middle of the night, curled up in bed, and me holding her little hand, feeding her medicine spoonful by spoonful.

I remember her teaching her how to wear a dress, teaching her her first dance, and I remember her smiling in the sunlight.

Now she's getting married.

Elena took a deep breath and lowered her head to hide her moist eyes.

Unbeknownst to her, Emily had already glanced at her through the window.

This glance held not only gratitude but also a deep sense of reluctance.

For Emily, this wedding was not only about honor and family, but also one of the most important farewells of her life.

The rest of the Edmund family members and their retainers sat solemnly in the back row according to bloodline and etiquette.

Earl, Baron, Viscount...

They may not be familiar with the Calvin family or with Louis.

But today, as members of the Edmund family, they must also witness this marriage arranged by the patriarch.

The Calvin family did not send a large number of people to the North, after all, the Southeast Province was thousands of miles away from the Red Tide.

In the end, only the two elder brothers, Pal and Veris, who were originally serving as pioneer nobles in the North, and the third brother, Eduardo, who came on behalf of their father, were present.

Eduardo remained calm and composed, behaving as if he were merely a guest attending a ceremony.

He maintained a smile throughout, but his mind was no longer on the wedding itself.

Louis's mention of the "insect corpses" last night had greatly concerned him and awakened his vigilance as a church messenger, perhaps related to his mission.

Pal's expression was much more complicated, his eyes always filled with jealousy and resentment.

He envied Louis's current glory, yet found it difficult to speak of his own defeat and loss of power.

In contrast, Veris appeared much more composed.

He was genuinely happy for Louis, after all, his brother Louis had given him countless tangible benefits and helped his territory gain a foothold in the North.

In addition, some collateral relatives of the Calvin family in the North were sent to "show up," though most of them were insignificant figures.

They appeared respectful, but each had their own agenda.

As the Calvin family's representative in the North, the higher Louis's prestige, the more benefits they will be able to share in the future.

The wedding ceremony was about to begin, and a priest wearing a gold-embroidered robe stood quietly in front of the altar.

He was one of the highest-ranking priests in the North, with a solemn face and his hands folded in front of him, his whole being like some ancient oath sealed in a statue.

No one dared to make a sound; in the silence, even a pin dropping could be clearly heard.

Only the music flowed out quietly.

Soft, delicate notes drifted from the side hall, starting with just a few low twangs of strings, like the first footprints on the snow.

Then a cold moon three-stringed flute quietly joined in, its timbre distant and melancholic, like the north wind swirling on a mountaintop.

That was a joint orchestra from Crimson Tide City and the Cold Moon Tribe, a celebratory piece specially prepared for today.

It is said that they rehearsed for two whole months just to get this "North-South ensemble" in motion.

As soon as the music began, it was as if a rift in time and space had been torn open in the entire auditorium, and the waves of the South and the frost of the North were briefly combined in the notes.

The priest opened his eyes and looked up in the direction of the gate.

The two main characters should make their appearance now.

The music paused softly, as if all was silent in the wind and snow.

Immediately afterwards, a melodious bugle call rang out, rising from both sides of the auditorium like morning bells and evening drums.

The bride appeared first.

Emily slowly walked into the hall, wearing an ivory-white wedding dress. The hem of her dress was like snow waves gently sweeping across the ground, and every step seemed to be on the morning light.

The cloak was meticulously embroidered with yarn from the North, its silver threads flowing like a starry night sky draped over her shoulders, swaying gently with her steps, as if even the wind held its breath.

Her face was half-covered by a veil, and through the light gauze, one could see her eyes trembling slightly, like gentle ripples on a lake, hiding a hint of nervousness and a hint of unspoken joy.

Around her neck was an old silver pendant, antique in style but polished to a shine; it was the last piece of jewelry her mother had left behind.

It clung to her skin like a silent guardian.

She subconsciously glanced up at the audience.

The Duke of Edmund sat upright in his seat, his expression calm and unwavering.

Mrs. Elena gently wiped away her tears, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Emily's gaze lingered on them for a moment, tears welling up uncontrollably in her eyes.

She bit her lower lip, trying hard not to let the tears fall.

Today is her wedding day, not a day for nostalgia, nor a day for farewell.

Immediately afterwards, the doors at the other end of the auditorium slowly opened.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Louis Calvin stepped into the hall.

He wore a modified Northern formal suit, the dark black background making him appear even more imposing.

A silver double emblem hangs on his chest, one side bearing the Calvin family's moon emblem and the other the sun, unique to the Crimson Tide Territory, symbolizing his current status as the Calvin family's plenipotentiary representative in the northern border of the empire.

He wore a red and gold cloak and carried no sword, yet he exuded a chilling and oppressive aura.

There were no ostentatious jewels or fancy gold ornaments.

But he was like a long sword hidden in its sheath, standing there quietly, his sharpness unseen, yet no one dared to underestimate him.

Louis walked with a steady and composed gait, his gaze sweeping over the guests in the hall, but he paused when he saw the bride on the other side of the hall.

That wedding dress seemed to have been made for her.

And her eyes, her posture, she stood there like a warm light suddenly blooming in the snowy night.

The smiles and tears behind the veil left him momentarily stunned.

It's really beautiful, he thought to himself.

Meanwhile, Emily's gaze also passed through the crowd and landed on the man in a tuxedo who was walking towards her, and her heart suddenly skipped a beat.

He wore a black cloak and a neat uniform, his gaze so resolute it seemed to pierce through the wind and snow.

When she first met Louis, she felt that this man was not only handsome, but also had an indescribable charm.

Like light, but not dazzling.

Just like the reassuring presence of solar energy.

"Damn, he's much more handsome than I imagined," she thought to herself, but a slow smile involuntarily crept onto her lips.

At the clergyman's prompting, the two walked towards each other step by step, eventually meeting slowly in the center of the hall and standing before each other.

At that moment, all the music and blessings seemed to freeze between them, and the entire auditorium seemed to be empty except for the two of them.

The ceremony is finally about to begin.

At the clergyman's prompting, Louis Calvin and Emily Edmund walked side by side to the center of the hall.

Their steps were symmetrical, like reflections in a mirror, each step perfectly timed with the music, solemn and serene.

When the two finally met in the center of the auditorium and stood facing each other, the surroundings seemed to fall silent all at once.

The music, incense, guests, and even the colorful lights overhead all seemed to have been gently paused by some invisible force.

Only the two of them remained.

The priests raised their scepters, engraved with dragon motifs, and their ancient and solemn voices echoed in the high hall:
"Under the witness of the Dragon Ancestor, and before all present, the newlyweds will make three vows—"

The first oath is the oath of the family.

"Are you willing to uphold the honor of your bloodline, support your spouse, and work together for the prosperity of your family?" Louis extended his right hand and took Emily's veiled hand in his. The warmth of his palm was unwavering.

He looked into her eyes and said in a steady voice, "I do."

He did not hesitate or waver, even though he didn't feel much emotion inside.

He didn't dislike her, but he wasn't exactly familiar with her either.

Emily Edmund, a name of immense political importance, yet from an emotional perspective, it was only the second time we had met.

Political marriage.

He had long understood the true nature of this marriage.

But he still spoke his vow with unwavering conviction.

Emily looked at him and took a soft breath.

"I do."

Her voice trembled slightly, but it was clear and unambiguous; she had been preparing for this day for a long time.

From the moment she learned that she was to be married into the Red Tide Territory, she understood that she was not just sent as a "daughter" or "noble lady," but as a "wife" and "future lord's wife."

She cannot be weak.

But the pride in her parents' eyes, the godmother's hushed admonitions, and the etiquette she pondered day and night, along with her imagination of the future.

At this moment, however, emotions surged from the depths of her heart like a tidal wave, almost overwhelming her.

She lowered her head, concealing the tears welling up in her eyes.

The second oath, the oath of the empire.

"Are you willing to be loyal to the empire, uphold the law, and never betray it?"

“I do,” Louis replied without hesitation.

“I do.” Emily gripped the edge of her dress tightly. She knew that this vow was the bond that connected her to her family, and also the second threshold she had to cross to enter this new world.

The third oath is the oath of faith.

"Are you willing to follow the Dragon Ancestor as your guide and walk hand in hand through light and suffering?"

"I do."

"I do."

Emily's eyes were glistening with tears, shimmering slightly beneath the veil, but she no longer looked away.

And so, the three vows were fulfilled.

The clergy solemnly announced:
"In the name of the Dragon Ancestor, your destinies will intersect from this day forward; the chains of blood and faith have bound you closely together."

Applause erupted, and confetti rained down like snowflakes.

The dragon-patterned scepter lightly touched between the two, and the holy emblem, interwoven with platinum and red gold, shimmered slightly, like a blessing bestowed by an ancient deity.

Emily trembled slightly, feeling the warmth fall on her brow, as if it were truly imprinted on the depths of her destiny.

In the front row, Duchess Elena quietly wiped away her tears, but as her fingertips brushed the tears from the corners of her eyes, she quickly regained the composure that was typical of a noblewoman.

As she watched her daughter's seemingly grown-up back, a strange sense of weightlessness welled up inside her.

That was not sadness, but rather the mother eagle's fulfillment, like pushing a fledgling eagle with grown wings into the sky.

The Duke of Edmund sat beside her, his expression as serene as ever.

Even in the face of such a situation, he remained the calm and composed high-ranking official of the empire.

However, at the very moment Emily formally took her oath, a gentle light still flashed in his eyes.

On the other side, Pal Calvin sat back in his chair, his expression somber.

He clenched his teeth, trying to maintain the smile befitting an aristocrat, though the smile seemed more like mockery.

“It’s just a political marriage. She’ll never really like him.” He chuckled softly, half mocking and half resentful.

He couldn't accept that his once-ignored younger brother had now married the most dazzling woman in the entire North.

"It's like a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung," he consoled himself.

With the wedding vows completed, the ceremony proceeded to the celebration phase.

First came the coronation of the holy emblem.

The clergy place the double-ringed emblem, symbolizing the union of husband and wife, on the newlyweds' shawl. The emblem is engraved with dragon wings and a rising sun, signifying faith and the future.

Louis knelt down on one knee, took the badge, and then stood up to pin it on Emily himself.

In that instant, Emily's eyes widened. His movements were so gentle, his fingertips brushing against the strands of hair at the side of her neck, a tenderness so subtle it made her heart skip a beat.

He...meticulously attends to every detail.

This was followed by a ritual of offering wine, where the two held silver cups together and each offered wine brewed in their hometown to the other.

Louis poured her a glass of wine brewed by Red Tide, its color clear but its taste as hot as a fierce wind on a cold night.

He watched Emily drink it and smiled slightly: "If you're not used to it, you can change the water."

“I quite like it,” Emily said softly, her throat tightening.

She means it.

The liquor was strong, but it had a unique Northern crispness and straightforwardness, just like him—not talkative, yet always leaving a deep impression.

Immediately afterwards, court musicians played hymns and poems.

The bards walked into the hall and sang excerpts from the Imperial Chronicles, praising the glory of the Dragon Ancestor and the joy of the newlyweds' union.

The song flowed like a gentle stream, as if history were repeating itself at this moment, with a new noble marriage being written into the chapter of the empire's continuation.

Then came the banquet.

Colorful lights shimmered, silver plates spun, and fragrant mist rose. Noble guests rose one after another to offer their congratulations to the newlyweds, and the sounds of toasts and clinking glasses filled the air.

On the long table, the fiery red lobster from the capital, the frozen honey chestnuts from the Red Tide Territory, and the golden crane meat specially supplied to the royal family were served one by one, creating a feast for the senses.

Emily sat in the main seat, looking slightly reserved, but she tried her best to respond to every word of the speech with a smile.

She occasionally glanced at Louis.

He remained calm and composed, handling each guest with measured words and skillful demeanor.

But she noticed that on several occasions, he would look at her before she did.

Their eyes met, and he nodded slightly without saying anything more, as if they were of one mind.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the music faded, the aroma of wine lingered, and the formalities and pleasantries gradually subsided.

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

Emily was stunned and before she could react, he had already grabbed her hand.

"Louis?" He was leading her, her skirt swaying slightly in the corridor, and she could only jog to keep up with his pace.

The two walked through the side door of the banquet hall and onto the huge balcony that faced the starry sky and overlooked the entire hall.

Louis then gestured to his attendants behind him, and the accompanying master of ceremonies immediately announced in a loud voice:

"Distinguished guests, please move to the balcony to enjoy the wedding ceremony together."

The crowd quickly gathered there. The cold night was not biting in the fire pit and the hot wine; instead, it gained a sense of solemnity and mystery.

The night sky in the distance was clear and bright, with only a few stars, as if it had specially made room for this moment.

Before Emily could understand what was happening, Louis was already standing in the center of the balcony, nodding slightly to the crowd.

“This marriage doesn’t just belong to the two of us.” He spoke calmly, looking at the pairs of eyes watching him under the stars, “It also belongs to this North. I want it to be remembered.”

He raised his hand to signal, and a row of metal devices in the distance were ignited.

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

boom--!
A blazing, crimson sun bursts forth in the night sky, its central core ablaze like a fiery heart.

The crowd exclaimed.

"It's the sun... a symbol of the red tide!"

"So beautiful... This is the first time I've ever seen Magic Marrow Fireworks..."

Emily stood frozen in place, the firelight reflecting in her pupils, and she quietly glanced at the man beside her.

He didn't say much, but simply watched the crimson fire lotus bloom in the air.

Then a second explosion rang out: Boom!

This time, icy blue flames hung down upside down, like a snow waterfall cascading from the sky.

Crystalline light, like snowflakes, drifted and ethereal, enveloping the entire Crimson Tide Territory, as if the whole world were surrounded by gentle snow mist.

Emily held her breath. So beautiful…

The third shot—!
A streak of gold and a streak of silver, along with enormous, wing-like fireworks, exploded from the sky and spread across the dome.

The light and shadow of soaring wings left a magnificent arc in the night sky, resembling a silver eagle in flight, subtly forming part of the Edmund family crest, symbolizing order and alliance.

"Wow..." Even the noble children couldn't help but clap their hands, and the elders were filled with respect.

Louis raised an eyebrow slightly: "Hilco is indeed quite capable."

He had initially scoffed at the guy's so-called "alchemy genius."

After all, this person usually spouts strange theories and is always causing trouble, but now he has to admit it.

When this guy gets serious, he can definitely produce something amazing.

On the auditorium balcony, however, came a cacophony of whispers and awe.

Almost all the noble guests who saw this scene for the first time were astonished.

"What is that?... Magic?" A southern nobleman squinted in surprise.

After three deafening fireworks, the night sky did not fall silent; instead, it became even more intense.

As the mechanisms were activated one by one, a series of dazzling lights and shadows rose into the air, including flower shapes, flowing lines, vortexes, star showers, and phoenix tails... one after another, almost turning the entire night sky into a flowing painting.

The nobles were overwhelmed and almost all of them were rooted to the spot.

"That's... magic?" someone asked, their voice tinged with awe and uncertainty.

"No... is it an illusion? How can the changes be so synchronized?!"

"Look at that trajectory... Is that a magic explosion bomb?! A magic explosion bomb can actually produce this kind of effect!"

"This...this isn't the 'salute' we remember anymore..."

Whispers arose among the crowd, but no one was willing to look away.

They had attended countless weddings and seen countless lavish displays, but they had never seen such a sense of ceremony using the "sky" as a canvas.

That wasn't fireworks; it was a declaration that utterly crushed all imagination.

Even the usually composed Duke Edmund looked up for a moment.

He had never liked crowds or cared much about luxury, but at this moment he stopped thinking for once, stared silently, and a glimmer of light appeared in his eyes.

“It really is quite beautiful,” he said.

It was as if even he himself was forced to acknowledge the unusual nature of this "young people's wedding".

Standing beside him, Lady Elena could not hide the amazement in her eyes. Her eyes shone as if illuminated by fireworks, and she murmured in admiration:
"It's really...so beautiful."

She wasn't just talking about the fireworks; she was more expressing her feelings about her daughter's wedding and the significance of this night.

"You were all prepared?" Emily asked softly, her voice so soft it was as if she were afraid of disturbing the spark.

“It’s not for everyone.” Louis looked at her, his voice still calm, but with an unusual seriousness. “It’s for you.”

Emily was stunned. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair, but it couldn't dispel the shock in her eyes.

Louis spoke slowly, as if carefully choosing each word, “I understand how much you’ve sacrificed for this day. But I don’t want you to feel like you’re just a pawn in the family business.”

He turned to look at the colorful flames in the sky, his voice low but firm: "After today, you will be my wife. I hope that when you recall this day, it will be a time to welcome you, a time when the light shone for you."

Emily stared at him, gazing at this man destined for her.

The flames burst forth again, and starlight rained down on her shoulders, and her heart seemed to skip a beat at that moment.

"Why did you..." she opened her mouth, but found her throat tightening and her voice trembling slightly.

“I’m not good at saying eloquent things,” Louis chuckled softly, “but I know you deserve a night like this.”

At that moment, Emily almost burst into tears.

She slowly reached out and took his hand.

The wind stirred slightly, as if it had softened.

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

It belongs only to her and him.

(End of this chapter)