252: The wedding of the season (part 3)

The wedding of the season (part 3)

The Archduke of Lanark's sky-blue eyes glimmered with love as he gazed upon his daughter and her soon-to-be husband. The lantern lights around affected his silver hair, adding a touch of wisdom to his presence.2

Clearing his throat, he addressed the select few guests gathered around the table, solemnity and joy intermingling in his voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, we have come together on this momentous occasion to witness the union of two souls, bound by love and fate."

Adela's hand delicately intertwined with Egon's beneath the table, both of them kept their attention fixed on the Archduke, awaiting his next words with bated breath.

"Today, we celebrate the marriage of Lady Adelaide, my beloved daughter, and Sir Egon, a man whose strength and devotion have won the hearts of us all."

A murmur of agreement and approval rippled through the small gathering as the Archduke continued, his words imbued with emotion.

"Their love has endured trials and challenges, and it is with great joy that we stand witness to the culmination of their journey."

He turned to Adela and Egon, his expression tender and proud. "Adelaide and Egon, may you continue to support and protect each other through all the joys and hardships that life may bring."

His gaze shifted between the bride and groom, as if conveying a wealth of blessings.

"As you exchange your vows today, remember this conscious choice you are making. May you always choose each other, and may your love be a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around you." With a warm smile, he concluded, "And now, I invite you to declare your vows to one another, binding your souls together in the sacred bond of marriage."

Egon spoke first, his deep voice steady and soft.

"Lady Adelaide, from the moment our paths crossed, I knew there was something special between us. Getting to know you only made me want to protect your strength, to stand by your side and watch you walk with your head held up high. With you, I have found a connection so profound and eternal, one that gives me strength because..." He gave her a secret smile, "Well, only because it is you... I promise to be your mana, your equal partner in all things, for as long as we both shall live."

Adela's voice trembled slightly as she spoke her vows.

"Sir Egon, you came into my life like a storm," she swallowed, "Turning everything upside down, and yet, I found peace, I found another Lanark in your presence... I promise to stand by your side, support and hold you, be your strength when you need it, and I promise to choose to do so every day." She gave him a shy smile, "I vow to be your beating heart, forever."

With a smile, the Archduke cleared his throat, commanding the attention of the guests.

"In the presence of all these noble witnesses, I am honored to pronounce you husband and wife." 

The cheers and applause filled the air around the table, but Adela remained oblivious to the celebration, her attention wholly consumed by the intensity of Egon's onyx gaze. As he leaned in to place a chaste kiss on her forehead, the first one they share as husband and wife, a rush of euphoria washed over her, momentarily stealing her heart's rhythm.

"Stop!"

The sudden, thunderous objection reverberated through the garden, instantly capturing the focus of all present. A blond man emerged, seemingly breathless, his body slightly hunched as if he had just escaped from a battlefield, clad in the regalia of a knight.

When the man straightened up, the realization struck: it was the Crown Prince himself, Claude de Lanark, standing there, ready to disrupt the wedding.

"Tell me I am not too late, uncle!"

The men at the table rose as Egon did, but Adela was the only one who witnessed the transformation in her husband's eyes, now glowing a fiery ruby.

Claude appeared appalled, his eyes leaking of betrayal towards Kaiser before settling on Egon.

"You…" Claude spoke through clenched teeth, removing his glove and marching towards Egon.

Anxiety gripped Adela as she feared the potential consequences of Claude's doubts about Egon's true nature.

He can't be serious about challenging Egon to a duel. It would be suicide!

When Claude reached a reasonable range that separated him from the groom, he couldn't contain his rage any longer. With a burst of fury, he violently threw his white glove at Egon. However, Egon's reflexes were quick, and he swiftly flicked the glove away, causing it to land gracefully on the ground.

"Crown Prince!" Kaiser de Lanark exclaimed.

"I, Claude de Lanark, challenge you, Egon von Conradie, to a duel to the death!" 

Egon's face contorted into an animalistic grin, his red eyes revealing a feral bloodlust.

Adela was about to intervene, to prevent a potentially deadly confrontation, but Sasha stood up, taking the initiative.

"I cannot authorize a duel. One of you is my prime suspect, and I did not come all the way from the Empire to Emoria just to watch the murderer of Emanuel de Lanark escape so easily."

Seemingly oblivious to his surroundings, Claude's hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, his focus solely fixated on Egon. 

"You have to go through me first," Bastian's hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his own sword, prepared to draw it. But Aldric swiftly intervened, forcefully pushing Bastian back down into his seat.

"Calm down, Bastian," the young King urged, his calculative gaze shifting between the tense men.

In the back of her mind, Adela vaguely noticed how Arkin appeared detached from the unfolding drama, his expression unreadable.

I have to do something.

Feeling responsible for the safety of her cousin, she stood up, instinctively clutching her husband's arm, and looked up at her father with pleading eyes, silently urging him to restore order.

"Everyone, remain calm and civilized. This is my daughter's wedding; do not dare ruin it," Kaiser warned, glaring pointedly at Claude, who seemed undeterred.

"Are you man enough to fight me? That's the only way I'll allow you near her, over my dead body!" Claude's hurtful gaze fell on Adela. "He may have fooled everyone else, but I won't let him use you to reach the throne!"

"Enough!" Egon's roar echoed in the garden, "This is neither the time nor the place for a duel. Meet me tomorrow morning, name the place—select it carefully. It will be your graveyard, after all."

Sasha raised her hand high, her face solemn as she addressed Egon, "Egon von Conradie, descendant of the last Emperor of this continent we stand upon, I hereby arrest you for the premeditated murder of Emanuel de Lanark."

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