Chapter 477: Prelude to the Grand Wedding

The Kingdom of Trisia, the Duchy of Moltenfire.

Since the Holy Storm organization, rising from obscurity, seized this duchy and swallowed nearby noble territories, they renamed this region the "Flame Sanctum."

The sacred capital of the Flame Sanctum is Moltenfire City.

As the highest rulers and arbiters of the Sanctum, the Flame Apostle—Firewing, and the Storm Apostle—Serandiel reside within Moltenfire Castle.

Their identities, like Mephisto's, are emissaries sent by the demon gods to the continent of Orlant.

In the temple of Moltenfire Castle, the towering Firewing frowned, his face dark as he spoke to the woman beside him: "Mephisto is dead!"

Firewing's physique was already imposing, and accentuated by a suit of golden armor, he exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure.

Before him, Serandiel seemed somewhat delicate and petite, yet no one in the Sanctum dared question this woman. Her ruthlessness matched her beauty, both unparalleled.

"Hmph, I told him long ago not to go north alone, but he wouldn't listen!"

Serandiel sat sulking on a nearby chair. "Now he's dead—it's the price he deserved to pay!"

Firewing turned and settled into his own seat, his massive frame filling the wide steel throne.

"Although Mephisto had a peculiar temperament, as one of the Three Apostles, his death grieves me! Serandiel, you shouldn't harbor such hostility toward a fallen companion."

As the leader of this operation and the highest decision-maker of the Holy Storm organization, Firewing commanded considerable authority.

"Alright, Firewing, you're right. I shouldn't hold prejudice or animosity toward him anymore."

Serandiel sighed and began to seriously investigate the matter.

"We all know Mephisto's abilities; with the Soul Pearl amplifying his power, killing him was exceedingly difficult, which was why he ventured north alone with confidence."

She inquired with puzzlement: "So, how did he die?"

Firewing waved the letter in his hand. "This intelligence came from over there. Two individuals warrant our attention, one being an old acquaintance we know well."

"Who?" Serandiel asked curiously.

"Princess Sophia of Dawnlight City—she has arrived in the Kingdom of Odwyn."

Serandiel paused briefly, then roughly understood why Mephisto died.

"The leader of Dawnlight City is a magician, whose inventions over the years have posed significant challenges for us. Among them is a device for locating the Soul Pearl. Mephisto probably didn't anticipate their arrival."

"So, who is the second person?"

"A native named 'Ronin Ushan.'"

Firewing glanced at the letter and explained: "This person, under twenty years old, is already a Sun Knight, surrounded by numerous formidable allies. Even Sophia's party has joined his faction. Mephisto died at this man's hands."

Serandiel was slightly astonished as well. A Sun Knight under twenty—such talent was rare even on the Crescent Continent.

"Since Sophia acknowledges him, it's likely we won't easily cooperate with him. Without surprises, this Ronin will undoubtedly become a formidable adversary for us in the future!"

"Indeed!"

Firewing flicked his finger, and the letter in his hand was consumed by flames.

"Fortunately, Sophia hasn't gained support from the Kingdom of Odwyn; otherwise, war between these two kingdoms would erupt immediately. But over time, her alliance with Ronin could eventually trouble us. Therefore, we must march north swiftly!"

Serandiel frowned slightly: "Heading north should target the Kingdom of Trisia. If we advance northward ourselves, we'd be sandwiched between two sides."

Firewing chuckled softly. "Rest assured, a turning point will arrive soon!"

"Oh?"

Serandiel's eyes shifted, roughly guessing the situation.

Presumably, the royal family of Trisia intends to collaborate with them to jointly resist potential southern threats.

Ronin felt that time passed swiftly when busy; scarcely noticing, it was late December, another annual celebration festival.

Yet this year's celebration differed from the past—this day marked his wedding.

On the morning of the 28th, before dawn, Ushan Castle was already ablaze with lights.

His personal maid, Bella, unusually traveled afar this time, accompanying Diana from the Northern Ushan Territory to the Earl's Castle. Now, she and the castle maids meticulously dressed and groomed Ronin.

Ronin gazed at his reflection in the mirror, his lips curling slightly.

He wore an exquisitely tailored splendid robe from Ushan Castle. According to Bella, this robe utilized high-quality velvet and the finest silk from the Northern Ushan Territory, immensely valuable.

Besides the robe, he adorned a jewel-encrusted belt, precious pearl bracelets, an exquisite necklace, and a wide-brimmed high-top hat.

Overall, he appeared both opulent and magnificent, yet not lacking elegance and grace.

"Still, everyday attire feels more relaxed," Ronin couldn't help remarking.

Diana, supervising nearby, smiled and said: "This is your wedding, the most significant day for the royal family. We cannot compromise our dignity."

Bretton raised a thumb: "Brother looks truly handsome!"

Ronin burst into laughter, glancing around and smacking his lips: "Seems indeed quite handsome."

After bustling preparations, the sunrise dawned, and the sky gradually brightened.

On the plaza before Ushan Castle, the dragon Kalros had long crouched there, absorbing elemental forces, creating a spectacle of alternating wind and fire.

This sight evoked both terror and reverence.

Nobles arriving at Ushan Castle stood afar, marveling incessantly.

Particularly those who had seen dragons—they hadn't realized Kalros had grown so immense.

Around eight in the morning, Rulanus, Viggins, and others escorted Ronin to the forefront of the plaza.

Rulanus, adorned in splendid attire, spirited and beaming with gratification, urged: "Go, swiftly return!"

Over the past two months, the royal family and Ushan Castle deliberated repeatedly, ultimately finalizing the wedding procession under Ronin's suggestions.

As a representative of the royal family, Blanche's wedding bore high political and symbolic significance, also showcasing royal authority and glory. According to custom, the ceremony would occur in the royal grand hall.

Ronin didn't contest this arrangement, only modifying the evening banquet at the Goldenfeather Palace.

Thus, he would arrive at the Goldenfeather Palace by morning, hold the wedding in the royal grand hall at noon, and after the luncheon, return with Blanche for celebratory evening festivities at Ushan Castle.

Ronin nodded, striding directly onto Kalros's back.

"Depart!"

Kalros spread his colossal wings, instantly shading the sky, releasing immense pressure that made distant spectators tremble.

Whoosh—

A fierce wind swept through the city; the man and dragon vanished swiftly, soon reduced to a tiny speck.

Rulanus gazed at the sky, lips slightly upturned.

Ronin's possession of a dragon had spread, yet most nobles hadn't seen the dragon's true form. They couldn't foresee the stir Ronin's arrival in Goldenfeather City in such manner would cause.

Rulanus had advised Ronin to forego the dragon, opting for griffins, given the family's ample supply.

But Ronin declined. For him, such a life event—why not make it lively and grand?