134: Grand Wedding

dawn calendar 3165, June 1st.

Star Sea Day.

On this day, the entire Shattered Star Archipelago seemed bathed in the brilliance of celebration. From the moment the first ray of sunlight pierced the sea fog, Star Sea City awoke in an atmosphere of unprecedented joy.

Every street in the Main City District was meticulously decorated. Blue and white silk draped from the eaves, and colorful banners embroidered with the Star Sea Territory's Griffin Emblem fluttered in the breeze. Magic Lamp Posts were erected every ten steps along the roads. Though not lit yet, the crystal shades were filled with gentle Light Elements, ready to shine once night fell. Wreaths woven from the island's unique “Star Wish Flowers,” whose pale blue petals emitted a delicate fragrance, hung on the doors of every household.

In the Port District, there were several times more ships than usual. Besides the Star Sea Merchant Guild's own merchant fleet, most were passenger ships flying various noble crests. There were minor and medium nobles from the Northern Provinces of the Aolai Kingdom, coastal Lords who had established trade relations with the Star Sea Territory, and even congratulatory envoys sent by two Earls and one Marquis. Thirty to forty nobles, both great and small, attended—a rare spectacle in the entire Storm Sea Region, demonstrating the current influence of Lynn Star Sea and the Star Sea Territory.

The Central Plaza in front of the Lords Mansion had been transformed into the core venue for the wedding ceremony. A pure white platform rose from the ground, its base constructed from the island's unique Moonlight Stone, which shone with a warm, pearly luster under the sun. On either side of the platform stood two symbolic arches: the left was the “Gate of the Ocean,” built from ice crystal and Coral, condensing the blessings of Water Elementals; the right was the “Gate of the Stars,” entwined with Starwood and silver threads, inlaid with hundreds of miniature Starlight Stones. Between the two arches, a Star Carpet, studded with crushed diamonds and Sapphires, stretched all the way to the main entrance of the Lords Mansion.

At ten o'clock in the morning, invited guests began arriving.

All Military and Political Officials of the Star Sea Territory attended in formal attire. Clay wore a sharp, sea-blue Knight's Formal Suit, his chest covered in medals representing military achievements; Ocean Jack, rarely seen in formal wear, kept awkwardly tugging at his collar; Payson sat shoulder-to-shoulder with his uncle, Yilman Lawson, who, despite still missing an arm, looked ruddy and full of gratification; Angus, Carl, Shirei, and other Generals sat according to military rank, all looking spirited.

On the side of the Political Officials, Morton wore a deep purple, gold-trimmed Butler's Formal Suit, his gray hair meticulously combed. He tightly clutched a handkerchief, his eyes already slightly red. Barton and other heads of the merchant guilds, City Governors, Mage Corps representatives, Workshop Great Masters... the entire Ruling Class of the Star Sea Territory was gathered.

The Noble Guest Section was even more dazzling. Viscount Nocturne personally attended on behalf of Duke Aivor, presenting a magnificent gift: a pair of Legendary-grade Magic Rings from the Nocturne Family treasury, called “Twin Guardians.” Several coastal Lords who maintained close trade relations with the Star Sea Territory exchanged pleasantries, their words filled with blessings for the marriage and anticipation for the future development of the Star Sea Territory.

Most eye-catching was the Sea God Clan's Observation Delegation. Over twenty Sea God Clan members sat solemnly in the specially designated “Sea Favor Seats,” led by Sea Song. They wore deep blue and silver-white Sacrificial Robes, the scale-like patterns on their foreheads shimmering under the sun. The Water Element fluctuations naturally emitted from them made the surrounding air feel slightly fresher and more humid. High Priestess Sea Song sat quietly, possessing graceful composure and wearing a Crystal Crown.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, the wedding bells rang.

Nine long, deep tolls came from the Central Bell Tower of Star Sea City, echoing among the islands. As the bells rang, all conversations in the plaza gradually ceased, and everyone's gaze turned toward the platform.

High Priestess Sea Song slowly rose and walked toward the center of the platform. In her hand, she held a Staff carved from Deep Sea Blue Jade, the tip inlaid with a fist-sized “Heart of the Tide” gem. As she walked, tides seemed to surge within the gem.

“By the eternity of the ocean, and by the witness of the stars,” Sea Song's voice was ethereal and grand, carried throughout the plaza by magic. “Today, we gather here to witness a sacred union that transcends races and connects the sea and the land.”

She lightly tapped the platform with her Staff, and a ripple of pale blue spread out. Wherever the ripple passed, countless tiny crystal light points condensed in the air, like a star sea inverted.

“Please welcome the newlyweds!”

The massive gate of the Lords Mansion, engraved with griffins and stars, slowly opened.

The first to emerge was Linn.

Today, he wore a specially made “Star Sea Lord's Wedding Attire.” The inner garment was a deep sea blue Velvet Robe, embroidered with complex patterns of stars and waves using silver thread. The collar and cuffs were inlaid with fine Moonstone. Over this, he wore a lightweight silver-gray cloak, its edges embroidered with ancient Blessing Runes using Mithril Thread. He did not wear a crown, but a delicate White Gold Forehead Ornament adorned his brow, the central Sapphire matching the color of his eyes. His Sky Intermediate Realm aura was perfectly contained, leaving only the dignity appropriate for a Lord and the unique gentleness of the day.

Linn stepped onto the Star Carpet, his pace steady. His gaze calmly swept over the assembled guests, finally settling on High Priestess Sea Song on the platform, to whom he gave a slight nod.

Next, the two brides emerged from the manor, accompanied by their bridesmaids.

On the left was Elise.

She wore the “Pact of the Starry Sky” Wedding Dress. The gown was based on the finest Moonlight Silk, and on the layered tulle skirt, Embroiderers had used silver thread and extremely fine Blue Diamonds to depict the entire starry Sky—the actual constellation distribution over the Star Sea Territory at night. The train was five meters long, gently held by six young women from the Mage Corps. Her golden-yellow hair was meticulously woven into an elegant bun, adorned with star-shaped Crystal Hairpins. Her veil was thin as mist, faintly revealing her stunning features and eyes filled with shyness and joy. Her cultivation as an Earth Intermediate Mage allowed a faint magical radiance to surround her, adding to her mystery and nobility.

On the right was Aivi.

Her Wedding Dress, “Deep Sea Love,” was a completely different style. The gown was made from “Mermaid Gauze,” a specialty of the Sea God Clan, a fabric that shimmered with rainbow light when exposed to light. The design was simple yet elegant, fitting her curves, and starting from the waist, the skirt spread out in layers like ocean waves, each layer inlaid with tiny pearls and Aquamarines. Her sea-blue hair flowed down, only slightly gathered by a crown made of Coral and pearls. After three years of secret Sea God Clan Legacy, she had awakened more Bloodline power, and her strength had jumped to Sky Advanced, a minor Realm higher than Linn. Although she contained her aura now, deep within her clear blue eyes, one could faintly see the phantom images of surging tides and deep-sea whirlpools—a sign of the complete Awakening of the Sea God Bloodline.

The two women, one on the left and one on the right, stepped onto the carpet and walked toward Linn.

Elise was graceful and composed, each step carrying the unique rhythm of a Mage; Aivi was light and agile, moving as if walking on waves. Two distinct kinds of beauty shone brightly together at this moment.

When the three met before the platform, Linn extended his hands, taking Elise's and Aivi's hands respectively. At this moment, the plaza erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

The three walked side-by-side onto the platform and stopped in front of High Priestess Sea Song.

“Lynn Star Sea,” Sea Song's gaze first fell upon the groom, “do you willingly take Elise and Aivi as your companions, promising to cherish them, respect them, and protect them, through good times and bad, in wealth and poverty, in sickness and health, until the end of your life?”

Linn turned, looking gently at Elise, then at Aivi, his voice firm and clear: “I do.”

“Elise,” Sea Song looked at the bride on the left, “do you willingly take Lynn Star Sea as your companion, promising to love him, be loyal to him, and share with him the responsibility and glory of the territory, through good times and bad, in wealth and poverty, in sickness and health, until the end of your life?”

Elise lifted her veil, revealing a face shining with happy tears, her voice trembling but utterly resolute: “I do.”

“Aivi Ossiana,” Sea Song looked at the bride on the right. She accepted the blessing using her Sea God Clan name. “Do you willingly take Lynn Star Sea as your companion, promising to love him, be loyal to him, and use the Sea God Bloodline to protect his territory and people, through good times and bad, in wealth and poverty, in sickness and health, until the end of your life?”

Aivi raised her head, the image of Linn reflected in her sea-blue eyes. She smiled, her voice clear as a wave: “I do.”

High Priestess Sea Song nodded in satisfaction and raised her Staff high.

“In the name of the Mother of Tides, and by the witness of the Father of the Ocean, I declare!”

The Heart of the Tide gem at the tip of her Staff suddenly burst forth with dazzling blue radiance. Simultaneously, the Gate of the Ocean and the Gate of the Stars on either side of the platform lit up in resonance. Gentle currents surged from the left, condensing into a pair of intertwined Dolphin Phantoms in the air; points of starlight drifted from the right, transforming into two fluttering Light Butterflies.

“Lynn Star Sea, Elise Lyvia, Aivi Ossiana, are hereby united as eternal companions!”

As her voice fell, Sea Song brought her Staff down with a pause.

Boom!

Three massive Water Spouts suddenly rose from the sea outside the harbor. The Water Spouts converged in the air, exploding into a shower of sparkling water droplets. Instead of falling, the droplets remained suspended by magic, refracting the sunlight to form a magnificent Seven-Colored Rainbow Bridge spanning the entire Star Sea Port.

At the same time, all the Magic Lamp Posts in Star Sea City lit up simultaneously. Countless Light Elementals flew out from the crystals, dancing above the plaza and scattering golden Light Dust.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” Below the stage, Ocean Jack was the first to start the ruckus, his rough voice stirring up the whole crowd.

Payson, Clay, and the others laughed and chimed in. Even the usually serious Angus and Morton applauded with smiles on their faces.

Linn smiled and shook his head, then turned. He first gently kissed Elise's lips, tenderly and affectionately, embodying years of mutual understanding and companionship. Then, he kissed Aivi! Passionately and sincerely, containing a promise for the future.

After the two kisses, thunderous cheers and applause erupted from the audience.

In the Observation Seats, Morton finally couldn't hold back, tears streaming down his face. He wiped the corners of his eyes with a trembling handkerchief, murmuring, "The Young Master is married... Madam, did you see? The Young Master has started his own family..." The tears of this Old Servant, who had watched Linn grow from a naive child into a Lord of a territory, contained a wealth of emotion.

In the Sea God Clan seats, everyone nodded in satisfaction. Aivi's Bloodline Awakening degree far exceeded expectations. This marriage symbolized not just a personal union, but the Alliance between the Sea God Clan and the Star Sea Territory entering a new phase.

Viscount Nocturne clapped softly, his heart filled with emotion. The weak young Mage from back then had now grown into a powerful Overlord whom even his father had to treat seriously.

As the ceremony neared its end, High Priestess Sea Song began chanting an ancient Blessing Prayer. As she chanted, all Sea God Clan members joined in harmony, the ethereal and sacred singing intertwining with the sound of waves and wind, creating a marvelous resonance.

The moment the prayer ended, Aivi suddenly raised her hand gently.

Azure radiance flowed from her fingertips, condensing in the air into three small Runes, which flew toward the foreheads of Linn, herself, and Elise, sinking into their skin and disappearing.

“The Sea God Clan's 'Concord Pact',” Aivi explained softly, her eyes gentle. “From now on, our lives and destinies will share a subtle connection. No matter how far apart we are, we can perceive each other's safety and intentions.”

Elise also raised her hand, Mage power surging. Using starlight as a guide, she condensed a ring onto the ring finger of each of the three! Linn's was Platinum inlaid with Sapphire, Elise's was silver inlaid with Moonstone, and Aivi's was gold inlaid with Aquamarine. As the rings formed, invisible threads seemed to connect them.

“The Starry Vow,” Elise smiled, “It complements the Concord Pact.”

Linn looked at the ring on his left ring finger, feeling the power and intention of his two wives contained within it. An unprecedented warmth and sense of responsibility swelled in his heart. He opened his arms and gently embraced Elise and Aivi.

Below the stage, the applause was continuous.

“Long live the Star Sea Territory! Long live the Lord! Blessings to the Lord and the Ladies!” The cheers rose in wave after wave, spreading from the plaza throughout Star Sea City, until finally, the entire Shattered Star Archipelago seemed to echo with sounds of blessing.

Ships in the port sounded their whistles, soldiers in the Barracks lined up to salute, artisans in the Workshop District hammered their anvils, and households in the Residential District opened their windows and waved colorful flags... At this moment, everyone in the Star Sea Territory offered their blessings for the Lord's wedding in their own way.

After the wedding ceremony, a grand banquet was held simultaneously in the Lords Mansion Banquet Hall and the open-air area of the plaza. Delicacies and fine wines from various regions—fruit wine from the Elf Race, strong spirits from the Dwarves, seafood delicacies from the Sea God Clan, and specialty dishes from various Human Race territories—were dazzlingly displayed. Bards played cheerful music, dancers whirled gracefully, and Mages provided entertainment with spectacular Spell performances.

Linn, accompanied by his two brides, toasted the important guests in turn. When they reached the Sea God Clan seats, High Priestess Sea Song personally presented a gift: three pendants crafted from “Deep Sea Mithril,” each sealing a trace of Origin Tidal Power, capable of summoning a Legendary-grade Water Element Defensive Barrier in times of crisis.

Upon reaching Viscount Nocturne, the old friend raised his glass and chuckled, "Linn, my father asked me to relay that the Nocturne Family will always be your friend. Separately, the kingdom has been restless lately. Earl Ailisi is preparing to advance to Marquis! The Marquisate of the Golden Peacock, by forcibly annexing the former territory of the Losen Family, has incurred the displeasure of several Northern Nobles, and the Royal Family is also starting to exert pressure."

A sharp glint flashed in Linn's eyes. He raised his cup in salute: "Please thank the Duke for his blessing. As for the Iris Family and the Marquis Golden Peacock... there will be plenty of time."

When night fell, the wedding reached another climax: a Fireworks Feast.

Thousands of Magic Fireworks launched from various points in Star Sea City, bursting into patterns of griffins, stars, waves, and Giant Dragons in the night Sky. Finally, they condensed into the massive glowing text "Linn & Elise & Aivi," which lingered for a long time.

The revelry lasted until late at night.

In the Newlyweds' Chamber on the top floor of the Lords Mansion, red candles flickered.

The chamber was specially designed and divided into three connected yet independent sections, themed after the starry Sky, the ocean, and the forest. Tonight, they would spend their time together in the central “Starry Sky Hall.”

Elise and Aivi had changed out of their complex wedding dresses and were wearing comfortable silk robes. The two women sat together, watching Linn remove his formal attire, exchanging smiles, their eyes filled with shyness and anticipation.

Linn turned around, looking at his two incomparably beautiful wives in the candlelight, his heart full of tenderness and contentment.

“This day has finally arrived.” He walked toward them.

Outside the window, the lights of Star Sea City gradually dimmed, but the Harbor Lighthouse remained bright, guiding ships on long voyages.

This city, established single-handedly by Linn, this territory gathering multiple races including Humans, Elves, the Sea God Clan, and Beastmen, witnessed the wedding of their ruler and the beginning of a new era on this day.

The legend of the Star Sea Territory will turn a new page with this wedding.

And the future, like the eternal stars in the night Sky and the boundless ocean, awaits their joint exploration and conquest.