Free Web NovelChapter 539: The Wedding bells [3]
The night had deepened and the celebration finally reached its end.
At the head table, Brandon, Amelia, Freya, Rheanne, Emperor Valerian, Emperor Aldric and Scylla were sitting together.
They are the only ones remaining in the Grand Hall.
The group continued chatting and laughing, sharing stories of past battles, political maneuvers, and the early days of the Holy Land’s creation.
Emperor Aldric leaned back in his chair, "I still remember the first time I heard rumors about you, Lord Kael," he said, raising his glass toward Brandon.
"A mysterious warrior traveling with the Goddess herself, cutting down towers and rifts. I thought it was an exaggeration. Now here you are... married to the princess of my rival empire and helping create an entire Holy Land. Life truly is stranger than fiction."
Valerian smiled, sipping his wine "And yet, it worked out better than any of us could have planned. The Holy Land has brought stability to the region."
"No more border skirmishes over Nacirfa. Trade is flourishing. Even the old religious factions are starting to accept the new order."
Freya leaned against Brandon’s side and smiled at her brother.
"You were skeptical at first, brother. Remember how you reacted when you first heard about the Holy Land plan?"
Valerian chuckled, shaking his head. "I thought Sir Kael had lost his mind. Turning an entire kingdom into sacred ground? But... looking at what has been built here in just a few months, I have to admit, it was the right decision."
Scylla, who had been devouring the last piece of roasted meat on her plate, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and grinned widely.
Rheanne sat with a serene smile on her lips as she listened to the conversation.
With a dry laugh, Emperor Aldric spoke "If I had a daughter, I would have married her to Sir Kael, too. It’s a shame I only have two sons. They’re good lads, but they don’t have half the spirit this man does."
Valerian smiled wryly, glancing at Aldric with amusement.
"Seems like you want to have a close connection with the Goddess’s companion. Careful, Aldric. People might start talking about political alliances through marriage again."
Aldric grinned shamelessly."Can you blame me? Look at what he’s accomplished. He is a walking legend."
Scylla looked at Brandon and spoke "Your Highness, if you just want a closer connection between our Empire and Kael."
"I can marry him, the Empire’s War General."
A stunned silence fell over the table for a second.
Then it exploded into laughter.
Emperor Aldric nearly choked on his wine, slamming his fist on the table "Scylla! You never miss an opportunity, do you?" he laughed. "Straight to the point as always!"
Valerian shook his head helplessly "Gods help us all. First my daughter, now my sister, and now the Empire’s strongest general wants a piece of him too?"
Amelia buried her face against Brandon’s shoulder, mumbling in embarrassment.
"General Scylla... you can’t be serious..."
Scylla laughed, thumping her chest with pride "Why not? I’ve fought beside him. We make a good team in battle. Why not make it official? I’d happily be his third wife... or fourth, if Lady Rheanne ever decides to join the fun."
Rheanne, who had been quietly observing the chaos with a graceful smile, raised an eyebrow.
"I will pass on that offer, General." she said calmly.
"I prefer to remain his companion. Someone has to keep him alive when the rest of you try to kill him during ’training.’"
Freya giggled, leaning against Brandon’s side and squeezing his thigh under the table.
"Careful, Scylla. You might have to fight me for the position of concubine. Though I suppose we could share. He seems to have enough energy for all of us."
Brandon let out a tired sigh, though his lips were curved in a reluctant smile.
Amelia peeked out from his shoulder, "I... I don’t mind sharing," she whispered softly, glancing at Freya and then at Scylla. "As long as I get to be with Kael."
Scylla grinned and raised her glass "See? The princess is on board! What do you say, Kael? Want a War General as your third wife? I promise I’ll only try to fight you three times a week."
The table erupted in laughter again and even Emperor Valerian couldn’t hold back a chuckle.
Aldric wiped tears of laughter from his eyes.
"This wedding has been far more entertaining than I expected."
Brandon shook his head helplessly as he took a sip of his wine.
As time passed, Emperor Aldric stood up and pushed his chair back with a satisfied groan, patting his stomach.
"Ah, what a night. I haven’t enjoyed a celebration this much in years."
"Lord Kael, Lady Amelia, congratulations again. May your marriage be as strong as the Holy Land you helped create."
"I must take my leave. The journey back to Cene is long, and I have a kingdom to run. But know this... Cene stands with the Holy Land. If you ever need anything, you need only ask."
Aldric gave Brandon a firm, respectful nod, then clapped him on the shoulder as he passed.
"You really are a walking legend, my friend. Try not to collect any more wives before I see you next," he added with a wink.
The table chuckled. Brandon simply smiled and raised his glass in farewell.
As Aldric departed with his entourage, Emperor Valerian also stood up.
He looked at his daughter Amelia with a complex but ultimately proud expression, then turned to Brandon.
"I will also take my leave. Amelia... take care of yourself. And Kael, remember what I said. She is my greatest treasure. Treat her well."
Brandon nodded respectfully "I will, Father-in-law. You have my word."
Valerian gave his daughter a gentle nod and then departed with his own guards, leaving the table significantly quieter.
Only a few moments later, Scylla also stood up and stretched her arms "I’m also leaving, Kael."
"If you ever get tired... come to my home."
She smiled at him, then gave a respectful nod to Rheanne and the others.
"Lady Rheanne, Lady Amelia, Lady Freya, it was a pleasure. Try not to wear him out too much on the wedding night."
And soon, only the four of them remained at the table.
Freya leaned against Brandon’s side, resting her head on his shoulder with a contented sigh.
"It’s been a long day," she murmured. "But a beautiful one."
Amelia leaned onto his other side "Yeah... I am very happy." freёweɓnovel.com
Brandon’s gaze flickered between the two women leaning against him, then slowly lifted to meet Rheanne’s eyes across the table.
She was watching them with a gentle expression.
When their eyes met, she gave him a small, affectionate nod.
Her lips moved silently, forming words meant only for him...
’Happy married life, my dear partner.’
