Chapter 95: Blessings in Disguise
The Blessings Ceremony unfolded smoothly. Initially, guests not invited to the wedding itself came forward, offering words and gifts to celebrate the couple's future before departing the estate.
Among them were notable locals and foreign dignitaries seeking to forge ties, all warmly received by Atleman and his bride-to-be. While most gifts were modest or sentimental, a few stood out for their extravagance.
Observing from a distance, Darius watched as the last of the uninvited guests presented an ancient-looking dagger. Focusing his Arcane Gaze, he nodded in approval. "Not bad, that's a pretty decent artifact."
At the main table, Atleman and Sealia sat at the center, flanked by Clarke and Solomon. Behind his master, Crelos scanned the crowd, his gaze frequently shifting to Darius.
The long table beside them began to fill with a dazzling array of gifts, each catching the sunlight and drawing Percy's attention. "After today, I'm starting a campaign to clear my name."
Barely listening, Darius continued observing the ceremony, his anticipation mounting. The invited guests now stepped forward to offer their blessings, presenting gifts far more lavish than those before. He tugged at his beard, watching intently as a unique painting was carefully rolled up and secured within a tube. "A painting that shifts with the room's mood and even adopts the creator's style," he smiled. "I'll need to acquire a few of those."
The next guest was the elderly man from before, holding a small wooden box, intricately carved. He revealed it to be a music box that when played, would help in recovery of mental and physical fatigue.
Afterwards a younger couple presented a finally crafted white crystal, sat inside a wire pedestal of gold. It could be opened, and anything put inside would store indefinitely.
"We should go next," stepping forward, Darius began to make his way down, catching the father son pair off guard for a moment before they joined him. A few of the guests who were waiting immediately sat back down as they noticed Sir Kinneman and Sir Feng descending the amphitheater.
Crelos, standing just behind his master, seemed barely able to keep himself composed. His face paled, and he looked as if he might faint at any moment. Watching closely, Darius maintained his smile, 'He looks about ready to collapse. Actually, might be simpler if he did.'
Atleman's booming voice carried across the theater, drawing all eyes to him. "Sir Marcus Kinneman! Sealia, this is the man I was telling you about. Come up here. And is this the man I think it is?" His laughter echoed until he caught sight of Darius, his grin unwavering.
Stepping forward with a flourish of his shoulder cape, Darius bowed deeply. "Sir Feng, third tier lance of the 189th."
A spark of recognition lit up Atleman's eyes as he rose, offering his hand to Darius. "So, you served with Marcus! You must share some stories from the front, sometime. Marcus here keeps his lips sealed about those days."
"It would be an honor. And forgive me if I'm being rude, but the lady beside you must be the most beautiful bride I've ever seen—and believe me, I'm older than Marcus," Darius said, lowering his voice while playfully gesturing, "and he's quite ancient."
Shaking Atlemans hand, Marcus laughed, "age is in the mind, my dear."
Sealia covered her mouth, a blush coloring her cheeks as she stood. "Seilia Hawkberry, soon to be Brundy. If that was being rude, I'd fear your compliments."
Atleman's laughter boomed as he grasped Darius's hand firmly. "I'm thrilled you could join us. Your name's been on everyone's lips lately. And," he leaned closer, lowering his voice, "I must know how you managed with Filipina. I heard she stormed off furious after your first encounter. I'd pay well for that secret."
With a conspiratorial smile, Darius leaned closer. "No need for payment. I'd be happy to share."
Clearing his throat from the back, Percy stepped forward. "Congratulations on your union Lord Brundy. The city thrives with the promise of your lineage, and I'm sure I echo everyone's sentiments when I say we eagerly anticipate meeting the future young lords and ladies of Brundy. May their potential within the systems know no bounds."
A hush fell over the crowd, the only sounds were the trickling of fountains and the faint melodies from the sprites. An awkward silence stretched as each attendee seemed to absorb Percy's words.
'Is my reputation really that bad?' Flushing, he turned to Sealia and bowed slightly, "Percy Kinneman, my lady. I hope it brings you comfort to know that you will always find an ally in the Kinneman family."
Blushing, Sealia curtseyed, covering her mouth with her hand. "Your words do bring comfort, Sir Percy. It's truly a blessing to know such a distinguished knight resides within our city."
Lady Clarke eyed Percy for a moment, her nose twitching slightly before she shook her head, a wry smile flickering. 'Since when did he get a backbone?'
The crowd took a moment to resume their usual buzz, with Marcus and Darius casting impressed glances at Percy. Marcus's smile deepened, a look of pride flickering across his face. 'Seems Darius's influence is stronger than I thought.'
With a hearty laugh, Marcus touched his pouch, "Given you both have already secured life's greatest treasure, I thought this little gift would be fitting." He extended a hand, revealing a pair of tiny socks adorned with green ribbons.
Sealia and Lady Clarke responded with delighted gasps, their eyes twinkling at the charming gesture, while Atleman looked puzzled and Solomon's expression darkened slightly.
Chuckling warmly, Marcus held the socks out to Atleman, "Try these on your fingers, my friend."
Altleman, with a skeptical squint, reached out, humorously fitting the tiny socks onto his fingers.
Glancing towards Sealia, Marcus encouraged, "Go on, give him a flick on the forehead." Noting her reluctance, he added, "Lightly, if you prefer."
With a small smile, Sealia looked at her husband, then, embracing the playfulness of the moment, she quickly flicked Atleman's forehead.
Atleman, laughing heartily, exclaimed, "Wonderful! Didn't feel a thing. Do they protect the wearer?"
Marcus then produced six more pairs of socks, each with different vibrant colored ribbons, and placed them on the gift table. "Newborns tend to scratch themselves or bump their heads. If your children wear these, you won't have to worry. Plus, they're made from the silk of a humanoid Armored-Worm, so they endure through washes without wearing out."
Atleman's voice echoed warmly, "Truly a wonderful gift! This will serve as a daily reminder of your generosity, thank you my good friend!"
"Indeed, brother, what a thoughtful blessing. Greetings Marcus, It's been too long. It's good to see you remain unchanged." Solomon's response was measured, his aura calm.
"And you look the same as ever, Solomon. I'm glad to see that family can draw you away from your studies." With a respectful bow, Marcus stepped aside, allowing Percy his moment.
Stepping forward, Percy bowed, "as my father always says, finding true love is life's greatest blessing. So I wanted to find a gift that would always remind you of that, even through dark times."
Touching his pouch with a meaningful look towards Lady Clarke, Percy materialized a small wooden statue, "This may be humble in craft, but I made it from Beating Maple, and this," he pointed at the stone embedded within, "is a Heartfire Ruby."
In his palm rested a simple yet poignant carving. It depicted two figures: one robust and the other slender, each styled with minimalistic grace. The rich shades of the red and brown wood glinted in the sunlight as the figures, locked in an embrace, gazed down at a ruby cradled between them, shaped crudely like a swaddled baby.
"Touch it, and you'll find it mimics a heartbeat."
Taking the statue, Sealia held it close with Atleman. She was visibly moved, "It's... the heartbeat matches the pulse of the ruby. Atleman, this is beyond words. Thank you, Sir Percy."
Atleman sniffed sharply, briefly averting his eyes before reaching out to Percy, returning the statue and extending his hand, "Thank you for this blessing. You must visit us in the future; I would be delighted to exchange some artistic tips. I too enjoy the craft."
Percy beamed, accepting the statue and grasping Atleman's hand firmly, "It would be my honor, Lord Brundy. Thank you both for including me." He then turned to Lady Clarke, his cheeks coloring slightly as he bowed, "Always a pleasure, Lady Clarke. Later, might I request the honor of a dance?"
'What the fuck?!' Caught off-guard, Darius nearly stumbled as he stepped to present his blessing.
Lady Clarke paused, taken aback, but before she could reply, Sealia interjected with a bright smile, "She would adore that! To dance with such a handsome knight would indeed be an honor, wouldn't it?" She leaned into Atleman, her gaze coaxing.
"Absolutely!" He agreed heartily. "Please, sit with us after the ceremony; your father and Sir Feng are also most welcome."
Darius advanced, his tone sincere, "We wouldn't miss it for the world. But are you certain we wouldn't be intruding on your celebration?"
"Intruding? Not at all, we would be delighted to have you join us. The head table will have ample room," Atleman assured, his head shining in the sunlight.
Bowing deeply, Darius smiled, "At my lord's behest." Straightening, he touched his pouch, "As I'm a newcomer to your city, your warm welcome has touched me deeply. In gratitude for this, I thought it appropriate to offer you both a gift that symbolizes that."
He then produced from his hand a statue crafted from dark, polished ore, intricately pierced with holes at it's feet. It was an exact replica of Haku, with blue flames gently emerging from the openings.
"The artisan who created this ensured the flames within will never extinguish. He captured the ghost-fire of an ember-fox within. May this eternal flame mirror the constant warmth and brilliance of your love."
As Darius presented the statue, its blue flames dancing and reflecting in their eyes, the couple immediately showered praise on the gift. Standing a little farther back, Crelos sensed something eerily familiar about the flames, his thoughts racing, 'This must be part of the plan; that's his pet's fire.'
Solomon watched with a constant smile, dismissing the gift internally, 'It's probably just a simple binding spell, this fool doesn't realize he's being played.'
After delivering their blessings, Darius placed the statue on the gift table, offering the couple one last warm smile before he turned to ascend the amphitheater. Placing his hands behind his back, he sent a thought to Percy, 'You really surprised me today. Too bad your not gonna get that dance.'
'That was the only reason I did it! I think I would have passed out if I actually got to touch her.'
Darius's smile vanished, 'Well, you've just ruined that.'
'I didn't—'
But before Percy could finish, Darius cut him off, shifting his attention to communicate with their hidden accomplice. 'Wait until just after the last blessing, then start. Remember, after the first one, pause for three seconds. We only get one chance at this, Haku, make sure you're in position.'
'Don't worry, Big Brother, I've got this. Just be ready to treat me to those ribs I've been craving.'
Standing at the top, his hands clasped behind his back, Darius smiled as he surveyed the scene below. 'Everything is about to start, not just today's events but all that follows. You can still back out if you need to, I know the safety of your family is paramount.'
Beside him, Marcus twirled his mustache, his eyes flickering a subtle red, 'The Kinneman men don't retract their word. Honestly Darius, I haven't felt this alive in years, so I'm a bit selfish to see this through.'
A warm reassurance suddenly filled Darius, bolstering his confidence as he watched the last of the guests approach. He placed a hand on each of the Kinnemans' shoulders, his pulse quickening. 'Keep it subtle, we need this to look real. Haku will signal the start right after the final blessing.'
'It's really a pity, if we ever do something like this again, let's aim to steal everything.'
'Percy! We're being compensated, not stealing; knights do not plunder,' Marcus chided, his expression stern as he adjusted his coat, 'just ensure no one is harmed... unless it's Solomon.'
Darius chuckled, lowering his hands as he watched Lady Clarke depart the stage and retake her seat. He then sighed, a hint of empathy in his gaze, 'I hoped for his sake his master would go first. Good luck.'
His attention shifted to Crelos, who was barely managing to not appear out of place, his youthful awkwardness just excusable enough. Announcing that he would perform a seeing ritual to glimpse into the couple's future, Crelos laid out copper symbols, tracing them with flames. Holding the flaming symbols in his hand, his eyes ignited like burning coals as his aura surged upwards in a fiery column.
Darius raised an eyebrow, 'He's quite convincing, well done.'
Staring through the flames, Crelos began to speak, his voice faltering immediately as his eyes darted up to the bride in a flash of panic before quickly steadying himself, his voice steady, "I foresee a life brimming with happiness, your home echoing with the laughter of children, free from sickness or strife. Truly, you are a blessed couple, destined to see the flames of your family lineage burn bright for generations."
"He managed it," Darius clapped, joining the applause as Crelos bowed to the couple and retreated to his master. After a brief pause, Solomon rose, his smile broadening as he quickly addressed the assembly.
"When I first learned my younger brother was to be wed, I must confess, my initial reaction was one of skepticism. To wed so swiftly, and to one so youthful," he began, reaching into his robes as he continued, "But having met you, Sealia, my doubts have turned to shame. The Brundy family is fortunate indeed to welcome such a grace. And to ensure the prosperity of your lineage," Solomon presented a vial, "I have personally crafted this potion. It is my hope you'll never require it, but should the need arise, I assure its efficacy."
Blushing brightly, Sealia turned aside while the crowd erupted in laughter and cheers, their voices carrying the echoes of a long-held tradition around the fertility potion. As the merriment filled the air, Atleman rose, his laughter resonating as he crossed around the table to embrace his brother. With a few amiable words exchanged, Solomon carefully placed the vivid purple potion on the gift table, its flask glinting in the light before he returned to his seat.
Darius slowly cycled his technique, his meridians thrumming with surging lightning mana, his eyes faintly aglow, 'now, Haku!'
BOOOOOOM!
A sudden explosion from the other side of the manor shattered the air, plunging the crowd into a frenzy of shouts and screams. Experienced guests swiftly turned towards the disturbance, their auras and armor bursting forth with the elements.
Feigning shock alongside Marcus and Percy, whose auras flared as well, Darius maintained a covert watch over his gifted statue, his attention locked on the flickering flames dancing at its feet.