Chapter 389: Chapter 346: Raylo’s Wedding and the Northern Guardian

Moonlight turned its head away, ignoring him.

Coal Ball did the same.

Looking at the two rascals, Raylo sighed helplessly. He let go and patted their little heads instead.

A soft chuckle sounded from beside him.

Raylo turned to see Avril covering her mouth with her hand, her shoulders trembling. Her beautiful eyes curved into two smiling crescents.

In the candlelight, her laughter was like the tinkling of a clear spring, washing away the gloom in Raylo’s heart.

He looked at his wife, who was shaking with laughter, then at the two "culprits" on the bed who refused to budge. In the end, he couldn’t help but laugh as well.

’Ah, well. There will be other nights.’

Raylo gave up on trying to get the two little ones off the bed. He lay down and pulled Avril into his arm.

Outside the window, the moonlight flowed like water; inside the bedroom, the candlelight was warm and gentle.

"It looks like I’ll be sleeping with them tonight."

Avril murmured, a hint of playful teasing in her voice.

Raylo looked at his wife’s radiant smile and the two little "hangers-on" who refused to leave their side. His exasperation finally melted into a doting smile.

He leaned over, bypassing the "blockade" of the two little ones, and gently placed a kiss on Avril’s forehead.

"Good night, my lady."

"Good night, my Lord Earl."

The night sky was filled with brilliant stars.

The night passed uneventfully.

The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the window, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the velvet carpet.

When Raylo woke up, he saw Ai Weiwei’Er lying on her side, her chin propped on one hand, staring at him.

Her long hair was fanned out across the pillow, and her eyes sparkled in the morning light.

"Good morning, my Lord Earl."

Her voice was brimming with laughter.

"It seems your two ’bodyguards’ are quite dedicated to their posts."

Raylo sighed.

"Good morning, my lady."

The castle began to stir in the early morning. By the time Raylo and Ai Weiwei’Er walked hand in hand into the great hall, the air was already buzzing with an extraordinary excitement and fervor.

Almost everyone already knew about the King’s new decree.

"Congratulations, brother! Northern Guardian! Ha, that title is much more impressive than just Count!"

Lillian was the first to rush over, giving his arm a playful punch. Her amber eyes were filled with pride for her brother.

The other northern nobles came forward one by one, offering their respectful congratulations.

They knew full well that from the moment the decree arrived last night, the young Count before them had become the nominal leader of the entire Northern Territory—a power they would have to rely on in the future.

After breakfast, the guests began to take their leave.

The crowds slowly began to thin, and Black Stone Castle, which had been bustling for days, was left with floors littered with un-swept streamers and wine barrels.

Around noon, Orlando, the Marquis of Baisha, also prepared to depart.

"Father."

Avril lifted the hem of her dress and curtsied.

"Lord Marquis."

Raylo nodded in acknowledgment.

Marquis Orlando’s gaze lingered on the pair for a moment before finally settling on his daughter.

"Avril, I must return to Baisha Port."

He didn’t waste words on pleasantries, simply looking at his daughter with a serious expression.

"From this day forward, you are no longer just the Pearl of Baisha Port. You are the lady of Black Stone Territory and the Countess of the Northern Guardian. Your words and deeds represent Raylo’s reputation and the honor of Black Stone Territory. Remember this, and be the supportive wife he needs."

"I understand, Father."

Ai Weiwei’Er nodded solemnly.

Only then did Marquis Orlando show a hint of a smile. He reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind his daughter’s ear, then turned and boarded his carriage.

The convoy from Baisha Port slowly set off, kicking up a trail of dust as it headed toward the South.

Not long after, Lady Anna and Arthur also took their leave, escorted by knights from the Thunder Dragon Knight Order that Aiden Duke had left behind.

When the last guest’s carriage disappeared over the horizon, Black Stone Castle, which had been bustling for days, finally began to settle back into its usual tranquility.

Raylo and Ai Weiwei’Er stood side by side on a castle terrace, gazing out over Black Stone Territory.

In the distance, the mountain ranges rolled on and on, the forest looked like a green ocean, and smoke drifted up from the village chimneys. Everything appeared peaceful and serene.