Amidst a chorus of cheers, Lu Xiao walked toward Ares, draped in a white veil.

The bright morning sun shone behind her. As Ares watched her walk toward him, step by step, it was as if his entire world was approaching.

He suddenly strode forward, and just as a look of surprise crossed Lu Xiao’s face, he swept her up into his arms.

’His world didn’t need to come to him, because he would go to it.’

Lu Xiao was startled by the sudden move, but she quickly broke into a joyous laugh, wrapping her arms around Ares’s neck and pressing herself happily against him.

She then waved to the well-wishers in the crowd, her smile as beautiful as it was joyous.

Reaching the prepared floral float, Ares carefully set her down inside before sitting beside her. He took her hand, and together they headed for the wedding venue.

The float’s route had been planned in advance, and crowds lined the streets to watch. After all, a wedding like this was a rare sight in the Empire.

Even if a male wanted a wedding, it was up to his female partner. Most females, however, were unwilling to waste time on such matters.

So, when such a wedding entered the public eye, everyone, regardless of what they felt, was curious enough to come and take a look.

Some among them were envious, others were overjoyed, and some simply could not understand.

But in that moment, as they watched the float pass by, they couldn’t help but be charmed by the beautiful scene before them.

"It’s the wedding of the Honorable Lu Xiao and her partner!"

A voice emerged from the crowd, and soon, more and more voices rose—

"I heard the Honorable Lu Xiao planned this wedding especially for the Honorable Ares. She’s been preparing for a long time!"

"Wow, the Honorable Ares is so fortunate!"

"If I could have a wedding in this lifetime, I’d die with no regrets!"

"Haha, don’t even dream about it. Where would you find another female partner as wonderful as the Honorable Lu Xiao!"

...

All along the route, Lu Xiao had arranged for people to hand out wedding candy. Every spectator, regardless of their reason for being there, would receive a portion as a gift.

And so, on that day, many people beyond the wedding party received wedding candy and posted about it online. Even though Lu Xiao and Ares’s wedding wasn’t publicly live-streamed, the internet was flooded with photos from onlookers. Pictures of the floral float, and of Ares sweeping her into his arms at the Duke Garieldo Mansion, were all captured and posted online. There were even short videos—

Wow, oh my god, how am I only just finding out about this wedding? If I’d known, I would’ve gone to watch too!

I don’t know why, but just looking at the two of them makes me feel so happy and sweet. I can’t help but smile!

It’s true, it’s true, they’re so sweet together! I just came to see what the wedding looked like, but I got a small gift—a bag of wedding candy! Everyone in the crowd got one. It’s so thoughtful!

I got wedding candy too! It was such a surprise. I can’t believe they gave out candy just for watching. I’m soaking up all the good luck and happy vibes! I hope I can meet a female partner like the Honorable Lu Xiao, too!

The actual wedding venue is just up ahead, but unfortunately, we can’t get in without an invitation. There are a lot of people watching from here, and even though we can’t go in, someone is handing out water and fruit. I heard the Honorable Lu Xiao arranged for it. How can she be so thoughtful!

I heard the Honorable Lu Xiao is a very gentle person. Everyone who’s met her says so. I’ll let you in on a little secret: my cousin was healed by her! And he got an invitation, so he’s there at the wedding today. AHHH! He used to be the one our family would just sigh about, but now we’re all so incredibly envious of him!

Is anyone inside the venue? Give us some spoilers, please! We’re starving for details over here!

AHHHHH, I think I just saw Her Majesty the Queen! Her Majesty the Queen is actually here! Oh my god, talk about a high-profile event!

...

Lu Xiao’s wedding wasn’t just a lively affair offline; it was causing a huge stir online as well.

At the moment, however, she had followed Ares to a lounge to rest for a bit.

Ares looked at Lu Xiao. "Did you eat anything this morning?"

Last night, Lu Xiao had stayed at the Duke Garieldo Mansion while Ares had stayed at home, so they hadn’t been together. With such an early start to the day, Ares was a little worried she hadn’t eaten.

"My aunt made me something to eat this morning. I’m not hungry. Did you?"

"I ate too."

Hearing this, the two exchanged a smile. Ares knelt, looking up at the young female sitting in the chair with a scorching gaze that made Lu Xiao feel a little embarrassed. "Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?"

Ares smiled and shook his head. "No. But you’re beautiful."

"It’s not like you haven’t seen this before. Didn’t I wear it the day we took our photos?"

"But you look even more beautiful today!" Ares, growing excited, couldn’t stop himself from taking Lu Xiao’s hand and pressing a light kiss to it.

’If it weren’t for the timing, he really, truly wanted to kiss her.’

"Dears, am I interrupting? I have to remind you, it’s almost time. We’re about to start!" Cecina said, pushing the door open and smiling at the pair in the lounge. "Control yourselves, now!" she added teasingly.

Lu Xiao laughed at her aunt’s teasing and pulled Ares to his feet. "Alright. Thank you for taking care of everything, Auntie."

"This is the kind of trouble I like. Alright, let’s go. Kelan is already waiting for you, Xiao Xiao. Ares, you can let go of your bride’s hand now. You need to go to the front!"

Ares smiled and nodded, his eyes lifting to meet Lu Xiao’s. "See you in a bit."

After Ares left, Cecina accompanied Lu Xiao to find Admiral Clan.

Dressed in his Admiral’s uniform, Kelan was already waiting. Seeing Lu Xiao approach, Kelan smiled and went to greet her. "Xiao Xiao, you look so beautiful today!"

"Thank you, Father. You look very sharp today, too!" Lu Xiao gave him a hug. Kelan’s eyes were a little red; he was clearly overjoyed to be able to witness this wedding.

Just then, as Ares appeared, Buck walked with him onto the wedding platform.

The crowd was astonished by this scene. "What’s going on? Why is Prince Li Ke going up on stage with Vice Admiral Ares?"

"Don’t tell me you didn’t know. Prince Li Ke is Ares’s Father, isn’t he?"

"What? How do you know that? That news hasn’t gotten out. I knew Prince Li Ke came back from the dead, but I never heard he had a son this old!"

"Well, you’d better prepare yourself, because there’s even more shocking news to come!"

"What could be more shocking than that? Don’t tell me Vice Admiral Ares is also Her Majesty the Queen’s son? I thought her son with Prince Li Ke died in infancy."

Just as the words were spoken, Her Majesty the Queen suddenly rose to her feet. Supported by an elderly female attendant, she began to walk toward the wedding platform, drawing the eyes of everyone present.