Chapter 145: Chapter 137: Once a Duckweed Tossed by Waves, Now the High Moon Attests the Homecoming

Inside the castle’s grand hall, candlelight and sunlight filtering through stained-glass windows intertwined, bathing the entire space in a magnificent golden glow.

The guests were seated according to their status, with nobles in formal attire occupying the front rows while representatives of the common folk sat quietly in the back.

The air was filled with the fresh fragrance of Snowball Flowers and white roses—an aroma unique to weddings in the Northern Territory.

When Murphy, dressed in a deep blue velvet formal suit, appeared at the entrance of the hall, a ripple of whispers went through the crowd.

He presented himself as Melfield. Although his features were plain, his tall, straight posture and the power he was about to wield over the territory prompted many a noble lady to whisper amongst themselves.

Old Allen sat among the common folk, his eyes fixed on Aurora, full of paternal affection, as if watching his own daughter get married.

He knew that as a commoner, he was not worthy of such thoughts, but when he remembered the Duval Clan’s kindness to their people over the years, the feeling arose in his heart naturally.

CLANG!

The bell tolled again, and the great doors of the hall slowly swung open.

Aurora appeared in the doorway, the sunlight gilding her silhouette with a golden edge.

She walked forward slowly, the silver-threaded emblems on her wedding gown flowing with a brilliant light.

Beneath her coronet, her golden hair was like molten gold. With every step, patterns of Snowball Flowers made of pearls shimmered in and out of view on her skirt.

Father Samuel stood before the holy altar, dressed in a white Sacrificial Robe embroidered with golden patterns, over which he wore a deep blue cloak. The Holy Emblem of the God of Truth hung on his chest.

When he saw Aurora, a flash of awe crossed his eyes before he quickly regained his solemn expression.

Murphy stepped forward to receive her, taking Aurora’s hand.

The moment their fingertips touched, the melodious sound of a harp filled the hall.

The musicians played a traditional wedding march of the Northern Territory, the vibrating strings producing clear notes like water flowing in a mountain stream.

"In the name of the God of Truth," Father Samuel’s rich voice echoed through the hall, "we gather here today to witness the union of this couple."

Arthur stood at the front of the nobles’ section, his graying beard trembling slightly.

He watched Aurora, recalling the various hardships Sylvan and Aurora had put him through.

But the thought that he was still able to stand here and witness the ceremony was, in all likelihood, thanks to the Duval Clan.

Otherwise, as a former vassal of the territory, he would have long since lost the right to be here after the previous turmoil.

At this thought, a mix of complicated emotions welled up inside him.

Beside him, a few elderly nobles were conversing in low voices.

"The union of Lord Melfield and Miss Aurora will solidify the Monte Clan’s rule in the territory," a Knight’s Attendant with a full beard whispered to his companion.

In the commoners’ section, Old Allen straightened his hunched back, trying his best to get a clear view of the scene at the altar.

Jack, supporting him by his side, said softly, "The bride is so beautiful, just like the legendary Ice and Snow Goddess."

Horn stood behind them, his gaze filled with reverence as he sighed in a low voice, "This is what it means to be a noble, born into nobility. Even if they temporarily lose their position as Lord, they can eventually reclaim their glory."

Father Samuel continued to read the vows: "Melfield Monte, do you take Aurora Duval to be your wife, to protect and cherish her, for better or for worse?"

Murphy gazed into Aurora’s sapphire eyes, his voice clear and firm. "I do."

Aurora also looked deeply into Murphy’s jet-black eyes. They were like the deepest night sky, yet in this moment, they reflected only her image.

"I do."

Her voice was gentle yet full of power, like the first golden rays of the Northern Territory’s morning sun on a glacier—carrying both the warmth of the dawn and the strength to melt the ice.

Beneath the coronet, her face glowed with a happy blush that complemented her white wedding gown, making her resemble an ice-crystal rose blooming silently on a snowy plain.

When it was time to exchange rings, Murphy took out a silver ring inlaid with a sapphire.

The base of the gem was carved into the shape of the Duval Clan’s sigil of mountains and rivers, and it glittered with a profound light in the candlelight.

"This ring..." Aurora whispered, her eyes welling up with touched tears.

She recognized that it had been reforged from a gemstone left to her by her mother.

When it was Aurora’s turn to place a ring on Murphy’s finger, she took out a silver ring inlaid with a black gemstone, also an heirloom from her mother.

The black gemstone gleamed with a mysterious luster in the candlelight, perfectly complementing Murphy’s disposition.

Father Samuel nodded in satisfaction. "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

At that exact moment, the stained-glass windows of the hall suddenly cast down an unusually brilliant beam of light, enveloping the newlyweds.

The guests gasped in amazement, believing it to be a good omen—a blessing from a god.

Only Murphy knew that it was Margaret, secretly Casting a spell to add a touch of the divine to the wedding.

According to the traditions of the Northern Territory, the newlyweds had to share a cup of mead.

An Attendant brought over an engraved silver cup. Murphy took a sip first, then passed it to Aurora.

As she tilted her head back to drink, the tassels on her coronet swayed gently, refracting a brilliant light.

"May your marriage be as steadfast as the mountains of the Northern Territory, and as everlasting as the waters of its glaciers," Father Samuel offered his final blessing.

The hall erupted in thunderous applause.

The nobles surged forward to offer their congratulations, while the representatives of the common folk maintained a respectful distance, their faces beaming with sincere smiles.

Leaning on Jack for support, Old Allen bowed to the newlyweds from afar, his clouded eyes glistening with tears.

The banquet began soon after.

The long tables were laden with delicacies characteristic of the Northern Territory: roasted venison, smoked salmon, wild berry pies, and steaming mulled red wine.

The musicians struck up a lively dance tune, and the nobles began to waltz gracefully on the dance floor.

Murphy and Aurora shared the first dance.

As they twirled in each other’s arms, the skirt of her wedding gown fanned out like a white cloud.

Aurora noticed that Murphy’s steps were much more elegant than usual, and a hint of puzzlement flickered in her eyes.

In a break between turns, she said softly, "Brother, your dancing has improved a lot."

The corner of Murphy’s mouth lifted as he led her through an elegant spin. "I practiced for a long time, just for today."

Aurora nestled happily in his arms. "That sentiment touches me deeply."

While the banquet was underway, Margaret stood quietly in a corner.

She had changed into a pale purple gown, and a golden wig concealed her natural black hair, making her look like an ordinary noble lady.

But her jet-black eyes never stopped following the newlyweds.

When she saw Murphy tuck a stray strand of hair behind Aurora’s ear, her fingertips tightened unconsciously, but she quickly composed herself.

Her eyes, as she gazed at Murphy, were filled with obsession, as if she were admiring a priceless, one-of-a-kind treasure.

Night fell. The moon in the sky was exceptionally round, its silvery glow spilling over the castle’s towers.

Bonfires were lit in the castle garden, the dancing flames and the cool moonlight weaving a wondrous tableau in the night.

The common folk danced a traditional harvest dance around the bonfires, their cheerful songs echoing through the night sky.

Aurora stood on the balcony, looking down at the lively scene below, her face beaming with a happy smile.

She said softly to Murphy, "Everything today was perfect."

Murphy gazed at the full moon, his eyes growing distant. "Yes, everything is so complete."

’I don’t understand why the moon in this Otherworld is also so full right now,’ he thought, ’but the familiar sight makes me feel nostalgic.’

Aurora noticed his momentary lapse in attention and asked softly, "What’s wrong?"

Murphy pulled his thoughts back and said with a smile, "The full moon symbolizes reunion and Perfection. It’s the greatest blessing the God of Truth could give us."

Aurora followed Murphy’s gaze to the night sky. The bright moonlight reflected as crystalline specks of light in her sapphire eyes.

She gently slid her fingers between Murphy’s, lacing them together and feeling the warmth from his palm.

"You’re right, Brother," her voice was as soft as the moonlight. "This full moon truly is the most wonderful blessing."

She tilted her head slightly, her golden hair glowing softly in the moonlight. "But for me, the most precious blessing is being able to stand here beside you."

Murphy looked down at her, the moonlight tracing her silhouette with a silver lining.

His other hand gently caressed the finger wearing the wedding ring, the sapphire glimmering faintly in the moonlight.

"Do you remember watching the moon in the garden when we were children?" Aurora leaned against his shoulder, her voice filled with nostalgia. "You used to always point at the moon and tell me all those wonderful legends."

"You were always captivated," a gentle smile touched Murphy’s lips. "You wouldn’t leave even when a Maid came to hurry you back to bed."

The night wind swept across the balcony, carrying the warmth of the distant bonfires and the cheerful songs of the common folk.

Aurora pressed his hand to her cheek, feeling the warmth of his palm.

"Just as we said before, from now on, we will watch the moon together like this on every full moon night." Her eyes shone with a determined light. "Let this bright moon bear witness to every moment we spend together."

Murphy gently pulled her into his embrace, his cloak fluttering slightly in the night wind.

He bent his head and placed a light kiss on her hair. The fresh scent of Snowball Flowers was especially clear in the moonlight.

"I promise you." His voice was without a hint of hesitation, firm yet gentle. "No matter how the world changes, I will be by your side every full moon."

Aurora lifted her head, the moonlight dancing across her happy smile. "Then let this full moon be our eternal witness."

The moonlight was like water, flowing silently over the embracing couple, gently enveloping their figures.