Chapter 120
News of the newly appointed Archmage and Duke Halos’s impending marriage quickly spread across the continent, sparking intrigue both within the Empire and throughout the Magic Tower.
Whispers of how grand the ceremony might be and what their union could bring filled the air. Meanwhile, Elena and Lexion, unaware of all the speculation, were focused on their preparations.
“I can’t believe Elena’s wedding is already tomorrow!” Jane said as she spent the evening at House Halos.
During the time Elena was training to become an Archmage, Jane married her beloved Hayes and was now the Marchioness of Crete and Countess of Oswald. Her business also continued to thrive, gaining popularity not only within the Empire but throughout the continent.
Elena was delighted with Jane’s future, which was entirely different from the original, as if it were her own.
Today, Elena had invited Jane to celebrate with a small pajama party, which Jane had happily accepted.
As night settled, the two lay side by side in bed.
“I can’t believe it either,” Elena admitted, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow, she would marry Lexion, but it still hadn’t fully registered yet.
‘I could still recall the first time I met him.’ A child who was abused by his brother, fighting his way through hardship. Over time, though, he had grown stronger, forging his own path. Elena smiled at the thought.
“Oh, right. Is it true that the former Duke of Halos will attend the wedding?” Jane asked.
“Yes. Although he’s traveling, he insisted on coming as soon as he heard that Lexion and I were getting married,” Elena replied, remembering Swain Halos’s joyful reaction upon learning of the marriage. Even through the letter, his excitement was palpable, and he had even offered to transfer his property to Elena.
‘Of course, I also have a lot of wealth, so I refused.’
Though she graciously declined, Swain still mentioned leaving his fortune for their future children.
‘I am very grateful, but…’
Her letters to Swain Halos frequently mentioned Killian.
As Killian’s father, Elena informed him about the situation.
‘They’re family…’
Killian was now serving his sentence after the dark magic had been purged from him. Lupes, too, shared a similar fate for having served under the warlock Perosha, imprisoned for life due to their attempts to destroy the White Continent.
‘I never imagined the male lead’s fate would end up this way,’ she thought.
But, having committed such crimes, Killian’s punishment was deserved, and Swain had accepted the reality with a heavy heart.
“Anyway, congratulations, Elena,” Jane said, smiling brightly.
“Thank you, Jane,” Elena replied, her smile just as warm.
The two talked until the night wore on, eventually drifting into sleep.
*****
The next day marked the highly anticipated wedding of Elena and Lexion—a union spoken of as the wedding of the century. Held in the gardens of Duke Halos’s estate, the ceremony surprised many who had expected an extravagant affair. Instead, the couple opted for an intimate gathering with just family and close friends.
The Duke’s servants meticulously decorated the garden, arranging a wedding arch in front of the garden fountain and laying a pristine white aisle. Fresh flowers from the estate’s gardens and greenhouses lined the path, with seating neatly placed behind them.
From her window, Elena gazed at the guests gathering at the end of the aisle, feeling a flutter of nerves.
‘…I’m a little nervous,’ she thought, licking her lips unconsciously. Quickly, she steadied herself.
‘The place is beautifully decorated. Just stay calm,’ she reminded herself, taking a deep breath.
Earlier that morning, Elena had woken early to prepare, letting the maids pamper her in honor of her special day. Now, in the bridal waiting room, she stood before the mirror.
‘I’m always beautiful, but…’
But today, she was more radiant than ever.
Her hair, typically worn loose, was styled into a single braid adorned with a tiara, and a pure white gown embraced her figure. This dress, crafted exclusively for her wedding, was embroidered with jewels by Imperial artisans.
Elena gazed at her reflection before turning away from the mirror. Sitting down, she absentmindedly toyed with the bouquet on the table.
Knock, knock—
A gentle knock on the door broke the silence. “Yes,” she called, and the door opened to reveal a familiar face.
“Elena!”
“Mr. Swain!” Her face lit up at the sight of the former Duke of Halos. Though slightly older now, with touches of gray in his hair, he still possessed his dignified charm.
“You look absolutely stunning today,” Swain smiled, taking her hand. “Your father should have seen this too…”
He looked at her with deep emotion, his eyes glistening.
“Mr. Swain…”
“Ah, seems I’m getting a bit sentimental in my old age,” he said with a gentle smile. “But truly, Elena, thank you.”
“Thank me? What are you thanking me for?”
“For all you’ve done, even since you were just a young girl.”
Swain’s words were heartfelt, and Elena could feel his sincerity. He congratulated her once more before leaving the bridal suite. Soon after, her guests from the Magic Tower—Jeremy, Jacob, and Karen—arrived to offer their blessings and heartfelt congratulations on her marriage.
Following them, Jane and Hayes visited, marking the end of her pre-wedding visitors. With no other guests, the wedding was about to begin.
Thump. Thump.
Her heart raced. ‘I can’t believe I’m actually getting married.’
She suddenly remembered the day she was reunited with Lexion; when she’d felt the need to reject his proposal. But now, things were different—she loved him deeply and wanted to spend her life by his side.
Knock, knock—
The door opened, and in walked Lexion, dressed in a sleek black tailcoat. His hair was carefully tousled as usual, and he looked strikingly handsome. When Elena met his gaze and smiled, he blushed a little, stepping toward her with a shy smile.
“You look beautiful today, Elena.”
“You look great too, Lexion.”
They shared a warm glance before he offered her his hand. “Shall we go?”
“Yes.” She took his hand, and their fingers entwined, trembling softly as they prepared to walk down the aisle together.
After leaving the bridal suite, Elena and Lexion made their way down to the Duke’s hall, where the servants awaited them.
“May you always be happy!”
“Congratulations!”
Receiving their blessings, the two stepped out of the Duke’s residence. A white carpet stretched from the mansion to the ceremony hall, guiding them forward. At last, they arrived at the ceremonial space, where they stood at the start of the aisle. Applause erupted from the guests as a string orchestra began to play.
Elena and Lexion exchanged a warm smile, and together, they took their first steps down the aisle. As they walked, they shared a single thought: ‘May we be happy forever.’
When they reached the end, Karen was there, waiting for them.
Following her words, Elena and Lexion exchanged their vows.
Afterward, Lexion gently slipped a ring onto Elena’s finger.
“Thank you for being with me, Elena.”
Elena placed a ring on his hand as well.
“Thank you too, Lexion. I love you.”
After they exchanged rings, the two leaned closer.
Kiss—
At last, their lips met, and they embraced each other tightly in a passionate kiss.
The audience burst into cheers at the sight, and the servants scattered flower petals over them in celebration.
[Congratulations, Master!]
[Happy, Chirp!]
Elena’s spirits, along with the wizards, all celebrated with joy.
Though she was stepping into a new life with a future full of unknowns, Elena felt no fear.
With those she loved most by her side, she knew that as long as they were with her, her life would continue to shine brightly.
—The End—
Editor: Pierce
