Two days later.
The Snake People Clan's Queen's Great Hall was adorned with red silk. Though simpler than a Grand Wedding, it carried a solemn atmosphere of its own.
The Four Great Elders stood below, their expressions complicated.
The sense of humiliation remained, but they understood even better that this was the Snake People Clan's best path forward.
Shen Wen's promise that his first child would return to inherit the position of Queen was like a calming pill, forcing them to accept reality.
Shen Wen once again donned a groom's robe, standing tall and straight.
Medusa had shed the luxurious purple robes that symbolized her status as Queen and changed into a well-tailored crimson gown.
She had lost some of her former icy majesty, gaining instead a breathtaking softness and charm.
With her eyes slightly lowered, she stood at Shen Wen's side.
The ceremony was simple.
The two first paid respects to Medusa's deceased mother, then offered distant bows to Shen Wen's master, Old Monster Lin.
During the ceremony, Shen Wen turned to look at Medusa. His gaze lacked its usual dominance and was instead gentle.
When Medusa met that gaze, the faint resistance she had not dared reveal quietly melted away somewhat.
No matter what, this man was now her only support and... master.
Once the ceremony ended, Medusa went to pay respects to the Legal Wife, Cao Ying.
Cao Ying sat upright in her chair, her seductive face betraying neither joy nor anger.
She picked up a delicate jade hairpin that had been prepared in advance and gracefully inserted it into Medusa's hair.
"The name 'Medusa' belongs to the past. You transformed into seven colors, your scales gleaming brilliantly. From now on, you shall be called 'Cai Lin.'"
Cao Ying spoke calmly.
"Yes. Cai Lin thanks Elder Sister."