Baruch City had never been so lively.
Ever since Aikesi had brought back news of Wusenno's death, along with that of the nine Four-Winged Angels, the surrounding duchies that had once remained on the fence had sent envoys one after another, expressing their willingness to submit. Seizing the opportunity, Linley announced that the Baruch Duchy would be elevated to a kingdom, with Baruch City as its capital, and bestowed the throne upon his younger brother Wharton.
What the city's residents talked about even more, however, were two weddings.
Linley Baruch was going to marry Delia.
Aikesi Yan was going to marry Monica.
With two joyous occasions arriving together, all of Baruch City was steeped in celebration. Red silk hung along both sides of the streets, and colorful flags had been planted outside every household. Children chased and played through the alleys, clutching candies and preserved fruits—things the royal palace had sent people to hand out in the streets. From morning to night, the city's taverns and tea houses were packed with people discussing the two weddings.
Aikesi had selected a three-courtyard residence in the eastern part of the city to serve as the Earl's Mansion. Its layout was elegant, with artificial hills and flowing water in the courtyards, while the rear garden was filled with the white camellias Monica loved. To make sure the flowers bloomed abundantly before the wedding date, Aikesi had specifically hired three gardeners to tend them day and night, and had even bought flower-forcing powder from a medicinal shop belonging to the Dawson Chamber of Commerce.
"You had people plant these flowers?" Monica stood before the flowerbed, her eyes filled with surprise.
Morning sunlight spilled over the camellias. Dew still clung to the white petals, clear and sparkling. Monica crouched down and gently touched a half-open