Autumn, Yulan Calendar Year 10009.
Baruch City welcomed its liveliest day since its founding.
The entire city was festooned with lanterns and decorations, with red silk stretching from the city gates all the way to the royal palace. The streets were packed with citizens who had come to watch the spectacle. Soldiers in brand-new armor stood in formation to maintain order, rare smiles on their faces as well.
Today was a momentous day for the Baruch Kingdom.
Two weddings were being held at the same time.
Linley Baruch was marrying Delia.
Aikesi Yan was marrying Monica.
A high platform had been erected in the square before the royal palace, with red carpets covering the ground and flowers clustered all around. Seats lined both sides of the platform for guests from every faction to witness the ceremonies. Fully armed soldiers stood around the square, with Barker, Gates, and the others personally leading them in maintaining order.
Before dawn had even broken, Aikesi woke up.
He lay in the bridal chamber at the Earl's Mansion, staring at the ceiling with his eyes open. The space beside him was empty—by custom, the bride and groom could not meet on the night before their wedding. Monica had been brought to the royal palace, where she was staying with Delia in Delia's courtyard.
"Nervous?" a voice called from outside the door.
Aikesi sat up and saw Yale leaning against the doorframe, a jug of wine in hand, smiling at him.
"Boss, you're up this early?" Aikesi rubbed his eyes.
"Of course. My brother is getting married—how could I sleep in?" Yale walked in, set the wine jug on the table, and said, "Come on, have a drink. Steady your nerves."
Aikesi did not know whether to laugh or cry. "It's not like I'm going to