BXBX NOVEL Chapter 84: Opaque reality [ 4 ]
If the people didn't react to a sword popping out of thin air, then it could only mean they had seen such before—or perhaps even more than that. Nevertheless, while Dragun mulled over these thoughts, considering all the points laid bare before him, Rowan continued to point his sword at him.
"What are you still waiting for? Leave Winterseed now!" Rowan barked again, his rage intensifying.
Dragun snapped out of his thoughts and regarded him. 'I will ask him about all this later. For now, I need to mend my relationship with my son! I've been a bad father,' he sighed inwardly.
"Rowan, I didn't leave the village because I wanted to, but because I had to," Dragun said, his voice tinged with emotion. "During my time away, I made many important discoveries and improvements. Of course, no one will understand the significance of my actions until a few years from now. But when they do, they'll see it was all for the greater good—for your good as well, son."
But his words failed to sway Rowan. He knew too well that scumbag fathers often tried to manipulate their sons with emotional words, but he had long developed a defense against it.
"Do you really think all that would work on me?" he asked with a frown.
Dragun remained silent, unsure how to respond.
"Just let him off the hook for tonight, Rowan."
As Rowan glared at Dragun, a calm voice came from behind: Brandon. Rowan turned to face him, still frowning.
Brandon continued, "Today is a special day for you, and it would be better with your father's presence. I know how much you hate him right now, but trust me—you need him."
Brandon gave a few reasons why, some including cultural beliefs and his own experience in marriage.
Rowan listened to him and, after a few minutes, agreed—but he didn't forgive Dragun. He merely let him off the hook because of Brandon and because he knew he couldn't really defeat him if they were to engage in battle.
But why engage in the beginning despite the power gap? Well, it's simple: what Dragun desired most at this moment was acceptance from his people, and that desire would vanish the moment he hurt Rowan. Also, Rowan could tell from his status screen that Dragun was sincere in his words and emotions.
"Fine..." Rowan sighed. "I won't let your presence ruin my wedding." He placed his sword back into his inventory, shocking Dragun once more.
Dragun smiled calmly and nodded. He then walked up to Riela and gently asked for her hands. She didn't refuse and placed her hands in his.
He held her hands and brought her close to Rowan, positioning them to face each other like newlywed couples do, then he began his marriage blessing prayers.
The crowd had already become silent; they watched the emotional moment unfolding on the stage with smiles. Some still couldn't hide their disgust for Dragun's presence, though.
Rowan and Riela held hands and stared at each other lovingly as the marriage rite went on.
"With my divine authority as a father and a lord who has served Winterseed, I pronounce you two, husband and wife!" Dragun concluded his prayers with a loud voice.
"Congratulations, Lord Rowan!" Immediately, the crowd erupted with rounds of applause and cheers.
Rowan stared into Riela's lovely eyes while several notifications popped up.
[ Your new soldiers wish you a happy wedding life ]
[ One of your soldiers prays your balls never run dry ]
[ One of your soldiers prays you receive heavenly stamina ]
[ Your soldiers pray for strength and long life ]
[ Your villagers are delighted with your new relationship and wish you well ]
Several notifications were triggered. As usual, most of them were nice and heartwarming, while others made Rowan want to seek out the person wishing him such weird things and kick their butt. Nevertheless, he was glad there were no details of someone trying to kill him—it filled him with relief.
The cheers of the people continued and filled the area with a lively atmosphere, different from the hateful one a few moments ago.
Dragun smiled and nodded at Rowan before walking down the raised platform. He couldn't let the hateful gazes of the people ruin his son's special day.
Now left alone, Rowan smirked at the blushing Riela and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her close as he brought his lips to hers and planted a deep kiss. Riela reciprocated, and soon the couple was engulfed in the heated moment, causing a wave of jealousy and happiness from the crowd.
The cheers became louder as a result. Rowan didn't mind and continued enjoying her lips in public, declaring her as his own.
Roland and the other captains watched with proud grins while Elara and her sisters were all smiles.
As Rowan kissed, he suddenly received a notification.
[ You have obtained a Wife (Riela Vincred) ]
[ Starting now, you can access deeper information about your WIFE, which includes interpreting her thoughts and understanding her goals ]
[ You can now share certain skills with your WIFE ]
'Oh, there is something like this?' Rowan was amused and excited at the same time with the new information. With this, he could make Riela strong and establish her as the greatest thread master to ever exist.
'If I am going to be the greatest Lord, then my wives would also become the greatest in whatever they do! Kings do not marry peasants!' Rowan thought with pride as he made the kiss even deeper.
After enjoying the kiss for another minute, he pulled back and smiled at Riela. His hands still wrapped around her waist, he drew her close once more.
"To celebrate my victory and my wedding, I declare a feast tonight and a holiday for everyone tomorrow!" he announced.
The crowd erupted in cheers as usual.
Rowan received a few evolution points as a reward for the people's gratitude concerning the holiday tomorrow—it made him realize that even though people cherish their work, a work-free day would still make them happy.
To make the celebration better, Rowan brought out the best food supply he had in his inventory and distributed it to the cooks to prepare for everyone. He also brought out two big barrels of wine he had brought from Glenwood.
The village square became busy as the women began preparing delicious dishes with the food supplies. Just about twenty minutes after distribution, the whole place was already filled with the sweet aroma that made everyone drool subconsciously.
The men didn't sit back this time; they helped as best they could to make the work faster.
In the village square, a lot of fireplaces could be seen; there were either big pots over them or large cuts of meat being roasted. Everyone was busy and happy, including the children.
While this went on, Rowan spoke to the captains and then went on to his room with Riela.
The captains looked at Rowan's back with proud smirks as he strolled out of the village square, hand wrapped around his woman intimately.
"This guy is tough. I couldn't talk to my crush when I was his age, but here he is going to do the real thing!" Bruce commented, causing the other captains to look at him with puzzled gazes.
"I would be embarrassed to admit that," Bryce responded with a loud laugh, and the others joined in.
The people were so busy and happy that they didn't even notice that Rowan and Riela has left. As well as Dragun who went towards a different direction.
---
It was a distant land far away from Winterseed, where the atmosphere was the exact contrast to the current exciting one in Winterseed. It was still nighttime, but the sky was without a moon.
The land beneath was covered in thick fog, but if one looked deeper, they would be able to see the buildings wrapped in the fog—they were tall and built uniquely, made with hard and fine materials that made them stand out.
Nevertheless, in this place, the streets were deserted.
The metallic smell of rotten blood drifted across with the fog.
The sounds of scavenger animals and insects feeding on corpses could be heard across the land.
At that moment, two figures dressed in dark clothing could be seen strolling through the foggy, chaotic place with calm expressions on their faces. One of them observed the corpses, destroyed buildings, and every other chaotic scene without a single reaction, while the other wore a deep frown.
"This... we shouldn't have let that bastard Dragun escape!" the silent one suddenly gritted his teeth and said with deep hatred.