Chapter 41 Chapter 41 Beo / Two echoes in intersecting time and space...
A night passed and the calendar turned to a new page.
It was the fifth day of the eighth month of the Ceylonian calendar, and the weather was fine—a special and beautiful day for the two Norman ladies.
At ten o'clock in the morning, the bells of Spencer's house in Mellenwick and Winston Manor in Kent rang simultaneously.
"Congratulations! It's a beautiful sunny day today, which bodes well for the future Duchess's happy marriage!"
Emily opened the door, followed by Edith, and they smiled as they helped Isabel put on her wedding gown.
"Oh, how stunningly beautiful!" exclaimed Mary, the bridesmaid with ten-year-old Catherine.
Isabel smiled as Emily put on her sapphire tiara and matching necklace. "Thank goodness I had breakfast, otherwise, wearing such a heavy wedding dress on an empty stomach wouldn't have allowed me to walk down the aisle."
The bride's witty remarks made everyone laugh.
In the mirror, the future Duchess was wearing an incredibly luxurious ivory silk taffeta gown, its skirt inlaid with antique lace and a train measuring twenty-five Ceylon feet. It was also adorned with over a thousand hand-sewn pearls and mother-of-pearl sequins, meticulously arranged in various patterns and distributed across the bodice, waist, hem and train.
Such gorgeous decoration makes the whole wedding dress sparkle with soft light in the sunlight, which is dazzling.
"Are all brides fairies? I want to be a bride too!" My little cousin Catherine was wearing a bridesmaid dress, holding flowers, her eyes full of longing.
"You don't have to be a bride to be a fairy." Isabel raised an eyebrow and tapped Catherine's nose. "Brides are all warrior women; otherwise, they wouldn't be able to wear a wedding dress weighing dozens of kilograms. It takes effort to be beautiful, honey."
Catherine was shocked: "Oh, this is incredible!"
"Dear, don't forget your duty," Mary said to her daughter. "Your mission today is to protect the beautiful bride and her beautiful wedding dress. Don't let the train get in her way."
Catherine saluted solemnly: "Yes! Ma'am! I promise to complete the task!"
Everyone laughed.
When it was time to leave, the newly hired housekeeper came in kindly to remind them.
The groom and Mrs. Violet and other Spencer family members had already arrived at the church in advance, and all the remaining servants gathered downstairs, waiting for the bride to appear.
When Isabel appeared at the stairs wearing a veil, petals were flying all over the sky, accompanied by joyful cheers.
"Best wishes to today's bride!"
The servants gave their blessings in unison, and everyone's face was filled with joy.
"I hope you don't mind our surprise." Victor, who was in the lead, smiled sincerely for once. After all, it was the Duke's wedding day, and they finally had a day off.
Of course, it was also because the Duke of Spencer's marriage represented the breaking of the "curse" and the new sunshine shining into this stagnant home, and they truly welcomed the hostess.
"Thank you, everyone. Thank you, Victor."
Isabel nodded gracefully and bowed in return.
Outside the door, the wedding car with the Spencer family flag flying was waiting for a long time.
The guards in red uniforms saluted solemnly, and Earl Clarence got out of the car to greet Isabelle. Little Catherine followed behind him, adjusting the train of her wedding dress. Mary smiled and waved, then got into another car.
The wedding car decorated with lace and white wedding veil moved forward, guards stood guard along the road, set up a security line, and a velvet red carpet was laid from Spencer's capital residence to St. Westford Church.
Seeing the bride's wedding car passing by, the people waiting on the streets burst into cheers, the scene even exceeding the wedding of Philip, Duke of York.
In the open carriage, Isabel waved generously.
The new Duchess of Spencer's demeanor has undoubtedly once again aroused public enthusiasm.
As everyone knows, this unprecedented grand wedding was a ceremony specially approved by the Queen to commemorate the two pillars of the Empire who sacrificed their lives for their country. The people of the Principality of Ceylon did not forget the old Duke's contribution and spontaneously formed a group of onlookers to send their blessings.
It wasn't until she witnessed this scene that Isabel truly felt the glory the Spencer family once possessed, and she could also understand what Violet was protecting: not only material wealth and social status, but also the love of the people.
Ice-blue eyes stared at the crowd in the distance as the wedding car slowly drove towards the church.
At the same time, the sun shines on the road of Winston Manor, and a beautifully decorated wedding car carries the bride to welcome blessings.
Audrey, wearing a light wedding gown, her blonde hair neatly tied into a bun, held a bouquet of jasmine flowers and waved to the townspeople. Edward sat beside her, while Jenny, Greta, and Anna were in another car. As was customary, the silver-haired groom had arrived at the Kent church early to wait.
Audrey was very familiar with the faces on the street; they were all old friends she met while shopping in town.
The cheers of the country folk were simple and pure. Some had just returned from the fields carrying wheat seeds, some had just finished their business, and some were little beggars who had received charity from the bride in the past. At this moment, everyone clapped, danced, and sang wedding ballads.
“May love surround your dining table ~ May love be in the words you share every day ~ May it be the light that guides you ~” The uncle played the drums with his bare hands to accompany the song.
The fat cook clapped her hands happily and continued to sing in a high-pitched voice: "May the blessing of the Holy Lord guide you forward, and place your hope in eternity~"
The loud soprano voice leads the surrounding singing.
The little beggar cupped his hands into a trumpet shape, his cheeks flushed with excitement. "May it warm every corner of your home. May it become a solid foundation, accompanying you wherever you wander."
Finally, Charles couldn't help but join in, and together with the manor servants, Mrs. Greta, Edward, Jenny and Anna in the car, they all sang in unison: "May the Holy Lord bless you~May He bless you~May He bless you on your wedding day~"
Everyone sang in perfect harmony. Some were tone-deaf, some couldn't keep up with the beat, but without exception, they all offered their most sincere voices. To Audrey, it was like hearing the most beautiful larks singing in unison.
Her eyes were red and she waved excitedly: "Thank you all for your blessings! Thank you!"
The warmth that the painting brought her yesterday continues to this day, and the enthusiasm of the villagers moved her again.
Audrey was so happy. She felt that she had received so much kindness since coming to Kent that it was almost overflowing!
Wearing lace long gloves, she prayed devoutly in front of her chest and blew a sincere kiss. "I want to pass on my good wishes to everyone. I hope you will feel as happy as I do!"
"Happy wedding, kind lady!"
"Congratulations on your wedding!"
…
As the sound gradually faded away, Audrey was wrapped in joy and headed to the hall in the wedding car with a joyful mood.
According to the tradition of the Principality of Ceylon, weddings with good wishes must be completed during the "bright hour".
At 10:58, the hour when the Eternal Holy Lord of Heaven descended into the world according to scriptures and legends, the bride's wedding car arrived outside the church.
Edward took a deep breath, held back his tears, and got out of the car to help his daughter.
The snow-white wedding dress fell on the red carpet. Audrey and her father kissed each other through the veil. The eyes of both father and daughter were as red as rabbits.
Audrey pursed her lips: "Love you, Dad."
"May God bless you." Edward smiled. "My dear."
A white dove on top of a church in Kent flaps its wings and flies into the sky.
The wedding march sounded at the right time, and the elegant piano sound combined with the deep cello created a moving melody.
Audrey held her father's hand and looked ahead. Not far away, she looked into those dark gray eyes.
There, the groom was wearing a pure black suit, a white bow tie, and his silver hair was neatly tied with a headband. He was as handsome as when we first met.
The guests all stood up and saluted, with melodious music playing in their ears.
In the brief pause of a few seconds, Audrey vaguely recalled the scene of the first day she met Hermann.
The light from the kerosene lamp was dim, and she saw him breaking into her home through the gap on the second floor.
At that time, she thought, this person is really a murderer...but he is quite good-looking.
She is always more tolerant towards good-looking people.
But Audrey was not a complete fool. She certainly understood that Mr. White was an unapproachable snow lotus on Mount Morpheus.
Who can possess that snow lotus? It is beautiful but cold, and if you touch it you will get pricked by thorns.
Audrey thought she was an honest and decent girl. She fully learned from her sister's rationality and evaluated her own strengths and weaknesses, and came to the conclusion that although she liked it very much, if she could not have it, she would just watch it from afar.
If she was destined to spend her life with this snow lotus, Audrey thought, she didn't know the habits of the snow lotus, but at least she knew what she had.
She doesn't yearn for the cold. If the snow lotus still wants to hang high on the mountaintop, that's fine. She won't try to climb the iceberg to pick the flower. She will just admire it at the foot of the mountain and live her life to the fullest.
But if there comes a day in the future when you need the sun and want to feel the warm light, then... come close to me.
After a long gaze, Audrey saw Hermann walking towards her.
After several months of getting along, the temperature of the snow lotus didn't seem so cold anymore.
He would paint her portrait, make exceptions for her and do many things for her, stand up for her at charity auctions, and carefully evaluate the models she made... Audrey saw every little thing.
Edward handed his daughter's hand to the silver-haired man with tears in his eyes.
The warmth of her palms spread through the silk gloves, and Audrey's aqua-blue eyes were filled with a gentle smile.
If the snow lotus is willing to stay by her side, she will water it well and give it sunshine.
She had a lot of love and didn't mind sharing it with him.
"Please take good care of her...Mr. White." Edward still shed tears. The ups and downs of this year have made him much older.
Herman paused. On the wedding day, he finally suppressed his subjective emotions and chose to respect the bride's father.
The solemn wedding march sounded throughout the church. He slowly held Audrey's hand and then nodded to Edward.
"Yes," he said, "I will do that."
In St. Westford Church, Count Clauren heard Heinrich's sincere answer and then handed Isabel's hand to him.
Through the hazy white veil, her ice-blue eyes stared at the black-haired groom opposite her.
The man was very tall, and I always had to look up slightly to see his face clearly.
The wolf-tail black hair that was usually casually brushed back was now neatly combed, and the deep eyebrows and eyes were clearly revealed, which was completely different from usual, with a kind of noble aura.
Looking down, Isabel noticed that the groom hadn't worn the tuxedo he'd prepared, but had changed into a military uniform. The pure black uniform was crisp, with rows of honors and medals draped across his chest, a belt around his waist, and golden emblems embroidered around his collar and shoulders. His long military boots only accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs.
Perhaps noticing that the bride's gaze lingered for too long, Heinrich took her arm and slowly walked down the aisle. While no one was paying attention, he raised the corner of his mouth and whispered, "Wake up, stop staring."
Under the veil, Isabel teased: "You spent so much time dressing up, isn't it just for me to see?"
Heinrich raised an eyebrow. "I remember someone saying they didn't want their groom to be outdone by their best man."
He glanced obscurely at the best man across from him, a mismatched fellow picked out of Spencer's cousins.
"Remember to give us some difficult questions next time." He chuckled. "I just cleaned it up casually."
The implication is that if you are naturally beautiful, you can be the most beautiful person in the audience no matter what you wear.
Isabel chuckled and said jokingly, "That really makes me proud."
Heinrich raised the corners of his lips.
Indeed, looking around the whole place, it is hard to find a couple that looks so well matched.
Accompanied by the sound of music, the young bride and groom walked across the red carpet of the church.
More than 3,000 guests stood on both sides, while nobles headed by the royal family, dignitaries from various countries, and relatives with titles stood at the end of the red carpet closest to the swearing-in platform. The Queen led everyone to stand up and salute, and clapped softly to the music.
Under the veil, Isabel was also looking at everyone.
Last time, she was a guest at the table, watching a wedding. Now, she became the protagonist.
Her icy blue eyes took in the Queen's gracious smile, Violet's tired yet focused face, Sophia and her daughter and son-in-law's applause, the Saxon couple's desperate attempts to suppress the urge to roll their eyes, and a host of familiar and unfamiliar relatives... Bathed in so many gazes, she didn't care whether the blessings were genuine or false. After all, no one could stop her.
Isabel straightened her back and walked forward calmly.
The Archbishop, dressed in a red robe and also the witness at Duke Philip's wedding, led the couple to the stage holding a Holy Days scripture.
The orchestra stopped playing and the atmosphere in the church immediately became solemn.
Everyone fell silent in tacit agreement.
This part was not included in Philip's last wedding. Isabel lowered her eyes and looked at her toes, and soon understood what was going on.
The next moment, the gray-haired archbishop announced in a deep voice: "Please stand up and welcome the Pope."
For a moment, Isabel felt the muscles of the people around her tense, as if they were suppressing emotions.
She raised her eyes secretly and saw only Heinrich's calm face.
As the archbishop's voice fell, he was the first to bow his head and hold up the Holy Scriptures with both hands.
Everyone followed suit and nodded in unison, including the queen in the front.
The children in the choir began to sing Holy Days songs. The loud and ethereal voices echoed in the spire of the church, full of a sacred sense of ritual.
Everyone put their right hands on their shoulders and bowed reverently towards the empty oath-taking platform.
Isabel and Heinrich stood in the center of the church, their heads bowed facing the swearing-in platform, with only the scarlet carpet in their sight.
After a long time, I heard the crisp sound of a scepter hitting the ground, coming from far away, regular and slow.
"rise."
It was a voice completely different from what I had imagined... a clear and magnetic voice.
Isabel's eyes moved slightly.
Everyone slowly raised their heads and finally saw the face of the person who came.
For a brief moment, Isabel suddenly remembered what Heinrich had said: "My mother killed my father because of her faith."
A person who can be called a believer may no longer be called a human being.
He is the human incarnation of the Holy Eternal Lord, the Supreme Moon in the hearts of devout believers. All countries that believe in the Holy Lord, such as Ceylon, Heslan, and even Elmi, worship this person as the true God.
Even though there were many powerful people present, the vast majority of them had never seen him.
Perhaps no one would dare to openly offend the Pope's majesty and look at his face directly.
But not Isabel, who has no faith and is wearing a veil.
Before this, if someone had told her that gods existed in this world, she would have scoffed. However, this person's demeanor could truly be described as that of a deity descending.
Behind him, everyone was silent, as if they were all immersed in an atmosphere of infinite reverence.
Such a reaction is not surprising.
On the dais, he wore a gilded cassock, held a scepter, and wore a crown adorned with jewels of ancient elegance. His long blond hair fell to his ankles. Four young clerics in white robes methodically adjusted the hems of his cassock behind him.
Further up, the face was so beautiful that it was difficult to tell whether it was androgynous or ageless. It was like a sacred mural that had been lost in the world for thousands of years and walked into the human world. It contained both compassion and indifference, and its pale golden eyes were like the eyes of the Holy Spirit in mythology, saving all living beings equally.
Amidst the ethereal chanting, he slowly took the Bible from the archbishop's hand.
The choir's song gradually ended and the band played the wedding march again.
Accompanied by the low cello music, everyone listened quietly to the Pope reading the scriptures.
As the last syllable fell, the pale golden eyes looked at Heinrich like a gentle elder.
"I am very happy to witness your wedding. May the Holy Eternal Lord bless you forever, my child."
Isabel noticed that Heinrich was unusually calm, as if he had rehearsed this a thousand times, and even his voice was filled with piety: "Thank you for your kindness, Godfather."
The Pope smiled and tapped Heinrich's forehead with his scepter, then repeated the same step and tapped Isabel.
The Archbishop led the thanksgiving: “Thank you, Holy Father, for the Gospel.”
Isabel bowed, led by Heinrich: "Thank you, Holy Father, for the Gospel."
The wedding march reached its climax and the flower girls scattered petals with all their might.
The Pope began the oath, speaking gently, "Holy Eternal Lord, the Supreme God of Light. Heinrich Spencer, are you willing to marry the lady beside you and live with her in a holy marriage?"
Heinrich took a deep breath and looked at Isabel.
The moment their eyes met, all the complicated thoughts were thrown behind them.
Today is their wedding.
Isabel looked at Heinrich's face and remembered how arrogant and proud he was when she first met him.
Sometimes arrogant, sometimes childish, sometimes bad-tempered, sometimes soft-hearted...
The petals fluttered in the air, as beautiful as the wreath that symbolized victory that day.
That day, she was galloping across the field, aiming at the enemy, but at that moment, she bumped into those dark eyes, and the arrows she shot out had the same destination.
They are both so sharp and fierce, and both love to gallop in the wilderness. These two people with such sharp conflicts can lie on the grass together to watch the stars and agree to be a pair of partners who walk side by side.
Perhaps it was Aunt Mary's kind smile in the crowd that made Isabel suddenly feel soft for a moment.
She thought, although love is not that important and marriage is not that strong, it is worth a try.
During their short journey together, they were an engaged couple who looked like a couple but were actually estranged, but they were also teammates who fought in harmony.
What keeps them going all the way is their unwavering sense of righteousness and courage.
"Are you willing to love her, comfort her, honor her, and protect her, in sickness and in health? Are you willing to give up everything else and be true to her only, for this life only?"
The oath continues.
But they both understand that the agreement is not spoken, but in the heart.
She heard him say—"I do."
In the Kent County Church, Hermann's voice rang in my ears.
Audrey looked into his dark grey eyes and suddenly thought that the snow lotus had really come for her.
The little flower girls diligently scattered the petals, which looked like snow falling all over their heads.
Perhaps the atmosphere in the auditorium was too solemn, as it had witnessed so much happiness, that when Hermann heard the oath, he felt a little dazed.
His silver-gray eyes reflected the bride's face, and as he stared at her, he felt that everything today was so unreal.
He walked into the wedding hall with a girl who had no connection with him in the previous half of his life.
They have to sign a vow, promising to stay with each other forever.
Life is so long, but I said "I do" without any hesitation.
On the platform, the priest asked again: "Ms. Isabel Norman, are you willing to take him as your husband, to live with him in the holy covenant of marriage, to accompany him in the sanctuary of marriage? Are you willing to love him, comfort him, respect him, and protect him, whether in sickness or in health? Are you willing to give up everything else and be faithful to him only for this life?"
At the same time, in a different place, the Pope's pale golden eyes looked at Isabel, called out Audrey Norman's name, and asked the same oath.
Time and space intertwine. In churches in Kent and Mellenwick, two brides with similar blue eyes and blonde hair look at their grooms at the same time. Witnessed by the Holy Lord, they will make a vow in each other's name.
Outside the steeple glazed window, clouds blocked the sun, which secretly watched the two brides in the church.
At St. Westford Church, Isabel said slowly and calmly, "I do."
In the Kent County Church, Audrey smiled and took a deep breath: "I do."
The two answers, intertwined in time and space, seemed to merge together and at the same time form the promise of marriage.
The ring is put on the ring finger, and the vow is finalized.
The church bells rang at the same time, and flower petals fell on the shoulders of the two couples.
Outside the window, the clouds drift away, and the sun smiles, shining on the earth.
Standing at the starting point, no one can predict what kind of fate this will be.
Only the sun hanging high in the sky knows that a wrong beginning may lead to a not-so-wrong ending.
Cheers rang out again in the two churches, and amid warm blessings, the groom kissed his bride.
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The author has something to say: The update time is August 5th, so I changed it to today to get married!
Everyone who reads this chapter is a guest witnessing the wedding!
Dinner is a little late! Let's eat, babies!
PS: Let me explain again, for fear that some people with special beliefs may misunderstand, the Shengyao religion and the Pope in the article are all fictional, all nonsense, mainly based on the plot, don't delve into it (top pot lid)
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