The news was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, and the ripples it created quickly spread throughout the entire Kree Empire and even further afield.
Blackrock Territory, once a barren frontier, has instantly become a new focal point on the continent's map of power and wealth due to the emergence of "artificial crystal remains" and Viscount Linde's increasingly illustrious reputation.
Countless caravans, like sharks smelling blood, flocked from the capital, the wealthy southern provinces, and even the distant borders of the Grand Duchy of Oak.
Magnificent noble carriages also drove in an endless stream onto the newly built, magnificent stone bridge in Blackrock Territory, which was personally supervised by Weeks. The wheels rolled over the smooth road, leaving deep ruts.
The trade zone was bustling with unprecedented activity, warehouses were full, and hotels were hard to find.
These visitors had only one purpose: Viscount Lind Truk, and the mind-blowing "Tears of the Stars"—an artificial crystal skeleton—in his possession.
Linde had anticipated this and had already prepared a countermeasure.
He displayed a maturity beyond his years.
He did not turn away most of the merchants and minor nobles who came with greed or curiosity. Instead, he had his shrewd and capable officials (the sisters Jeerjelo had undertaken a lot of coordination work during Nazla's postpartum recovery) receive them.
Symbolic, limited, and rigorously selected secondary crystal fragments were released as gifts for "friendly exchanges." Their quality was sufficient to prove their extraordinary nature, but not enough to support large-scale applications or in-depth research. Like bait, they satisfied the vanity and some interests of the recipients while firmly keeping the core technology and production capacity in their own hands.
Commander Aster's "Rock" Guard, clad in specially crafted magical armor, silently patrolled every corner of the territory. Their icy gazes and the light-absorbing silencing stone coating on their equipment silently proclaimed the price for any transgression.
Under the absolute deterrent of power and the aura of Linde as "the Chosen One," those who might have been "blind" ultimately wisely chose to abide by the rules of Blackrock Territory.
Order, under the lure of enormous profits, is maintained by a cold, oppressive force.
Time slips away quietly amidst the hustle and bustle.
The chill of winter has completely receded, and Blackrock Territory, nourished by the [Activation Aura], has ushered in its first vibrant spring.
As the scorching summer sun began to unleash its power, a heart-stirring cry finally echoed from the castle courtyard.
After a difficult childbirth, Nazla Adan, a noblewoman of the fox clan, gave birth to a healthy baby girl for Linde.
The little princess inherited her mother's soft, silvery baby hair and a pair of bright, violet eyes. Her delicate face still showed faint outlines characteristic of the fox clan, and a fluffy, equally silvery-white little fox tail swayed unconsciously, revealing her unique bloodline.
Following closely behind, Leonis, surrounded by holy light and prayers, successfully gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
The little one had thick, light golden baby hair, and deep-set, tightly closed eyes, much like his father. His innate calm demeanor, however, subtly bore the mark of his mother Leonis's saintly purity.
A son and a daughter, a perfect match!
Standing outside the delivery room, Lin De listened to the loud cry that announced the arrival of a new life and felt the throbbing of blood ties. For the first time, his usually cold and deep purple eyes clearly surged with indescribable joy and tenderness.
He strode into the room, carefully picked up the two tiny, soft lives, and felt their faint flames of life flickering in his arms. An unprecedented sense of responsibility and satisfaction filled his chest.
"Good! Good! Good!"
Linde exclaimed "Good!" three times in a loud voice, filled with undeniable joy. "Issue the order! A three-day amnesty is granted to Blackrock Territory! All its inhabitants, whether serfs, free citizens, artisans, or soldiers, shall be given meat and fine wine! Each person shall also receive an additional three months' worth of rations!"
The command, like a joyful horn, resounded throughout the land.
The entire Blackrock Territory erupted in cheers, celebrations, and the clinking of glasses. People were genuinely happy for the birth of their lord's child and grateful for this generous gift from heaven.
The castle, both inside and out, was filled with festive joy.
Merchants who lingered in the trading area also rushed to offer their carefully prepared congratulatory gifts.
Silk brocades from the south, spices and trinkets from the east, exquisite silverware crafted by dwarves, shimmering fabrics woven by elves… a dazzling array of gifts filled the side hall of the castle.
Blessings were endless, but beneath the clamor, subtle rumors, like summer gnats, quietly bred and spread.
"...Your Excellency is wise and mighty, but...this child was born to your lover, so in terms of status..."
"Yes, it's one thing for Lady Nazra to be a noblewoman of the orcs, but Lady Leonis is a Holy Knight of Punishment, and Lady Alice is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Mages... Although they are deeply favored, they have never been formally married, this..."
"Hush! Watch your words! How dare we presume to comment on the Viscount's actions? Besides, those ladies hold such high positions, who would dare to slight them?"
"That being said, it's against etiquette... After all, the Truk family is an old and established earldom of the empire..."
These voices inevitably reached Lind's ears.
He stood before the newly completed castle chapel window, designed and blessed by Leonis herself, sunlight streaming through the stained glass and casting dappled shadows at his feet.
There was no anger on his face, only a deep contemplation.
He has always scoffed at rumors and gossip.
But at this moment, he wasn't thinking about those pointless discussions. Instead, he was thinking about the occasional look of expectation in Nazra's eyes as she lazily stroked her pregnant belly in the sunlight, the piety of Leonis in her quiet prayer room as she prayed softly, and the subtle, complex look of envy in Alice's eyes as she looked at Nazra and Leonis during a break from her work in the workshop.
They bore him children, shared his burdens, and entrusted their bodies and minds to him.
He gave them wealth, honor, and security, but he lacked a wedding that would have been a public announcement and would have given them a legitimate status.
"For a woman, a wedding... is indeed indispensable."
Linde murmured to himself, his fingertips lightly brushing against the cold stone window frame.
It's not that he doesn't understand romance; it's just that past power struggles and crises have left him no time for it.
Now that the territory is newly established, powerful enemies have temporarily retreated, and the bloodline continues, it is the best time to make up for this shortcoming.
"Name?"
Linde turned around, a resolute glint in his purple eyes, "Not only will we give it, but we will give it in a grand and unique way!"
He immediately summoned Seth's butler and several trusted confidants.
"Pass down the word," Lind's voice was steady and powerful, carrying an unquestionable will, "Three days from now, in the castle church, I will simultaneously marry Nazra Adan, Leonis Vonne, and Alice Erna as my lawful wives!"
A flicker of surprise crossed Seth's eyes, which quickly turned into a genuine smile:
"Yes, young master! This old servant will make the arrangements immediately, ensuring that the weddings of the three ladies are absolutely magnificent!"
The news was like another boulder thrown into a lake, instantly overshadowing all the rumors and gossip, and causing an even greater sensation!
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