Chapter 390: Congratulations
"The Second Prince..." Simon thought deeply. Everything made sense now.
If the assassination succeeded, the Second Prince benefited most. Whether or not it succeeded, the Crown Prince’s incompetence would be exposed. If the Crown Prince was deposed, the Second Prince would be next in line.
If the assassination worked, he’d eliminate a powerful rival, killing two birds with one stone. His plan was very clever.
But no plan was perfect, or Alaric wouldn’t suspect the Second Prince.
"Very likely him. But we can’t conclude yet. That’s the cleverness of the assassination plan." Alaric said, troubled. "If it is your Second Brother, what do you want me to do?"
Simon almost said ’execute by law’ but remembered historical examples and swallowed his words. Respectfully, he said. "Father, you are the Emperor. He is my brother. If he is cruel, I cannot be unkind."
Alaric’s pupils narrowed as he stared at Simon long and hard. Then he smiled. "Simon, you’re very good. Now I am at ease."
A cold sweat ran down Simon’s back; the Emperor was testing him.
If Simon insisted on killing the Second Prince, the Emperor would think him ruthless and unbrotherly. If he could kill one brother, he wouldn’t spare the Crown Prince later.
This would affect how the Emperor treated him.
Now Simon showed great righteousness, and the Emperor was reassured. This made him a strong enforcer of the blood oath.
Simon escaped the test skillfully but felt bitter inside, unsure what to say.
Alaric didn’t explain further and said. "Let’s go. You’ve brought many surprises. Your wedding is in ten days. Forget other matters and focus on the wedding. Elin is famous in Eldora for her beauty and talents in chess, calligraphy, and painting. She will be a good wife. You should treat her well."
"The Baker family has many officials and talents. Your territory lacks talent, so through this marriage you can attract some of their best."
Simon sighed in relief. "I’ll prepare at once."
---
When life becomes peaceful, time seems to pass quickly.
After the court ceremony and rewards, the Ministry of Rites came to Simon’s mansion to help prepare for his wedding.
During this time, Simon visited relatives and friends to strengthen his connections with court officials, especially Lancet, Reece, Daniel, Maxwell, and others.
These were his trusted people in Eldora who had protected him many times.
Notably, when they searched the Eastern Castle, Ragner had deliberately suggested the search because he knew Simon would feel uncomfortable asking for it himself. Simon only found out later while out with Daniel and others.
Besides old friends, one difference was that Simon’s mansion was now always bustling with carriages and visitors.
Merchants wanting to do business in Brambleford came to meet Simon, hoping to join the Chamber of Commerce.
More often, it was nobles and officials from Eldora.
From princes to ordinary officials, everyone brought rich gifts to get on Simon’s good side.
In the past, only other princes enjoyed such treatment. Now Simon experienced it too, proof of his rising status.
Days passed by, and amidst welcoming many guests, Simon busied himself with wedding preparations.
The wedding with Elin was set for the sixteenth of the month, a very auspicious day.
According to the Eldorian Empire customs, before the wedding, the Emperor must give gifts to the bride’s family and hold an engagement banquet there.
The Ministry of Rites prepared fifty banquet tables with music and celebration.
All nobles not on duty, ministers, guards, officials of rank two and above, and noblewomen gathered at the bride’s home.
The day after the engagement banquet was the wedding day, the formal marriage ceremony in the Eldorian Empire.
Early that morning, Hughes sent the bridal dowry to Simon’s mansion.
Simon dressed in his princely robe and went to the castle.
Emperor Alaric, Empress Gretchen, and Lady Isolde waited for him.
"Simon, greetings to Father, Empress, and Mother."
After speaking, Simon knelt and performed the kneeling ritual, a deep sign of respect, like worshipping one’s ancestors.
Empress Gretchen was very happy these days, having worked hard on Simon’s wedding.
At the engagement ceremony, she gave Elin many gold, silver, pearls, and fine silk gifts.
Simon noticed this and understood Empress Gretchen’s intentions.
Now that all princes had sworn the blood oath and the Crown Prince’s position was secure, making peace with Simon ensured that when the Crown Prince became Emperor, Simon could guard the borders for him.
"Prince Simon, no need for ceremony today. This is your wedding day! The whole castle is joyful; it hasn’t been this lively for years. I feel blessed by your happiness." Empress Gretchen smiled.
Alaric was also happy. In all his years, he’d never been so relaxed.
Since Simon had defeated the reaver tribes and guarded Snake Pass, the court ministers were more obedient. Though factional struggles continued, no one talked about tributes or marriages with tribes. People also feared Simon more.
He knew that with the northern tribes no longer a threat, Simon could focus on dealing with his enemies and their backers.
More than that, Simon had become the empire’s stabilizing pillar. No one wanted to provoke him.
Ministers like Hughes and Lancet spoke louder in court.
"The Empress is right. Today is your happy day. I also feel your joy. Stand up now. You have a busy day ahead."
Simon answered and slowly stood.
He usually disliked complicated things, but ancient weddings were the most complicated.
Alaric and Empress Gretchen were joyous, but Lady Isolde often wiped tears.
Seeing this, Simon said. "Mother, today is my happiest day. Why do you keep crying?"
"I’m happy. From today, you’re truly a family man. In the future, take good care of the family. Come visit Eldora when you can." Lady Isolde said.
Simon nodded. Of all, Lady Isolde cared for him most. Seeing her cry made him uneasy.
After the rituals, eunuchs went to fetch Elin.
The Imperial Guards prepared eight red sedan chairs for the bride.
At the auspicious time, the guards carried the sedan chairs from the castle to the Baker family.
Simon returned to his mansion to wait.
"Your Highness, congratulations!"
On his wedding day, nobles and officials from all over Eldora came to Simon’s mansion bearing gifts.
"Thank you," Simon said to Lancet, then greeted officials like Randy, Ragner, Greg, Austin, and others.
"Dear nephew, today Uncle Augustus prepared a grand gift worth two hundred thousand caps of gold, silver, pearls, and jewels." Said Prince Augustus, arriving with Prince Gerad, their gifts brought in carts.
Prince Gerad added. "Congratulations on your wedding. I prepared gifts worth three hundred thousand caps."
Simon laughed widely. He now understood what ’wedding money’ really meant. If he had more weddings, he’d never worry about money.
"Thank you, Uncle. Please come in."
Prince Gerad and Prince Augustus bowed and entered.
More carts arrived. Servants called out:
"Prince Blackthorne congratulates Prince Simon on his wedding, bringing gifts and ten thousand caps of gold."
"Prince Vael congratulates Prince Simon..."
"Prince Valemont congratulates Prince Simon..."
One after another, gifts and congratulations flowed in. Simon grew happier; this Eldora trip was worthwhile.