Chapter 151
Ba Sing Se. The Earth King's Palace. Roku.
The spacious hall was filled with well-dressed guests. It seemed everyone was trying to outdo each other with their outfits, some of which were so extravagant they bordered on gaudy. The situation was somewhat salvaged by the uniformity of color—everyone was dressed in shades of green, though there were plenty of eye-catching lime hues as well.
Just an hour earlier, the official part of the wedding ceremony for two loving hearts had concluded. The Earth King Lao's only daughter and the equally legendary Roku had been united in marriage. The celebration was grand, with thousands of guests invited from both the capital and other provinces.
A small island of disharmony stood out at the table next to Lao and Poppy. What set them apart was their indigo clothing, as well as their darker skin—not the kind Earth Kingdom residents get from working outdoors, but something entirely different. Had Lao not introduced them at the beginning of the celebration, no one would have guessed that the pair—a mature yet attractive woman and a handsome, charismatic man—were the former rulers of the Northern Water Tribe.
"Honestly, it's very nice," I said with a slight smile, glancing at my parents, who were now being entertained by Toph's parents. It was a joy to see Arnuk and June here; no one had warned me, which was logical—otherwise, there would have been no surprise. The idea to invite my parents had come from my bride, and Lao had supported his daughter by sending his fastest ship for them. My parents had told me they were going on a vacation to some very nice resort.
"I'll have to thank her properly tonight..." This time, my eyes hungrily followed Toph. Despite her conservative and modest outfit, she remained just as captivating. It wasn't just me throwing admiring glances her way. Many young men were enchanted by her. It's hard to say who was sincere in their feelings and who was driven by the desire for a massive "career leap"—after all, becoming Toph's suitor could bring one dangerously close to the throne.
Since Toph was often by my side, none of the young men managed to get close to her. And I doubt Toph would waste her time talking to some random guy.
Moving from one group to another, I tried to give everyone a bit of attention. That's the tradition here. The groom must make his way around and greet all the invited men. Fortunately, Toph handled the women's side.
"How are you, Jin? Relax a bit, Omashu won't fall apart without your presence for three days," I said, clapping the new King of Omashu on the shoulder. Compared to me and Bumi, he didn't stand out at all. Average looks, strict glasses on his nose, neatly pressed formal attire, and a perpetually stern expression—that's Jin. This unremarkable but fiercely responsible young man had become the best candidate for the throne of the city-state a few years ago. And I hadn't been wrong. He was born for this. His only flaw—though perhaps it's a strength—is his abnormal attention to detail and strict adherence to the letter of the law.
"I certainly hope so," he replied, adjusting his glasses as he continued studying some papers.
"You'll never change this workaholic," I muttered almost inaudibly.