The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 497: Tickling Bomb

Chapter 497: Tickling Bomb

Amidst the gathering, a petite girl joyfully clapped her hands. "My uncle is married! I have another beautiful aunt now," she exclaimed.

Alevra cast a fond gaze at her spirited daughter, sharing in her happiness for her brother. "Rayjin, be careful. You might trip."

"I won’t, mother," Rayjin replied. "I want to go to my aunt."

"You can, but wait for a moment," Alvera reassured.

"But..."

"Rayjin, heed your mother," Duke Wimark chimed in, his expression firm.

Unable to defy her father’s serious demeanor, the little girl quietly took her seat. Duke Wimark discerned the displeasure on his daughter’s face and affectionately patted her head. "We’ll offer our congratulations properly in a little while."

Rayjin nodded, her gaze fixed on the altar. "Mother, why does my aunt look so familiar?" Due to the distance, Rayjin couldn’t discern Oriana clearly, especially since she was now clad in women’s attire instead of the men’s clothing Rayjin had seen her in before.

"Does she?" Alvera chuckled and clarified, "You encountered her when she was leaving Wimark with your uncle."

"Hmm, but she had a veil on her face then. Now, as I observe her..."

"You’ll have a better view when you meet her up close."

"Okay, mother."

Meanwhile, on the other side, Arlan’s friends Arthur, Nathaniel, and a few others joined the cheers along with the rest of the guests. These were sons of esteemed families who had grown up with Arlan and served together in the military.

"Nathan, how about passing me another small potion of that exquisite wine collection of yours?" Arthur commented.

Nathaniel offered him an annoyed glare, "What if I take back what I’ve already given you?"

"Come on, that was part of our deal for sharing a secret. Now they’re even married, so let’s celebrate by you sharing some more."

"What deal are you two discussing?" inquired another friend.

"They’re talking about a deal. I heard Nathan was sharing a part of his prized wine collection," chimed in another.

"What? Are you serious? Why have we never received anything from this stingy Nathaniel?"

Arthur chuckled and grinned coyly at Nathaniel, "Because dimwitted kinds like you don’t deserve it," he looked at Nathaniel, "I am a bit special, aren’t I?"

"Get lost," Nathaniel frowned with irritation. "It’s Arlan’s wedding. Pay attention to that."

"What about the wine?" everyone exclaimed simultaneously, not giving up.

"Later?" Nathaniel replied, redirecting his focus toward the altar, where the newly married couple strolled toward the throne where the King and Queen were seated.

The friends erupted in cheers.

"At least the stingy young master of the Mortem family didn’t refuse."

"Looks like we might finally get our hands on his prized wine collection."

"Let’s bring Arlan with us as well. We will empty out all of that hidden stock."

Arlan and Oriana approached the King and Queen to seek their blessing, casting a hush over the hall as all eyes turned toward the royal couple. The King and Queen, radiant with joy, openly displayed their happiness, a rare sight for the stoic King Ailwin.

As the newlyweds bowed before them, the king, a figure exuding authority and wisdom, spoke first. His voice resonated with a blend of paternal pride and solemnity, "Arlan, my beloved son, in choosing Oriana, you have found a companion worthy of your love and devotion. May your days be bathed in joy, and may the bond you share with your lovely bride remain unbreakable. May your union be a wellspring of strength in times of challenge and a jubilation in moments of triumph."

Turning to Oriana, the queen, with a warm and gracious smile, extended her blessings. "Dear Oriana, embrace our family with open hearts. May you find solace and comfort in our midst, and may your journey with our son be adorned with love and understanding. May laughter fill your days, and may both of you grow and flourish together, hand in hand."

United, the royal couple stood as the king and queen spoke in harmony, "May the grace of this union serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who witness it. May your love stand as a testament to the enduring power of commitment, and may the threads of your lives intertwine to craft a tapestry woven with shared dreams and destinies."

With these words, the king and queen conveyed their heartfelt blessings upon the newlyweds, symbolizing not only the union of two individuals but also the amalgamation of two families, bound together by love, tradition, and the promise of a luminous and harmonious future.

The hall erupted once more with enthusiastic applause as the King announced the commencement of the royal banquet.

Arlan and Oriana gracefully navigated through all the obligatory ceremonies, from their inaugural dance as a married couple to mingling with guests to receive well-wishes. Despite their unresolved differences, they presented a seamless and harmonious, portraying the image of a perfect couple. It was really an act or it was all just natural for them, only both of them were aware of it.

A little girl, who had eagerly awaited the opportunity to greet her newlywed uncle and new aunt, could no longer contain her excitement. Liberating her hand from her father’s grasp, she sprinted towards the couple, delicate feet taking measured steps.

"Uncle!" she exclaimed loudly upon reaching him. "Congratulations on your wedding."

"Thank you, Rayjin," Arlan smiled warmly at the little girl. She then turned her gaze towards Oriana. "I have another beautiful aunt," and she continued to observe Oriana.

Oriana returned the smile, charmed by the adorable girl she had now encountered twice.

Alvera and Duke Wimark approached them. "Congratulations, Arlan and Oriana," Alvera said, her smile radiating as she finally beheld Oriana without the hindrance of a veil.

"Congratulations to both of you, Your Highness," Duke Wimark conveyed politely, prompting nods of acknowledgment from the newlyweds.

As the royal family’s close kin were there, other guests didn’t disturbed them and maintained a distance.

"Orian?" Rayjin said, making Oriana and others freeze in their places.

"I didn’t know you were going to be my aunt," Rayjin’s words trailing off as she hesitated, "but aren’t you a man...umphh..?"

Alvera swiftly covered her daughter’s mouth, caught off guard by the unexpected revelation. When had Rayjin seen Oriana in men’s clothes? Alvera recalled that their first meeting had been with Oriana veiled.

Duke Wimark, too, stood frozen, realizing that his daughter was akin to a ticking time bomb.