311 Are You Willing? (1/2)
The next day at noon, salute cannons wet off. Amidst the majestic melody, musicians played the stately yet celebratory march. As everyone cheered, a handsome man rode out of the gates on a white horse.
He was dressed according to the ancient law. He wore a laurel crown made of white silver and a gold cloak and armor. He sat straight-backed on the white horse, regal like a prince.
The girls who had been invited to the wedding and were standing on the grass of the manor stared and yelped. Donna, wearing a wedding dress and surrounded by girls, lowered her head shyly when she saw her fiancé’s enthusiastic gaze.
Under the emcee’s guidance, the best men walked the white horse and cheered Donna’s name in unison, blessing this new couple.
In the crowd, Brady gazed at his daughter’s shy yet happy expression, and grinned from ear to ear. As the descendant of a fallen noble family, he had toiled his entire life in the customs department of the First Department. After many conspiracies, plans, and exchanges of interest, he finally rose to top and established a large family business in Avalon’s midtown. He had been worried over not having an heir, but seeing his daughter’s happiness now, he was satisfied. As long as she was happy, everything was worth it.
”Congratulations, Lord Brady.” The wedding guests all came up to him and he welcomed all of them. At certain points of the conversation, he would hold his belly and laugh heartily. Life was hard and there were not many days of celebration. One must learn to be content.
”Dear Brady.” A middle-aged man with a white turban walked over and embraced him with a warm smile. Like the other wealthy Indian merchants, he was covered in gold and silver accessories. There was also a giant and breathtaking gem on his turban. Of course, there was also the smell of curry.
Brady furrowed his brows imperceptibly but quickly smiled again. ”Thank you for coming. Today is a day worth celebrating. Please do not hold back.”
The Indian merchant chuckled. He waved for a servant to bring up the prepared gift. A golden holy emblem embedded with gemstones and diamond pieces sat atop the red velvet in the box.
Brady was instantly overjoyed. ”Is this a holy emblem blessed by the Pope? How could I…this is too precious of a gift.”
”This is insignificant compared to our friendship.” The Indian smiled meaningfully. ”I hope our friendship will continue.”
”Naturally.” Brady nodded. Their gazes were in tacit agreement.
No one would reject such a generous friend. Plus, one only needed to help out a little to maintain this friendship. Receiving this promise, the Indian merchant left in satisfaction.
Soon, all the guests had arrived and the priest overseeing the wedding finalized the last preparations. In the flurry of movements, everyone was getting ready nervously. However, Brady had finally relaxed. He sat below the stage and gazed happily at the couple in the distance.
They were a perfect pair—their families were of the same status, the groom was handsome and the bride beautiful, and both had high morals. The more Brady looked, the more satisfied he was. It was great he could have a young man like that to inherit his business and connections.
”What a nice young man,” someone praised. He placed his bowler hat on the table and sat down beside Brady. ”A lawyer graduated from the National University and working for the government; young and accomplished. In fact, he is highly regarded by his superiors. He should be sent to the Eastern Indian Trade Company soon, right? What a bright future!”
Hearing someone speak of his son-in-law, Brady instantly grew proud. However, when he turned around, he was met by an unfamiliar young man. He had an enthusiastic smile that made one feel happy just looking at it. However, this was a wedding, but he was dressed entirely in black as if he was attending a funeral. As he smiled, his long and narrow eyes squinted, hiding the coldness within.
”Who are you?” Brady furrowed his brows. He looked to his guards; the burly men paced through the crowd but did not acknowledge the youth’s presence.
”Mr. Brady, please do not be nervous.” The youth shrugged. ”Me? I’m just a guest at this wedding.”
”Are you a musician?”
Seeming to understand something, Brady’s expression darkened.
Many unaccomplished musicians in Avalon would use their position to get free food at others’ ceremonies and ask for money. Others might be helpless against this, but if this guy planned on trying this at Brady’s event, he was at the wrong place!
He coldly pulled a checkbook from his pocket and scribbled a large sum. Tossing it over, he said, ”Sir, today is my daughter’s big day. There are many members of the Musician Division here today as well. I hope you’ll understand and not try to destroy your own future.”
”Ah, I’m sorry, you seem to have misunderstood me. I am not here to cheat you.” The young man smiled awkwardly and pulled a small box from his arms. ”Today is my first visit and it’s coincidentally your daughter’s big day. I did not have much time to prepare a gift. I hope you like it.”
”A gift?” Brady scoffed and took the box. What kind of gift would people who came for free food give?
”Won’t you take a look?” The man’s eyes were eager.
Brady scoffed again. If the man wanted to be humiliated then there was no harm in looking. However, he froze after he opened the box. In the box was a large egg-sized ruby. Its color was flawless. He could not find something at this level even in Avalon’s best jewelry store.
But why did this look…so familiar?
He picked up the gemstone in confusion and felt that it was wet as if it had been dipped in water. His thumb came away scarlet…it was blood! It finally dawned on him that this gem was the one that the Indian merchant wore on his head and valued more highly than life itself!
Chilled, he yelped. ”You—what did you do to him?” He stood up abruptly and wanted to retreat but realized that he could not move anymore. His yelp seemed to have been swallowed by something. No one noticed them.
”Sit down.” The young man looked up at him. His long and narrow eyes were open now. His pupils were pure black, like a wind tunnel leading toward somewhere. They were terrifying. His voice was not gentle; it was an irresistible command.
Brady softened involuntarily and collapsed onto his chair. He finally realized there was a small note on the bottom of the box. The words on it were sharp yet inexplicably elegant: Your loyal friend, Sherlock…
”You—you…” His pupils constricted instantly; he almost suffocated. Here, it felt as if he had fallen into an icebox. The legend, the shadow shrouding Avalon, the controller of the dark rules…truly existed!
”Do not say the name aloud, sir.” The young man casually raised his forefinger and placed it before his mouth. ”This name doesn’t suit this joyful event. Just view me as a wedding guest.”