Chapter 125 A Wedding Gift From The Emperror
The Dragonborn's wedding celebration was lively and grand, growing ever more vibrant as time passed. Guests from all walks of life attended ranging from common folk to high-ranking nobles filling the venue with chatter, laughter, and an air of festivity.
Alex soon found himself completely surrounded, the circle of nobles and merchants tightening around him with every passing second. Their eyes gleamed with curiosity and interest, many of them subtly leaning in, their gazes fixed on the elegant black suit he wore. The fabric caught the light just right, giving it a refined, almost mesmerizing presence that made it impossible to ignore.
A nobleman stepped forward, adjusting his cuffs as he studied Alex from head to toe. "Mr. Alex," he said politely, though his eyes betrayed his fascination, "may I ask… who crafted such a remarkable outfit?"
Another noble tilted his head slightly, trying to inspect the stitching more closely, while a few merchants whispered among themselves, clearly calculating its value.
Alex instinctively took a small step back, his shoulders tensing slightly as the crowd pressed closer. He raised one hand behind his head, scratching it lightly in a nervous gesture, and let out a soft, awkward chuckle.
"Haha… well… this is actually something I made myself," he replied, his tone humble, though a faint hint of pride flickered in his eyes.
For a brief moment, the crowd fell into stunned silence.
Then
"What?! You made it yourself?!"
"Incredible craftsmanship…!"
"This could dominate the market!"
The murmurs quickly turned into a wave of excitement.
Suddenly, a merchant forcefully pushed his way forward, nudging others aside with little regard for etiquette. His expression was sharp, eyes gleaming with ambition as he clasped his hands together.
"Lord Alex," he said eagerly, leaning in slightly, "perhaps we could discuss a business arrangement regarding your attire? I assure you, this would be highly profitable for you."
More merchants immediately began speaking over one another, each trying to outbid the other with offers and proposals. Some reached out as if to touch the fabric, while others pulled out small notebooks, already preparing to negotiate.
The atmosphere grew increasingly chaotic voices overlapping, bodies pressing closer, the once elegant gathering turning into a storm of ambition and opportunity.
Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control
A sharp, commanding voice suddenly cut through the noise like a blade, echoing across the hall and silencing everyone in an instant.
"Make way! Jarl Balgruuf is coming through!"
Irileth's authoritative tone cut through the noise, forcing the crowd to part immediately.
Jarl Balgruuf, with Irileth at his side, approached Alex.
"Ah, congratulations to the both of you on entering a new chapter of your lives," Balgruuf said warmly.
Then, leaning slightly closer, he lowered his voice and whispered to Alex, "From this moment on… your life will change."
Alex simply let out a light laugh. "Haha, yes… thank you, Balgruuf. Of course, I'm ready for what lies ahead."
Not far away, Astrid noticed Alex speaking with Balgruuf and Irileth. Curious and smiling softly, she began making her way toward them.
Baalgruuf then turned his gaze toward Astrid.
"And to you as well congratulations, Dragonborn, on beginning a life together with your partner, for all eternity."
Irileth suddenly let out a laugh, her tone playful as she added, "Hahaha… from a woman who beheaded dragons to becoming the most beautiful bride truly, you never fail to surprise me, Dragonborn."
Baalgruuf then let out a small sigh before speaking again. "Ah, forgive me, Alex, Astrid… it seems I cannot stay long at your celebration. My duties are many if I were to take even a single day off, I cannot imagine what might happen to my city."
Alex nodded politely. "Of course, Jarl Baalgruuf. Your presence alone is already more than enough for us."
With that, Jarl Balgruuf and Irileth took their leave, departing from the celebration.
After they left, the nobles quickly gathered around again, eager to discuss the business potential of the outfit Alex was wearing. Astrid, who had been trying to keep a little distance from Alex, now found herself caught in the middle of the crowd.
After some time, Alex and Astrid finally managed to calm the nobles and merchants, asking them to submit letters if they were truly interested in a business arrangement.
With that settled, the two of them returned to enjoying their wedding celebration greeting their guests, sharing smiles and conversations, and taking in every precious moment of the occasion.
Then, in the middle of the day just as the celebration was in full swing the distant sound of rumbling wheels and clopping hooves began to echo from beyond the venue. At first, it was faint, almost blending into the lively chatter of the guests. But gradually, it grew louder… heavier… impossible to ignore.
One by one, several horse-drawn carriages came into view, rolling forward in a steady, disciplined formation. Each carriage was heavily laden, the wooden frames creaking under the weight of tightly secured cargo covered in thick cloth. Flanking them were soldiers clad in polished Imperial armor, their movements sharp and synchronized, their presence radiating authority and discipline.
The festive atmosphere subtly shifted.
Guests turned their heads in unison, conversations faltering mid-sentence. Some nobles narrowed their eyes, trying to assess the situation, while others instinctively stepped aside to make way. A few common guests exchanged uncertain glances, their curiosity quickly turning into hushed whispers.
"…That's a lot of carriages…"
"Look at those guards… Imperial soldiers?"
"Who would send something like this…?"
A merchant leaned closer to another guest, lowering his voice. "With that kind of escort… this isn't ordinary cargo."
More whispers spread like ripples through the crowd. Some guests rose slightly from their seats, craning their necks to get a better look, while others covered their mouths in quiet astonishment.
"Don't tell me… those are gifts?"
"For Alex and Astrid…?"
Speculation grew rapidly, the air thick with curiosity and anticipation.
Finally, the carriages came to a slow, deliberate stop right at the front. The horses snorted softly, stamping their hooves against the ground as the drivers pulled back on the reins. The Imperial guards immediately shifted into position, standing tall and alert, their eyes scanning the surroundings.
For a brief moment… everything went still.
Then, the door of the leading carriage creaked open.
A man stepped down carefully, his boots landing firmly against the ground. He straightened his posture, adjusted his attire with a composed, practiced motion, and cast a brief glance across the gathered crowd. His expression was calm, yet carried a certain weight one that demanded attention without needing to ask for it.
The murmurs faded.
With measured steps, the messenger walked forward, stopping at a respectful distance before Alex and Astrid. He reached into his garment, retrieving a neatly folded parchment. Holding it with both hands, he gave a slight bow, then raised his head.
His voice rang out clearly formal, steady, and carrying across the now-silent gathering as he began to read the message addressed to Alex and Astrid.
"Allow me to introduce myself my name is Ron, an envoy of Emperor Titus Mede II. My lord extends his congratulations to the Dragonborn and their partner. As His Majesty is unable to attend your wedding in person, he has instead sent these modest gifts. He also wishes that your marriage proceeds smoothly and is filled with blessings. That is all this is the message from my lord, Emperor Titus Mede II."
The guests were left in shock upon hearing that the carriages had come from Emperor Titus Mede II himself. This greatly elevated Alex and Astrid's standing, as the Emperor was renowned for his tactical brilliance and for playing a crucial role in defeating the occupying Thalmor forces during the Battle of the Red Ring.
Alex and Astrid exchanged a brief glance, their eyes meeting in quiet confusion. Alex's brows knit slightly as he tilted his head, while Astrid's lips parted as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.
Alex leaned a little closer to her, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "Umm… it seems we've never even met the Emperor. Why would he send us gifts?" he murmured, his tone filled with genuine puzzlement.
Astrid gave a small shrug, her fingers lightly brushing against his arm as if grounding herself in the moment. Before she could respond, however
The envoy, who had been standing nearby, caught their words.
He stepped forward with measured composure, placing one hand over his chest in a respectful gesture before speaking. "His Majesty simply wishes to leave a good impression on the Dragonborn and their partner," he said calmly. Then, lifting his chin slightly, he added with quiet emphasis, "Besides… these gifts are nothing compared to your achievement in defeating Alduin just a few days ago."
For a heartbeat
Silence.
Then the reaction spread like wildfire.
The lower-ranking guests and lesser nobles froze, eyes widening in disbelief. One man's goblet nearly slipped from his trembling hand, while another covered his mouth, staring at Alex as if seeing him for the first time.
"D-defeated Alduin…?"
"The World-Eater…?!"
Shock rippled through them, their whispers frantic and disjointed.
In contrast, the high nobles remained composed. A few exchanged knowing glances, their expressions calm almost calculating. One noble calmly sipped his drink, while another adjusted his gloves, as if this revelation merely confirmed what they already knew. Their networks ran deep, their information vast and many of them had come precisely for this reason.
To stand on the Dragonborn's good side.
And then
The silence broke.
The lower nobles and common guests erupted into cheers.
"Waaah! A hero!!"
"Long live the hero!!"
"All hail the Dragonborn!!"
Voices overlapped, rising into a wave of admiration and excitement. Some raised their cups high into the air, while others stepped forward eagerly, their faces lit with awe.
At the center of it all, Alex and Astrid stood frozen for a moment, visibly caught off guard. Alex let out a small, awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his neck as his eyes darted around at the overwhelming attention.
Astrid, on the other hand, pressed her lips together, her shoulders rising slightly as she exhaled a quiet breath.
Leaning closer, Alex turned his head toward her, his voice dropping into a soft whisper. "My love… it seems this secret can't be hidden anymore."
Astrid closed her eyes briefly, letting out a faint sigh. Then she opened them again, a small, resigned smile forming on her lips. She gently nudged his arm with her elbow, her tone light but accepting.
"Well… what can we do?" she said softly. "…We might as well enjoy it, right?"
Her fingers slipped into his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as if telling him they would face whatever came next, together.
The Imperial guards moved with disciplined precision as they began unloading the treasures from the carriages one by one. Each crate was handled carefully some carried by two men, others requiring even more set down with heavy thuds that drew the attention of every nearby guest. The faint clink of metal, the soft rustle of fine fabrics, and the occasional glimmer of reflected light only added to the growing sense of awe.
Alex couldn't help himself he stepped closer.
At first, he maintained a composed posture, hands resting casually at his sides. But the moment one of the crates was opened just enough to reveal its contents, his curiosity got the better of him. He leaned in slightly, tilting his head to peek inside
And then
A slow, unmistakable grin began to spread across his face.
(Ah… I thought this wedding might turn into trouble… but it's the complete opposite.)
His eyes gleamed as he shifted from one crate to another, no longer bothering to hide his interest. He crouched slightly beside one of them, lifting the edge of a cloth just enough to get a better look.
Fine fabrics rich, smooth, and clearly expensive slid softly under his fingers as he brushed against them. Another crate revealed neatly folded luxurious garments, each piece crafted with meticulous detail. Then came the jewelry gold, gemstones, ornaments that shimmered brilliantly under the light, forcing even Alex to blink at their brilliance.
But then,
He froze.
His hand stopped mid-motion as his gaze locked onto something deeper within one of the crates.
Grand Soul Gems.
Not just one or two but many.
Their faint glow pulsed softly, almost hypnotic.
And among them…
Black Soul Gems.
Alex's eyes widened, his grin twitching slightly as it turned into something more intense almost greedy, though he quickly masked it. His fingers hovered just above them, as if resisting the urge to grab them immediately.
(Uaaagh!!! This is incredible… Should I side with the Emperor?)
He straightened slightly, crossing his arms as if deep in thought, though his eyes kept drifting back to the gems.
(Hmm… if I remember correctly, Dark Brotherhood is supposed to assassinate him, right?)
His gaze sharpened for a brief moment.
(Well… I guess we'll see what happens in the future.)
By the time all the cargo had been fully unloaded, the treasures were carefully transported into Alex and Astrid's home. Alex personally oversaw some of the process, occasionally stepping in to inspect certain items more closely. When no one was paying too much attention, he discreetly reached out his hand moving with practiced ease as several of the more valuable items vanished into his inventory.
The rest, however, he allowed to remain inside the house, neatly arranged and secured.
As the final crate was set down and the guards stepped back, the tension slowly dissolved, replaced once again by the lively atmosphere of the celebration.
Music resumed.
Laughter returned.
Guests began mingling once more, as if the overwhelming display of wealth had simply become another part of the day's wonder.
And so, the celebration continued flowing smoothly into the later hours, filled with joy, conversation, and lingering excitement…Until
As the day neared its end…
A new presence arrived.
One that carried a different kind of weight.
An unexpected guest… someone they had never anticipated.
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