Chapter 1120: Isadora Engagement Ceremony, Last Resort
Chapter 1120: Isadora Engagement Ceremony, Last Resort
The engagement between Orion and Isadora was announced, causing an uproar that spread throughout the Four-eared Elves and all of Paradise.
Some were taken aback, surprised that the Supreme Leader was taking another partner.
Others, who had anticipated this event, hadn't expected it to happen so soon but smiled in anticipation, knowing this union would strengthen Paradise through the Supreme Leader's growing household.
Excitement and celebration erupted as the Four-eared Elves began preparing for the engagement ceremony of Orion and Isadora.
Two weeks later, the engagement ceremony of Orion and Isadora commenced.
Every notable individual within Paradise was present. This time, all of Paradise's inhabitants -from the border cities, villages, and warriors, including those outside of Paradise- gathered for the event.
Led by Former Patriarch Rylan and Patriarch Lyndon, the Four-eared Elves, with support from the Supreme Leader's household, ensured the ceremony's grandeur was fitting. The scale of the event was so vast that it seemed as though Isadora was marrying into the Supreme Leader's Main Household rather than becoming a concubine.
The four-day engagement ceremony began with both partners exchanging their vows while bowing to the four winds-east, west, north, and south.
On the final day, they rubbed ointments on each other's ears, symbolising cleansing and unity. This act connected their ears, allowing them to better understand one another's hearts and listen to the world around them to ensure their survival.
Although Orion wasn't a Four-eared Elf, Former Patriarch Rylan had overseen many such ceremonies between Four-eared Elves and those of other races. So, he successfully carried out the ritual.
Afterwards, both partners headed to a private room to solidify their engagement.
As Orion and Isadora walked down a path, flanked by a sea of countless individuals stretching as far as the eye could see, some women in Orion's household couldn't help but furrow their brows in thought.
"Is anybody else thinking about having an engagement ceremony like this?" Lyra asked.
Derry, Breezeflutter, and some others nodded firmly in response.
"Her engagement is like this because she's a Four-eared Elf. The Village doesn't usually have events requiring such a large crowd and dramatic display, right?" Crystalia sighed.
Crystalia's engagement and Merida's and Maya's had been grand events within the Prismerion circle. Although not as grand as this, which she attributed to Paradise's growth and the combined efforts of Former Patriarch Rylan and the Four-eared Elves, she wasn't bothered. She had enjoyed her engagement ceremony.
However, not all of her sisters seemed to share the same sentiment.
"Tsk! Tsk! It would be best if you were more than satisfied that you even had the opportunity to become Orion's partner," Celeste said, her tone sharp, agreeing with Crystalia. She clicked her tongue in annoyance.
'Give them a slice, and they will reach for the whole fruit,' Celeste thought, looking sternly at Lyra and the other women who agreed.
Celeste made a mental note to ensure they didn't stir trouble within the household. Though she had to admit, the scale of Isadora's four-day engagement ceremony had left an impression on her, that was all.
Besides being attentive, intelligent, young, and beautiful, Isadora had won Celeste's favour. She was happy that her son could get engaged to such a wonderful young woman and was eager to welcome Isadora as one of her sisters.
After learning about Isadora's past and how she had unknowingly played a role in destroying the Four-eared Lone Rabbit Runaway City, Celeste also sympathised with her determination to make amends by working as the Supreme Leader's personal assistant. She wanted to console the young woman, care for her, and guide her, much like a mother would.
Though it would have been better for Isadora to marry directly into the main household, rules were rules, and not even Celeste could break them. Fortunately, Selene and Shani were willing to guide Isadora and shower her with all the love and support she needed.
Celeste glanced at Selene and Shani and sighed inwardly. The look in their eyes told her that they had settled to remain concubines. Unfortunately, she could not do anything but hope they would change their minds when their time for advancement came.
Lyra bit her lip and murmured, "I just meant it wouldn't be bad to have a ceremony where we confess our love for each other in front of everyone. I feel more confident now and wouldn't avoid the attention."
Hearing Lyra's words, several women exhaled inwardly, agreeing. They were much more confident now than when they had felt insecure about the Village's beauty standards and their partner's difference in age. Having been exposed to so many different races, each with its beauty standards, they realised that these standards had become irrelevant or less stringent within the respective races.
It was difficult for individuals with deeply ingrained beliefs to change.
"I agree. It would be such a wonderful memory," Sura said with a light smile, glancing at Lyra. "But remember, Paradise is still in its growth phase. The population will continue to increase with the city being built beside the Vylkr alloy mine. As you all perform well in your tasks, Orion might reconsider holding a grand ceremony that everyone above and below will witness."
Lyra's eyes lit up, a pondering expression emerging on her face.
Several other women also had thoughtful expressions, a glint flashing in their eyes.
"Thank you," Lyra said with a grateful smile directed at Sura.
Sura nodded and returned the smile.
Despite Orion and Isadora knowing each other's bodies, Isadora's moans echoed again across several of the Four-eared Elves' new residences.
-----
Three weeks later,n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
After concluding their discussions, Orion and the Key Leaders exited the meeting hall.
Suddenly, Orion halted his steps.
"Is something wrong, Chief?" Zogar asked, stepping forward.
Seth also stepped forward.
Orion nodded. He had just received information from Iyalis that her attempt to break apart
the Drayal alliance had failed. She had successfully pulled over 60 Stowaways from the alliance, all ready to pledge their allegiance to Paradise after listening to her words and witnessing her immense new strength.
However, for her to continue without raising too much suspicion, she needed to rope in one of the key leaders of the Drayal Alliance. Unfortunately, unlike the other Stowaways, they were more loyal to the Grade One Runaway Cities, supporting them and revealing everything Iyalis
had told them.
Despite her immense strength, she could not protect the Stone Fang Stowaway, so she had no choice but to turn herself in to keep them out of danger.
They were trying to turn her to their side because of her strength and make her reveal everything she knew about the whereabouts of the Sleeping Fox, Wanderlust Travelling Tortoise, and the Trekking Flamingo Runaway City.
She felt ashamed for sending such a message and wished Paradise could save the Stone Fang Stowaway from harm, as she had been unable to fulfil her promise.
The One-Winged Chain of Eternal Submission allowed both sides to communicate. However, not everyone bearing the mark was allowed to do so. Orion also had the option to look through their memories whenever he wished, and he would be alerted if someone tampered with the slave seal, contemplated betraying their master or Paradise, or was in danger.
This was why he hadn't visited the Midnight Butcher Bar to see Evaline. He knew everything that transpired then and saw no reason to do so.
Orion explained the situation to them.
"I need you to gather 40 four-star warriors for the subjugation of the Drayal Alliance and the two Grade One Runaway Cities backing them," Orion said, focusing on Zogar.
"Isn't five enough to defeat them?" Zogar asked. With him leading them, it should be enough
to subjugate such a measly force completely.
Orion nodded and responded, "Yes, it's enough. But victory alone is not sufficient. I want them to feel the vastness of our strength. They should understand that they never stood a
chance."
A look of understanding emerged on Zogar's face.
"I didn't see it from that view. If that's the case, then I will show them the unreachable might of Paradise," Zogar responded, smiling.
"Ensure that the Stone Fang Stowaway is protected, and Iyalis is released before taking any action. You can leave as soon as you can," Orion nodded.
Orion knew that Zogar's mentality had been built around efficiently utilising their power to deal with whatever enemy they encountered. He wanted to use this opportunity to help him understand the difference when facing a force that realised they never stood a chance.
Zogar nodded in understanding and exited the building, soaring into the sky.
Orion followed, with Seth accompanying him from behind.
The Key Leaders exited the building one by one to quickly return to work and begin preparations, understanding that Paradise's forces were about to undergo another wave of
expansion.
Two days later, Zogar and forty-four-star warriors left the Paradise, accompanied by Lalos, the former leader of the Stone Fang Stowaway, swiftly heading towards the direction of the
Drayl Alliance. This marked Paradise's inaugural declaration of war.