Chapter 1712 Marriage

Wynter reached out to grab the medium's hand. "Is this also part of the costume experience?"

The medium, Layla Orion, was an elderly woman. She didn't reply to Wynter's question.

It was then wynter realized that Layla likely didn't speak Cascadian, as even earlier, she had been chanting in Cantonian.

Layla was the definition of gloomy. It was as if she had been in this place for an eternity, even showing a hint of confusion in her demeanor. She couldn't comprehend why no one spoke their local language anymore.

She paid no attention to Wynter, instead proceeding to pour melted candle wax into the water. With deliberate care, she then sprinkled the water, bit by bit, over a phoenix-shaped coffin.

As someone well-versed in the Arcane Way, Wynter immediately recognized what was happening. This was a ritual for a spirit marriage.

Perhaps fearing Wynter might grow suspicious or be unsettled by Layla's actions, Hamilton stepped forward with a wide smile.

"Young lady, this is one of our local traditions. Decorating the items and using candle wax symbolize blessings for a prosperous year ahead."

Wynter returned the smile, her tone light. "What an unusual tradition. I've certainly never seen anything like it before."

"Other places don't experience such service. That's why it's such a unique experience for our tourists," Hamilton responded matter-of-factly. "We even tie it to our village's legend."

Wynter raised her eyebrows. "Legend? What legend?"

"The tale of the River God seeking a bride." Hamilton was a skilled manipulator. The more groundwork he laid now, the more it would shape everything that followed into nothing more than an experience in his target's eyes.

No matter what happened, he believed that Wynter would never suspect that she was meant to stay there permanently.

But unfortunately for him, his target was Wynter.

"Ah, the River God seeking a bride. If I recall, the textbook version of that story isn't exactly cheerful," Wynter said as she glanced at Layla's expression.

Layla was visibly enraged by her words, muttering something under her breath.

Hamilton gave Layla a subtle nudge before smiling at Wynter as he continued, "The things in textbooks are lifeless and incomplete-they don't capture the full picture.

"When the River God descends... Whether you've seen it or not, as long as you're in its presence, you're guaranteed a long and prosperous life."

Wynter raised her eyebrows again. "Is there such a thing?"

"Of course," Hamilton said confidently. "Those who haven't experienced it wouldn't understand. The River God doesn't just bring us longevity but also grants us great fortune and success."

Wynter chuckled. "The way you're talking, it's as if you've actually seen the River God yourself. Aren't we just here to experience the custom?"

"Yes, it's all about experiencing the custom," Hamilton continued. "Although, you might not believe me if I told you that not everyone here can actually see the River God. But some people truly have. For instance, my mother. Isn't that right, Mom?"

Layla nodded.

"Is it that miraculous?" Wynter asked with raised eyes.

"You might not understand just how remarkable this mountain is. Let me put it this way. This place is built on Celestial Force, and the layout here was guided by a medium." Hamilton spoke with pride.

"Even flying serpents can ascend to dragons. You young folks these days are all about wealth, aren't you? If you do end up meeting the River God, you'd better pay your respects properly."

Wynter didn't miss a beat, keeping her tone light as she replied, "If that's the case, I should definitely say a few extra prayers if I meet it. It would be a shame not to."

"That's the spirit. Time is running short. Mom, hurry up," Hamilton said in Cascadian before suddenly switching to Cantonian. "The River God won't tolerate lateness."

"I know. Where did you find this girl? She's so ignorant," Layla muttered in Cantonian as her gaze fell darkly on Wynter. "I can't stand these unruly ones. What if she offends the River God later?"

Hearing their exchange, Wynter hid her face behind her hand fan, revealing only her amused eyes. She knew they didn't know she could understand Cantonian. If they did, they wouldn't have been so brazen in discussing such matters in front of her.

let on that she understood every word. Instead, she laughed softly. "This outfit is fantastic-the accessories even look like solid gold. This experience really is

will come here to visit through you young folks' promotion. Anyway,

travel for some time. After all, it's meant to replicate grand weddings. Once you're inside, don't panic or make a fuss. There will be offerings in the carriage, and you're welcome to

the hairpin in her hand. "Such thoughtful

Hamilton replied, smiling like a simple and

a cultural experience. After all, travel influencers these

she ought to stay on guard in

carriage stops, you'll naturally know when to get out. But, you must be well-

deepened. "Don't worry. I

enough to make this so-called River God remember her for a

sharp as it fixed on Hamilton. "I just called him, but he didn't pick

hear. They're still setting off fireworks near

would never be a chance

concern was for Dalton. It

seem likely that he could pose a real

hadn't he answered? Could it really just be that he hadn't heard

was starting to regret not bringing Whitley or Wolf along. Especially Wolf if he were to stand by the river, this so-called River God would probably be scared out of its wits, just like the last time with Sothoth. In Wolf's presence, it had trembled from head

with wearing a wedding

stood behind Wynter, giving Layla a meaningful

accessories. Among them was an especially ornate flower hairpin, adorned with cascading crystal tassels

like before, Layla smoothed Wynter's hair and, after completing her preparations, fixed the final touch-a bridal veil-over Wynter's head. At

froze, and fragments of her memories seemed to drain from her mind, slipping away like

the side

visibly relaxed. After all, no one had ever

would forget everything everything except their impending marriage to the love

finally smiled in satisfaction. "Now, that's better. Stop bringing ones

before gesturing with his

the room. As they approached, they stood behind Hamilton

out that Layla, who had been dressing Wynter, was the village's clan

up and straightened slightly, her voice aged. "Bring the bride to the

was already prepared. With one sweeping motion, torches were lit, their

wrist, she tossed the papers skyward while chanting, "One union for bountiful harvests.

endless longevity.

God, we humbly

Something metallic jangled faintly.

God, we humbly request your presence! We've sent you

Wynter toward the carriage. Wynter, like a soulless marionette, was guided forward, her movements

carriage, its red silk draped low, each strand intricately woven with complex and exquisite golden patterns, resembling brilliant clouds from the

of every color vied for attention, their beauty competing for

bridal gown, sat at the

sunlight, complementing the gold hairpins and emerald ornaments

distinguished.

sounded, the carriage

watching quietly. There were no

Wynter earlier. Her eyes were filled with concern, while the others seemed eager to quickly carry the carriage to

was quiet yet strangely lively, as if the entire place was in a state of hushed anticipation. There were no animals in sight, and under the moonlight, the river lay still and

realized that this was no

sound of the bells on the carriage, he transformed

quickly shook Wynter. "Master, wake up! You can't go forward any longer.

Leo quickly noticed something

shock. "How is this possible? What could possibly trap your soul? You're

ordinary should be able to influence her, let alone trap her soul! Her

in the world.

there was something with great resentment around, she would've sensed it. But

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