"Hey, have you heard? Lord Lane·Berk has married again!"
"Who doesn't know? Berk Manor invited the entire Deepwinter City, not just the nobles. I heard even we commoners can go and get some food."
"It's true. Everyone knows Lord Lane is kind-hearted. They say the girl he married is very beautiful. I wonder what she looks like."
"She must be very beautiful; otherwise, how could she match Lord Lane? Let me tell you, having Lord Lane in Deepwinter City is a blessing for the whole city!"
Days later, news of Lane's grand wedding spread throughout the entire Deepwinter City.
As the most powerful Transcendent in Deepwinter City, every move of Lane·Berk touched the hearts of many people in Deepwinter City. Moreover, with Berk Manor offering excellent treatment and a favorable situation, countless people were vying to become servants there. Naturally, this news spread incredibly fast.
However, along with it, many discordant voices also emerged.
"I heard Lord Lane married a woman of a different race, supposedly an elf. Is that true?"
"How could that be? How could women of other races catch Lord Lane's eye? You must have heard wrong. Where did you get this news from?"
"I heard it came from Berk Manor. Not only that, but apparently a group of elves also joined Berk Manor."
"What? Really? Wouldn't Lord Lane only marry a woman of a different race to gain the allegiance of these elves?"
Everyone was buzzing with discussion, but unsurprisingly, no one believed that Lane willingly married an elf.
In everyone's eyes, women of other races were no different from women of the mortal world. It was fine to play around with them, but bringing one home as a wife would be defying the norms. Even though Lane was a Transcendent, he wouldn't go that far, would he?
However, regardless of everyone's opinions, Lane·Berk's wedding proceeded as planned.
At the wedding venue, Kailia was busy, helping her sister get dressed up.
Although compared to Selena's age, Kailia was much younger, almost like a granddaughter, elves are immortal beings. At Selena's age, she was not much different from a young girl.
Moreover, this was Selena's first time getting married. Not only that, but she had little experience interacting with men. In such a situation, coupled with the unfamiliar environment, Selena naturally felt at a loss.
On the contrary, Kailia, already a mother of two children, was quite experienced in this matter. While helping Selena get dressed, she comforted her: "Selena, don't be too nervous. This is just a formality. We will have many more days to spend together in the future."
Hearing this, Selena's anxious heart calmed down a bit. She gave Kailia a slightly reproachful look: "You really should have advised Lord Lane. If this news gets out, it might affect him."
Kailia was not angry but smiled slightly: "Lord Lane is a great man with his own plans. How can we women persuade him? Since he is willing to give you a title, just accept it. There won't be any problems."
"Besides, I think Lord Lane doesn't want you to suffer. Keeping you hidden at home as a mistress isn't right. He wants to give you a proper title, and I agree with Lord Lane on this point."
Hearing these words, Selena's heart instantly warmed. How could she not know that Lane was fully aware of the implications of marrying a woman of another race and the impact it would have on him? Yet, he still did it, still willing to give her a title.
This kindness, Selena kept in her heart. However, she still couldn't accept Lane's choice.
"I..."
Selena wanted to say more, but Kailia waved her hand, stopping her.
"Alright, you're all dressed up. Now, all you need to do is go out beautifully and marry Lord Lane. As for the rest, you don't need to worry about it."
"Lord Lane will take care of everything. He must have his reasons for doing this."
Upon hearing this, Selena's expression changed slightly. Then she nodded and, wearing a pure white wedding dress, stepped outside.
The standard wedding proceeded as planned. On such a joyous day, even if they saw that Lane's wife was actually an elf of another race, they couldn't say much. Their faces were filled with admiration and congratulations.
Such matters could be discussed behind closed doors.
If anyone dared to say such things in front of Lane, stage 3 knights' abilities weren't to be trifled with. They might turn this day of great joy into someone's day of mourning.
Although the nobles of Deepwinter City held minor titles, they were all shrewd individuals. Naturally, they wouldn't provoke Lane at this time. It was clear to everyone that Lane was willing to give this elf a title either because he truly loved her or because he was foolish. In either case, provoking Lane at this moment would not be wise.
As for Lane's thoughts? They weren't as complicated as people imagined.
He simply didn't care what these nobles thought. The Breeder's Gift was the foundation of Lane's power. As long as he could have children, Lane would gradually become stronger, reaching the peak.
Although this approach might be despised by the nobles, it could earn him praise from other races. Lane was willing to give an elf a title, naturally, he would also be willing to give titles to dragons, orcs, and even demons.
This was crucial for his future marriage plans. After all, the talent of offspring was related not only to Lane himself but also to his wives. If he could have a child with top-tier races like dragons, demons, or angels, the improvement in aptitude would be unimaginable.
Of course, these matters couldn't be disclosed to outsiders.
The wedding lasted all day, with guests and hosts enjoying themselves. Just as night was approaching and the wedding was about to end, an unexpected person arrived at Berk Manor.
"Lord Lane."
A man dressed in imperial noble attire, holding a scroll of appointment, walked up to Lane.
Lane looked at the man in front of him. He recognized him as an imperial envoy, a noble. The people around also realized this and knelt down, lowering their heads.
Lane, however, did not kneel. Transcendents were extraordinary beings. According to imperial law, all Transcendents were exempt from kneeling before nobles.
But proper respect was still necessary. After inviting the man to sit, Lane slowly asked, "What brings you here, Envoy?"
The imperial envoy slowly spoke, "Lord Lane, your actions against the Iron Guard Clan and Frostwinter City, saving the people from dire straits, are of great importance. I am here to deliver an imperial appointment."
"Lane·Berk, due to your meritorious service, you are hereby ennobled as Viscount of the Empire, with the fiefdom of Ironforge, the former site of the Iron Guard Clan!"
Upon hearing this, those around drew in a sharp breath.
Straight to Viscount? This was quite rare.
Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron were the ranks of the empire. Above Duke, there were Grand Dukes, but those were positions beyond ordinary reach.
Viscount was already the pinnacle for most people.
Yet, Lane had obtained it so easily, even promoted exceptionally. It was clear that the empire valued Lane greatly.
"It can't be that simple, Envoy," Lane said without any sign of joy.
The empire wasn't a charity. Giving him a Viscount title meant there was a task for him.
"You are perceptive, Viscount Lane. The empire orders you to investigate the Anti-Magic Stone incident involving the Iron Guard Clan."
Lane inwardly confirmed his suspicions, frowned slightly, but still accepted the appointment.
With a title, his actions could be more relaxed.
...
After seeing off the envoy, the wedding officially ended. Selena looked at Lane, blushing shyly.
Kailia giggled, "Then I won't disturb your wedding night..."
Before she finished speaking, she let out a soft cry, being pulled into Lane's embrace.
"This time, it's truly your wedding night. Let me feel the marital bliss..."