Chapter 421
Michael led the wedding procession out through the South Gate and circled to the West Gate.
The entire journey was an exercise in frustration.
First, the road suddenly collapsed, injuring many in the wedding party.
The procession couldn’t turn back, so they had no choice but to grit their teeth and press on.
But as if things weren’t bad enough, the moment they exited the city gates, they ran head–on into a funeral procession.
The road was barely wide enough, yet the funeral procession refused to yield.
Michael frowned, weighing his options. The dead must be respected, so he had no choice but to step aside.
This act of deference cost them even more precious time.
The messenger who caught up delivered Eloise’s words to Michael word for word. Michael felt that he was about to explode with rage.
Things had gone wrong from the moment he left home, and instead of showing any understanding, Eloise added to his
troubles.
However, as she was his elder, Michael could only bite back his fury.
Michael urged those behind him, “We mustn’t be late. Everyone, pick up the pace p>
The porters had it the hardest. Struggling under the weight of those massive chests, they had to half–jog just to barely keep up with Michael.
After finally reaching the West Gate, the wedding matron did a quick headcount and couldn’t help but panic. “Why are eight chests missing? ”
Michael, barely containing his fury, instructed, “What are you all still standing around for? Get back and find them now p>
The attendants retraced their steps, only to find that the eight large chests had tumbled to the ground.
After asking around, they discovered that the chests were simply too heavy, and the carrying poles had snapped under the weight.
Left with no choice, they doubled back for a carriage and only just managed to rejoin the procession.
Seething with suppressed rage, Michael arrived at the West Gate, only to find it barred shut.
“Marquis of Somers here! Why are the city gates closed?” Michael demanded on horseback, raising his voice as he looked up at the guards in the gatehouse.
A guard peered down from the wall, recognized the Osborne family’s entourage, and replied respectfully, “Forgive me, Lord Osborne. Relief food is distributed at the West Gate today, so we cannot open the gates at this time p>
Michael’s brows furrowed. “Distributing relief food? How is it that I wasn’t informed p>
“That’s an order Prince Xander just issued, Lord Osbourne. Heavy snow a few days ago caused many houses to collapse, leaving countless people displaced. This is why we’re distributing relief food p>
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At this moment, Michael cast aside all aristocratic decorum, his refined upbringing forgotten as white–hot to erupt into a stream of profanities.
rage threatened
Michael fumed, ‘An order just issued? Prince Xander must be doing this deliberately. But then again, how did Prince Xander know I’d take the detour to the West Gate p>
Seeing that he was about to be late, Michael had no choice but to swallow his pride. “Today is my wedding day. Please open the city gates and let us through p>
The guard looked troubled. “Lord Osborne, it’s not that I don’t want to accommodate you, but with so many people here today, I’m afraid you can’t get through p>
Michael, however, was brimming with quiet confidence. “Rest assured. Just open the city gates. I have my ways to get us through p>
Convinced by his words, the guard no longer refused. He waved to the guards below and ordered, “Open the city gates. Let Lord Osborne pass through p>
Michael let out a sigh of relief. He glanced up at the sun, quickly calculating. Only half an hour remained until the start time.
Michael’s heart pounded with anxiety as he silently prayed, ‘Please let everything go smoothly.
He said, “Bring out the prepared lucky coins. Once inside the city, use them to draw the refugees collecting food aside so the wedding procession can pass through p>
The subordinate acknowledged respectfully and reminded Michael, “Lord Osbourne, will this work? What if those people take the lucky coins but still refuse to budge p>
“Commoners wouldn’t dare defy a Marquis. If they cause us to be late for the wedding, they can’t afford the repercussions. Just do as I command p>
Chapter 422
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.