Chapter 384 - 380: The Grand Wedding

Chapter 384: Chapter 380: The Grand Wedding

Through their spiritual link, Duane learned quite a bit from Big Cat.

For example, the moment it saw the Contract Scroll, something deep in its soul seemed to understand what was happening, which was why it had looked so resentful.

Also, as the most powerful native creature on Black Forest Island, Big Cat had long known there were people on the island. It was just that the forest was full of prey, so it saw no need to venture into human territory and cause trouble for itself.

As for why it had hunted down the Silver-Maned Wolves, it was purely because that pack had taken advantage of its absence to kill its cub, which led to their clan’s annihilation.

"So you’re saying there were other Lynx here besides you?" Duane asked.

’If I can breed and raise Lynx, could I form a Demon Beast Cavalry Team like the one with the Nebula Dogs?’

"There were, but they were killed by the Silver-Maned Wolves while protecting the cub."

It seemed that the mere mention of Silver-Maned Wolves caused it to release a palpable killing intent.

Duane worried it might not be able to stop itself from attacking if it ever met Fur Ball.

’But the Nebula Dogs have already shed the characteristics of Silver-Maned Wolves. They’re completely different creatures now, so it should be fine, right?’

"So, are there any Silver-Maned Wolves left on Black Forest Island?" In any case, Duane hadn’t seen any trace of them during his search over the past few days.

"None. I killed them all!"

Duane couldn’t help but sigh. Felines really held a grudge. This completely extinguished any thought he had of finding Silver-Maned Wolf cubs to continue breeding Nebula Dogs.

"The Demon-Horned Goats are prey I’ve claimed. From now on, you are not allowed to hunt them. Also, if you encounter humans, you are forbidden from killing them."

Duane sat on the Lynx’s back, having it carry him to the summit of Heavenly Mountain.

As Big Cat agreed, it mentally calculated what other prey it could still hunt. "Master, aren’t you going to keep me by your side?"

"The forest is a better fit for you," Duane said.

The demand for meat from all the dogs he was raising at home was already huge. Besides, Lynx weren’t pack animals. It was more suitable to let it fend for itself in the mountains.

"Next year... in a few months, I will call for you. Just come find me then."

With such a powerful combatant on his side, Duane naturally planned to take it to the battlefield.

He gave a few more instructions, then used the Soaring Technique to fly down from the Heavenly Mountain Range and begin his journey back.

Only then did Big Cat completely relax. It lay lazily on the ground, licking the bloodstains from its fur.

It thought to itself, ’Having a human master isn’t so bad. At least I don’t have to worry about those two-legged beasts ganging up on me anymore.’

By the time Duane returned to his territory, it was already mid-November, with only seven days left until the wedding.

Under Natalia’s direction, Brocade Castle was filled with a festive air. Ralph and the others had even found carpenters to frame the huge welcome portrait Duane had painted.

"Duane, you’re finally back."

Natalia had been run ragged these past two days. She teased, "With other weddings, it’s the man who’s busy. But you? You just had to leave everything to me."

Duane felt a pang of guilt. He stepped forward, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her on the forehead. "Sorry, I took a little longer than I expected."

Natalia smiled faintly. She didn’t really mind. After living on Black Forest Island for nearly two years, she was already the lady of the castle. The wedding was just a formality.

"So, how did it go? Did you successfully contract the Lynx?"

"Of course!" Duane grinned. "It’s a Level 7 Demon Beast. I named it Big Cat."

Natalia couldn’t help but laugh. "That name doesn’t reflect the power of a Level 7 Demon Beast at all."

As she spoke, she took Duane’s hand and led him toward the nobility district within the castle, where many independent courtyards had been built specifically to host important guests.

In addition, Brocade Castle also had a designated mansion district, which Duane planned to bestow upon vassals with great achievements in the future, or allow them to purchase.

"My parents are here. I’ll take you to meet them."

"They’re here already?"

Duane quickly straightened his clothes. Fortunately, there were no signs of travel dust.

"Black Forest Island is very far, so most guests come a little early to avoid being late. I expect the majority of them will arrive in the next two or three days."

At that moment, Count Kais and Delilah were touring Brocade Castle together. In recent years, they hadn’t had a chance to stroll like this for a long time.

They had already heard about the architectural style here from both Trenton and their daughter, so they were prepared.

But when they actually stood before the pavilions and towers, adorned with carved dragons and painted phoenixes, they were still astonished.

Although the materials used in the construction here were not as luxurious as those of Cyan Snake Fortress, the overall magnificent aura it exuded was in no way inferior.

Count Kais stood before the main keep, which was also the wedding venue, "Starlight Palace."

He looked up at the palace, which loomed like a mountain. Its glazed tiles reflected the evening sun, glowing with a dazzling golden light, making it look like a colossal beast coiled in the clouds.

Hundreds of steps led straight up to the sky, making him feel as insignificant as an ant. Even his breathing instinctively became lighter.

Delilah, holding the Count’s arm, looked up and couldn’t help but exclaim, "This Duane truly has grand ambitions. Just looking at this palace inspires a feeling of reverence."

The Count nodded slightly and just smiled. "He certainly has the ability to back it up."

"Father, Mother, what are you doing here?" Natalia and Duane had found them.

"We got bored, so we came out for a walk."

The Count glanced behind Duane but saw no sign of a Demon Beast. He asked in surprise, "What, did the contract fail?"

He was quite invested in this matter, as he had already picked out a Flying Demon Beast and was just waiting for Duane to give him a Contract Scroll.

Duane explained, "The contract was a success. But considering the Lynx’s nature and the large number of guests on the island recently, I left it in the mountains to avoid causing a huge commotion."

The Count breathed a sigh of relief. He let go of Delilah’s hand and asked with some anticipation, "When are you going to give me a Contract Scroll? I’ve been waiting for a long time!"

Duane laughed heartily. "I’ll start making it in the next couple of days. There’s still half of the Black Bear hide left, which should be enough for at least one scroll."

The Count said with a smile, "I’ve found traces of a Wind-Singing Eagle on the cliffs of the Silent Mountain Range. I plan to make it my Flying Mount!"

The Wind-Singing Eagle is a relatively common Level 4 Demon Beast. With an eight-meter wingspan, it is indeed capable of carrying a person.

However, the creature lives on high peaks, making it very difficult to capture.

"It’s best to defeat a Demon Beast in a direct confrontation before contracting it. But a Flying Demon Beast has the advantage in the air. Do you need my help?"

’It’s *best* to defeat it directly, but it’s not the *only* way.’

Duane could beat the creature half to death and then let Count Kais deliver the final blow.

But Demon Beasts were wild and not very bright. This method could easily provoke their defiance; in a fit of stubbornness, they might rather die than agree to be bound by a contract.

The Count said, "It will be raising a chick soon. I can take that opportunity to occupy its nest, forcing it to attack me, and then I’ll defeat it."

The Count was a Celestial Tier Warrior with a solid foundation. With the variety of Spell Scrolls provided by the Magic Research Institute, as long as the Wind-Singing Eagle didn’t just try to flee, he could subdue it.

Chatting as they went, the group ascended the steps, and Duane gave the Count and his wife a tour of the main keep.

Just as Natalia had predicted, guests arrived one after another over the next two days.

First were the nobles from the Silent Shore. Except for George, who had to remain at Sea Cliff Castle, most of the other families sent their patriarchs. Also present were Derek, Sharp, and Zelina from the Time Closet.

Next were the Kingdom Nobility, such as Viscount Raul, Viscount Charlemagne, and others.

Then came the wealthy merchants who did business with the Kennedy Clan and the Time Closet.

Finally, there were representatives from the Royal Family, His Highness Sigmund, and the Holy Radiance Court, Bishop Clement, among others.

On November 22nd, 3054, Black Forest Island experienced its liveliest moment yet.

Duane and Natalia’s wedding was held as scheduled.