Chapter 77 - Chapter 77: The Afterglow of Dawn

The sun rose in the east, and golden morning light filtered through the cherry blossoms in the imperial garden, spilling onto the bluestone path. Avril and Lucian walked side by side out of the Spring Pavilion, breathing in the fresh air scented with flowers. The remnants of the "Bone-Splitting Rite" had been in the dark culvert the night before, and this morning brought the first ray of returning peace.​"Your Highness," Lucian said softly, handing over a folded letter, "this is an invitation from the Northern Ridge Watch Coalition, asking you and me to attend the 'First Snow Tea Ceremony' to commend the border people and soldiers for their loyalty and courage."​Avril unfolded the invitation, her gaze gentle: "The sincerity of the people and soldiers warms the heart most. We shall go today to offer them our thanks."​The royal carriage passed through a sea of jade-lotus-colored flowers and arrived at the courtyard of the Northern Ridge Coalition headquarters. A temporary tea area had been set up in the center of the square, with snow-white teacups and silver spoons gleaming like snow on the tables. Border residents, volunteer soldiers, and trained elite cavalry gathered, their faces wearing smiles and gratitude in the morning light.​Avril personally poured tea and handed out cups, saying: "Today's tea is as warm as spring. May it warm your hands, and the nights you stand guard at the border." The border people clasped their hands in thanks, and the volunteer leader raised his cup in return: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. We will keep the snowlands safe until spring returns to the earth."​Lucian smiled beside her, watching her speak sincerely with the people, his heart filled with pride.​After the tea ceremony, Lucian and Avril rode back to the court together. Passing through the Eastern Garden, Prime Minister Gu hurried forward: "Your Highness, the Censorate has sent a secret report—last night, wolf howls surged outside the city. The repeatedly stolen 'Snow-Patterned Sacred Banner' has now been split, suggesting that thieves are plotting to auction it on the black market, intending to use the sacred relic to incite unrest among the people."​Avril's expression sharpened: "The sacred banner is the symbol of the kingdom's faith; it cannot be lost. Lucian, order the shadow guards and Silver Oath Knights to search through the night. They must retrieve every inch of the sacred banner."​Lucian's gaze was firm: "Your servant will act at once, leaving no corner unchecked."​That night, in the ancient cherry forest of the outer imperial garden, moonlight intertwined with snow shadows. A team of Silver Oath shadow guards and Lucian crept through the trees when suddenly, two masked thieves wrapped the sacred banner in burlap and slipped toward the south city gate. Lucian let out a low whistle to alert the others, and five riders emerged from the cold wind, blocking their path.​"Put down the sacred banner, or you'll never escape!" he said. The thieves drew their swords to fight but were quickly overpowered by the shadow guards. Lucian stepped forward and pulled off the ringleader's mask, revealing a notorious scion of an old noble family in the city. He glared angrily and cursed: "Once I auction this banner, I'll stir up nationwide rebellion. Royal power will not last forever!"​Avril arrived at the imperial court, and with a wave of her scepter, a silver light burst forth, freezing him in place: "Those who would tear apart faith for gold shall be branded and shown to the public!" The shadow guards escorted him to the Golden Stone Hall, and the sacred banner was carefully retrieved, still spotlessly white.​Back at the camp, Avril and Lucian returned to the Spring Pavilion in the imperial garden. The spring water rippled in the candlelight as she held the recovered sacred banner, sighing: "Faith is easily desecrated, yet also most worth defending."​Lucian removed his cloak and draped it over her shoulders, murmuring: "Your Highness, in the face of storms and hidden currents, you always resolve them with faith and kindness. Now let us turn the cold of this snowy night into warmth."​He bent to kiss her neck, his fingers sliding beneath her cloak to undo a silver clasp. Avril closed her eyes to meet his kiss, her fingertips untying the laces of his night armor, feeling the warmth of his skin. They embraced between the spring and the snow shadows, once again dissolving fear and exhaustion in a private, heated kiss.​Lucian's lips and fingertips moved in unison, bringing fiery comfort. Avril's whispers flowed like snowmelt through his heart. She wrapped her arms around his neck: "With you, I fear nothing. No matter how many times the sacred banner changes hands, my faith will never waver."​He murmured: "And I will protect you, now and always."​The sound of the spring and the soft calls of night birds accompanied them, candlelight blending with snowlight. In the lingering warmth of Chapter 75, they forged a deeper covenant once more: faith and love would endure, flame and ice would merge as one.