Chapter 78 - Chapter 78: Silver Light and the New Edict

The early morning mist had not yet lifted, and the Silver Light Bridge in the center of the capital already glowed with a soft luster. Avril and Lucian stepped onto the bridge, where the Jade Belt River flowed beneath them. A hundred citizens gathered around their sedan chairs, waiting for the proclamation of the new edict. Though the sacred banner incident had been quelled the day before, it had made the queen keenly aware that trust and justice must be reinforced once more.​Lucian whispered: "Your Highness, the people below the bridge all await the 'Silver Light Peace Edict.' This edict intends to pardon those guilty of accidental armor forging errors and petty theft, replacing private punishment with community watch and public trials."​Avril nodded, her gaze turning to the crowd: "Good. I shall read the new edict at the bridgehead, gathering public opinion, so that silver light may shine through every street and alley."​The Silver Light Peace Edict​The afternoon sun poured down, and a plaque bearing the new edict hung high over the Silver Light Bridge. Avril stepped onto the platform, scepter in hand, her voice echoing along the riverbank: "All those who have erred, if they have not harmed living beings, shall receive the 'Silver Light Merciful Pardon.' They shall participate in community watch and face-to-face public trials to restore trust and resolve grievances. This is the 'Silver Light Peace Edict,' to be enforced from this day forth—no private punishment, no unheard injustices!"​Applause thundered from below, and representatives of the citizens and watch groups in unison pledged: "Silver light brings peace, and the people shall protect it together!"​Resurgence of the Old Faction​After the edict was issued, Lucian chanced upon an envoy of the remnant bandit leader on a hidden path beneath the bridge. The envoy whispered: "If you do not surrender soon, the 'Crimson Moon Covenant' will expose the flaws of the new edict at the North Market public opinion assembly in seven days, inciting the poor."​Lucian detained the envoy, his expression grave: "Your Highness, this is a delaying tactic by the remnants. A warning has been issued." He quickly dispatched shadow guards to monitor the North Market.​Night's Feedback​Night fell, and lights flickered to life in the North Market. Avril and Lucian went to inspect, and in the center of the market, they found an old woman loudly questioning the new edict: "If one sells oneself to redeem... to redeem sins, where is the honesty in that?"​The queen remained calm, stepping forward to explain: "Silver Light Peace is not measured by money, but by loyalty and repentance. All who wish to contribute to the community need no ransom—only a sincere desire to reform."​Upon hearing this, the old woman's tears turned to smiles, and she led the crowd in bowing: "We wish to contribute to the watch!" The market instantly became a scene of encouragement.​Wishes by the Spring​Late at night, in the Spring Pavilion. Avril removed her ,leaning on Lucian's shoulder. The spring water murmured, and flower shadows swayed after the snow. She whispered: "Today, the people's hearts have begun to return, but the remnants still covet in the dark."​Lucian held her in his arms: "Your Highness has let silver light shine; chasing away shadows will be unstoppable. Tonight, let me dispel your last traces of fatigue."​Intimacy in the Icy Night​Beneath candlelight and the reflection of the spring, they nestled together. Lucian kissed the side of her neck, his fingertips undoing the silver clasp on her . Avril closed her eyes, murmuring: "In your arms, silver light and holy light are everywhere."​Silk slid away, skin meeting skin. Lucian kissed the royal blood mark from her collarbone to her heart, his tongue gently teasing, making her heart surge. Avril's fingertips unfastened the hidden clasp of his chest armor, her palm pressing against his warm .​They merged once more in the winter night's Spring Pavilion, dispelling the last trace of cold. Though storms raged, in this moment, silver light and flame merged again in tenderness and trust.​Deep into the night, the candlelight dwindled, and they fell asleep in each other's arms, ready to face tomorrow's snow and wind and challenges.