On May 1st, an unprecedented festive atmosphere filled the streets of Vienna.
Golden sunlight bathed the city, illuminating the bustling crowds.
Today, the Archduke of Austria, the esteemed Holy Roman Emperor Laszlo, was to celebrate his grand wedding.
The road from Hofburg Palace to the cathedral was swept spotlessly clean, and the church bells echoed melodiously in the air.
Guards lined the streets, forming a human wall to keep the onlookers beyond the road.
The guards held various national flags: the red and white striped flag of Austria, the Arpad striped flag of Hungary, the red background with white eagle flag of Bohemia, and most prominently, the yellow background with black eagle flag of the Holy Roman Empire.
The flags fluttered in the wind, signifying the vastness of the Emperor's dominion.
People laughed and cheered, children ran excitedly, and the air was filled with the scent of flowers and the fragrance of fine wine.
The wedding was held in the cathedral within Vienna, where splendid garlands and ribbons hung, adding a festive atmosphere to this important day.
Guests arrived early, awaiting the arrival of the couple.
Frederick, representing the Habsburg Family, first gave a speech, thanking the guests for attending.
Subsequently, Leonor's family representative, King Juan of Navarre, also made a brief statement; he was attending his niece's wedding on behalf of his brother Alfonso, as the old King Alfonso V of Aragon was in poor health and lacked the energy to travel a long distance to Vienna for this wedding.
Both served as witnesses to the wedding.
However, if one were to consider who was happiest in this church, it would undoubtedly be Empress Dowager Elizabeth.
Her youngest son Laszlo's marriage had always been her greatest concern, and this wedding was crucial for the continuation of the dynasty.
Before long, cheers from the populace echoed from the street as a carriage carried Laszlo and Leonor from Hofburg Palace all the way to the cathedral.
The wedding was presided over by the Cardinal-Archbishop of Salzburg, and now the splendidly dressed bride and groom stood before him.
"Do you take this woman to be your wife, to love her, honor her, cherish her, and protect her, in sickness and in health, as a Christian husband treats his wife, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Laszlo replied, gazing earnestly into Leonor's bright eyes.
The Bishop then asked, "Do you take this man to be your husband, to obey him, serve him, love him, honor him, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, as a Christian wife treats her husband, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Leonor replied, her eyes meeting Laszlo's, a hint of shyness appearing on her pretty face...
At this moment, Matthias, dressed in a formal suit and acting as a little flower boy, came to the couple with a plate.
The guests watched this scene with considerable curiosity, while the Archbishop's expression remained unchanged; he even paused specifically for them, as Laszlo had informed him of this segment beforehand.
On the wooden plate in Matthias's hand lay a dazzling diamond ring and a simple silver ring.
In this era, rings were commonly used as popular tokens of betrothal, but the use of wedding rings in ceremonies was still a novelty.
Leonor was also taken aback by this unexpected interlude; this procedure was not present in any of the weddings she had attended.
Laszlo smiled as he took Leonor's hand and placed the magnificent diamond ring on her finger.
"My dearest Leonor, I place this ring upon your hand as a symbol of my fidelity and love for you, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Spirit."
The crowd of onlookers erupted in cheers; this new trick devised by the young Emperor seemed holy, romantic, and touching, and it was expected to become a new trend in the Empire before long.
Leonor felt her heart had never beaten so intensely; the surprise brought by the man before her made her no longer doubt whether Laszlo would love her, for he had already made a vow to God.
Seeing Leonor still in a daze, the Archbishop cleared his throat and reminded her, "Bride, please place the ring on your husband and exchange vows."
Leonor came to her senses and, imitating Laszlo, placed the other silver ring on his finger and repeated the vow.
"Oh God, may these rings be a token of lifelong love and eternal unity for Ladislaus von Habsburg and Leonor de Aviz. Amen."
holy bells resounded throughout the cathedral, and as the couple exchanged vows, rings, and the marriage certificate, a blessed marriage officially began.
After the ceremony, days of celebration immediately followed; Hofburg Palace was lit up day and night, burning countless torches and oils, and a vast array of delicacies were served in the banquet hall for the guests.
After eating and drinking to their fill, the ball began.
As the most powerful monarch in all of Europe, Laszlo's wedding had many distinguished guests, and nobles considered it an honor to be invited to the Emperor's banquet.
It would be even better if one could encounter a precious romance or even find true love at the banquet.
Before the dance music began, Laszlo stood beside the dance floor with his mother, Elizabeth, feeling anxious.
He knew his dancing skills were not good, but as the host of the banquet and the groom of the wedding, how could he not dance with his new wife?
Seeming to sense his worry, Elizabeth gently patted Laszlo's hand and whispered encouragingly, "Laszlo, act like an Emperor. There's nothing to worry about."
Laszlo nodded slightly. Yes, he was the Emperor; as long as he didn't make a complete fool of himself, who would dare to point fingers at him?
Just then, the beautifully dressed and stunning bride Leonor gracefully walked up to Laszlo, smiling as she extended her hand to him, her eyes full of anticipation.
"My dearest husband, let us dance."
Laszlo whispered, "Leonor, I'm not very good at dancing."
Leonor responded gently, "Don't worry, just follow my lead."
As the melodious dance music began, Leonor held Laszlo's hand tightly, guiding him through the first step.
Laszlo was initially a bit nervous, his steps slightly clumsy, but Leonor patiently led him the whole time, occasionally giving him an encouraging look.
Following the rhythm of the dance music, Laszlo gradually relaxed, and their coordination became increasingly harmonious.
Their gazes met, as if the entire world contained only the two of them.
Leonor said cheerfully, "My dear, you're doing great."
Laszlo felt a bit shy for the first time, smiling as he replied, "It's all thanks to you."
When the dance ended, the loving dance steps of the newly married couple drew applause and continuous praise from the guests.
Leonor, still wanting more, said expectantly, "My dear, let's dance one more time."
Laszlo was no longer nervous and readily agreed.
They spent a wonderful time at the ball, immersed in each other's world; every spin, every embrace, was filled with sweetness and warmth.
Late into the night, amidst cheers, Laszlo and Leonor announced the end of the ball and, hand in hand, returned to their chambers amidst everyone's blessings.