The distance between Aldridge and Sardinson was such that an ordinary trade caravan could make the journey in seven to eight days. However, since they were traveling with children, and little Anthony in particular didn't quite take well to the jolting of the carriage, the whole convoy had to slow down considerably. As a result, although they had departed on the first of the month, it wasn't until the thirteenth that they finally arrived in Aldridge, leaving eight days until the engagement ceremony.
Fortunately, time was still ample. All the preparations had been handled by the groom's side, so all the Williams family needed to do was show up.
Upon their arrival at Aldridge Castle, they were warmly welcomed by Lady Salina.
"You've finally arrived, my dear Vivi, Lola!"
The moment they stepped down from the carriage, a fragrant breeze preceded Salina's enthusiastic hugs. Wei Wei and Dolores were each pulled into a tight embrace.
"It's lovely to see you again, Lady Salina," Wei Wei replied with a smile, returning the hug.
"Hello, my lady," Dolores lifted the hem of her dress and gave a shy smile.
"I told you, no need for such formality. Just call me Salina—or Auntie, if you prefer," Salina said as she embraced Dolores again, then held her hand and looked her over, growing more pleased the longer she looked. She turned to Wei Wei with a bright smile and praised, "It's only been two months, but our Lola has become even more beautiful."
Dolores blushed at the compliment, her shyness deepening.
At that moment, Penny helped Caroline down from the carriage, and little Anthony was also carried out. Salina's attention immediately shifted to the children.
"Your baby is becoming more and more adorable," she gushed about little Anthony first. After Wei Wei responded with a smile, Salina bent down and greeted Caroline with a bright grin. "Oh, my little beauty, do you remember me?"
Lady Salina had a soft spot for beauty and children alike, and she was especially warm toward the Williams family's two little ones—after all, they would soon be family.
Caroline, however, was a bit wilted from the long carriage ride. She cast a timid glance at Salina and then ducked behind Wei Wei, clutching her leg and peeking out cautiously.
Wei Wei patted the girl's little head, crouched down, and gently brought her forward. "This is Grandma Salina. You've met her before—she even gave you a doll, remember?"
Caroline couldn't quite recall someone she'd only met a few times two months ago, but she did remember the doll. It was a finely carved wooden girl with changeable outfits—a prized feature. She had many dolls now, but that one remained a favorite.
With a vague recollection coming back to her, Caroline lifted her dress slightly and greeted in her soft little voice, "Hello, Grandma Salina."
"What a sweet child," Salina beamed, clearly delighted by Caroline's appearance and manners. She patted her head and slipped her a piece of candy she had prepared.
The candy was wrapped in a clean handkerchief—white sugar cubes imported from abroad, rarer and more precious than the currently popular brown sugar.
Caroline loved sweets, but her family usually didn't let her have too many, fearing tooth decay. She had also been taught not to accept things from strangers. So even though she liked the look of the candy, she didn't reach for it. Instead, she looked to Wei Wei for permission. Only when Wei Wei nodded did she accept the candy with a soft, "Thank you."
Salina's smile deepened at the girl's polite behavior.
Then she remembered she still had someone to introduce. "I was so happy to see you, I forgot to introduce our other guest. This is Prince Andrew. I believe you're already acquainted."
Salina's daughter had married Prince Andrew the previous month. Not long after, Salina invited the couple to Aldridge to attend Adonis's engagement. So they were present to greet the Williams family.
"Yes, we've met," Wei Wei nodded, then led the children and Felix forward to greet the prince.
It had been over a year since they last saw Prince Andrew, and he had grown significantly taller—but also noticeably rounder. Thanks to his height, he only looked a bit plump rather than truly overweight. He resembled the king, not handsome but not unpleasant to look at either. His expression was somewhat blank, giving the impression of a simple, honest—perhaps slightly slow—young man.
His wife, Princess Elina, and Salina's daughter was a lovely young woman. She looked almost exactly like her mother—cut from the same mold—and carried the same gentle demeanor. But although she smiled politely, a trace of melancholy lingered between her brows, an emotion unusual for a girl of fifteen.
Wei Wei had done some homework on this princess, who would also be Dolores's future sister-in-law. Reportedly, Elina had once been engaged to the heir of an allied noble family, a match arranged by her father when she was very young. Tragically, the young heir died in a hunting accident a few years ago. After that, with the elder Count of Aldridge's health declining, the family became preoccupied with his care and neglected Elina's marriage arrangements. Before the old count passed away, the king sent a proposal. For the good of the family, they had no choice but to accept.
Wei Wei could understand their decision. Aldridge wasn't like Sardinson—two of its cities belonged to the king. At the time, Adonis had yet to inherit his title and had limited authority over the territory. Being young, he also struggled to command respect. Refusing the royal marriage proposal might have led the king to revoke the Aldridges' governance of those two cities and replace them with his appointees. To prevent the situation from spiraling out of control, the marriage was unavoidable.
According to both Salina and Adonis, Elina was gentle and family-oriented. She had genuinely cared for her late fiancé, and after his death, she became listless, losing interest in future marriage prospects. So when the king's proposal came, she only hesitated briefly before agreeing.
Wei Wei observed the young couple. Despite the shadow in Elina's expression, she didn't seem to resent Andrew's presence. The prince, for his part, appeared to care about her. Whenever they stood together, he would glance at her often. When she caught him looking, he'd flash a sheepish, almost apologetic smile.
In those moments, Elina's expression would soften.
Catching a glimpse of their dynamic, Wei Wei looked away and followed the others into the castle.
The Aldridge family had always been wealthier than the Williams family, and neither Felix nor Wei Wei sought luxury in their lifestyle, preferring warmth and comfort. So the interiors of Aldridge Castle, with its decor and furnishings, were decidedly grander than Sardinson. Gold-plated tableware, valuable antiques, and elegant servants all spoke to the refined taste of a powerful noble house.
But when the Williams family entered, followed by a well-ordered procession of black-and-white-uniformed maids and footmen, their calm and commanding presence made quite an impression, so much so that the servants who had initially looked down on them found themselves feeling overshadowed.
This kind of situation wasn't uncommon. Though Felix was often referred to as the richest nobleman, there were still those who mocked him behind his back, calling him a nouveau riche. They never said it to his face, of course—just gossiped in whispers, venting their jealousy.
Such rumors had made their way out of the capital, coloring the perceptions of those who had never met Felix. It wasn't unusual for outsiders to look down on the Williams family as a result.
While the Aldridges themselves had never shown such disdain, some of their servants had undoubtedly developed a sense of superiority.
But now, seeing the Sardinson servants in their crisp, coordinated uniforms—neat, polite, and unmistakably eye-catching—that sense of superiority crumbled.
Though the Aldridge household servants were well-treated and uniformly dressed, the style and fabric of their clothing simply didn't compare. The designs of the Sardinson uniforms were so modern and distinct that even a few of the Aldridge nobles couldn't help but give them a second glance.
After everyone had settled into the sitting room, even the usually quiet Elina couldn't help but comment, "Their uniforms look so sharp." Her gaze lingered on the maid beside Wei Wei.
It was just a plain black dress, but paired with a white apron, it looked surprisingly elegant.
Salina nodded in agreement. "They do look wonderful." She turned to Wei Wei, her curiosity piqued. "Did Felix wear something like this at your wedding?"
Wei Wei smiled. "It was a similar style, though with a few design differences."
"I prefer the knights' new uniforms," Felix added, joining the conversation from beside her. "You'll see what I mean if you get a chance—they're something every man would love."
Though technically military attire, Felix had keenly noted the true appeal of the design. Once paired with matching boots, the uniforms brought out a man's handsomeness and martial spirit while still allowing for ease of movement. Felix himself was envious—he had already asked Wei Wei to order a few sets for him. After all, once all the knights started wearing them, what would it look like if he were still in long robes? That would be quite the sight.
Of course, as the master of the house, his uniform had some custom elements.
His comments stirred the interest of the other men present. Adonis, despite his overly handsome appearance, was still a man. And Prince Andrew, though young and lacking in aptitude, had always admired the power and bearing of knights. So the prospect of a uniform "every man would love" naturally intrigued them.
Unfortunately, the knights escorting the convoy hadn't worn their new uniforms, so they'd have to wait for another opportunity to see them.
Meanwhile, Salina continued her warm hospitality. "Your rooms have been prepared—go get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll take you into the city for a look around."
Wei Wei was quite eager to explore this city rumored to rival the capital in commercial prosperity, so she happily accepted the invitation.