The Heiress’ Return: Six Brothers at Her Beck and Call (Wynter Quinnell) novel Chapter 1712

Wynter reached out to grab the medium's hand. "Is this also part of the costume experience?"

The medium, Layla Orion, was an elderly woman. She didn't reply to Wynter's question.

It was then Wynter realized that Layla likely didn't speak Cascadian, as even earlier, she had been chanting in Cantonian.

Layla was the definition of gloomy. It was as if she had been in this place for an eternity, even showing a hint of confusion in her demeanor. She couldn't comprehend why no one spoke their local language anymore.

She paid no attention to Wynter, instead proceeding to pour melted candle wax into the water. With deliberate care, she then sprinkled the water, bit by bit, over a phoenix-shaped coffin.

As someone well-versed in the Arcane Way, Wynter immediately recognized what was happening. This was a ritual for a spirit marriage.

Perhaps fearing Wynter might grow suspicious or be unsettled by Layla's actions, Hamilton stepped forward with a wide smile.

"Young lady, this is one of our local traditions. Decorating the items and using candle wax symbolize blessings for a prosperous year ahead."

Wynter returned the smile, her tone light. "What an unusual tradition. I've certainly never seen anything like it before."

"Other places don't experience such service. That's why it's such a unique experience for our tourists," Hamilton responded matter-of-factly. "We even tie it to our village's legend."

Wynter raised her eyebrows. "Legend? What legend?"

"The tale of the River God seeking a bride." Hamilton was a skilled manipulator. The more groundwork he laid now, the more it would shape everything that followed into nothing more than an experience in his target's eyes.

No matter what happened, he believed that Wynter would never suspect that she was meant to stay there permanently.

But unfortunately for him, his target was Wynter.

"Ah, the River God seeking a bride. If I recall, the textbook version of that story isn't exactly cheerful," Wynter said as she glanced at Layla's expression.

Layla was visibly enraged by her words, muttering something under her breath.

Hamilton gave Layla a subtle nudge before smiling at Wynter as he continued, "The things in textbooks are lifeless and incomplete—they don't capture the full picture.

"When the River God descends… Whether you've seen it or not, as long as you're in its presence, you're guaranteed a long and prosperous life."

Wynter raised her eyebrows again. "Is there such a thing?"

"Of course," Hamilton said confidently. "Those who haven't experienced it wouldn't understand. The River God doesn't just bring us longevity but also grants us great fortune and success."

Wynter chuckled. "The way you're talking, it's as if you've actually seen the River God yourself. Aren't we just here to experience the custom?"

"Yes, it's all about experiencing the custom," Hamilton continued. "Although, you might not believe me if I told you that not everyone here can actually see the River God. But some people truly have. For instance, my mother. Isn't that right, Mom?"

Layla nodded.

"Is it that miraculous?" Wynter asked with raised eyes.

"You might not understand just how remarkable this mountain is. Let me put it this way. This place is built on Celestial Force, and the layout here was guided by a medium." Hamilton spoke with pride.

"Even flying serpents can ascend to dragons. You young folks these days are all about wealth, aren't you? If you do end up meeting the River God, you'd better pay your respects properly."

Wynter didn't miss a beat, keeping her tone light as she replied, "If that's the case, I should definitely say a few extra prayers if I meet it. It would be a shame not to."

"That's the spirit. Time is running short. Mom, hurry up," Hamilton said in Cascadian before suddenly switching to Cantonian. "The River God won't tolerate lateness."

"I know. Where did you find this girl? She's so ignorant," Layla muttered in Cantonian as her gaze fell darkly on Wynter. "I can't stand these unruly ones. What if she offends the River God later?"

Hearing their exchange, Wynter hid her face behind her hand fan, revealing only her amused eyes. She knew they didn't know she could understand Cantonian. If they did, they wouldn't have been so brazen in discussing such matters in front of her.

She didn't let on that she understood every word. Instead, she laughed softly. "This outfit is fantastic—the accessories even look like solid gold. This experience really is worth every penny."

Hamilton glanced at the time, noting it was getting close. "Customer satisfaction has always been our goal. We're hoping that more people will come here to visit through you young folks' promotion. Anyway, enough of that for now—I'll take you to the carriage in a bit.

"The carriage will travel for some time. After all, it's meant to replicate grand weddings. Once you're inside, don't panic or make a fuss. There will be offerings in the carriage, and you're welcome to eat them if you like."

Wynter twirled the hairpin in her hand. "Such thoughtful service."

"Of course," Hamilton replied, smiling like a simple and earnest merchant.

A typical girl brought to a place like this might truly believe it was just a cultural experience. After all, travel influencers these days often described their adventures the same way.

Still, Wynter thought she ought to stay on guard in a place like this.

Hamilton continued, "Once the carriage stops, you'll naturally know when to get out. But, you must be well-behaved. The River God likes obedient brides."

Wynter's smile deepened. "Don't worry. I know. I'll be very obedient."

Obedient enough to make this so-called River God remember her for a lifetime.

"Oh, by the way, where's my boyfriend?" Wynter asked, her gaze sharp as it fixed on Hamilton. "I just called him, but he didn't pick up."

Hamilton offered an explanation. "Maybe the noise outside was too loud for him to hear. They're still setting off fireworks near the river. Once you're in the carriage, you can try calling him again."

Once she was in, though, there would never be a chance for her to get out.

However, Wynter wasn't worried about herself. Her concern was for Dalton. It was very uncharacteristic of him to ignore her calls for no reason.

But considering Hamilton's abilities, it didn't seem likely that he could pose a real threat to him.

So, why hadn't he answered? Could it really just be that he hadn't heard it?

A slight frown appeared between Wynter's brows. She was starting to regret not bringing Whitley or Wolf along.

Especially Wolf—if he were to stand by the river, this so-called River God would probably be scared out of its wits, just like the last time with Sothoth. In Wolf's presence, it had trembled from head to toe in sheer terror.

She wouldn't have to bother with wearing a wedding dress then.

Hamilton stood behind Wynter, giving Layla a meaningful look.

Without hesitation, she retrieved the remaining hair accessories. Among them was an especially ornate flower hairpin, adorned with cascading crystal tassels that sparkled brilliantly.

Just like before, Layla smoothed Wynter's hair and, after completing her preparations, fixed the final touch—a bridal veil—over Wynter's head. At that exact moment, she secured the exquisite flower hairpin in place.

Even if there was something with great resentment around, she would've sensed it. But now, even Leo couldn't detect any trace of resentment.

"What's going on? Master, speak to me! Master!"

Looking at the riverbed drawing nearer, Leo was so desperate he almost considered asking for help from other spirits. But he couldn't leave now as it would be even more dangerous to leave her alone in this state.

He couldn't help but wonder where Dalton was at such a time. If he didn't appear soon, Wynter would belong to someone else!

Just then, the carriage suddenly came to a stop.

Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the tree leaves, casting dappled shadows on the carriage. As Wynter sat silently inside, the surroundings were eerily quiet. Only the sounds of the villagers pushing the carriage toward the river could be heard.

Leo was truly anxious now. He wanted to use his resentment to stop the ritual, but to his shock, he found that his resentment had no effect here—it seemed to be suppressed by some unknown force!

"What now? What do I do?" Leo paced in circles, his mind racing.

As the veil atop Wynter's head fell, her stunningly beautiful face was revealed. She seemed even more ethereal, fully dressed in her bridal attire under the moonlight. Her beauty seemed almost otherworldly, and at that moment, it was magnified to the extreme.

Leo couldn't help but gasp. To him, Wynter was really beautiful. She looked just like the angels in stories, living high up in the mountains... though, she could also be a demon. It was hard to say with how she looked.

Wynter was usually dressed in black and white, looking cool and aloof. But now, in these bright, fiery colors, she seemed to radiate beauty to the core, especially with the phoenix crown and the exquisite flower hairpin on her head.

"Wait! The flower hairpin!" Leo seemed to realize something.

It wasn't resentment he had sensed. It was the overwhelming force of heavenly luck tied to that flower hairpin. That energy's presence nearly threw Leo out of the carriage!

Leo quickly steadied himself and retreated back into the purple sugilite pendant.

He recalled something Morna, the keeper of the afterlife from the ninth level of hell who made sure spirits forgot their past lives as they crossed into the next, had once said.

Years ago, a powerful individual had used heavenly luck and the Eclipse Bloom to craft a hairpin. Any woman who wore that hairpin would willingly marry and would only obey her husband.

At the time, Leo had thought it was just a tale. Morna had warned him not to take it too seriously, as not everyone could use the heavenly law. But now, he was facing this story in reality. That very hairpin was now in Wynter's hair!

No wonder even someone as astute as Wynter, a cultivator of immense skill, hadn't noticed anything wrong.

In the cultivators' eyes, anything related to the heavenly law was considered incredibly auspicious. A blessing, never a curse. Thus, Wynter had no reason to be suspicious.

Leo was at a complete loss now. He recalled that the hairpin could only be removed by the one who had originally forged it. What if it remained on Wynter's head forever? Wouldn't she become a puppet without emotions, left vulnerable to the serpent waiting in the underworld?

Meanwhile, in the water cave, the dragon could hear the commotion outside. The sounds of drums were lively and filled the air. It relished the noise, savoring the ritual's atmosphere.

After all, humans were powerless in the face of its presence, and it had always had a fondness for human maidens.

The saying that snakes were creatures of lust wasn't without reason.

It didn't need to be said for one to imagine how many people it had ruined over the years. But it didn't think of itself as a villain. Instead, it believed its arrival in this world was a blessing for the villagers.

With that thought, it transformed into its human shape, stepping forward, eager to make its presence known.

However, just as it took its first step, it froze. There, just outside of the water cave, was a tall figure who should not have been there.