Year 9 – Late Spring, Astral Capital
The night of the wedding arrived beneath a blood-red moon.The city glowed like molten gold, banners of silver and crimson fluttering between the floating towers. From every direction, nobles gathered to witness what the Emperor called the dawn of a new dynasty—the Union of Blood and Light.
At the center of the grand courtyard stood an altar of glass and living code. The Red Code Dragon coiled silently above, reflecting a thousand runes across the sky.
Ketsuraku walked toward the altar dressed in black ceremonial armor trimmed with gold and blood-red silk. Each step echoed against the marble floor like a slow heartbeat. Behind him trailed faint mist—the aura of the Blood River itself, alive within him.
On his right waited Rosa Seraphiel, dressed in a gown of celestial flame, silver lace woven with crimson gems. Her eyes burned with pride, unyielding even before the crowd.On his left stood Luminous Akari Noctelle, serene in pale white and gold, veil shining with runic patterns that pulsed to her calm heartbeat.
The Emperor lifted his hand, his voice filling the sky.
"Tonight, two empires are bound to one river. Blood and Light shall flow as one through the void. Let no god, angel, or demon divide what is forged under Heaven's flame."
He motioned toward them."Join hands."
Ketsuraku extended both arms. Rosa's fingers trembled slightly before tightening around his right hand. Luminous's touch on his left was cold and steady. Between them, three auras intertwined—crimson, silver, and pale gold. The fusion burned brighter until even the Emperor had to shield his eyes.
The Red Code Dragon descended, its voice resounding like thunder written in script.
"Witness the balance of three. Blood. Light. Void. Bound in reflection."
The rings on their fingers ignited—one forged from divine flame, the other from solidified code—and merged into one tri-colored band.
[System Update]Marriage Contract Complete – Union of Blood and Light
Shared Domain Access Granted: Crimson Haven
Political Influence: Tier II (Recognized by Empire)
New Skill Unlocked – Royal Authority (Passive): +10% Influence when negotiating within Imperial cities
The crowd erupted in applause.
Rosa whispered, "So this is unity?"Ketsuraku smiled faintly. "Unity usually means someone lost a piece of themselves."Luminous looked past them toward her father. "Then we'll take it back one piece at a time."
When the ceremony ended, the Emperor approached them with a folded parchment sealed in gold."Your first act as House Van Helsing–Noctelle," he said, "is to manage this estate in the Night District. It has been vacant since the last war—restore it, and let it serve as your bridge between nobles and commoners."
He handed the deed to Ketsuraku."The city watches now. Prove that this union was not built in vain."
Rosa raised an eyebrow. "A gift that's also a test. Typical."Luminous read the inscription aloud. "The property lies at the edge of the River Market. Large enough for a trade hall… or a palace."Ketsuraku folded the parchment carefully. "Or something better."
They arrived at the Night District the next evening. The estate stood forgotten, its glass walls cracked and mirrors darkened by dust. The scent of old perfume and burned incense lingered in the air.
Rosa brushed her hand along a pillar. "A place for secrets."Luminous's lips curved slightly. "Or for business."Ketsuraku stepped into the center of the hall, placing his hand against the stone. His Blood Qi spread outward in threads of red light, illuminating every rune embedded in the floor.
The runes flickered back to life. Mirrors along the walls pulsed like beating hearts.
"This place," he said, "was built to host nobles and spies. It can host both again."
Rosa's eyes gleamed. "A club?"Luminous nodded slowly. "A front for trade. Information, currency, alchemy. Controlled by us."
The Red Code Dragon's reflection shimmered faintly in the cracked glass above them.
"A fitting domain for merchants of sin and salvation alike."
They rebuilt the estate over seven days.
Ketsuraku's astral clones worked ceaselessly, weaving Blood Qi into new foundations while Luminous reconstructed the upper floors with mirrored wards and finance sigils. Rosa painted the walls in shades of red and gold, summoning celestial flame to light the chandeliers.
By the final night, the hall stood reborn—a fusion of elegance and danger. The chandeliers pulsed like hearts; crimson glass reflected dancing firelight; a bar carved from a single block of black crystal stood at the center.
Rosa leaned against it, admiring their work."It needs a name."Luminous tapped her quill against her ledger. "Something that sounds refined enough for nobles but dangerous enough to attract sinners."Ketsuraku looked up at the mirrored ceiling, where the Red Code Dragon's reflection wound endlessly through the lights."The Crimson Mirage," he said.
[System Update]
New Business Established – The Crimson Mirage (Tier I)
Type: Entertainment / Information / Trade Hub
Passive Income: +1,200 Astral Coins daily
Bonuses: +20% Reputation, +10% Charm, +5% Finance Efficiency
Linked Domain: Crimson Haven
[Skill Progression]
Silver Tongue level 1 – 63% Mastery
Alchemy level 1 – 68% Mastery
On opening night, nobles filled the air with laughter and whispers. Wine flowed like rivers of starlight. Rosa managed the floor, smiling with predatory grace; Luminous oversaw the counting room upstairs, ensuring every deal was recorded; and Ketsuraku stood behind the bar, swirling a glass of crimson liquor, watching it all unfold.
Rosa approached him, brushing his arm. "Two wives, one empire, and a nightclub. Think you can handle all that?"He smiled faintly. "I'll manage."Luminous joined them, voice calm but amused. "He always does. That's why the world keeps testing him."
Above them, the Red Code Dragon coiled around the mirrored dome, whispering softly through the lights.
"The Triad of Blood and Stars has found its stage."
The music swelled. The Empire's newest power began its quiet reign beneath the crimson glow of the night.