On January 1st, after several days of continuous snow, the snowfall finally stopped the day before. On the first day of the new year, the sun rarely appeared in the sky. Though the winter sun might not be warm, it was bright enough to silently melt the snow and bring a hint of spring to the earth.

The Duke of Gonzalez's estate was exceptionally busy on this day.

The wedding was scheduled for the afternoon at the largest cathedral in the capital. Simon had put considerable effort into inviting a cardinal, who was second only to the Pope, to officiate the ceremony. The person who would witness the vows was...