Speaking of pegasi, Kael had originally given six pegasi—one each to Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Galadriel, Celeborn, and Arwen.
The elves loved these creatures so much that they set aside their usual reserve, selecting a batch of the finest horses for breeding in hopes of producing more pegasi.
The results exceeded expectations—the union of pegasi and horses had a fifty percent chance of producing Pegasus offspring.
By now, they'd bred over fifty pegasi and were determined to breed even more.
The elves also set their sights on the twelve pegasi Kael had crossbred. During the year after the engagement, these pegasi all stayed in Rivendell under the elves' devoted care, forming their own breeding groups.
This made Kael worry that his pegasi would be completely exhausted, too worn out to even pull the flying carriage anymore—which would be mortifying.
That said, after Elrond and the last batch of guests departed, only Kael and Arwen remained in the castle.
With no outsiders present, Kael completely relaxed.
Not giving Arwen any time for sadness about her family's departure, amidst her surprised exclamation, he swept up his wife and eagerly carried her into the bedroom, closing the door.
These past days with Arwen's elders like Elrond, Galadriel, and Celeborn present, Kael hadn't dared act recklessly.
Not to mention the two brothers-in-law who joined with spectators like Legolas and the dwarf Balin to deliberately make him drink.
If it were ordinary alcohol, he wouldn't fear it, but he drank Dorwinion elf-brewed wine—the kind that even Elvenking Thranduil would feel intoxicated by.
So Kael was successfully knocked out by these fellows; even Bilbo contributed.
Therefore, when Elrond and others were leaving, Kael made halfhearted attempts to make them stay while internally cheering.
Kael spent a month with Arwen in the castle before reluctantly appearing before everyone again.
In the castle, besides the two masters, Kael and Arwen, there was also steward Edward and various servants.
Everyone was delighted the castle had a new mistress, especially such a beautiful elf princess.
Everyone who met Arwen, without exception, was captivated by her beauty and noble bearing. Everyone affectionately called her "Lady," "Lady Arwen," or "Lady Evenstar."
Kael entrusted all castle affairs to Arwen to manage, bringing her to the vault treasury to meet Smaug and view the treasure, handing Arwen the key to the vault.
Smaug, knowing Arwen's importance to his master, ingratiatingly selected the most beautiful gem from the treasure, presenting it to Arwen.
Seeing this, Kael raised an eyebrow—this stingy dragon being so generous for the first time surprised him.
After entrusting castle affairs to Arwen, Kael began their honeymoon travels with her.
According to Arwen's wishes, Kael transformed the magnificent golden flying carriage's exterior into ordinary elegant wood and had one pegasus conceal its wings, and so with a single horse pulling the carriage, they departed from the castle.
The carriage made its way down the road toward Hogsmeade below the mountain. To avoid attracting unwanted attention, Kael cast Notice-Me-Not charms on himself, Arwen, and the carriage.
So Kael and Arwen quietly entered Hogsmeade unnoticed.
Threading through lively streets, surrounded by bustling people, various shops, hawking voices, bargaining sounds, and children's playful noises filled the ears.
Besides local residents, many traveling merchants, travelers, adventurers, and bards appeared in the city.
The wedding from a month ago remained most people's discussion topic. Under outsiders' envious expressions, local residents proudly described the wedding scene.
Arwen and Kael sat in the carriage. She looked curiously at the lively scene outside—different from the quiet atmosphere of Rivendell and Lothlórien where she'd grown up, this place carried vibrant vitality and was full of life.
This scene made Arwen feel curious while also yearning, because as a half-elf with human blood flowing in her veins, she had less of the elves' detached aloofness and more human emotion and warmth. So regarding human life, she didn't have other elves' natural separation.
Seeing Arwen's interest, Kael pulled her off the carriage, strolling through city streets.
Because of the Notice-Me-Not charm, surrounding people didn't notice them. Even if noticed, they only regarded them as an ordinary couple and soon forgot.
They wandered between various shops and vendors. Arwen was interested in human handicrafts—though not as exquisite and beautiful as elf-made items, she could discover beauty of various kinds in them.
Kael accompanied her, acting as both purse and pack mule.
On this trip he'd taken plenty of gold coins from Smaug, enough for them to spend freely for a long time.
So Kael was very generous—whenever Arwen looked at something with interest, he simply bought it.
Besides, he had spatial bags, so there was no worry about carrying too much.
After shopping, they watched a painter work by the lake, buying the freshly completed painting.
Then they came to the central square, watching some wandering performers. For their fire-breathing and sword-swallowing performances, Arwen watched with great wonder, saying it was more magical than actual magic.
For these wandering performers who could please Arwen, Kael didn't stint on tips, directly giving several gold coins.
This delighted the performers who repeatedly thanked them, nearly breaking through even the Notice-Me-Not charm's influence.
Then they came to the Prancing Pony's Hogsmeade branch.
This owner was Prancing Pony innkeeper Butterbur's son. This tavern he operated was also Hogsmeade's liveliest.
In the tavern, Kael and Arwen sat in a corner, ordering two mugs of malt beer.
Before the tavern fireplace, a bard loudly sang self-composed verses, his hand holding a harp for accompaniment.
The bard sang precisely about the legend of Kael taming dragons.
As Kael's subjects, they took pride in their lord's great achievements. So even having heard it countless times, they still listened attentively to the bard's story.
Hearing thrilling parts, they involuntarily gasped worriedly. Hearing their lord gaining the upper hand, they all rejoiced excitedly, completely immersed in the tale.
Kael, listening to the bard's story full of thrills and dramatic twists, could only admire these bards' craft.
No wonder they made a living from this. Compared to the bard's version, he felt the real experience of subduing Smaug was actually less impressive.
Looking at Arwen beside him also listening with relish, he found it amusing.
After staying in Hogsmeade one day, Kael and Arwen then boarded the carriage, leaving the city and following the East-West Road westward.