The warm morning sunlight streams through the tall, crystal-clear windows of the Elgard family's grand dining room. The long, smooth obsidian table glistens under the chandelier, reflecting the delicate porcelain and fresh bread prepared for breakfast. The soothing aroma of roasted spices and orange tea promised a peaceful start to the day.
At least, it should have been tranquil.
The tranquility shattered the instant the youngest son opened his mouth.
"Father, Mother... can I become an adventurer?"
An immediate, heavy silence fell over the room. The four older siblings, Duke Elgard, and Duchess Larina all froze instantly, cutlery suspended mid-air.
It was Kazien who had spoken-thirteen years old, with sapphire eyes, and neatly dressed in the Elgard family's white-trimmed uniform. His voice was soft yet steady, far more resolute than anyone expected from the family's beloved baby.
"K... Kazien." his father finally managed, his brows furrowed tightly. "Do you truly understand what you are asking? The adventurer profession is extremely perilous. Monsters, bandits, natural disasters-you could lose your life."
Kazien nodded with unwavering sincerity. "I know, Father. But... I've read every single book in the family library. Every last one. And the more I read, the more desperately I want to see the world outside these walls. I want to try, even if it is dangerous."
The profound sincerity in his voice momentarily dissolved the family's resistance.
His siblings exchanged quiet glances.
This was not the usual spoiled, passing whim of their sweet youngest brother.
He was serious.
"It's rare to see you so determined..." his mother murmured, her violet eyes softening.
Seeing Kazien's fixed, determined gaze, his father let out a long, heavy sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Very well. I will allow it," he finally relented. "But-if you are ever in danger, you must run. Immediately. Promise me this!"
"I promise!" Kazien beamed, his whole face lighting up with pure, childlike joy. "Thank you, Dad!"
That sparkling smile was potent enough to melt anyone's heart-especially those of his overly affectionate older brothers.
"Ah, look at him. So cute..." Davin muttered, his eyes already narrowing with mischief.
"Don't even think about it," Kazien warned, quickly backing away.
"What? We just want to pinch your cheeks a little," William teased, already marching toward him.
"No! Your pinches always hurt-I'll get saggy cheeks!" Kazien yelped, breaking into a sprint.
"KAZIEN, COME BACK HERE!"
Their voices echoed through the hall as the four siblings chased the youngest around the long dining table. Duchess Larina let out an exhausted sigh and massaged her temples.
"These children... every single morning..."
But before the chaos could fully escalate, Kazien suddenly skidded to a halt and turned back toward the dining table, his expression surprisingly solemn.
"Father, Mother, and all my brothers and sisters-I need to confirm something!"
Everyone looked at him in confusion.
"What is it, dear?" his mother asked.
Kazien took a deep breath. "I'm not the heir to the Duke title, am I?"
"That is correct," Duke Elgard answered straightforwardly. "William will take over after me."
Kazien clenched his small fists. "Then... I am free to choose my own path in life?"
"Of course!" his father replied gently. "No one in this household will ever force you into anything."
Kazien nodded firmly.
"Then... one day, I want to marry the person I choose. Someone I truly want as my life partner."
"That is only natural." his father said slowly. "Is something troubling you, son? Just speak freely."
Kazien inhaled deeply-then dropped the second bomb. "The person I want to marry... is a cute man."
PFFFFTTTT!!
Selena practically exploded, spraying water across the table.
William recoiled. "SIS SELENA! That's disgusting!"
Even Duke Elgard choked on his tea. "A-A man?!"
Kazien pointed at himself proudly. "Men are cute! Women are beautiful! I'm just being honest with myself."
"You want a man as your wife?!" Davin repeated, as if trying to clarify a confusing nightmare.
"When referring to the role, yes." Kazien nodded seriously. "He will be my wife."
Duke Elgard's face twitched with a deep, parental panic. "Larina... he's broken," he whispered to his wife.
Duchess Larina calmly patted her husband's arm. "Dear, please just calm down. Let him speak."
"Of all things... my son wants to marry a man? This... this has never happened in any noble house!"
Kazien took a step forward-then suddenly lowered himself to the floor.
"K-Kazien?!" his mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
He bowed deeply, his forehead pressed to the cold stone tiles.
Everyone froze. Kazien had never bowed like this before-not once.
"Father, please... let me choose my own happiness."
His voice was steady-too steady for a child his age.
"If you refuse... you may kill me here."
"K-Kazien!" Duke Elgard stood up abruptly, his heart pounding hard against his ribs.
This child... This son of mine... is willing to kneel for the sake of his happiness?
Larina leaned in, her voice a plea "Honey... I can't bear this. Please."
Neither can I... Duke Elgard swallowed hard. His throat felt painfully tight.
He exhaled a shuddering breath. "Fine. I will bless your choice. Now stand up-and never bow like that again!"
Kazien instantly sprang up and threw himself into his father's arms, hugging him tightly.
"Thank you, Dad! I love you!"
Then he hugged his mother as well.
"I love you too, Mom!"
His siblings watched, stunned into utter silence.
"K-Kazien," William finally stuttered, "are you truly not interested in women at all?"
"Nope! But don't worry-you are my biological sibling! Even though I like you, we cannot marry each other!"
"GOOD!" William shot back instantly.
"That's the reaction I wanted!" Kazien giggled mischievously.
Virena sighed dramatically. "I still can't believe you like guys. Did something traumatizing happen to you?"
Kazien smiled brightly. "This is my happiness, Sis."
"You're silly, little brother..." Selena muttered, pinching her brother's nose. "Do you already like someone?"
"Not yet, Sis Selena. But I'll find him myself!"
He turned to his father again. "And when I find him... can he live here and enroll in the academy?"
The Duke dropped his shoulders in weary resignation. "At this point... do as you please."
Larina chuckled quietly at her husband's defeated expression.
"I'm going to the library!" Kazien shouted while rushing toward the door. "Love you all!"
After he left, the dining room grew strangely quiet again.
Duke Elgard groaned, slumping back into his seat. "Why... why does he only want men? Out of all the beautiful girls in the kingdom..."
"Maybe it's because of Sis Virena traumatizing him as a child?" Davin teased lightly.
"WHAT?!" Virena snapped instantly.
Davin grinned, dodging his sister's hand. "I mean, you always hugged him too tight-"
"DON'T BLAME ME, YOU BRAT!"
"Careful, Sis! You'll age faster if you keep shouting!" Davin laughed.
"DON'T SAY 'AGE' IN FRONT OF A WOMAN!"
"Wait-does that mean Kazien likes me?" Davin asked, feigning stupidity.
Snap!
Virena mercilessly flicked his forehead.
"OUCH! WHY, SIS?!"
"Don't even think about becoming his wife! If you do, I'll freeze you solid!"
The chaos instantly returned to the dining hall.
Meanwhile, Duchess Larina watched her children fondly yet with a flicker of worry. Kazien... is this truly what you want? Will you find happiness with a man as your spouse?
Duke Elgard caught her expression and remained silent, understanding her concern.
...It seems my wife is worried about Kazien too.
One month later, the Elgard mansion grounds bustled with morning activity as Kazien prepared for his first-ever visit to the Adventurer's Guild. His short, silver-white hair swayed gently in the breeze as anticipation tingled through him.
Fortunately, his family had gradually, and perhaps grudgingly, come to accept his "peculiar taste" in partners. Their home had returned to its usual warmth and overflowing love.
I'm so blessed. I love my family so much.
Selena approached him near the gate. "Kazien, ready to go?"
"Yes, Sis Selena! I'm heading to the guild."
"Good." She crossed her arms, her expression severe. "I'm getting married next month. You must bring your future spouse-to my wedding. If you don't bring him, I'll forbid you from marrying a man at all!"
Her tone was sharp, almost threatening. But Kazien understood the deep sisterly affection beneath the demand.
"I promise, Sis. I'll find him before your wedding. I won't disappoint you."
Selena blinked, caught off guard by his immediate, serious reply.
"...I'll be waiting, then."
A rare, tender smile touched her lips.
Kazien brightened. "Sis, you look really beautiful when you smile like that. If you were a boy, you'd be super cute!"
Selena's face flushed a deep pink. "Stop teasing me! Get going before I really lock you up!"
"Okay! See you later!"
Kazien stepped past the mansion gate and looked up at the sky-blue, endless, dotted with gentle clouds.
Goddess Nirfelia, he prayed silently,
Please guide me to a cute man who will love me wholeheartedly. I don't want to disappoint Sis Selena. Please... guide my steps.
Even though the future was utterly uncertain, his determination burned brighter than ever.
No matter how difficult it becomes...
I'll definitely find the person destined for me.