In the warm glow of the adventurer's guild lobby, Alvin clutched his freshly minted license card, his eyes sparkling with unbridled joy. He thrust it toward Kazien, his voice trembling with pride. "My dear, look! I've become an adventurer like you!"
Kazien's face lit up, a broad smile breaking across his features. "I'm thrilled for your happiness, Alvin. Now, let's hand over those goblins we took down earlier."
Alvin nodded eagerly, his heart swelling with excitement. This was more than just a card—it was a bridge to a shared future, a symbol of their unbreakable bond forged in the heat of battle.
Alvin nodded eagerly, his heart swelling with excitement. This was more than just a card—it was a bridge to a shared future, a symbol of their unbreakable bond forged in the heat of battle.
With a flick of his wrist, Kazien summoned his storage dimension, and a grotesque pile of goblin corpses tumbled out onto the stone floor. Dozens of twisted green bodies, including the hulking form of a goblin general, lay in a heap that reeked of blood and defeat. Gasps echoed through the lobby. Rosalia, the guild receptionist, froze, her eyes wide with shock. The other adventurers whispered in awe, relief washing over them like a cool breeze after a storm. The goblin threat that had plagued the outskirts was finally over.
"You two... killed the goblin general?" Rosalia stammered, her voice a mix of disbelief and admiration.
Kazien laughed heartily, clapping Alvin on the shoulder. "Hahaha! We were cornered in that cave. Surrounded on all sides. We had no choice but to fight back—and we wiped them out!"
Alvin's chest puffed with pride, but inside, his mind raced. We've done this together. Every slash, every spell... it was us against the world.
Rosalia quickly composed herself, verifying their mission completion. She collected their cards and hurried to the back room, her footsteps echoing with purpose.
Kazien turned to Alvin, his voice soft and intimate. "After this, we'll head straight home. I'll introduce you to my whole family."
Alvin's enthusiasm faltered. His stomach twisted into knots, and a cold sweat prickled his skin. Meet his family? Now? His heart pounded like a war drum, each beat echoing his deepest fears. I'm not ready. What if they hate me? An outsider, a high elf in their human world... I can't bear the thought of rejection. Kazien is my everything—the only light in my shattered life. Father, Mother, wherever you are, please bless me. Let them see the love I have for him.
Moments later, Rosalia returned, her arms laden with their cards and a hefty pouch of coins that clinked melodiously. "Here are your license cards! This is your reward for the mission and selling the monster parts. Please accept it with our thanks."
They examined the cards, and Kazien's breath caught. Both now bore the mark of E-rank adventurers—a leap that felt like soaring into the heavens.
"Why are we both E-rank? I thought it'd be F," Kazien asked, bewildered.
Rosalia beamed. "The goblin general tipped the scales. That feat alone boosted your contributions sky-high!"
Delight surged through them like wildfire. "We're overjoyed! Thank you, Rosalia," Kazien said, bowing slightly.
As they turned to leave, Kazien paused. "Rosalia, tomorrow I'll bring someone special to the guild for an introduction. See you then." He winked mysteriously.
Rosalia tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. Who could it be? Her heart skipped unexpectedly, a flutter of anticipation she couldn't quite place. Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.
Outside, the bustling streets of Lazavis enveloped them. The city thrummed with life—merchants hawking wares, children darting through crowds, the scent of fresh bread mingling with the salty sea air. Kazien and Alvin drew stares like magnets.
Whispers rippled: "Is that the leader's son?" Adventurers and townsfolk approached, eager for greetings.
Kazien welcomed them warmly, and Alvin, though shy at first, introduced himself with a gracious smile. "I'm Alvin, Kazien's future wife."
The reactions were instant—apologies tumbled out, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "We didn't know!" But Kazien waved it off, his easy laughter dissolving any tension. He moved among his people like a shepherd among his flock, humble and approachable.
Alvin watched in quiet awe. I never dreamed he was the son of the human region's leader. No wonder they're so respectful. Yet he never boasts, never lords it over anyone. He's kind, grounded... the perfect man. I chose wisely. My heart overflows with pride for him.
At the city gates, the two guards snapped to attention, their jaws dropping at Alvin's ethereal presence—his golden hair shimmering like sunlight on water, his high elf grace unmatched.
"E-Elf? Young master, why's there an elf with you?" one stammered.
Kazien chuckled. "This is Alvin, my future wife! Why does every guard ask the same thing?"
Alvin bit back a giggle, his nervousness easing into amusement.
"I-I'm sorry, young master. First time seeing one up close," the other guard mumbled.
"Not just any elf—a high elf," Kazien corrected patiently. "Regular elves have green hair. High elves like Alvin have golden hair. In our kingdom's terms, an elf is marquis-level nobility. And a high elf is Prime minister—or even king level."
The guards nodded vigorously, the massive gates creaking open. Beyond lay the sprawling grounds of the mansion, lush gardens bursting with vibrant flowers and ancient oaks whispering in the wind.
"Alvin, let's take a bath together!" Kazien suggested, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
Alvin's cheeks warmed, but joy bubbled up. "A bath with you? Why not? Let's go!"
They dashed inside, unnoticed by the bustling household. The grand bathroom awaited—a steamy paradise of marble tiles, enchanted waters that never cooled, and scented oils from distant lands. Steam curled like loving fingers as they shed their battle-worn clothes.
"My dear, let me clean your back," Alvin offered tenderly, his hands gentle on Kazien's skin.
"Then let me clean yours," Kazien replied, his touch sending shivers of warmth through Alvin.
"Of course! I could never refuse my future husband's wish."
But innocence twisted into something electric. Alvin slid onto Kazien's lap, the water lapping softly around them. Kazien's breath hitched, nerves igniting like sparks.
"W-Why are you on my lap?" he stammered, feeling the undeniable stir of desire.
Alvin grinned playfully. "This way, I can gaze at my husband's handsome face up close."
"But... your penis! It's... erect!" Kazien's voice broke, his face flushed.
"Hahaha! Isn't yours too?" Alvin teased, wrapping his arms around him.
Kazien melted into the embrace, Alvin's warm, slick body pressing close—a perfect fit that chased away his tension. "When I sit like this, I feel safe, at peace. Promise you'll let me sit on your lap every time we bathe together?"
Kazien hugged him back fiercely. "As long as it's not too intimate, my body is yours to cherish."
Tears pricked Alvin's eyes. "Thank you, my dear. Please... don't ever leave me. You're all I have left in this cruel world. The thought of losing you terrifies me."
"Alvin, I've chosen you forever. How could I dream of leaving? I'm the one pleading—stay with me."
"Together forever?"
"Yes—together forever!"
Alvin's hug tightened, a desperate clutch born of bone-deep fear. Kazien felt it all—the raw terror of abandonment, the fragile hope clinging to him like vines. He said nothing, only held tighter, his silence a vow of protection.
"My dear, thank you for saying yes. I'm endlessly grateful we met in that forest," Alvin whispered with voice broke. "With you, my sorrows fade. I laugh freely, feel alive. You've healed me."
"I'm the grateful one. I'll be the best husband for you—always."
Releasing the embrace, Kazien saw tears streaming down Alvin's face. With thumb gentle as a feather, he brushed them away. "Can you cook, Alvin?"
Alvin shook his head shyly. "No."
"Will you learn? I dream of tasting your meals in our home."
"If it makes you happy, I'll master it! Delicious feasts, just for you. But... who teaches me?"
"Start with the mansion maids—they'll adore helping."
"For our happiness, I'll fight with all I have!"
Kazien's grin was radiant, a sunrise piercing Alvin's soul.
Zing! It struck like an arrow, leaving him breathless, enchanted.
Alvin's fingers traced Kazien's jaw, caressing with reverence. "You're breathtaking. That smile... it captivates me."
"And yours bewitches me every time," Kazien murmured.
Alvin pulled him into a hug of pure bliss—this one light, soaring, eternal.
We've only just met, yet it feels like centuries. Fate wove us together. You're my destiny.
After their bath, Kazien wove wind and fire magic to dry Alvin's hair—a dance of opposites creating perfect warmth. Alvin watched, mesmerized, then tried himself. Failures mounted—one, two, ten times—but on the nineteenth, triumph! Golden strands floated dry and silky.
"Sorry I took so long," Alvin panted, beaming.
Kazien laughed. "No apologies. Seeing your determination? You're the perfect future wife."
"I have no clothes..."
"Wear mine! It fascinates me—as if our bodies are one." Kazien's eyes sparkled.
Alvin ruffled his damp hair, laughter bubbling between them like a shared secret.
Towel-clad, they raced to Kazien's bedroom—a sanctuary of velvet drapes, towering bookshelves, and a bed piled with silken pillows. Alvin rifled through the wardrobe, overwhelmed by luxurious fabrics.
"Pick anything!" Kazien urged.
"All your clothes are nice. Help me choose!"
Kazien selected a bright blue tunic and trousers. "This shade dances with your golden hair."
Alvin donned it, twirling. "How do I look?"
"Cute! Adorable! Stunning!" Kazien gushed.
"Stop flattering! Now dress—you're still naked!"
"But Alvin... let's arrive late in style for dinner. We'll give them a big surprise."
Alvin nodded, heart racing anew. I can do this. Future in-laws... breathe, Alvin. You've faced goblins—you'll face this love with courage.
Deep down, fear began to gnaw him. What if they think I'm not good enough? But for Kazien, I'll try to shine.
As dusk painted the mansion with amber hues, the lovers prepared to step into the next chapter. Their bond, forged in blood and wrapped in vulnerability, pulsed with promise.