The bright morning sun shone intensely in the sky of the capital of the Kingdom of Astoria, creating long shadows on the bustling capital streets. Arvin and Allen walked side by side leisurely towards the Merchant Guild building. Their steps were light, as if the weight of the world no longer burdened their shoulders.
However, the tranquility did not last long. As they walked further, cutting through the crowd, the two of them, still wearing the conspicuous special academy uniforms, immediately became the center of attention.
Heads turned. Whispers began to sound like the buzzing of bees.
Everyone looked towards them. However, strangely, the gazes were not directed at their extraordinarily handsome faces, nor because Arvin was a young noble from the respected Vedegra family.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the same spot: the white magic contract symbol beautifully carved on the backs of their right hands. The symbol glowed softly, signifying a soul bond that could not be broken.
A young woman who happened to pass by them stopped in her tracks. Her curiosity overcame her politeness. She approached them and without hesitation asked directly with wide eyes.
"Excuse me... Are you two men a married couple?" she asked bluntly while pointing at their hands.
Allen smiled proudly, not a hint of shame on his face. He raised his hand, showing off the symbol.
"You are right, Miss! He is my lawful husband! Is something the matter?" Allen answered loudly.
The woman covered her mouth in shock, her face turning red. "N-Nothing. It's just... t-this is the first time I've seen a same-sex relationship bound by a sacred contract like yours in public."
Hearing the innocent remark of the young woman, Arvin immediately scanned his surroundings. He observed the reactions of the people on the street.
True enough. Everyone was looking at them with mixed gazes. Between amazement, confusion, and unfamiliarity. Everyone's eyes did not leave their right hands.
Arvin's forehead furrowed deeply. Questions began to arise in his mind.
What is happening here? Arvin thought in confusion. Has a same-sex relationship never happened in this kingdom before?
He recalled the game lore he had played. Did same-sex relationships only happen within the academy area and not spread to the capital? Why is the reaction so foreign?
A sense of alienation began to creep in and rage within his mind. Why is everything so different from the game I played before? In the game, this was never an issue like this.
While continuing to walk, Arvin's gaze slowly turned vacant. His footsteps moved automatically, but his mind drifted far away. Now Allen is mine. But... what should I do in this world next? Should I just live life as usual?
An emptiness suddenly hit him. After I married him, I really have no purpose anymore. My greatest wish has been fulfilled. I am confused about how to live in this world without a mission, without a scenario.
Many questions continued to haunt Arvin's mind. The reality he was currently experiencing began to deviate far from what he knew.
His gaze became increasingly vacant, as if his soul was drifting searching for identity and a new purpose to live in a world that was once just a game to him.
This is a romantic game, but also an adventure. he thought worriedly. Does Allen have a good idea for me? I am very scared... I am scared to the point of losing my identity and getting lost in this world!
Allen, who had been walking beside him all along, noticed the change in his husband's mood. He stared at Arvin who kept daydreaming with a blank gaze ahead.
Pluk.
Allen patted Arvin's shoulder quite hard, making the blue-haired young man startle from his daydream.
"Huh?" Arvin turned, confused.
"What are you thinking about, Arvin?" asked Allen gently but firmly, his eyes staring sharply searching for honesty. "Explain to me later what is bothering you, and don't ever try to keep it to yourself!"
Arvin was stunned. A feeling of amazement as well as happiness slipped into his troubled heart. In the midst of this crowd, only Allen could see his restlessness. Allen was so caring and attentive to him, as if he could read his soul.
A faint smile returned to Arvin's face. He nodded in agreement with his beloved's request.
"Alright, Allen. I will tell you later."
Not long after, they arrived at the magnificent Merchant Guild building.
The large double doors opened. As soon as Arvin stepped inside with a handsome academy student by his side, the atmosphere inside the busy guild lobby suddenly fell silent for a moment. Their presence became the center of attention again.
However, like on the street earlier, the gazes of the staff and merchants immediately directed sharply towards the white contract symbol clearly carved on their respective right hands.
Yonna, the receptionist who served Arvin yesterday, now stood frozen behind her desk. She was very surprised to see the mark that had suddenly been carved on his right hand.
"Y-Young Master Arvin..." greeted Yonna stutteringly as they approached. Her eyes darted back and forth between Arvin's face and his hand. "D-Didn't you not have a contract symbol on your hand yesterday? Why... why do you have it today? A-Are you already married to this handsome man?"
Arvin laughed crisply, trying to shake off his earlier turmoil. "Yes, Yonna! You are absolutely right. He and I love each other. We just got married officially yesterday afternoon. Hehehe."
Arvin's straightforward and unfiltered answer echoed in the silent lobby. Instantly, the Merchant Guild was in an uproar. Merchants whispered, disbelieving that the son of Duke Vedegra married a man.
Yonna swallowed, daring herself to ask what was on everyone's mind. "D-Do you not think about the fate of the Vedegra family? Aren't you the one who will be the main heir?"
"No, Yonna!" cut Arvin quickly, waving his hand indifferently. "I have long handed over that heir position to my younger brother. I am not interested in becoming a leader!"
Yonna was stunned. "Even though... even though you really have the charisma of a leader."
"Hahaha. Thank you for your compliment!" Arvin laughed again, then embraced Allen's shoulder possessively. "But at least, right now I am happy with him. In my eyes, there is nothing more precious in this world than him!" he said proudly.
Yonna fell silent looking at that scene. She could clearly feel the drastic difference between Arvin 'before' and 'after' marriage.
Previously he was very cold, scary, and stiff. thought Yonna. Let alone laugh, he never even smiled. But after he got married... look at him now. I can see him laughing freely for the first time.
Yonna touched her own chest. I never expected that a marriage could change someone's mood so completely like this.
Ah... I want to get married soon too... mused Yonna, her eyes drifting. But who should I marry?
Clap!
The sound of a loud and sudden handclap was heard very clearly in Yonna's ears, making her jump in surprise.