After the extraordinary surge of emotions in the middle of the capital's streets subsided, the atmosphere gradually softened. The dust that had been kicked up by Alrain's magic began to settle back onto the ground. Alrain, the green-haired youth, now stood with more relaxed shoulders, though his eyes were still puffy. He stepped forward, gazing into Allen's face with a look so deep it seemed he was searching for every shred of honesty within him.
"Can I trust you?" Alrain asked, his voice trembling yet demanding certainty.
Allen did not flinch. Instead, he met that gaze with the calmness of a man who had accepted his destiny. "Before I answer that, there is one thing I must tell you!" Allen said in a serious tone.
Alrain tilted his head slightly, curiosity beginning to erode his anger. "What is it?" Alrain asked.
Allen took a long breath. "In that era, Arvin intentionally made me hate him so that my power would awaken. Because only in that way could my hidden strength be unleashed. But now, I have refused to awaken that power!"
Allen's words hung in the air, carrying a palpable emotional weight. He then continued with a softer yet more emphatic voice, "I no longer want to kill the person I love so dearly. I also asked him to stop torturing himself and to be brave enough to change his dark fate!"
Alrain stood frozen. The information was so new and shocking to him. He turned toward Arvin, seeking confirmation for everything he had just heard. Arvin could only offer a sheepish smile while rubbing the back of his head.
"He's right! At that time, I was rambling to myself in the bathroom, and Allen heard everything I said." Arvin admitted honestly.
Hearing Arvin's confession, knowing there were no lies in his words, caused the defenses around Alrain's heart to crumble completely. He looked back at Allen's face, and slowly but surely, he reached out his hand as a sign of peace.
"In that case, I look forward to our cooperation, first wife." Alrain said, a faint smile beginning to appear.
Allen welcomed the outstretched hand warmly, a handshake that solidified their new bond. "I ask for the same from you, second wife." Allen replied.
A moment after the words were spoken, the two looked at each other and then burst into crisp laughter. The titles "first wife" and "second wife" sounded incredibly strange and foreign to their own ears, but it was that very thing that melted the tension.
Arvin let out a very long sigh of relief. He felt as if his soul had just returned to him upon seeing the two of them getting along, even though they had initially been involved in a fight that nearly made his heart stop beating.
"Where do you two want to go?" Alrain asked curiously.
"We want to buy some furniture for the house." Allen replied, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"The house? Are you two living together?" he asked again with an enthusiastic tone.
Allen nodded firmly in response. Knowing that his future husband and his new partner were living together, Alrain felt a strong desire to join their new life.
"May I live with both of you?" Alrain asked hopefully.
Allen placed a hand on Alrain's shoulder, offering sincere support. "Aren't you his future wife? Of course, you're obligated to live with your husband, right?"
Upon hearing the permission, Alrain's happiness overflowed. He immediately threw himself at Allen, hugging him tightly. "I love you, first wife!" he shouted joyfully.
"Just call me Allen! Don't call me first wife!" Allen protested with a small laugh, trying to wiggle out of Alrain's tight embrace.
"Okay, Allen!" Alrain replied obediently, yet his face remained radiant.
The three of them then began to walk through the streets of the trade district. While strolling casually, they enjoyed the city's bustle until finally, thanks to information from several friendly pedestrians, they arrived in front of a grand building with an elegant wooden sign.
"Is this the place?" Arvin murmured while staring at the wide facade of the shop.
"This looks like it! My husband, let's go in!" Allen urged, pulling Arvin's right arm.
"My love, let's go in!" Alrain exclaimed, pulling Arvin's left arm.
"Hahaha." Arvin laughed heartily. He felt like a happy captive being pulled back and forth by his two wives. "I still can't believe you two have become close this quickly."
In perfect unison and ignoring Arvin's laughter, Allen and Alrain forcefully pulled Arvin's hands to lead him inside the shop. Arvin truly couldn't fathom how these two had become so like-minded in such a short time.
The moment they stepped through the entrance, they were greeted by the sight of a very complete shop interior. Various types of furniture were neatly arranged by category. There were velvet sofas, mahogany coffee tables, large dining tables, tall wardrobes, and even decorations like flower vases and beautiful porcelain jars. However, Allen's eyes kept searching for something specific, and he felt a bit disappointed because no cooking equipment was visible in that area.
A short while later, an elderly man in neat attire and a friendly smile approached them. "Good afternoon, I am Valon, the owner of this shop. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Arvin took a small step forward. "Before I choose something to buy, I would like to ask one thing."
"What would you like to ask, sir?" Valon asked politely.
"Does this shop sell cooking equipment?"
"Of course! Everything is on the second floor. Would you like to head up there?" Valon answered confidently.
Instantly, the look of disappointment on Allen's face vanished, replaced by a burning enthusiasm. Seeing Allen happy again, Arvin felt the same joy. He looked at Valon and immediately placed a massive order without the slightest hesitation.
"I'll take four of the best beds, the best sofa, the best coffee table, the best dining table, flower vases, wardrobes, jars, a set of lounge chairs for the bedroom, a set of lounge chairs for the terrace, carpets, curtains and everything else I want to buy!" Arvin proclaimed.
Valon was utterly shocked to hear it. It was rare for a customer to buy so much at once. However, as the shop owner, he was certainly happy. "Before we proceed with the transaction, could you please show your identity card as an academy student?" Valon asked, following procedure.
Arvin reached into his pocket and handed over his academy student ID. Valon took it, but his expression changed drastically the moment he read the name written there. His hands began to tremble as he returned the card.
Arvin, who was well-acquainted with people's reactions upon learning his identity, said in a calm tone, "I am here to shop, not to execute someone! Please, act as usual!"
Valon swallowed hard, trying to compose himself. He returned to his professional demeanor and led them around. "This is the finest sofa set in this shop. The price is 660 Golds."
Allen and Alrain's eyes widened. That price felt astronomical for just a sofa. Alrain immediately pointed a lightning-element magic sword directly at Valon's neck. Small sparks of electricity danced at the tip of the blade until Valon raised his hands, his face turning deathly pale.
"Are you serious? Why is it so expensive? Are you trying to cheat our husband?" Alrain growled with a threatening gaze.