Along the streets of Lazavis, Kazien and Davin walked steadily toward Rio's house. Kazien was completely absorbed in the map in his hand, tracing the streets and alleys as if plotting an intricate strategy. Beside him, Davin fidgeted, impatient and restless.
"Kazien, why don't we just take a carriage?" Davin asked, his tone sharp with frustration. "Walking like this is slow, and look! Everyone's staring at us!"
Kazien lifted his gaze only briefly. "A carriage would be far too conspicuous. Walking keeps us… subtle."
"Subtle?" Davin groaned. "Do you see the people looking at us? Walking makes it worse!" He grabbed Kazien's chin and forced him to glance left and right. "See? It's exactly because we're walking that everyone's staring!"
Kazien blinked once, unbothered, and returned to the map. Children peeked curiously from doorways, merchants paused mid-sale, and whispers floated through the air, yet Kazien's calm remained unshaken.
Davin's jaw dropped. "How… how can you just ignore all that?"
Kazien's lips curved faintly. "Focus. The important thing is reaching the house."
Finally, they stopped in front of a modest wooden house, its simplicity a quiet contrast to the bustling streets. Kazien knocked decisively.
"Knock! Knock! Knock!"
Davin froze. "Wait—shouldn't we check first if she's home?"
"Don't overthink it," Kazien said. "We are here. That is enough."
The door creaked open, revealing a young woman with light-blue hair and sea-blue eyes. She studied the two boys carefully.
"Yes? How may I help you?" she asked politely.
"Is Rio home?" Kazien asked simply.
"Oh… you're looking for my brother? He's still at the guild," she replied with a faint smile.
Davin, unable to contain his curiosity, leaned forward. "And… your name? How old are you?"
Karen blinked. "I-I'm Karen, Rio's younger sister. I'm almost sixteen."
Davin's grin widened. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
"I… I don't," she admitted, cautiously polite.
Davin's excitement bubbled over. Without thinking, he leaned closer. "Then I—"
Kazien's hand shot out, tugging sharply at his sleeve. "Stop! Do you want to scare her away? You can't just blurt it out like that!"
"I… I have to tell her!" Davin protested, his voice trembling. "I can't wait!"
Karen watched, torn between confusion, curiosity, and a strange fluttering in her chest. She could feel the tension radiating from the brothers, a charged energy that left her breathless.
"Do as you wish," Kazien sighed, releasing him slightly. "But allow me to introduce you properly."
Davin nodded.
"May we come in? There's something I want to ask you," Kazien added, his voice polite yet tinged with hesitation.
Karen stepped aside, leading them into the living room. The space smelled faintly of lavender, warm and comforting. They sat down, forming a triangle of expectation: Kazien calm and composed, Davin vibrating with barely contained energy, and Karen caught between awe, curiosity, and nerves.
"What do you need to talk to me about?" Karen asked softly.
Kazien cleared his throat. "Yesterday, I spoke with Rio about his family. He mentioned his younger sister. Today, I am here to introduce my brother, Davin, to you. He is… very interested in getting to know you better."
Karen's eyes widened in disbelief. Before she could respond, Davin sprang forward, practically shaking with excitement.
"Hello, I'm Davin Altavis. Karen, I want you to be my future wife!"
Time seemed to stop. Karen's mouth opened, then closed. Her heartbeat thudded violently, a mix of shock, fear, and an unnameable thrill. She pressed her hands to her chest, feeling every nerve alight.
Kazien groaned and slapped his forehead. "Why are you doing that?"
"Do you have a headache?" Davin asked, genuinely confused.
"Because of you!" Kazien snapped. "Do you have no sense of subtlety? Look at her! You've completely shocked her!"
Karen felt her cheeks flush hot. She wanted to step back, yet some magnetic force held her in place. Words tangled in her throat; her pulse raced uncontrollably.
Davin's voice shook slightly with sincerity. "I… I couldn't wait. I had to tell you!"
Karen's hands trembled, twisting the edge of her sleeve. "I… I don't know what to say," she whispered. The intensity of the moment pressed in on her, and every subtle glance from the brothers made her chest pound.
Kazien's tone softened, calm yet firm. "You don't have to answer immediately. My brother is impulsive, yes, but his intentions are sincere. I apologize for the suddenness."
Karen's mind whirled. This was unlike anything she had experienced. Bold, protective, and yet gentle—a strange combination that left her dizzy.
"I… It's not that I'm unwilling," she said, her voice quivering, "but… why would a noble propose to someone like me?"
Kazien's gaze softened, unwavering and sincere. "Our family does not care about social rank. If you agree, our parents will bless our marriage. I swear it."
Kazien continued his words, voice firm. "If my brother hurts you, I will hold him accountable. Rio trusts us, and I intend to honor that trust."
Karen flinched at the bluntness but felt a quiet reassurance bloom in her chest. The tension shifted from threat to promise. Her pulse thundered in her ears, yet beneath the fear, a spark of anticipation flickered.
Kazien, sensing her hesitation, smiled softly. "If you agree… starting today, you'll stay with us at the mansion. In two days, we'll attend our eldest sister's wedding in Vorusan, where our engagement will be publicly announced. You may bring Rio with you if you wish."
Karen's chest heaved, the enormity of the words sinking in. After a long, trembling pause, she nodded slowly. Her lips quivered.
"Then… I accept your proposal."
Davin's face glowed with pure joy. He turned and hugged Kazien, who had guided the conversation with quiet authority. "Kazien, you are truly amazing. Your words... have a meaning beyond your years."
Kazien's faint smile remained serene. "I will fetch Rio. You stay here, and behave yourself with Karen."
Davin grinned. "How could I do otherwise?" His heart still raced from the whirlwind of emotions.
Karen exhaled slowly, hands trembling, trying to collect herself. Curiosity, awe, and a delicate thrill coiled within her. She tilted her head, glancing at Kazien. "Your brother… he seems extraordinary for someone so young."
Davin chuckled softly. "He is. Kazien is thirteen, yet his mind and manners surpass many adults. He seeks freedom, not burdens, and protects those he cares about fiercely."
Karen arched a brow, intrigued. "And… he already has someone?"
Davin's grin widened. "Yes—a handsome, captivating boy who is his fiancé. You'll meet him soon at the mansion."
Karen's heartbeat quickened as the final pieces of the Lazavis mystery began to fall into place. The brave, protective, and charismatic Altavis family had drawn her into a world she had previously only heard about in rumors. And now, standing before them, she felt herself becoming inseparable from that world.