The golden rays of the afternoon sun slipped through the gaps in the window curtains, providing a warm touch to the family room of the Altavis mansion. The air felt cool, carrying the scent of flowers from the garden brought by the blowing wind.
On one of the soft sofas, Kazien sat relaxed. The silvery-white-haired youth focused his entire attention on the small wooden table in front of him. On the surface of the table lay four wedding rings, sparkling as they reflected the afternoon sunlight.
Fortunately, I remembered about these rings. Kazien thought in relief, his pair of sapphire blue eyes gazing at the four pieces of jewelry with a faint smile he could not hide.
His memory drifted to the past. He had actually made the first and second rings very meticulously using his alchemy magic more than a year ago, which were originally intended only for himself and Alvin.
But as time passed and destiny changed, Kazien once again used his magic to create two additional rings with the same design to be placed on the ring fingers of Allen and Arken.
Kazien leaned his back slowly. Initially, I truly thought that only Alvin would be my spouse forever, he mused in the silence. But I never expected the day would come when Allen and Arken would also become a part of my life and become my fiancés.
Although initially he felt cornered by Alvin's urging, the youth now harbored no regrets whatsoever.
Honestly, the presence of the three of them with their highly unique respective personalities actually makes me feel very happy and complete. Even though I have to live a long and eternal life, at least I am certain I will never feel bored and lonely as long as they are by my side.
While he was drifting in his sweet reverie, the sound of steady footsteps broke the silence of the room. Duchess Larina walked up to him with a bright, motherly expression on her face.
"Kazien, what is wrong with you? Why are you sitting all alone and staring at those four rings while smiling like that?" asked Duchess Larina with a wondering yet amused tone seeing her youngest son's behavior. "Have you prepared everything well? The day after tomorrow is a very important day. The wedding of the four of you, and also the wedding of Dave and Raliana, will soon be held together."
Hearing his mother's question, Kazien looked up and replied with a happy smile.
"Everything is done, Mother." Kazien answered confidently. "My wedding clothes have been perfectly prepared and are in the closet! These four wedding rings are also ready to be put on! All that is left now is just waiting for the wedding party."
"That is great then! I feel very relieved to hear it." Duchess Larina said, her smile widening as she imagined her family's happy day. The beautiful red-haired woman patted Kazien's shoulder gently. "I can't wait, Kazien. I am really looking forward to the arrival of my High Elf grandchild from your marriage later."
After casually dropping such a crucial sentence, Duchess Larina immediately turned around and walked away, leaving the family room to get back to being busy taking care of the party preparations.
On the other hand, Kazien could only remain frozen stiff on the sofa. His eyes blinked a few times, trying to process his mother's recent words. Such a great hope for the birth of a High Elf grandchild felt like an invisible burden that suddenly fell upon his shoulders.
Kazien let out a long sigh, wiping his face in resignation because he couldn't bear to disappoint his mother's feelings. But on the other hand, he had already made an absolute promise with Alvin, Allen, and Arken regarding the eighteen-month waiting period.
"At least... please wait a few more years, Mother..." Kazien murmured softly to the now empty room.
Reluctant to think about that burden any further, Kazien stored the four wedding rings into his spatial storage dimension.
He rose from the sofa and walked out of the room to enjoy the last days of his bachelorhood before he officially bore the status of a husband to his three fiancés.
As he walked down the hallways of the mansion, Kazien saw how busy everyone was. The servants, guards, and even his family members were passing by carrying decorations, setting up banquet tables, and organizing logistics.
He actually really wanted to step in and help lighten their workload. However, every time he offered his help, everyone rejected it with a uniform excuse. Essentially: "Please don't, Young Master! If you help us, everything will be finished in a matter of seconds! There won't be any work left that we can do to welcome your happy day!"
Recalling that very reasonable mass rejection, the silvery-white-haired youth could only smile wryly. Finally, he decided to step away from the mansion so as not to disrupt their working rhythm.
His footsteps led him out the gates of the Altavis residence, walking casually toward the bustling center of Lazavis City.
On that bright afternoon, Kazien enjoyed his moment of solitude. He blended in with the public, watching children running around, merchants tidying up their wares, and citizens chatting in front of their houses.
The day after tomorrow, I will no longer be just an ordinary, free Kazien. he mused inwardly, a faint smile once again adorning his lips. I will have new responsibilities as a husband. This life feels like it's moving very fast. Before I knew it, time has passed flying forward without me realizing it.
Without realizing it, his feet kept stepping until he arrived at the gate area of Lazavis City. Several Altavis territory guard soldiers stationed there immediately straightened their postures upon noticing his arrival.
"Good afternoon! What are you doing around here, Young Master?" asked one of the guard soldiers in a respectful yet friendly tone.
Kazien stopped walking and returned the greeting casually. "I am just taking a walk. Just wanting to enjoy some time to myself and breathe in the fresh air before I officially bear the status of a husband the day after tomorrow. Hehehe."
"Is that so?" exclaimed the soldier, his face also radiating genuine enthusiasm. "If so, please enjoy your free time, Young Master! All of us here are also happy and pray for your event to run smoothly later!"
"Thank you very much for your prayers." Kazien replied amiably.
After giving a brief salute to Kazien, the soldier returned to his guard post. The silvery-white-haired youth stood for a moment, letting the gentle breeze brush against his face.
"Brotheeeerrr!!!!"
A shrill shout typical of a little child was suddenly heard from behind him.
Spontaneously, Kazien turned his head. He saw a little boy running fast toward him with outstretched arms. Right behind the child, his mother could be seen following with quick steps while bowing her head, giving a polite sign of respect to the Young Master.
"Virgo!" Kazien exclaimed cheerfully. He lowered his body, then immediately hugged and lifted the little boy's body into his arms. "How are you? Are you perfectly healthy?"
"I'm doing great, Brother!" Virgo answered enthusiastically, both his hands holding onto Kazien's shoulders. The child's eyes looked at Kazien full of curiosity. "Mother said this city is busy because of a big party. Is it true that you are getting married?"
"Of course it's true, the day after tomorrow I will be holding my wedding." Kazien answered while smiling. "Why do you ask, champ?"
"Really?!" exclaimed Virgo, his facial expression instantly becoming even more enthusiastic and beaming. "If so... may I come and attend your wedding party, Brother?"
Kazien laughed softly, feeling very charmed by the innocent question uttered by the child. "Of course, Virgo! The party is open to people who want to share in the happiness. Just invite your father and mother to come to my wedding. I will definitely feel very happy if I can see you come and attend my wedding event later."
"Hooray! I will definitely come with my parents, Brother!" Virgo cheered happily.
Kazien nodded, giving a very gentle smile to the child and also to his mother who stood not far from them.
After chatting lightly for a few moments, Virgo's mother apologized because she had to return home immediately to prepare dinner. Virgo then said his goodbyes cheerfully, and Kazien allowed the two of them to leave.
After Virgo and his mother left, Kazien turned his face again to look at the city streets and the expanse of the afternoon sky which was beginning to show an orange tinge. He took a deep breath, soaking in every second of the peaceful afternoon atmosphere.
The silvery-white-haired youth calmly enjoyed the last moments of his bachelorhood, preparing his mind and heart to welcome a new life as a husband to his three fiancés.