The echo of Duke Elgard's voice still reverberated within the walls of the Altavis family living room, leaving a heavy yet meaningful silence. To Sarias, the Duke's words were not merely permission, but a sledgehammer shattering the doubts that had been barricading his heart. Marriage, for the elven race, was something sacred—a bond formed not just for the brief span of a human life, but tied by centuries of tradition, respect, and careful consideration. It was not something to be rushed into lightly.
Yet, here he was. Sitting before the most influential human noble family in the kingdom, his gaze fixed on the scene across the sofa. There, Kazien and Alvin were still embracing, as if the world around them was nothing but a blurred background.
Kazien, with his gently falling silver-white hair, held his fiancé close. Alvin, the majestic High Elf, leaned without reservation on Kazien's chest, where the slightly messy strands of his golden-yellowhair contrasted sharply with Kazien's dark robe. The sight proved that the boundaries of race and worldly logic could be broken by genuine affection.
If His Highness Alvin can be so certain of his happiness with a human, Sarias's heart stirred, perhaps... perhaps I too can find my own happiness with this extraordinary woman.
He glanced sideways. Selena sat with her back straight, but her aura of intimidation had faded, replaced by a soothing calmness.
Then, Sarias looked at Kazien, who was holding Alvin.
"Why do you keep staring at the two of us?"
Kazien's voice broke Sarias's reverie. His tone was sharp, but there was a mischievous glint in his sapphire-blue eyes. Kazien looked at Sarias with a raised eyebrow, as if challenging the elf's nerve.
"Are you hesitating?" Kazien pressed on, giving Sarias no room to evade. "If you need time, take it slow. But if you truly wish to be with her, then make my sister happy for the rest of her life. And if you have no intention of marrying her, refuse now. Don't leave her feelings hanging."
Sarias's heart raced faster than it ever had facing a monster in the forest. He looked back at Selena. The woman did not pressure him, nor did she look away. Her features were calm and unwavering, a beauty that even Kazien—her own younger brother—had once admired.
"But... what about the vast difference in lifespan between elves and humans, Young Master?" Sarias asked cautiously, his voice slightly trembling as he sought assurance. "I will remain young as Miss Selena ages... The pain of being left behind..."
Kazien's expression softened. His formerly sharp sapphire-blue gaze now softened into that of a younger brother who also understood the burden.
"We will discuss that later in Lazavis. There is a way, and there is a path. I will not let my family suffer," Kazien stated with a tone of authority. "For now... just tell me your answer! Your feelings are the key."
Sarias took a deep breath, trying to summon all his courage. He straightened his body, then slowly turned completely toward Selena. Their eyes met. Sarias's emerald green now met her enchanting purple.
"I trust your words, Young Master," Sarias declared, his voice audible throughout the room. "If you have that much faith, then there is no reason for me to doubt this decision."
Kazien leaned forward slightly, his sapphire-blue eyes shining with excitement, while Alvin on his lap also turned with curiosity.
"So... what is your answer?" Kazien urged.
Sarias's voice was steady, though tinged with an undeniable nervousness. It was the voice of someone ready to stake his destiny.
"I am willing," Sarias said firmly. "I am willing to be Miss Selena's future husband."
A moment of silence fell.
Then, Selena's purple eyes sparkled. A soft smile, one she rarely showed to anyone outside her family, now gracefully curved her lips. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, making her look much younger and more vibrant. Her lips parted, about to utter something in return for the pledge.
But before a single word could come out—
THUD!
The sound of a body hitting the floor startled everyone.
Sarias collapsed. His body slumped from the chair, falling onto the thick family room carpet in a worrisome position. His eyes were tightly shut, and his face quickly paled.
"Sarias?!" Selena cried out, her purple eyes widening.
Panic erupted instantly. Davin, William, and Virena instantly moved, but Kazien stretched out his hand, and his sapphire-blue eyes looked sharply at Alvin.
"DON'T TOUCH HIM!"
The voice belonged to Alvin.
Alvin's mint-green eyes snapped wide open, sharp and glowing with a terrifying intensity. His "High Elf" aura powerfully flared. He shook his head violently.
"He is currently undergoing gender formation!" Alvin exclaimed, his voice sounding intensely serious. "If his body is disturbed now, the mana flow within him could become chaotic. That could be extremely dangerous for his life!"
Hearing the stern warning, everyone froze in place. Davin and William pulled their hands back. Kazien withdrew his hand, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Sarias lay still on the floor, his breathing regular but heavy. A faint, greenish light began to envelop his body, softly glowing with the rhythm of his heart. It was the natural magic of the elven race at work—an ancient biological process that occurs when a young elf finally settles their heart and life's purpose.
Selena looked down at the unconscious body with a distressed gaze. Disregarding noble etiquette, she slowly lowered herself. She sat kneeling on the floor, right beside Sarias's head.
"Sis Selena, you don't have to—" Virena tried to gently protest.
Selena raised a hand, stopping her sister's words. Her purple eyes remained fixed on Sarias. "I will wait for him here," she said softly but resolutely.
Her presence there was a silent support, a promise that she would not leave.
King Nalvon, who had only been observing, leaned back in his chair. His thoughts raced.
This Altavis young man... Nalvon looked at Kazien, whose silver-white hair reflected the sunlight, ...possesses an ability that cannot be explained by logic. How can he gain such absolute trust and loyalty from these mysterious beings?
Time passed slowly. The greenish light surrounding Sarias's body gradually faded, absorbing back into his skin, perfecting the cellular change.
Then, slowly, Sarias's eyelids fluttered.
He moaned softly, his voice now sounding slightly deeper. He blinked, trying to adjust to the room's light. The first thing he saw was Selena's face, staring at him with genuine concern.
Sarias started in surprise. He tried to get up. "M-Miss Selena?" he stammered, his eyes widening in panic as he realized the woman's position. "W-Why are you sitting on the floor? You shouldn't be sitting in a dirty place like this!"
Selena smiled thinly, shaking her head gently. "Don't say unnecessary things," she replied. Her purple eyes conveyed relief. "I wanted to sit here. The floor isn't dirty, and I wanted to make sure you were alright."
Sarias blinked, speechless. He then surveyed the rest of the room.
"Has... your change been successful?"
Alvin's voice broke the silence. The High Elf looked at Sarias from Kazien's lap, his mint-green eyes narrowed slightly.
Sarias paused, feeling the new energy flow. "You are correct, Your Highness," Sarias replied, his voice now much more stable and deep. "I... am now fully a man."
Alvin smiled widely. His tense shoulders relaxed as he returned his full attention to the comfort of Kazien's embrace.
"I am happy for your success," Alvin murmured softly.
Davin, who could never restrain himself, leaned forward with a teasing grin directed at Alvin.
"So..." Davin pointed at Alvin, who was glued to Kazien again. "Kazien's lap is your throne, huh?"
The question drew small laughs from Virena and William.
Alvin didn't seem embarrassed at all. He didn't even lift his head from Kazien's chest as he answered.
"Of course, Brother Davin!" Alvin replied with a childlike proud tone. "Kazien's lap is the best throne in the world. More comfortable than any king's chair, and warmer than any down blanket."
"When I sit here..." Alvin continued, his voice beginning to slow down. "I feel completely at peace. No fear, no nightmares. Only Kazien."
He buried his face deeper into the crook of Kazien's neck and shoulder. The slightly messy strands of his golden-yellow hair now glistened under the afternoon sun, creating a serene and mesmerizing scene.
The contrast between Kazien's silver-white hair and Alvin's glowing gold looked like a captivating living painting.
Kazien smiled gently, his hand continuously stroking Alvin's back with a lulling rhythm. His sapphire-blue eyes radiated warmth and pride as he looked at his fiancé.
In mere seconds, Alvin's breathing became regular and soft. The warmth, the sense of security, and the certainty of being loved lulled the High Elf into a deep sleep.
For Alvin, there was no other place in the world he desired. His throne was not made of gold or jewels, but of the lap of the young man who had saved his life, who was none other than his beloved future husband.