The procession of dozens of horse-drawn carriages carrying the academy delegation began to move slowly, leaving the capital's main gates. The creaking of wooden wheels against the rocky dirt road and the rhythmic clopping of horse hooves created a distinct symphony of travel. The morning weather was brilliantly clear, with a tapestry of white clouds adorning the blue sky, as if blessing and supporting their long journey.
Inside one of the carriages, Arvin sat comfortably with his four spouses. Allen, Alrain, Ordion, and Alvein thoroughly enjoyed this first journey together with their husband.
For Alvein in particular, this journey was an extraordinary experience. For thousands of years, he had only known the cold, dark stone walls inside the underground ruins. Now, for the first time, he was truly seeing the vast expanse of the outside world. As they traveled away from the capital, the silver-haired youth's face never left the carriage window.
"Honey!" Alvein called out suddenly, turning to look at his husband with eyes sparkling with sheer admiration. "Will there be a lot of beautiful scenery for me to see on this long journey?"
Seeing such pure enthusiasm on his fourth spouse's face, Arvin smiled gently. "Of course, Alvein. This world is incredibly vast. Later on, there will be so many new sights like mountains, rivers, and meadows that you absolutely have to see."
Hearing that, Alvein's eyes sparkled even more. He poked his head out the window slightly, feeling the morning breeze. However, looking through a small window felt less than satisfying for him.
"Can I sit on the roof of the carriage to enjoy the view directly?" Alvein pleaded with a hopeful tone.
Arvin paused for a moment, weighing the idea. "You can go up, but I have to accompany you." he decided with a slightly protective tone. "This carriage is constantly moving, and I don't want you losing your balance and falling, which would end up hurting your smooth skin."
Alvein nodded in agreement with great enthusiasm. In his heart, he was actually cheering with joy.
Perfect! I can act spoiled with my husband up there and spend time just the two of us. Hehehe. Alvein thought gleefully.
Before moving, Arvin turned to his three other spouses. "Are you three okay with just sitting inside the carriage?" he asked to make sure. He didn't want anyone feeling neglected.
"Not a problem at all, My Husband." Allen answered quickly, meeting Arvin's gaze with an understanding smile. "Just accompany him up there and let him enjoy the outside world. The three of us will relax and wait in here."
Allen's words were immediately met with firm nods from Alrain and Ordion. There wasn't a hint of jealousy on their faces; there was only relief seeing Alvein this happy.
After getting their approval, Arvin opened the door of the moving carriage.
Click! Crack!
He used his ice magic to create footholds in the form of small stairs firmly attached to the side of the carriage, arranged very neatly and densely all the way up to the roof.
Arvin stepped out first to ensure the sturdiness of the stairs. Once he stood steadily and deemed it strong, he leaned down and offered his hand. Alvein accepted the hand with a bright smile.
Gripping each other's hands tightly, the silver-haired youth climbed the ice stairs before the two of them finally sat side by side on the flat roof of the carriage, enjoying the breeze brushing against their faces.
From up there, the view was no longer obstructed. The expanse of green meadows swaying in the wind, rows of shady trees in the distance, and the vast blue sky stretched out perfectly like a painting.
The cute youth thoroughly enjoyed the scenery presented before his eyes. A wide smile was clearly painted on his face as his eyes darted here and there, absorbing every detail of nature's vibrant colors.
Is this what the outside world is like? Alvein said in his heart, his chest fluttering warmly at the sight of this incredibly foreign yet breathtaking beauty. Nature is truly so beautiful. I am genuinely grateful to be able to leave that dark place and see this new world.
Amidst his awe, Alvein turned to Arvin. "Honey, can I sit on your lap?" he asked in an affectionate, coaxing tone.
"Of course, Alvein. Have a seat." Arvin answered, bringing his legs together and patting his right thigh.
Without hesitation, the silver-haired youth directly shifted closer. He seated himself on Arvin's lap and leaned his back comfortably against his husband's chest.
Arvin, who was behind him, naturally wrapped his arms around him, hugging his fourth spouse from behind to keep Alvein safe as the carriage gently jolted.
"Honey, I am so happy." Alvein murmured softly. He raised his right hand, stroking the back of Arvin's hand that was resting on his stomach. "Once again, thank you so much for taking me out of that gloomy place."
Hearing those deeply sincere words, Arvin gently stroked the silver locks of his fourth spouse.
"I am also thankful to you, Alvein." Arvin replied with an equally sincere tone. "You were willing to trust me, become my fourth spouse, and have filled my world with color since your arrival."
Hearing a sentence that sounded so poetic, Alvein chuckled in amusement. He turned his head, looking at his husband's face with a playful glint in his eyes.
"Honey!" Alvein exclaimed suddenly. "What are you talking about? You're exaggerating. That's already my duty as your spouse. At a time like this, shouldn't you just say 'I love you'?"
Arvin was momentarily stunned by the cute protest, then couldn't hold back his smile. He leaned down, gently kissing the top of the youth's head on his lap.
"I love you, Alvein." Arvin said with his soft yet firm baritone voice.
His husband's straightforward words successfully made a blush spread across the silver-haired youth's cheeks. Happiness swelled in his chest. Both of his hands immediately grasped his husband's embracing hands tightly, conveying an irreplaceable warmth.
Meanwhile, inside the moving carriage, the light conversation and laughter from the roof could be heard quite clearly.
Allen, Alrain, and Ordion, who were leaning back in their carriage seats, exchanged glances. The three of them chuckled softly as they listened to Arvin's stiff sweet-talk and Alvein's affectionate protests. There were no other feelings besides relief and warmth in their hearts.
As people who understood just how difficult life in the past had been, they shared in Alvein's happiness now that he could enjoy freedom and the beauty of the outside world, which he was seeing for the very first time, alongside their beloved husband who would always protect them all.