(Leif's POV—ThorenVald Estate—The Next Morning)
That morning will forever be known as The Day The Mansion Ascended To Chaos.
The moment Alvar and I told our parents that we'd like to marry here—quietly, modestly, peacefully— Both mothers instantly shot out of their seats.
"We need florists!"
"Call the tailors!"
"Summon the priest!"
"Find the phoenix-embroidered veil—NOW!"
They vanished in a blur of lace, perfume, and deathly determination. Father, meanwhile, turned slowly toward Alvar with the expression of a man who had just spotted a tax fraud.
"…Alvar. A word. Privately."
Translation:
'Hurt my son and you will evaporate.'
Which means right now, Alvar was probably upstairs being lectured on how to be a devoted, loyal, soft-handed husband by my father.
I prayed for his survival. Meanwhile, in my office…
"WHAT!!! I AM AGAINST THIS MARRIAGE, MASTER!!"
Luminael's voice detonated through my skull like divine thunder.
