Alvin had fought monsters, survived harsh forests, and even faced a goblin general without trembling—yet none of that compared to the terror of this moment: meeting his future in-laws. His legs refused to stay still. He paced around the guest room like a trapped squirrel, occasionally clutching his chest as if his heart might explode.
Kazien watched this scene with an amused smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His adorable fiancé—well, future fiancé—was normally calm, polite, and elegant. But right now? The poor elf looked like he was preparing to be executed.
"Come here," Kazien finally said, pulling Alvin gently by the wrist until the elf landed directly on his lap.
Alvin stiffened. "M-My dear—!"
Kazien wrapped his arms around him, warm and secure. "Calm down, Alvin. My family won't eat you."
"I know, but—!" Alvin grabbed the front of Kazien's shirt dramatically. "What if they don't like me? What if they tell you to leave me? What if they throw me out the window?!"
"Alvin." Kazien blinked at him. "My family may be eccentric, but they're not that eccentric."
"No… but I'm nervous to meet my future in-laws…" Alvin mumbled, burying his face in Kazien's shoulder like a scared puppy. "…Will they accept me?"
Kazien lay back on the bed, pulling Alvin with him. They stared at the ceiling together, Alvin lying against his chest. The gentle rise and fall of Kazien's breathing slowly began to ease his tension.
Kazien placed both hands on Alvin's chest. His eyebrows lifted slightly. "Your heart is running a marathon."
"It's because I'm nervous!"
Kazien chuckled and began massaging gentle circles along Alvin's chest, the warmth of his hands spreading comfort through the elf's body like soft magic. Alvin's racing heartbeat gradually slowed, returning to its normal gentle rhythm.
"My dear, what did you just do to me?! My nervousness is gone!"
Kazien smirked. "I was just calming you down. Didn't you say being on my lap makes you feel comfortable and safe?"
"...I did say that…" Alvin muttered shyly.
Feeling significantly calmer, Alvin shifted, turning around and settling on top of Kazien, their faces so close their noses almost brushed. His mint-green eyes sparkled.
"You're the best, my future husband. I'm not nervous anymore."
Kazien stroked his golden-yellow hair affectionately. "And you're the best, my future wife. Now come—everyone's probably waiting in the dining room."
As they walked through the hallway, several maids saw the unfamiliar elf beside Kazien and instinctively opened their mouths to comment.
Kazien quickly put a finger to his lips. "Shh. Not a word. I want to surprise them. Also—prepare one more plate."
"Y-Yes, young master," the maids replied, eyes wide as they curiously examined the mysterious elf they had never seen before.
Near the dining room, Kazien whispered, "Wait here. When I call you, come in."
Alvin nodded firmly—fake confidence activated.
"Relax. You'll be fine."
Kazien stepped inside first. His family was already gathered at the long dining table, conversation flowing until they noticed his arrival.
"You took so long," his sister Selena complained. "What were you doing?"
Kazien cleared his throat. "Nothing suspicious. Hehehe."
"Suspicious..." Selena corrected bluntly.
Kazien ignored his sister. "Father, Mother, brothers, sisters—there is someone I would like to introduce to you."
"Introduce someone?" Duke Elgard raised a brow. "Who?"
Kazien dramatically placed a hand over his heart. "He is the cutest future spouse in the world and the only person who can charm me!"
The room went silent. Then—
"…Come again?" William asked.
"You'll see. Alvin! You can come in!"
Alvin stood frozen for a full second. This is it. Time to face the battlefield known as family. He inhaled deeply, straightened his posture, and walked inside.
Silence swept across the room. Then—
"A… high elf?"
"No way… A real high elf?"
Their reactions varied: awe, shock, fascination—and in Virena's case, the urge to poke him just to check if he was real.
"He is my future wife!" Kazien declared proudly.
Alvin bowed gracefully. "Hello. My name is Alvin. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Still stunned, the entire Altavis family stared.
"Are you all planning to stay frozen forever?" Kazien snapped.
They snapped out of their daze simultaneously.
"Ah! Forgive us. I am Elgard Altavis, Kazien's father."
"I am Larina Altavis, his mother. Welcome, dear."
"I'm Selena, the eldest sister."
"William, the eldest brother."
Then Virena rushed straight into Alvin's face—from far too close. "Wow! You're cute! No wonder he fell for you!"
"S-Sis Virena, back off!" Davin protested. "I haven't introduced myself!"
"Then introduce yourself instead of whining!" she snapped back.
"Hahaha." Kazien muttered, facepalming.
Davin approached politely. "I'm Davin, the second older brother. Nice to meet you."
Alvin bowed again, earning a ripple of impressed murmurs.
"Sit down, Alvin. Let's eat together." Duke Elgard encouraged warmly.
"Thank you… future father-in-law," Alvin said without thinking.
Duke Elgard burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Future father-in-law, huh?"
Alvin stiffened, panicked. I said it too soon—!
Then Elgard leaned forward. "Tell me, Alvin. Do you love my son?"
Alvin lifted his head. His voice held no hesitation. "Yes! I love him with all my heart. Forever, I will stay by his side."
Kazien froze, blushing.
Elgard sighed dramatically. "I still don't understand why my son insists on choosing a man as his wife…"
Kazien lowered his head, embarrassed.
"…But if you truly love each other, why don't you get engaged first?"
The entire room fell silent.
Kazien and Alvin both turned to him slowly.
"…Father… are you serious?" Kazien whispered.
"Kazien," the Duke said with a soft smile, "our only wish is for you to be happy. If Alvin brings you happiness, then we will welcome him."
Kazien vanished from his seat in a blur of speed—Blink magic—and hugged his father tightly.
"Thank you, Father!"
Meanwhile, Alvin's eyes filled with tears—silent at first, then falling steadily down his cheeks.
Duchess Larina approached him gently.
"You're very happy, aren't you?"
"Y-Yes… future mother-in-law. I never expected to be accepted so warmly… thank you."
"Then call us Mother and Father. You are family now."
Alvin's lips trembled. "May… may I truly call you that?"
"Of course!"
Alvin tried to hold back his emotions—but failed spectacularly. He hugged the Duchess tightly, crying into her shoulder.
Everyone fell silent, moved.
Duchess Larina stroked his back. "You must have carried many burdens alone. But no longer."
Even Kazien felt his chest tighten at the sight.
After ten minutes, Alvin finally calmed down, face red from crying. "I'm sorry for showing you such an embarrassing sight…"
"Not at all," Duke Elgard said. "Sit and eat with us."
Alvin took his seat beside Kazien. The maids brought the food and began placing it on the table.
But before they could leave—
"Wait!" Kazien called.
The four maids stopped mid-step.
"Yes, young master?"
Kazien pointed at Alvin. "Can I ask you to teach him how to cook?"
Everyone froze.
Alvin stood and bowed earnestly. "Please teach me! I want to be the best wife. I want to cook delicious meals for him!"
The maids exchanged glances.
"If that is your wish… we will train you. But be warned—we are strict."
"I don't mind! I will endure anything!"
Duke Elgard suddenly added, "If you manage to teach him well, I will give each of you 15 gold pieces."
The maids' eyes sparkled like diamonds.
Fifteen gold pieces? They could retire early.
"Yes, My Lord! We will train him until he becomes a master chef!"
Kazien paled slightly. "Wait. Master chef? I just wanted him to learn basic—"
But the maids were already fired up. Alvin looked equally determined.
And thus, the future of the Altavis household shifted dramatically without anyone realizing it.
But for now? They finally enjoyed their first dinner together as a family—full of laughter, warmth, and the start of a new, beautiful chapter.