The guild lobby fell silent so abruptly that even the dust motes in the air seemed to stop moving.
Moments ago, the room had been the usual chaos-rowdy adventurers clattering cups, bards warming up their instruments, someone yelling about losing a bet again.
But the moment Kazien Altavis stood in the middle of the hall with his two older brothers behind him, announcing his purpose for coming, everything froze.
Rosalia felt her breath hitch. She didn't blink. She couldn't blink. Her mind ran in frantic circles.
So... the person he meant... the one he wanted to introduce to me... was Young Master William? WILLIAM Altavis? Seriously!? Why!? Why me!? My heart is not prepared for this kind of shock-!
Her internal screaming reached a level that could probably summon spirits, but outwardly she remained frozen like a statue.
"W-Why..."
Kazien sighed dramatically as if everything was going exactly as he expected. He leaned in, his finger wagging left and right.
"Tsk tsk tsk. Rosalia, you look like a squirrel that just learned how taxes work. I told you I was serious."
"I-I thought you were joking..." she whispered, nearly fainting.
"Why would I joke? I'm genuinely worried about my brother! He's going to inherit Father's title one day, but he still doesn't have a girlfriend."
He brought his face even closer, his lips pulling into a mischievous grin.
"And honestly? I'm a little disappointed. I'm the youngest, but I already have a fiancé. How can the youngest boy beat the two older ones? It's embarrassing."
Alvin pinched the bridge of his nose, already preparing for the chaos he knew was coming.
Kazien then turned around-and froze.
His brothers, William and Davin, were staring at Rosalia like two deer witnessing the invention of fire.
"HEY!" Kazien barked, slapping their chests one by one.
Both men jolted.
"What-what!?" William blurted, straightening stiffly.
"You startled me!" Davin complained.
Kazien narrowed his eyes at them. "Why are you two stunned like that? Don't tell me-did you fall for her at first sight?"
William's face flushed a shade that rivaled tomatoes. "I-I was just thinking!" he said, avoiding eye contact.
Davin, meanwhile, shamelessly declared, "To be honest, she's really cute. If Brother William doesn't want her, let me be her husband."
The temperature in the lobby dropped ten degrees. William stepped forward, his eyes sharpening.
He didn't shout. He didn't even glare. He just quietly radiated territorial fury.
"What do you mean by that, Davin?"
"If you're not interested, let me propose to her."
"You think I'd let that happen?"
Rosalia's brain: asdfghjkl---WHAT IS THIS DEVELOPMENT!?
The entire guild watched as the two brothers began arguing, sparks practically flying between them.
Young Master William and Young Master Davin are fighting over me!? This can't be real. This is beyond romance-it's like a whole festival happening for free right in front of my face.
Davin smirked. "If you like her, then just say it! Or should I be the one to propose first?"
William's calm snapped. "You dare-!? I won't let you!"
Suddenly Davin turned toward Rosalia, smiling charmingly as he extended a hand.
"Rosalia, you're so-"
"HMPH!" William practically tackled him, covering Davin's mouth with his hand.
"Don't you DARE," he hissed.
Davin continued muffled protests. "Hhmmmph!!"
And then---William inhaled deeply, turned to Rosalia, and-confessed.
"R-R-Rosalia... I... I was captivated by you at first sight. A-Are you willing to... become my f-future wife?"
The world stopped. No one even breathed. The adventurers who had seen dragons and death froze like they were witnessing a royal coronation.
Davin's eyes widened behind William's hand.
This sly fox actually proposed!? HE DID IT BEFORE ME!?
Rosalia felt lightheaded. Young Master William... proposed to me? Is this a dream?
If it's a dream, please don't wake me up.
William swallowed nervously. "W-What is your answer, Rosalia?"
Her heart squeezed. She wanted to say yes. She really did. But hesitation clawed at her.
"B-But... I'm just a commoner. Are you really sure?"
William met her gaze, firm and unwavering. "Our family doesn't care about social status. As long as I love you and you love me, my parents will approve."
He gestured to Kazien and Alvin. "My youngest brother is engaged to Alvin even though they're the same sex and different races. And our parents support them wholeheartedly. Happiness is everything to them."
The guild went silent again-this time out of awe.
Kazien chimed in proudly, "And did you know? My mother was originally a commoner and an orphan before marrying my Father!"
Gasps rippled across the hall. Even Rosalia's jaw dropped. WHAT!? Duchess Larina was a commoner!?
Rosalia trembled. "Young Master William... You wouldn't be ashamed to have a wife like me?"
"Even Kazien isn't ashamed of Alvin, and he's the shiest one in the family. Why would I ever be ashamed of you?"
Kazien exploded. "Why are you comparing us in front of me!?"
"It's true, isn't it?" William shot back. "How could you be embarrassed if you openly call Alvin your future wife every day!?"
Kazien froze. "Ah... That's... actually correct."
Alvin burst out laughing. "Kazien, you're adorable."
"WHY!?" Kazien yelped.
After the laughter died down, William turned back to Rosalia, his eyes gentle but determined.
"So... Rosalia. Your answer?"
Rosalia inhaled sharply. "If you truly don't mind my status, then... yes. I accept."
The hall exploded.
"YEAH!!!"
Davin, Kazien, and Alvin shouted together.
Everyone, including William-whipped their heads toward Davin.
"Why are you celebrating!? Didn't you want her!?"
"Hahahaha! I know your character too well," Davin smirked. "That's why we put on an act to provoke you."
William froze. "An... act?"
Kazien grinned like a cat. "If we didn't push you, you'd never admit your feelings, Brother William."
"You planned this-!?"
William grabbed Kazien's cheek and stretched it like dough.
"OW! OW! BROTHER WILLIAM STOP-!! My face will become asymmetrical!!"
"This is your punishment!" William growled. "Should I call Virena to discipline you properly?"
Kazien panicked. "NOOO! PLEASE DON'T!!"
Davin burst into laughter, and the guild marveled at the chaos.
Despite the heated banter, it was obvious: The three brothers were extremely close and they had worked together to push William forward.
Rosalia watched them, heart warm. What a harmonious family... They support each other so fiercely.
Cheers erupted again as adventurers congratulated the newly engaged couple.
Meanwhile-
"Kazien!" Davin whispered sharply. "You promised me, right?! You won't forget!?"
"Hahaha, okay, okay. I'll keep my promise."
William blinked. "Promise? What promise?"
Kazien leaned in. "He wants to find a beautiful girl like Rosalia too."
William burst into laughter. "Ahh, Davin. I wish you luck."
"STOP TEASING ME!" Davin shouted.
Days later, William visited Rosalia every other day during break time, and the two spent peaceful moments together at the guild bar. Rumors spread quickly, but everyone loved the couple.
Meanwhile, in the living room of the Altavis mansion---
Davin plopped onto the sofa beside Kazien, sighing dramatically.
"Kazien... when are you going to find her for me?"
Kazien sipped his tea. "Brother Davin, I haven't even traveled anywhere yet. And you're only sixteen. Be patient."
"You say that because you already have Alvin! I'm the only one who doesn't have a lover besides Sister Virena!"
"I understand, Brother Davin. But don't sulk like that. Your handsome face is becoming unpleasant."
Davin glared at his reflection in a nearby mirror. "How long must I wait?"
"Six months at most," Kazien replied casually. "Can you wait? This is for your own good."
Davin sighed, deflating. "...Fine. But the moment you find her, let me meet her immediately."
Kazien grinned. "Of course!"