"I'll arrange for someone to investigate," she said at last, folding her arms thoughtfully. "Can the two of you escort him there tomorrow morning?"
"Is this an official mission from the guild?" Kazien asked.
"Yes! As the guild leader, I'm giving you two a special mission."
"I agree!" Alvin shouted before anyone else could speak.
Kazien sighed. "Since Alvin has already accepted without consulting me—as usual—I'll take the escort mission as well. Now, about the monsters outside…"
"The guild will buy them," Welma replied.
Rosalia and several staff members hurried to the courtyard to handle the transaction. What they found made even the seasoned adventurers stare in disbelief. Dozens of shadow tiger corpses were stacked neatly, their forms pristine, as though they had simply fallen asleep rather than died in battle.
"Why are they completely unharmed?" one staff member asked, bewildered.
"Why are they completely unharmed?" one staff member asked, bewildered.
Alvin puffed out his chest proudly. "It's because of my dear! Those monsters were burned, stabbed, sliced, and one of them even lost its head earlier. But with his healing magic, he restored everything perfectly."
The guild fell silent.
Healing magic that high? Even Welma, who prided herself on her composure, felt her breath catch. "Do the two of you understand," she said slowly, "that only a handful of people in the world can use such advanced healing magic?"
Kazien and Alvin shook their heads in perfect unison, looking shockingly unbothered.
Welma pinched the bridge of her nose. "Just—listen carefully. Never use that magic publicly in the Holy Kingdom of Niverta.
Ever. There are people there who would do anything to obtain someone like you."
They didn't understand, but they nodded obediently.
Welma continued her evaluation. "Shadow tigers are valuable. Their skins are used for luxury clothing, their fangs for strengthening weapons. Since these bodies are in pristine condition… we'll buy each one for 10 gold pieces."
"10 gold pieces? You're not joking, are you?" Alvin's eyes sparkled like a child discovering candy.
Welma nodded. "Perfect condition raises the value."
Alvin's inner thoughts erupted in fireworks.
My future husband really did it! He kept the value high even after killing them. My respect for him just keeps soaring!
Welma handed them a pouch containing 120 gold pieces. Kazien accepted it calmly. Alvin accepted it like someone receiving divine blessings.
This is the most money we've ever earned! I should celebrate by making him a special meal! Or two! Or a feast!
"Don't forget," Welma called after them, "you two are escorting him tomorrow morning!"
Alvin saluted cutely. Kazien bowed politely.
Welma suddenly snapped her fingers.
"Rosalia! My sister Selena's wedding is in nine days. You must accompany William as his bride-to-be."
"M-Me?" Rosalia stuttered. "Won't there be many nobles?"
"That's exactly why. My brother is too soft-hearted. I don't want sycophants clinging to him. I'll inform him when we get home."
Still dazed, Rosalia accepted.
Kazien carried Alvin out of the guild—literally carried, cradling him in his arms like a spoiled cat.
The moment they arrived at the Altavis mansion, Duke Elgard intercepted them. "Kazien… why exactly are you carrying Alvin?"
"He's sulking," Kazien answered without hesitation. "So I brought him home like this."
The duke let out a full-hearted laugh. "I see. Very well then."
"Father," Kazien said, "is there something you needed from us?"
Duke Elgard's gaze shifted to Alvin. "Alvin, would you be willing to attend the academy in the capital together with Kazien?"
Alvin blinked. "An academy?"
There were none in his homeland; the concept fascinated him. He looked at Kazien, and the answer came instantly.
"If I can stay with him every day, I'd love to attend."
The duke smiled warmly. "Good. For now, prepare for Selena's wedding. We leave for the Vorusan region in four days."
Alvin hesitated, then took a deep breath.
"There's something I need to confess."
Duke Elgard listened patiently.
"I'm sorry for hiding my identity… My real name is Alvin Dass'el Latreess. I'm the rightful heir of the Latreess Kingdom on the Reavel continent."
The duke blinked once… then placed a hand gently atop Alvin's head.
"We already know," he said softly. "If you didn't tell us earlier, I assumed you had your reasons. We accept you regardless of where you come from."
Alvin's vision blurred with emotion.
This family… they understand me without asking anything in return. How could I not love them?
"Father, I love you!" Alvin burst out.
Kazien froze. Duke Elgard froze. Then the duke's expression melted into warm affection.
"I-- No! We love you too, Alvin."
The moment was tender until William arrived.
"Kazien? What is it? I'm exhausted."
"Tomorrow, you need to go to the guild and bring Rosalia with you to Selena's wedding. I don't want sycophants near you!"
Duke Elgard raised a brow. "Rosalia? Who is she?"
Kazien explained, full of enthusiasm. "She's the guild receptionist. Brother William proposed to her in front of everyone—and she accepted! Father, she's incredibly beautiful!"
Duke Elgard beamed with paternal excitement.
William, meanwhile, felt the roots of a headache dig deep into his skull.
If Father comes to the guild himself, the whole place will panic. But if I refuse, I'll die.
"Fine," he sighed. "Tomorrow morning."
....
When morning came, Alvin opened his eyes to see Kazien gazing at him lovingly.
"Good morning, Alvin. Did you sleep well on top of me?"
"Good morning, my dear. Extremely well. I sleep best on you."
Kazien hugged him tighter. "If it helps you rest, you can sleep on me every night."
"As if I'd sleep anywhere else."
One hour later, the Altavis carriage arrived at the guild. The entire family descended together, creating an atmosphere so tense it felt like the air itself snapped upright to salute them.
Virena immediately complained. "Kazien! You didn't let me hold Alvin today!"
"He's my future wife," Kazien declared proudly. "I won't let anyone take him from my arms—especially someone of a different gender."
Virena jabbed a finger at him. "You and I are the same gender!"
"You're my biological sister. He's not related to you. You might fall in love with him!"
Duchess Larina massaged her temples. "You two argue over the silliest things. Come inside!"
They obeyed.
Virena, however, whispered angrily, "When we get home, you'll make it up to me by sitting on my lap until I'm satisfied!!"
Kazien sighed. "Fine, fine… I'll sit on your lap later."
Inside the guild, everyone froze. A regional leader arriving with his entire family? Unheard of.
Rosalia, already aware of what this meant, prepared herself mentally.
"Hello, Rosalia. Excuse me—my entire family wants to see Brother William's fiancée."
Rosalia bowed politely. "Nice to meet you. I am Rosalia."
Virena gasped dramatically. "William! She's gorgeous! You're incredible!"
William pointed at Kazien. "Our little brother introduced her. Without him, I wouldn't have met her."
Virena slowly turned to stare at Kazien.
Kazien paled.
Oh no. Something troublesome is going to happen to me again…