Marquis Jastiver Vorusan had always been a man of curiosity, but never had that curiosity been as intense—or as inappropriate—as today. Even as he stood beneath the towering marble pillars of the Altavis Grand Hall, surrounded by nobles, banners, music, and the intoxicating scent of fresh lilies, his mind wandered far from the moment that should have occupied his full attention.
Elves.
Elves.
And more elves.
Their mysteries haunted his thoughts. Their power tempted him. Their existence in the Altavis region—whispered but unconfirmed—had consumed his attention for months. He had read every document, interrogated every traveler, even dreamed of them. So much so, he forgot that he was standing in the most important moment of his life… his own wedding.
"Mr. Jastiver?"
The priest's firm voice sliced through his drifting thoughts. A ripple of soft laughter moved through the hall. Jastiver blinked rapidly, pulling himself back into reality.
"Y-Yes? I'm sorry, I was… a little lost in thought." He cleared his throat loudly. "I—I do!"
"Selena Altavis," the priest continued warmly, "are you willing to love and accompany Jastiver Vorusan in joy and sorrow, in light and darkness, until death do you part?"
"I do," she replied, her voice clear and unwavering.
Moments later, rings were exchanged. A soft kiss was shared. And applause erupted through the hall—thunderous, joyful, and unrestrained. The nobles and guests rose to their feet in celebration of the newly bound couple.
One by one, they approached to offer their congratulations.
Kazien Altavis and Alvin stood among the crowd, both smiling brightly as Selena welcomed them.
"Sis Selena, I'm so happy for your wedding." Kazien grinned. "But I guess I'll miss your constant nagging."
Selena reached out and pinched her younger brother's cheek.
"Oh please. If you miss it so much, just visit with Alvin. I'll nag both of you until I'm satisfied."
Kazien chuckled while Alvin offered his own heartfelt blessing.
"Sis Selena, congratulations. I'll definitely visit with him again soon!"
"Of course, Alvin! You're always welcome. Please take care of my brother, okay?"
"I'll definitely take good care of him," Alvin replied proudly, causing Kazien to blush slightly.
Then, Kazien approached the groom.
"Brother-in-law," Kazien said with a polite bow, "congratulations on your wedding. Please take care of my beloved sister."
"Of course, Kazien," Jastiver replied. "I will definitely take care of her."
But when Alvin extended his hand, everything shifted.
Jastiver's gaze sharpened—hungry, ambitious, almost predatory.
So this is the high elf? he thought.
The only one on the continent… and far more valuable than any alliance or marriage contract. High elves were rare, revered, and powerful beyond measure. Leaders of their race. Commanders of ancient magic. If I could obtain one… if I could get this one to join me…
Kazien immediately sensed Jastiver's interest and stepped protectively closer to Alvin.
It was natural, of course—people were always drawn to Alvin. His radiant presence and noble bearing made him stand out among humans. But this gaze… this ambition… Kazien recognized it instantly.
Still, the ceremony continued. Alvin congratulated Jastiver with a respectful tone: "Congratulations on your wedding, Mr. Jastiver. Please take care of Sis Selena."
"O-Of course, Prince Alvin," Jastiver stammered. "Thank you… truly."
As the atmosphere warmed again, Kazien and Alvin sat together at the feast table, laughing quietly and feeding each other playfully.
"My dear, aaaaa," Alvin teased, lifting a spoon to Kazien's lips.
Kazien took the bite with a bright smile. "Now it's your turn. Aaaaa—"
Their affectionate display didn't go unnoticed. Guests whispered, giggled, or watched in awe. Some nobles—including King Nalvon himself—looked toward Duke Elgard with curiosity and a bit of disbelief.
"Duke Elgard," the king said quietly, "are you truly certain about… what is happening between your son and the crown prince of the elven kingdom?"
Duke Elgard smiled calmly.
"They love each other, Your Majesty. I would never hinder their happiness."
King Nalvon studied the pair—Kazien's gentle fondness, Alvin's unrestrained joy—and sighed.
"I can feel their happiness. But I fear others might investigate your territory because of this connection."
"You need not worry," Duke Elgard replied. "Only Kazien knows where the elves live. Not even I know their location."
"What?" King Nalvon blinked. "You don't know?"
"Indeed. When Kazien introduced Alvin to us, he proudly declared him as his future wife. And Alvin agreed with equal pride."
While the two men conversed, nobles formed a circle around Alvin, eager to meet the legendary high elf.
"Your Highness, you are incredibly handsome," one lady gushed. "I'm so fortunate to see a real high elf!"
"I am honored by your compliment, my lady," Alvin replied gracefully. His noble etiquette stunned them.
"Is it true," another noble asked shyly, "that Kazien Altavis is your future fiancé?"
"You are correct," Alvin answered proudly. "Kazien is my future husband."
A wave of mixed emotions rolled through the nobles—jealousy, envy, admiration, resentment, and joy.
But one pair of eyes never stopped observing Alvin. Marquis Jastiver stared unblinking, calculating.
Alvin leaned closer to Kazien.
"My dear… what should I do?" Alvin whispered nervously. "He keeps staring at us."
"Be patient," Kazien whispered back. "I promised not to ruin Sis Selena's day. Just ignore it for now."
Alvin exhaled deeply and forced himself to enjoy the festivities again.
But suddenly—
Slam!
A soldier burst into the hall. Everyone turned toward him, startled.
"Sir—! Forgive me for disturbing your joyous occasion!"
"What is it?" Jastiver demanded. "Speak!"
"O-Outside… countless griffons are circling the manor!"
Panic crackled through the hall. Guests gasped. Chairs scraped the floor. Everyone rushed toward the courtyard.
Kazien froze for a moment.
Why are Ladiz and the others here? Did something happen?
Outside, the sky was a swirling storm of massive wings and sharp talons.
"H-How do we fight this?" a noble shouted. "If they attack—"
"Do not attack!" Duke Elgard commanded sharply.
"What? Why not?" another noble protested.
"Because those griffons belong to Altavis territory. They are our air combat unit. They must have come to see my son."
The courtyard went silent.
Kazien rushed forward, calling loudly,
"Lidaz! What's wrong? Come down!"
At his voice, every griffon descended in unison, landing with thunderous grace before lining up neatly—like disciplined soldiers.
Then, astonishingly…
They saluted.
Not Duke Elgard.
Not King Nalvon.
Not even the nobles.
They saluted Kazien Altavis.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even King Nalvon was left speechless.
Who is this child? Humans, high elves, and now griffons? Just what is Kazien Altavis?
Lidaz stepped forward.
"Forgive us, Master Kazien. We are all hungry."
Kazien slapped his forehead dramatically. "Oh no! I forgot to feed you all! I was too busy with the wedding—sorry!"
"We understand, Master Kazien," Lidaz said respectfully.
Kazien quickly distributed baskets of fruit he'd stored in his storage magic. The griffons devoured it happily.
Nobles stared in disbelief.
"They only eat fruit?"
"They're herbivores?"
"If they are docile, why have there been so many cases of griffon attacks in the past?"
"Because," Duke Elgard answered calmly, "griffons never attack humans unless provoked. And Kazien can speak to them. He was also the one who recruited them into our air force unit."
Jastiver's eyes widened—then darkened with greed.
He can speak to monsters… recruitment… control… If I can secure Kazien… if I can bind him to my side… Selena will be the perfect tool. I'll use her to control him. If she resists… Well, accidents happen.
A faint, sinister smile touched his lips—
Gasp!
Selena's enchanted necklace—crafted and gifted by Kazien—flared violently, shooting a glowing line of energy toward Jastiver as if pointing at him.
Selena froze.
What is happening? Why is the necklace reacting… to my husband?!
Alvin turned instinctively. The glowing pendant caught his eye.
In an instant—
Zap!
Alvin vanished from where he stood and appeared beside Kazien, his movement so fast that several nobles screamed in shock.
He teleported? No—something beyond teleportation. What kind of power does this high elf truly possess?
"My dear," Alvin whispered urgently, "Sis Selena's necklace reacted. It's pointing at her husband. Something is wrong."
Kazien's expression hardened.
"We'll handle it, but first—"
Bang!
A loud crashing sound was heard, startling everyone. They turned their gaze toward the source of the sound.