Days slipped by like petals carried gently by the wind, each one bringing a new set of responsibilities for Kazien and Alvin. They had become a familiar sight at the Adventurers Guild—an unbreakable pair who carried out mission after mission with a precision and teamwork that left even seasoned adventurers whispering in admiration.
Their goal was simple: earn enough money to establish their future business, something sustainable that would allow them to live peacefully without having to rely on the Altavis family's influence. And although they had more than enough wealth already, Kazien wanted something that belonged exclusively to him and Alvin. Something they built with their own hands.
Whenever they returned home from a mission, Kazien would bury himself in books on strategy, alchemy, and magic. He had purchased numerous tomes from Sarias—everything from standard spell manuals to advanced elven enchantments. All were added to the family library, organized meticulously on the tall bookshelves, except for one: the ancient magic book.
That one was different.
It whispered of power, manipulation, and forbidden arts—necromancy strong enough to raise corpses as undead, or bind wandering souls. Dangerous magic not meant for ordinary people. Magic that even kings feared.
One evening, after he finished consuming every spell written within its brittle pages, Kazien stood alone in the backyard of the mansion. The moon hung high, silver light cascading over his hair, and the night breeze carried the scent of flowers.
With a steady breath, Kazien summoned fire.
Blue flames danced on his fingertips—pure, controlled, and precise.
He dropped both versions of the ancient tome into the blaze.
The pages curled instantly, ink evaporated, and within seconds, nothing remained but drifting ash.
"My dear, why did you burn it?" Alvin's soft, golden voice broke the silence behind him.
Kazien didn't turn around. "This magic is too dangerous. I will not allow you to study something that could destroy your soul. Not even I should have touched it."
Alvin lowered his gaze. He had hoped to learn it—not to use it, but to understand it. Still, he knew Kazien was acting out of love, not tyranny.
"…If that is your decision," Alvin finally said, "then I will honor it."
Kazien exhaled softly, relieved. His heart could not withstand losing Alvin to even the smallest risk.
Life in Lazavis grew more vibrant by the week. The Altavis mansion was bustling—larger and livelier than ever. With Raliana and Ritalia officially adopted, and Rio now working as a member of the region's supervisory body, the family had expanded in more ways than one.
The Magic Army, meticulously formed under Sarias's command, was gaining recognition. His guidance and elven precision brought strict discipline and unrivaled control to the unit. Meanwhile, the griffon air force, trained by Kazien himself, soared fearlessly through the skies under Davin's reluctant leadership.
Davin still complained every other day.
"Hey, Lidaz, my little brother is completely unreasonable," Davin groaned as he brushed one griffon's feathers. "Imagine—he begged me to become the commander of your riders. Your commander! Just because he said I 'look cool' on a griffon!"
Lidaz, the huge griffon with golden eyes, blinked slowly.
"Gwak! (Go for it!)"
"I don't know if that's supposed to encourage me…"
Under Kazien's direction and weaponry—crafted using alchemical magic—the Altavis combat forces became the strongest in the entire Garveon Kingdom. Soldiers whispered about the enchanted blades that glowed with eerie blue light, about armor that felt light as cloth yet held firm against even magical attacks.
Duke Elgard watched from afar, stunned. "I never imagined that Kazien would actually accomplish all this…"
Duchess Larina touched his arm gently. "Honey, he is simply fulfilling his own promise. Let him shine."
On the mansion grounds, Raliana walked with Dave, both shy yet slowly opening their hearts to one another. Their conversations were awkward but sweet, filled with stolen glances and hesitant laughter.
Meanwhile, Ritalia sat alone under the roof of the garden gazebo, her legs gently swinging on the stone bench, her face lost in thought. Her hazelnut hair blew softly in the wind, but her eyes remained clouded with worry.
Kazien found her like that.
"Ritalia? Why are you staring off into the distance?"
She sighed, hugging her knees. "Everyone will get married one day. When that happens… I'll be alone. I don't know what to do."
Kazien sat beside her, brushing some petals from her shoulder.
"You won't be alone. I promise you'll find happiness. This family won't abandon you."
"Then, Brother… can you find me a fiancé?"
Kazien burst into laughter. She puffed her cheeks, offended.
"My dear little sister," Kazien chuckled, patting her head, "you're only twelve. Patience. Just wait a few more years, and I will personally help you."
She stood abruptly, then plopped herself onto his lap.
Kazien nearly choked on air.
"Why are you sitting on my lap?"
"I want to see your handsome face up close."
She leaned forward, studying him intensely. "…Oh," she murmured. "Brother Alvin was right. Your lap is comfortable and peaceful. I see why he likes it so much."
"Do you like it too?" Kazien teased.
Ritalia nodded with a serious expression.
Kazien sighed internally.
Oh no… Don't tell me she's falling for me? She's beautiful, but I absolutely can't marry a woman… nor anyone except Alvin.
Then Ritalia asked innocently, "Brother, when will you find me a man as my fiancé?"
Kazien exhaled in relief.
Thank the goddess. She doesn't have feelings for me.
"Wait at least two more years. Then I'll help you find someone perfect."
"Really? You promise?"
"I promise."
They sealed it with intertwined pinky fingers. Her face lit up like a blooming flower.
"Brother Kazien, let's take a bath together! I want to know what having an older brother feels like!"
Kazien blinked. Ritalia had never had a brother—only two sisters.
"…Sure," he said gently. "Let's go!"
Hand in hand, they walked through the mansion halls—straight past Alvin.
"Where are you two going?" Alvin asked.
"We're going to bathe together," Ritalia announced proudly. "Want to join us?"
Alvin thought for a moment, then smiled. "All right. Let's go!"
Ritalia jumped happily. "Hurray!"
But inside the bathroom…
Ritalia's eyes widened in innocent curiosity—and she crouched down.
"Eh? So this is what a man's genitals look like? Very different from mine."
Kazien facepalmed. "Ritalia! How long are you planning to stare at us? Take your bath!"
Kazien rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Good grief… I didn't expect her to be this interested. But I suppose it makes sense—she grew up without brothers.
Moments later, laughter filled the room. They splashed water, joked, and exchanged stories. For Ritalia, it was a dream come true—to feel what it was like to have brothers who loved her.
"Brother Kazien," she whispered, sitting on his lap in the tub, "I'm so happy. I'll treasure this moment forever."
Kazien froze.
A sharp pain jolted his heart.
One day, she would grow up… grow old… and eventually leave him.
He would still be here.
Unchanging.
Eternal.
Why…? Why won't any of them accept immortality? Why should I be the only one left behind? Why must I watch them disappear one by one?
Ritalia blinked. "Brother? Why are you hugging me so tightly?"
Alvin saw everything—the tremble in Kazien's fingers, the loneliness hidden behind his smile.
He's thinking about the future again… about death, separation, eternal loneliness. Even I can't fully grasp his pain…
"Brother Kazien, you're so spoiled!" Ritalia declared dramatically. "Fine! I'll hug you too!"
She squeezed him back with surprising strength for a child.
"Feeling calmer now?" she asked.
Kazien's voice was faint. "Yes… thank you, Ritalia."
"Brother, I'm supposed to be the one getting pampered!" she complained.
Kazien laughed softly. "All right. I'll pamper you properly then."
And he did—tickling her, washing her hair, letting her splash him until she giggled uncontrollably. It was a moment of warmth, laughter, and fleeting happiness.
But deep inside, Kazien screamed.
This is my choice… My request to Goddess Nirfelia… I can't break now. I have to endure. I have to stay strong.
Then his gaze shifted to Alvin.
Alvin—who had never once left him.
Alvin—who chose him without hesitation.
Alvin—who would stay by his side forever.
Kazien reached for his hand.
Alvin met his eyes and thought: Stop giving me signals like this! If you want to touch my face, if you want affection, I'll give it to you. I'm yours. I've always been yours. Whatever you desire, just say it. I will give it willingly.