The silence that had once gripped the family room slowly thawed.
Duchess Larina gazed at Arken's determined face, then shifted her gaze to Kazien who stood tall beside him with protective eyes. As a mother, she knew there was no point in separating two hearts that were already bound so strongly.
Duchess Larina let out a soft sigh, a motherly smile slowly dawning on her lips.
"Arken, if that is indeed what you want..." said Duchess Larina gently, breaking the silence. "We will not stand in your way. We will still process your adoption legally so that you receive the full protection of the Altavis family. However, because you have no blood relation whatsoever to Kazien, that status is merely on paper."
She turned to her husband, seeking approval, and Duke Elgard nodded firmly.
"I and your father will bless the relationship between the two of you." continued Duchess Larina firmly. "We accept you not only as a son, but also as our future son-in-law."
Arken gasped, tears pooling in his eyes again. He turned towards Aunt Elisa, the one person he feared most would oppose him.
Elisa, the usually stern woman, now looked at her nephew with a softened gaze. She realized that Arken's happiness was her main priority.
"I bless you too, Arken." chimed in Elisa with a voice trembling with emotion. "Forgive me for being hard on you. If Kazien is your happiness, I have no right to stop you."
Hearing that their relationship had received the full blessing of the three parents, Arken could no longer contain his outburst of emotion. The heavy burden that had crushed his chest earlier vanished instantly, replaced by an overwhelming sense of relief.
He couldn't hide his expression of joy. Logic and manners evaporated for a moment.
"Brother Kazien!"
Spontaneously, disregarding etiquette in front of his parents, Arken rushed to hug Kazien's neck. He pulled his brother's face down and kissed Kazien's lips with passion and gratitude in front of everyone.
It wasn't a shy kiss, but a kiss declaring ownership.
Father... Arken screamed inwardly, sending his prayer to the sky. I have found my happiness. I am no longer alone. I will live with Kazien, Alvin, and Allen. Thank you for everything, Father.
The vulgar yet sweet sight made Duke Elgard, Duchess Larina, and Elisa widen their eyes in shock. They fell silent for a moment, witnessing how aggressive the youngest was. However, seeing how sincere the love radiating from them was, they couldn't bring themselves to be angry and instead felt the happiness Arken was feeling.
Even so, Duke Elgard felt the need to remind them of the setting.
"Ahem!"
Duke Elgard's loud clearing of his throat echoed in the room, breaking the intimate moment.
Instantly, Arken released his embrace and kiss. He stepped back, panting, realizing what he had just done in front of his adopted father and mother, as well as his aunt.
His face flushed red all the way to his ears. He looked down shyly, playing with his fingers, but his lips couldn't stop smiling happily. Alvin and Allen on the other side just giggled, amused by the innocent yet bold behavior of Kazien's third future wife.
Seeing the perfect timing and the blessing already in hand, Kazien didn't waste the opportunity. He stepped forward, approaching Arken who was still looking down shyly.
Without thinking twice, Kazien bent one knee, kneeling in front of Arken.
The atmosphere became quiet again, but this time it was a silence full of anticipation. Kazien took Arken's left hand, holding those slender fingers gently.
"Arken..." called Kazien.
Arken lifted his face, surprised to see Kazien kneeling.
With slow and soulful movements, Kazien slipped the silver ring he had created onto the ring finger of Arken's left hand. The ring slid on smoothly, fitting perfectly as if it were created just for that finger.
Arken stared at his hand which was now adorned with a sparkling object identical to Alvin's, Allen's, and Kazien's. He smiled happily, so happily that tears of joy fell again, wetting his cheeks. It was a symbol that he would never be left behind.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
The sound of applause broke the emotion. Alvin and Allen clapped enthusiastically, followed by Duke Elgard, Duchess Larina, and Elisa who watched the sacred moment of engagement with beaming faces.
"Now, you two are officially engaged with us as witnesses here." said Duke Elgard with an authoritative yet warm tone. He looked at the four young men before him. "Guard this commitment well. Once you all graduate from the academy, we will marry you in a grand party."
"Yes, Father!" they answered in unison, their voices full of spirit and happiness.
Family matters and formalities were done. Now, Kazien's mind returned to his initial plan which had been delayed.
Kazien stood up, then looked at the faces of Duke Elgard, Duchess Larina, and Elisa in turn politely.
"Father, Mother, Aunt... since matters here are finished, we ask permission to go out!" said Kazien while holding Arken's hand, which was now adorned with the ring.
"Where are you going? It's almost noon." asked Duchess Larina curiously.
Kazien smiled, glancing at his three fiancés who were impatient. "We want to go on a date. Spending time together before returning to the routine of the capital."
Duchess Larina chuckled seeing the enthusiasm of the young ones. "Ah, youth. Yes, go ahead!" answered Duchess Larina giving permission. "Have fun. Don't come home too late."
"Thank you, Mom!"
The four of them bowed respectfully, then turned and left the family room with light steps. Alvin and Allen embraced Arken in the middle, while Kazien led in front, creating a harmonious view of four young men who were now bound to one another.
After the children left, the family room became quiet again.
Duke Elgard, Duchess Larina, and Elisa were still standing there, watching their backs receding until they disappeared behind the large door. The three of them smiled, feeling relieved because this family drama ended sweetly.
"I didn't expect that Arken would fall for Kazien instead." said Elisa opening the conversation, shaking her head in disbelief. "Even though I had warned him."
"Yes, I felt the same way. That child looks so innocent, but it turns out his heart has chosen." responded Duchess Larina while sitting back on the sofa, sipping her tea which was starting to get cold.
The noblewoman chuckled softly. "Especially now, our family's fate is truly unique. Kazien has three cute boys as his future wives. Alvin, Arken... and including your son, Elisa."
Hearing her son's name mentioned, Elisa's laughter broke out.
"Hahaha!" Elisa's laughter echoed crisply in the spacious family room. She recalled the past which felt ironic.
"I was surprised too, Sister Larina. Very surprised!" admitted Elisa while wiping the corners of her eyes which were watery from laughing. "Initially, Allen was very scared when Kazien first came to the capital. He even accused Kazien of all sorts of things, acting defensively, to the point of making Kazien and Alvin annoyed to death with my son."
Duke Elgard who heard the story raised his eyebrows, interested. He was indeed rarely at home during those early days.
"Is that true, Elisa?" asked Duke Elgard curiously. "That cute Allen once hated Kazien?"
"It's true, Brother Elgard! Very true!" answered Elisa enthusiastically. "Back then they were like cats and dogs. I don't know what happened to them after Allen chased after Kazien who was about to leave the mansion. Suddenly he changed 180 degrees and confessed his feelings to Kazien. From hate to dying love."
Elisa sighed while smiling amusedly, thinking about how her son had now become one of the most loyal fiancés.
"This fate sometimes confuses me. But seeing them happy... I guess I don't need to question it anymore. Hahaha."