Allen stared sharply at Alvin. He already understood Alvin's difficult position.
If I were Alvin, I would surely feel the same way. Confused between firmness and compassion. But, he and I cannot continue to be passive like this! We are Kazien's future wives!
"Alvin!" said Allen firmly, holding Alvin's shoulder. "Whatever happens, we must guard him! Don't let him have anyone else besides the two of us!"
Alvin chuckled hearing Allen's firmness. "That is indeed what I want! But, again, if it's Arken... I don't know what to do! Should I let him marry Arken for his happiness?"
"Hopefully he doesn't have romantic feelings for Kazien! I would also feel very jealous if it were anyone other than you!"
Alvin smiled mischievously. "Oh really? What if someone else likes you, Allen? You are also handsome."
"What? Likes me?" Allen snorted in amusement. "Of course I would reject them outright! Even though I am a man, I am Kazien's future wife! Only he is the one I want to marry!"
Allen's firm words made Alvin smile broadly. His worry lessened slightly seeing his fiancé's cousin's loyalty.
They resumed walking. But suddenly, Allen stopped abruptly in front of Alvin, almost making the high elf bump into him.
Allen turned around, looking at Alvin's face from a close distance with a serious, fiery gaze.
Alvin raised his eyebrows, surprised by Allen's changing behavior. "Why did you stop my steps suddenly? Is there something important you want to tell me?"
Allen took a deep breath, then nodded firmly.
"There is! Very important! Please teach me how to cook starting today!" exclaimed Allen.
Alvin blinked in surprise. "Cooking?"
"Yes!" Allen's purple eyes sparkled with determination. "I also want to be the best future wife for him! I don't want to only be able to fight or act spoiled. I want to be able to take care of his stomach too!"
Seeing the sincerity in Allen's eyes, Alvin's smile bloomed beautifully. "Do you really want to learn? Cooking requires patience, you know."
"I'm ready! Teach me, Alvin!"
"In that case, let's go to the kitchen now! Let's make a special breakfast for everyone in this mansion!" invited Alvin enthusiastically.
Allen felt very happy. A feeling of happiness that couldn't be expressed in words welled up in his chest. That was what he felt when Alvin was willing to teach him and share his domain in the kitchen.
Allen followed Alvin's footsteps cheerfully. I can't wait to cook lots of delicious food for my future husband! If I can cook, Alvin's task will also become lighter. He doesn't need to cook alone for everyone living in this mansion. We will be a perfect couple!
Meanwhile, in the bedroom, sunlight shone brighter into the room. Arken stirred slowly, feeling the comfortable warmth beneath his body. He opened his eyes slowly and found a pair of sapphire blue eyes looking at him gently.
Kazien had woken up earlier and was gazing at his sleeping brother's face, then greeted him softly. "Good morning, Arken, did you sleep well?"
Arken smiled broadly, immediately sitting up straight. "Good morning too, Brother Kazien! I slept very well! So well that I didn't realize when I fell fast asleep last night. Thank you for letting me sleep on your warm body."
Kazien got up and stretched his muscles. "I'm happy to hear that. I will always do the best for you. Now, let's get up! I have to get ready to go to the academy, and you said you wanted to come, right?"
Arken nodded enthusiastically, jumping down from the bed.
The two of them walked together to the bathroom. Arken held Kazien's hand walking beside him, feeling the size of his brother's warm hand.
"Brother..." called Arken softly.
"Hm?"
"Even though I've only been your brother for one day, I feel very happy! I can truly feel your sincerity. You are my best big brother! I didn't expect my life would change this well." said Arken sincerely, full of happiness.
Kazien smiled, stroking Arken's head. "Really? I feel happy with your assessment! But, Arken, you should know. There are still other siblings in Lazavis City. I am sure, you will definitely feel at home and comfortable there!"
Hearing those words, Arken's steps slowed slightly. He fell silent. His joy receded slightly, replaced by new anxiety.
His mind became chaotic. The image of 'another family' scared him. Will I be separated from him if we go there? No! I don't want to be separated from him! I don't know what will happen to me in the Altavis territory! Will the other siblings be as kind and sincere as Brother Kazien? What if they hate me because I am a former enemy's son?
Arken stared at the back of Kazien's hand.
For some reason, I don't want to stay away from Brother Kazien's side. Being by his side is the best! I really don't want to be far from him! But... he also has another life. What should I do?
Kazien felt the grip on his hand becoming stronger and tighter. He turned and saw Arken's hand trembling, as if holding back great fear. Kazien immediately realized what his brother was thinking.
Kazien stopped walking. He released his hand grip, then looked at Arken's face.
"Arken..." called Kazien gently.
However, Arken looked down, afraid to meet his brother's eyes.
"Hey, look at me!" requested Kazien.
Slowly, Arken lifted his face. His pale light purple eyes looked restless.
"Calm down!" said Kazien reassuringly. "They are very kind. Very, very kind. I am sure you will feel at home there! Not only you whom I adopted as my brother. There are three other girls whom I adopted as my sisters there. Sis Raliana, Ritalia, and Sis Rosalia. They all have their own pasts, just like you. They will definitely welcome you with open arms."
Arken was stunned. "Really? Do they feel happy living with you?"
"Of course! You can ask them directly when we arrive there later!"
Kazien's hands touched both of Arken's cheeks, stroking his cute little brother's face gently. His gaze radiated undeniable sincerity.
"Arken, I ensure you will get happiness that you will never forget for the rest of your life! I will not let anyone hurt you or make you feel alienated. That is my oath to you as your brother and as the Altavis family!" said Kazien swearing with full conviction.
Hearing his strong words, the doubt in Arken's heart vanished. He saw honesty in his adopted brother's eyes.
Arken smiled sweetly with his cute face, a smile that bloomed reaching his eyes. He felt very sure of Kazien's words. As long as Kazien was by his side, he believed everything would be fine.
"I trust you, Brother!" exclaimed Arken cheerfully, then hugged Kazien's neck tightly.