After the light conversation and the shocking introduction session ended, the atmosphere became solemn again. The sun began to lean toward the west and the air felt so cold, as if nature was mourning along with the procession that was about to take place.
Duke Elgard's entire extended family, including the new members, walked side by side out of the main mansion. They headed towards the Altavis family's private cemetery located on a quiet small hill not far from the mansion, surrounded by shady trees and blooming white flowers.
In the front row, Kazien walked with slow steps. In his hands, he carried a wooden coffin that wasn't too big but was carved beautifully and in great detail. The coffin contained Borris's ashes derived from the purification of his undead body.
Arriving at the open grave that had been prepared, Kazien placed the coffin with the utmost care on the grassy ground. He treated it as if the coffin were made of very fragile glass.
Kazien turned to Zeto and Borris's assassin colleagues who attended to pay their last respects.
"Inside that coffin is only ash from Borris's body!" said Kazien quietly but firmly. "But please, when lowering it later, treat the coffin well! Respect him like a fallen hero."
"Ready, Young Master!" answered his colleagues in unison. Their eyes looked puffy, but there was a sense of pride seeing their colleague buried in such a beautiful place.
While waiting for the final preparations, Kazien stood right next to Arken, who stood silently staring at his father's coffin. The afternoon wind blew through Arken's smooth brown hair.
"Arken..." whispered Kazien softly, trying to distract his brother from his sadness a little. "Do you know where your biological mother is? Maybe we can inform her."
Arken shook his head slowly without averting his gaze from the coffin. "I don't know, Brother Kazien. Since I was little, Mother left both of us. I don't even remember her face. Only Father was always near me, caring for me, and protecting me alone."
That answer pierced Kazien's heart. Guilt rang again in his mind. Borris was a single father who fought hard for his son, and it was Kazien who ended that struggle, even if it was in a self-defense situation.
Unable to hold back his emotional turmoil, Kazien moved closer. In front of the gaping grave, Kazien hugged Arken's body tightly from behind. He rested his chin on the boy's shoulder, trying to convey warmth and a sense of safety.
"Brother Kazien..." said Arken softly, feeling the vibration of his brother's body. "Don't always feel guilty about my father's death. It wasn't entirely your fault. Father chose the path of being an assassin, and he fell on that path. Right now, I will live like what Father said. I will live to become stronger, more and more until I can become a greater assassin than Father!"
"I know you are strong, Arken." whispered Kazien, his voice slightly hoarse. "But at least, just let me hug you like this for a moment, Arken! Let me feel that you are safe with me."
Arken nodded slowly. He then lifted his hands, holding both of Kazien's hands that were circling his waist, gripping them tightly.
However, in the midst of that touching moment and warm embrace, suddenly Arken felt something odd.
There was something suddenly hard and protruding, pressing against his lower back. Something poking out from his brother's crotch that was pressed tight behind him.
Arken fell silent for a moment. He realized what it was.
Even though the situation was one of mourning, physical closeness with Arken, who had a very cute appearance fitting his ideal type, had apparently triggered an unexpected biological reaction in Kazien's body.
Instead of feeling disgusted or angry, Arken actually smiled faintly, so faintly that no one saw it. His hands gripped his brother's hands even stronger, as if accepting that reaction.
Brother Kazien... Arken's thoughts were in turmoil. Do you want me to be your wife too? Are you that greedy with cute-faced boys? You already have Brother Alvin and Brother Allen whose faces are very cute, and now you react like this to me?
Arken's mind drifted far, beyond the boundaries of an ordinary brotherly relationship.
My feelings for you right now are at a complicated crossroad. Whether I admire you as a brother I am proud of, or maybe... I am starting to fall in love with you and want to be yours completely.
Arken closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of Kazien's body hugging him.
But what if later I really fall for you? I hope you will take responsibility for my feelings growing for you, Brother.
Not long after, the ceremony began. Zeto and her colleagues lifted the coffin with respect. Slowly but surely, the coffin containing Borris's ashes was lowered into the grave. Earth began to be sprinkled, covering the wooden coffin little by little until finally, it was level with the ground.
During the funeral process, Arken didn't shed a tear at all. His face was steadfast, his eyes staring straight at the newly planted tombstone. He remained standing there while holding Kazien's hand, who hadn't released his hug from behind the whole time.
Father... said Arken in his heart. I promise to live happily just like you told me! Thank you for everything. Thank you for being the best father in the world. I love you very much. Rest in peace.
As soon as the funeral ended and prayers had been offered, the sun dipped further to the west. One by one, family members and mourners left the cemetery area to give privacy to Arken.
Finally, the cemetery became silent. Only the rustling of the wind and the sound of night insects remained. However, Arken and Kazien still stood there, not moving an inch from in front of Borris's grave.
Arken finally released his grip, then turned to face Kazien. His gaze was serious, different from the look he usually showed Kazien.
"Brother Kazien, can you grant one request of mine?" asked Arken.
Kazien looked at his brother gently. "What do you want, Arken? Just say it. As long as I can, I will grant it for you."
Arken took a deep breath. "I want to bind an eternity contract with you!"
Kazien's eyes widened. He was stunned.
"What?"
"I want to bind an eternity contract with you!" repeated Arken firmly. "But, if one day I am bored with this eternal life, please cancel the contract! That is my condition."
Kazien immediately released his hug completely. He held Arken's shoulders, staring at his brother's face intently. It turned out that behind his steadfastness earlier, Arken's eyes were wet. He was crying silently.
Gently, Kazien wiped the tears on Arken's cheek with his thumb.
"Arken, listen to me. You know yourself that this contract cannot be cancelled again, right? Once bound, our souls will merge forever. There is no way to return! If the contract is ever cancelled, you will die!" explained Kazien seriously. "Are you really serious about your request? And what is your actual reason? Immortality is a very heavy burden."
"Yes, I am serious!" exclaimed Arken, his tears falling again. "My reason... Because I don't want my face that you like to be ravaged by age! I know you like my cute face! I want to stay like this so you will continue to love me forever! I beg you, Brother!"