Kazien fell silent for a moment. He was transfixed hearing such an innocent yet manipulative reason.
I admit his face is indeed very cute, thought Kazien. But, is it only for that physical reason that he wants this sacred contract?
However, when Kazien looked into Arken's wet eyes full of pleading, he saw something deeper. Fear of being abandoned. Fear of being cast aside. And a strong desire to stay together. Arken was very serious with his words.
Kazien sighed resignedly. He could never refuse a request from his cute 'younger brother'.
"Alright..." decided Kazien. "I will perform the ritual process on you right now. Stand over there, next to your father's grave so he can be a witness to this immortality contract."
Arken nodded enthusiastically. He immediately stood upright in the designated position.
Kazien stepped back two meters. He began to gather mana around him. A magical aura began to glow.
"Close your eyes, Arken. And later, answer by stating your full name, 'Arken Altavis', if you are truly serious and ready to accept the burden of this destiny with me!"
Arken nodded in understanding then closed his eyes tightly, clenching his fists by his sides.
Kazien's voice changed to become heavy and authoritative, echoing in the silence of the cemetery.
"O soul that I chose, I am Kazien Altavis! If you acknowledge me as the master of your soul, answer my call! Come to me with a sincere heart without regret and betrayal! If you are willing, tell me your name!"
The wind blew hard accompanying the chant.
"Arken Altavis!" answered Arken loudly while keeping his eyes closed.
Instantly, a golden-red light emerged from Kazien's chest. The light flew floating, dancing in the air like a beautiful red comet, then shot towards Arken's right palm exactly the moment he mentioned his name.
The light swirled around Arken's hand, feeling warm yet stinging. Slowly, the light seeped into the skin.
Ssssshhh...
A unique, intricate, and beautiful golden-red symbol was slowly magically engraved on Arken's right palm, shining brightly before finally dimming into a permanent mark.
"It is done!" said Kazien, lowering his hand. "Open your eyes and look at your palm."
Arken opened his eyes. He immediately lifted his right hand. There, the golden-red symbol was clearly visible. A sign of possession. A sign of an eternal bond.
"Brother..." mumbled Arken in amazement. He held his chest. "Somehow... my soul and yours feel connected. There is an invisible thread pulling me to you. And... I can also feel your overflowing happiness. Is this the effect of our contract?"
"You are right, Arken." answered Kazien while smiling. "We now share a soul bond. Besides that, your physical and magical power will also increase drastically, becoming even more terrifying! Please don't ever misuse that power."
Arken clenched his fist which now possessed new power. "I will only use this power to protect you and my new family! I promise!"
However, suddenly Arken's innocent smile turned into a meaningful mischievous smile.
"But, Brother... there is one more thing I want to ask you while only the two of us are here." said Arken suddenly.
"Just ask! I will answer it if I know the answer." replied Kazien without suspicion.
Arken smiled broadly until his eyes squinted. "Why did your shaft erect and even move and throb many times when hugging me earlier? I could feel it on my body."
Gasp!
Kazien froze. His face instantly turned deep red like a boiled crab. He coughed, confused about what to answer his brother who spoke so bluntly in front of him.
Seeing his brother acting awkwardly, Arken stepped forward approaching him. His gaze became gentle and mature.
"Listen, Brother. If you indeed want me to be your wife someday, let me solidify my feelings for you first." said Arken sincerely. "Give me time to understand if this is romantic love or sibling love."
Arken grabbed Kazien's hand. "But if I turn out to fall for you later, let me be your third future wife. But if you reject me, please let me remain your proud cute brother and always be by your side forever! Please don't throw me away."
Kazien was stunned. He felt small in the face of his brother's maturity. He squeezed the hand back tightly.
"I am confused about what to say to those words." mumbled Kazien honestly. "But one thing is certain, we will always be together forever! I will not throw you away."
Hearing that answer, Arken immediately rushed to hug Kazien tightly. He buried his face in his brother's broad chest, smiling happily.
"The new life Father gave through his death, and this eternal life you gave... truly make me happy!" whispered Arken. "I am sure Father is very happy there seeing my happiness right now! Brother Kazien, I am very grateful to know you. I love you!"
Kazien returned his brother's hug very tightly. Under the moonlight that began to appear, Kazien's feelings were mixed. Whether happy to have a brother who loved him so much, or sad realizing that right now Arken might also become his third future wife.
No matter how strong Kazien was in the eyes of the world, he was a weak human in front of the family he loved dearly.
But because they were bound by the immortality contract, Arken could feel Kazien's turmoil very clearly. However, Arken chose not to discuss it at this moment. He didn't want to make the person he loved even more confused because of his words.
After a while, Arken released his hug.
"Brother Kazien, let's go home! Don't you have other business to finish?"
"Ah... you are right! I have to go to the Merchant Guild. Let's go home!"
While holding hands, Kazien and Arken walked down the cemetery hill. Behind holding hands, a big secret was kept between the two of them, about the 'hugging incident' earlier and the possibility of their future relationship.
While walking, Arken looked at Kazien's face and thought.
Whether I can be Brother Kazien's future wife or not in the future, at least I have to tell Brother Alvin and Brother Allen about this. They have the right to know that I already like Brother Kazien as a man, not as a brother anymore!
Arken looked at the sky which was already decorated with orange light with a smile.
Brother Alvin and Brother Allen have already allowed me. But I'm sure, later Brother Kazien will be surprised about this truth.