The night had settled deeply over the capital. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting a silvery glow across the spacious bedroom.
On their king-sized bed, the sound of steady breathing echoed softly. Upon that same bed, Kazien had used his 'Sui Reflection' magic to split himself into three identical physical forms. Resting upon the chest of each Kazien, his three fiancés, Alvin, Allen, and Arken, slumbered with peaceful expressions.
However, unlike his fiancés, Kazien's sapphire-blue eyes remained wide open, staring at the ceiling. His mind drifted far away, replaying the conversation from the faculty meeting room earlier that afternoon. Everything felt like it was moving so fast.
Due to the powerful soul bond of the Eternity Contract that bound them, Alvin could feel the waves of restlessness emanating from his future husband's heart. It was a sense of unease that disturbed his tranquility even in the dream world.
Alvin slowly opened his eyes and lifted his head slightly, gazing at the face of his fiancé, who seemed to be carrying an invisible burden.
"My Dear, why aren't you asleep yet?" Alvin asked confusedly, his voice still raspy from sleep. "Are you still thinking about our graduation plan?"
Kazien exhaled a long sigh, a soft breath that betrayed the heaviness in his heart. He met Alvin's worried gaze.
"Yes, Alvin... I'm still thinking about our graduation." Kazien admitted honestly. "I never expected that our life as academy students wouldn't even last a year. It feels like only yesterday we stepped through those gates for the first time."
Alvin understood his fiancé's lament perfectly. With deep affection, Alvin reached out his fingers, stroking Kazien's silvery-white hair with a very gentle and soothing motion.
"My Dear, you don't need to think too deeply about that." Alvin said softly, trying to untangle the knotted thoughts in his fiancé's mind. "For now, let's just focus on our next goal. We must travel around the world and explore various places, so that we can move around using teleportation when all those dungeons suddenly appear in the future!"
Hearing Alvin's words, Kazien's logic felt as if it were being pulled back to reality. Gradually, the warmth of Alvin's touch and his rational words began to calm Kazien's mind.
"You're right!" Kazien replied, a thin smile finally forming on his lips. "It seems I was just being foolish, overthinking things that only add to my mental burden."
"I'm glad you've calmed down, My Dear." Alvin said with relief, returning the smile. He leaned his head back onto Kazien's chest. "For now, let's get some sleep."
"Yes, let's go back to sleep." Kazien answered, and then began to close his eyes, allowing drowsiness to slowly take over.
Meanwhile, on the other sides of the bed, Allen and Arken, who had actually been awake and listening to the conversation, smiled with relief. Their worries evaporated seeing their beloved fiancé find his peace again.
However, before his consciousness completely sank into the dream world, Kazien took a moment to split himself once more. In the silence of the room, one of his clones walked toward the writing desk.
Under the dim light, he wrote a brief but important letter regarding the tournament soon to be held in Larkvood Kingdom.
After finishing and rolling it neatly, Kazien used teleportation magic. In an instant, the letter vanished from his grasp, sent directly to his family in Lazavis City.
His task was done. The night finally concluded with a peaceful rest.
....
....
The next morning, before the sun had a chance to shine on the eastern horizon, Kazien's three fiancés were already awake. They rushed to the kitchen after kissing Kazien on the lips and saying good morning to him.
Early as it was, the mansion's kitchen was already bustling with activity.
As per their promise yesterday, they had to provide a massive portion of food for Dean Claus and the other academy professors. The three fiancés had already donned their aprons, moving with agility and coordination.
Of course, they were not alone. In the kitchen, Erica stood with sparkling eyes and deep concentration. The purple-haired girl was determined to become proficient in culinary matters.
However, Erica's learning process was very different from the three fiancés. Thanks to the Eternity Contract binding their souls to their future husband, Alvin, Allen, and Arken possessed the 'God's Eye' power, just like Kazien.
For them, cooking was like reading a book where the answers were already known. Meanwhile, Erica had to rely on instinct, her sense of taste, and pure hard work, just like a regular human chef.
That morning, Alvin patiently took on the role of head mentor for Erica, while Allen and Arken occasionally contributed tips amidst their busy schedule of grilling and seasoning meat.
Over the hearth, a large pot filled with soup broth was boiling, sending clouds of savory aroma that whetted the appetite throughout the kitchen.
"Erica, it still needs more salt!" Alvin remarked after observing Erica, who had just poured a spoonful of salt into the giant pot. "Since this portion is enough to serve a dozen teachers, add another two and a quarter tablespoons to the broth. Make sure the measurement is exact and don't let it heap on the spoon!"
Hearing the very specific instruction, Erica didn't waste any time. She nodded firmly and immediately did as she was told. Carefully, she measured out two and a quarter tablespoons of salt and slowly added it to the pot, then began stirring it with a large ladle until the seasoning was evenly dissolved.
Once Erica finished stirring and the steam from the soup stabilized, Alvin took a small spoon, ladled out a bit of the golden broth, blew on it gently, and tasted it.
Slurp!
Erica held her breath. Her fingers nervously gripped the edge of her apron. Her feelings were a mix of enthusiasm for the result and fear that her cooking might be a total failure to the expert's palate.
After savoring the broth for a few seconds, a gentle smile spread across Alvin's face.
"This is enough!" Alvin praised with a sincere tone. "The flavor of the broth is very balanced. The savoriness is just right. It doesn't overpower the natural taste of the potatoes and the vegetables. If you stay consistent like this, you'll surely be proficient in cooking in just a few days."
Hearing the direct praise from Alvin, Erica's eyes immediately widened and sparkled with happiness. The sleepiness from waking up so early seemed to vanish instantly. The girl was overjoyed to receive direct lessons and recognition from her cousin's three fiancés.
"Thank you so much for the guidance, you three!" Erica exclaimed happily, nearly jumping in place. "I will definitely study cooking diligently so I can be as great and skilled as you!"
Seeing Erica's innocent and enthusiastic behavior, Allen, who was slicing pieces of meat, couldn't hold back his laughter.
"Hahaha!" Allen's laughter broke out, echoing crisply in the warm kitchen. "You're so spirited, Erica! Excellent! Don't you ever complain, so you can be a good wife in the future!"
Allen's blunt made the kitchen atmosphere even more lively. Instead of blushing or denying it, Erica puffed out her chest with confidence.
"Of course, Brother Allen!" Erica answered loudly and with burning spirit. "I will definitely work hard so I can become a woman worthy and proud to be a wife in the future!"