The sun slowly began to tilt towards the western horizon, signaling that it was already late afternoon.
The afternoon breeze blew gently, carrying fine dust dancing in the air, as if accompanying the departure of the young nobleman who had just changed the fate of many people that day.
In the yard of the simple wooden house, Melisa still stood frozen. Her clear eyes were fixed on Arvin Vedegra's back, which grew smaller and smaller, until finally disappearing behind the bend of the dirty road.
There were mixed feelings in the girl's chest. Admiration, gratitude, and a slight disappointment tickling her teenage heart.
She turned, looking at her father's face who was also still transfixed looking in the same direction. Gaile's fierce face now looked much calmer, as if a burden of thousands of tons had just been lifted from his shoulders.
"Father..." called Melisa softly, breaking the silence between them.
Gaile looked down, staring at his only daughter with affection. "What is it, my daughter?"
Melisa bit her lower lip hesitantly, before finally asking the question that had been bothering her mind since earlier. "Does he... Young Master Arvin, I mean... does he really like men instead of women? I mean, look at me! I'm not ugly, am I?"
Gaile smiled small, then rubbed the top of his daughter's head. The innocent question sounded funny to his ears, but he knew for his daughter, it was a serious matter.
"To be honest, I don't know for sure either, Melisa. The human heart is a deep ocean." Gaile answered wisely. "But, if he said it out loud in front of us all without a shred of shame, it means it's true."
Melisa frowned, still not entirely convinced. "How can you be so sure? Couldn't he just be making an excuse so I wouldn't chase him?"
"That's not how a soldier sees things, my daughter." Gaile rebutted. His eyes drifted back to the road Arvin had taken. "As long as I lived as a mercenary, I've met many types of people. Liars, swindlers, cowards... I can smell their scent from a distance. But Young Master Arvin... he is different."
Gaile sighed deeply, remembering how Arvin withstood his sword attack and how the young man always tried to keep his promises.
"I see that Young Master Arvin always says anything bluntly. His eyes never waver when speaking. He never boasts, and he doesn't look like someone who cares about image. If he says he likes men, then that is the truth. If you want to pursue love, just follow his advice. He said his younger brother is handsome, didn't he?"
Melisa's cheeks flushed red. Her memory returned to Arvin's words about his younger brother who was said to be handsome, cute, and attentive.
"But Father..." Melisa looked down, staring at the tip of her worn shoes. "Can commoners like us really marry renowned nobles like the Duke's family? That sounds like an impossible fairy tale. We live in the mud, while they live in cloud castles."
Gaile laughed crisply, a laugh that had long been missing from that house.
"The world is wide, Melisa. And the Vedegra family is known as a unique family in the Astoria Kingdom. But there are strong rumors circulating among mercenaries and informants that the Vedegra family, especially Duke Melvin never questioned the background of prospective spouses for their family members. For them, their children's happiness is the main priority."
Gaile looked at his daughter seriously. "Whether that's true or not, we'll prove it when we arrive in the Vedegra territory later! Now that you are healed, you have the chance to pursue whatever you want. Including the love of a noble."
Although it sounded impossible and too good to be true, Melisa could only nod in agreement. The hope instilled by her father awakened her spirit.
In her mind, Melisa's wild imagination began to play. She imagined the figure of Arvin's younger brother. If his older brother was that handsome and strong, what about his younger brother? He said his younger brother is handsome, cute, and very attentive. Much better than his rude self. I'm curious what he's like. Does he also have beautiful blue hair like his brother?
Enthusiasm began to replace her disappointment.
In a few days, we will arrive there. I will meet him. Hopefully, our journey tomorrow goes smoothly without obstacles. I have to prepare my best dress... ah, I forgot I don't have a nice dress. Maybe Young Master Arvin will buy one for me?
Meanwhile, far from Melisa's daydreams, Arvin Vedegra was walking out of the labyrinth of suffocating slum alleys.
As soon as he stepped onto the neatly paved road in the city district, Arvin stopped for a moment. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with air that no longer smelled of waste, although the smell of the capital's hypocrisy remained faint.
Arvin glanced back briefly, looking towards the settlement he had just left. The corners of his lips lifted to form a thin smile full of satisfaction.
Perfect! he thought.
Although they were filled with many questions about the origin of his power and wealth, at least Arvin was grateful everything went smoothly according to the scenario he compiled in his head. There was no unnecessary bloodshed, and he got what he wanted.
Because right now, Lorrin the genius strategist, Gaile the dual wind sword, Rayand the loyal leader, and all members of the Red Sand mercenaries have sworn allegiance to the Vedegra family. My family's shadow force has been formed.
This was a big step to continue increasing his family's strength.
Arvin resumed his steps, walking along the city streets that began to be illuminated by magical street lamps. However, as his steps moved away from matters of strategy and war, his mind drifted back to his one weak point.
Allen.
The image of the sweet pink-haired young man's face appeared in his mind, replacing the fierce faces of the mercenaries. Arvin sighed deeply, this time sounding heavy and full of longing.
Allen... Forgive me for making you faint in class earlier. I hope you have woken up and eaten dinner well.
Arvin's genius brain could suddenly become stuck when dealing with his own feelings. He still kept thinking about how to make Allen completely his without ruining the story plot as it should be.
Whatever it takes, I must be able to conquer Allen and bind a life-and-death Contract Symbol with him. I want to see that holy white symbol engraved on both our hands.
However, he was aware of his position right now. He was the "villain". He had to play the role of the cruel antagonist to trigger Allen's potential. If he suddenly became sweet and declared love, Allen might be frightened or perhaps that dormant power would never be awakened.
Arvin shook his head vigorously, trying to dispel the romantic thoughts.
Focus, Arvin! Focus! he cursed at himself. My schedule and mind are currently very full. I can't spare time to think about other things first. Love can wait... a little longer.
He had to be willing to temporarily forget how to conquer Allen's heart, the person he had secretly admired and liked more than his own life.
Arvin ruffled his hair and didn't want to dissolve in his fantasy world with Allen.
Ah... I'll think about that later after this logistics matter is done. The main priority now is to ensure they all arrive at the destination safely.
Arvin sped up his pace. He tightened his special uniform robe.
For now, I have to go to the Merchant Guild. I need to sell a chunk or two of the magic crystals I took back earlier to get cash. Because tomorrow, all those mercenaries will go to the Vedegra territory. I have to prepare food supplies, horse carriages, and travel equipment for them. I don't want my troops to starve to death on the road.
With firm determination, Arvin disappeared into the crowd of the capital's night market, hiding his identity as a love slave behind the cold mask of an arrogant young nobleman.
However, there was one big fact unknown to Arvin Vedegra. A fact that if he knew, might make him jump for joy to the seventh heaven and forget all his evil plans.
In one of the quiet academy dormitory rooms, Allen was sitting by the window, staring at the afternoon sun that had begun to tilt to the west.
The cute young man held his chest which beat fast every time he remembered Arvin's face.
Arvin didn't know that actually... Allen liked him too.
Yes, the feeling was mutual. Allen, the innocent and kind-hearted protagonist, secretly harbored feelings for the rude and annoying antagonist. Allen saw something in Arvin's eyes that no one else saw—a loneliness and sincerity hidden behind his harsh words.
However, like two parallel lines, they were both afraid to reveal their respective feelings. That fear became a thick wall blocking them.
For Allen, the wall was named "Status".
Allen was afraid to express his feelings because of who he was. He was just a commoner lucky enough to enter the academy due to a scholarship and rare magic talent. Whereas Arvin? He was Arvin Vedegra, the first son of Duke Vedegra, the most renowned and influential noble in the Astoria Kingdom.
How could I dare dream of standing beside him? thought Allen often sadly. I would only be a stain on his perfect life. He would definitely be disgusted if he knew a commoner like me liked him.
Whereas for Arvin, the wall was named "Reputation and Role".
Arvin was afraid if he revealed his feelings, Allen would call him disgusting. He was afraid his reputation as a "perfect" noble would be destroyed, but more than that, he was afraid of ruining Allen's future.
Arvin desperately wanted that someday the dormant power Allen possessed would fully awaken. The power that would save this world. In the original scenario Arvin knew, Allen awakened due to the pressure and suffering given by the antagonist.
I have to be his nightmare so he can awaken his power!
That was the doctrine Arvin held. I don't want to be an obstacle to that awakening by being a lover who spoils him.
Two hearts loving each other in silence, separated by misunderstanding and their respective fears.
That Evening, under the same sky of the Astoria Kingdom, Arvin was busy taking care of his territory's future to protect his family, while Allen was busy praying that one day he would be worthy to stand beside Arvin.