"Actually, it's better for two people to choose together." Thacker skillfully rummaged through the drawers. "Or do you want to prepare a surprise for your lover?"
He took out six exquisite small boxes, lined them up in front of Teest, and opened each one. On the dark velvet were displayed six pairs of beautifully diverse wedding rings.
"A surprise… maybe." Teest carefully inspected the row of rings. "We don't need to keep the current rings. The officiant was a complete scoundrel and we just got rid of that guy."
"Your choice is wise indeed. You shouldn't keep bad memories." Thacker Flama wholeheartedly agreed.
All six pairs of rings were very beautiful, made of the finest gold, silver, and jewels, with perfect carving and design. From elegantly ornate to simply majestic, each pair was flawless.
Each ring had an inconspicuous artisan mark on the inside, a twisted trident. Teest knew it was a variant of Flama's "F", proving that these rings were the creations of the Flama family.
His father had once specifically drawn it, proudly showing it to him.
"They are all perfect, sir." Teest stared at the small mark. "I think I need your advice."
"Understood, you want to buy according to your lover's preferences. Come on, tell me about your lover." Thacker naturally let out an "oh", posing ready to listen attentively.
Teest seemed struck by the word "lover" and he was quiet for a moment before he could organize his thoughts.
"He likes silver-white," Teest murmured. "He doesn't like ostentatious decorations—too glamorous wouldn't work… His personality is very gentle, and he rarely wears warm-colored clothing, so vibrant colors are inappropriate."
"Right, he has black hair, and his eyes are a beautiful bright blue, like the wings of a blue butterfly. Hmm, he would really suit a blue moonstone…"
Probably because he had given a frightening budget, the rings in front of him all used more expensive, finely cut gems, none of which were blue moonstone.
Thacker hesitated for a moment, then removed four pairs of rings with elaborate intricate settings and overly large, colorful stones. He rummaged around and brought out two more boxes to replace them.
This time, he chose all silver-white settings with cool-colored gem designs. Just as he was indifferent to the White Demon in front of him, Thacker didn't show any surprise about the "he" Teest mentioned.
"Continue telling me about that young man." He adjusted the position of the rings, encouraging Teest to go on.
The Mad Monk didn't easily discuss personal matters with strangers. But Thacker Flama was no stranger, though this was their first such… formal conversation, Teest thought.
He was very good at trading and disguising, yet at this moment, his prided abilities suddenly had lost their use.
"The first time I met him, I thought he was a very strange guy," Teest confessed almost awkwardly, his speech a bit slow. "Yes, very strange, and he had a lot of whimsical ideas."
"In the areas he excels in, he's very confident. But in areas he's not good at—like social interactions—he can be quite dull. Luckily, as a companion, he's still professional."
His father listened patiently, casually removing another two pairs of rings and replacing them with a new pair. Now, only three pairs of rings remained on the counter.
"When did your view of him change—I mean, become more special?" Thacker Flama casually inquired.
Teest's motion of touching the rings stopped.
There could be many answers to this question.
Such as the day they were forced to enter into a marriage contract facing Lich Valdorlock, or the day in Lynn's forest when they first exchanged their vows.
Or perhaps during the depths of winter, the first time they truly embraced, the day he made that ridiculous deal about "life, loyalty, and love".
But what he unconsciously recalled was a sky full of endless fire.
That night, Nol's blue fire had first become fervent. The blue flames devoured the wooden hut and bodies in the cold wind, the firelight piercing the heavens, tearing the night apart.
[I need to destroy more. I need you. Come with me.]
[My Sir Knight.]
From the moment his heartbeat lost balance, their story truly began.
Reflecting on the past, Teest found it both amusing and sad. Nol had kept his promise, and his own deal had become full of holes. He couldn't help but shake his head and take a breath.
"If I have to say, it was a very cold night, everywhere covered in snow."
Teest gave his answer, then realized he was smiling. "Yes, he became special a long time ago. He's very good at making things 'special'."
"Oh, thinking about it for so long. It's clear you've had many special moments," Thacker teased with a wink. "You really love him."
Teest looked into his father's golden eyes, not denying it. "For you guys, these things seem easy to judge."
"I don't know if I can give the right response or if I can do it to his extent…"
Thacker grinned. "Well, since you're so unsure, why don't you just leave him?"
"No!" Teest twisted around as if his tail had been stepped on.
"That settles it then?" Thacker shrugged. "Let me tell you a secret, I also had premarital jitters—my wife came from a much better background than I, and I always worried I would hold her back, worried that I wasn't good enough."
"But I also 'didn't want to leave' like you, so I just had to try harder."
Saying that, Thacker took away two more boxes.
Teest: "..." What does "just like you" mean?
As far as he knew, his father couldn't even kill a mouse without closing his eyes. Their mental states were absolutely worlds apart.
However, one thing was certain from this conversation—
From that snowy night with the sky ablaze, he had unintentionally given an honest response.
[I'm yours.] At that time, Teest had responded this way.
"You're right. I love him." Now, he phrased it differently.
"Don't tell me." Thacker clicked his tongue, taking away the last pair of rings.
"So let's change the topic. What do you mean by this?" Teest raised his eyebrows towards the now empty counter.
Thacker looked at Teest thoughtfully, leaning down to take out a silver-white ring box from the very back of a drawer. Then he pushed it in front of Teest, gently opening the lid.
Inside the box lay a pair of elegantly designed matching rings.
They used antique silver for the setting, embedded with blue moonstone. The gem was flawless, polished even rounder than a droplet of water. Its size was just right, emitting a captivating bluish-green.
The antique silver surface was engraved with delicate patterns, hiding a set of blessing runes, creating a slightly rough texture. The silver itself had a special luster, which, together with the moonstone, gave the entire ring a subtly soft glow.
At a glance, the rings felt like… a quiet, snowy night.
"The most expensive rings in the store." Thacker laughed. "You know, antique silver is very expensive. Normally, no one would pair it with moonstone."
Teest pulled his gaze away from the ring, looking at Thacker with confusion.
"This is something my wife and I made together," Thacker said happily. "Ignoring what's normally done, this combination is quite beautiful, isn't it?"
"If you plan to buy them, I can give you a discount. Just 600 gold wheels, sir."
Teest was aware of the value of these jewels. Rings priced at 600 gold wheels indeed qualified as "most expensive", but considering the value of the antique silver and the gems, the price was almost at cost.
"I do intend to buy them, but I don't want to take such a big advantage of you," Teest said, not hiding the curiosity in his tone.
Thacker waved his hand cheerfully. "Knowing you appreciate our work, Edith—my wife—would be very happy. And…"
He coughed twice, his voice lowering.
"And your smile resembles my wife's. It feels familiar to me. Consider it our wedding gift to you."
Teest's throat felt dry. "Just for that reason?"
Thacker scratched his head and glanced at the street. Finally, he sighed and lowered his voice.
"I have a child who is very much like you," he said, subtly glancing at Teest's silver-white hair. "I hope that when he grows up, he can… find a wonderful partner and have a decent life like you."
"Consider it a father's selfishness."
"…Teest."
"What?"
"My name is Teest," Teest said, staring intently into Thacker's eyes. "As you see, I am a knight—a knight who hunts down heretics."
Long after this, we will destroy that god of chaos, Father.
Thacker was taken aback for a moment, apparently misunderstanding Teest's words. "I see. Dangerous work… but I won't take back my offer."
"Sir, if my child could turn out like you, I would be very proud."
Teest looked down, thoughtful. After half a minute, he opened his pendant space, slowly counting out 600 gold wheels—part of it was in equivalent gems, some in silver hooks to round it off.
Finally, he took out the blood-stained gold wheel and gently placed it on top of the small mountain of gold wheels.
"I wish you happiness, Mr. Teest."
Thacker Flama handed over the ring box with both hands adorning an especially bright smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Flama."
Teest took the ring box, clutching it tightly in his hand.
"Thank you for your blessings."
The doorbell rang again as Teest put his helmet back on and left the small jewelry shop.
He didn't rewind time but continued walking down the street. The afternoon sun was exceptionally intense, and Teest walked unconsciously, inadvertently returning to a familiar place.
In the courtyard, vines bore gem-like grapes, and the swing swayed with the wind. The sound of children laughing and playing came from the yard. Several kids crouched in the bushes, watchfully looking toward the back of the house.
His home.
Worn memories gradually fell into place, becoming vivid—
That day, his father was at work, and his mother went to visit his brother at the knights' group. His sister was helping with accounts next door, taking his little sister along, and the old grandmother from next door was watching the children in the yard.
Today, his brother who practiced at the knights' group would come home, and on this day, his parents would give the children gifts and pocket money, and everyone would enjoy a sumptuous dinner together.
At the moment, the young him was staying at home, playing hide and seek with the visiting children.
Teest stood outside the courtyard for a while. Inside, the neighbor's grandmother spun thread while watching him warily. Teest casually concealed his presence, and the old woman's wariness turned to confusion.
Crossing the familiar gate, Teest tiptoed towards the backyard.
His past self had hair the same deep brown as his parents', slightly long and seemingly well-behaved. The young him sensed the unfamiliar footsteps and reached for the blindfold.
Teest waved his hand, and the fabric clung tightly to the boy's eyes.
So that's how it is. Having done all this, he couldn't help but look at his hands.
…So that's how it is.
Teest turned and walked towards the inside of the house. He turned down one corridor after another, descending the stairs, passing through doors of various sizes.
He stopped at the Flama family's secret prayer room, walking towards the portrait of the benefactor his family had always worshiped. Teest reached out, touching the cracked paint on the canvas and the god's smile outlined by that paint.
His Nol.
Teest knew that his God was waiting for him in the future. He gripped the ring box in his hand, his expression soft.
Just then, the sound of light footsteps came from behind.
"Who are you? Only my family knows this room, and Earl wouldn't be so foolish." The young him spoke hoarsely, like a young animal trying to intimidate an enemy.
Finally, Teest thought, he finally understood everything. Teest crouched down, reaching out to touch his own head.
"You will go through many things. Your life will be full of questions. No matter what, you will try your best to survive."
These words were neither a prophecy nor consolation. Teest knew they couldn't soothe his past self; they were merely a period—a period that declared victory.
Watching his young self's confused face, Teest's mouth curved into a smile.
"Everything will eventually end," he said softly. "God loves you deeply."
...
After leaving the Flama family's house, Teest sat on a nearby bench.
He saw his mother and brother laughing as they entered the yard, saw his sister carrying his younger sister and humming a tune as they pushed open the home's door. He saw his father, who had closed his shop early, beaming with happiness, carrying a purse and fruit home.
Laughter and play filled the Flama family's house.
At that moment, the whole Flama family was crammed into the kitchen. His father was selecting vegetables, his mother was cooking soup. His brother, having removed his armor, was busy handling fresh chicken. His sister stared intently at the frying pan, ensuring the food didn't burn. His younger sister, unnoticed by the family, attempted to raid the candy jar.
Teest clasped his hands, quietly listening. The sunshine remained brilliant, the smell of food wafted from the nearby house, familiar and unsettling.
Creak.
The front door opened, and the young him, holding a purse, stepped out of the yard. Yes, his task that day was to buy bread for dinner for everyone.
In that small purse, there were several silver hooks and a gold wheel.
Teest watched his own last departure, his small figure running towards the end of the street. That small silhouette grew increasingly distant, running towards the noisy crowd, running towards a destined tragedy, eventually swallowed up by the overly bright sunlight.
"Bet our little brother will buy what back?" His brother laughed.
His sister became alert. "Hey, you took a gold wheel too. Why do you want to steal a kid's snack?"
"It's definitely cake," his mother said. "I guess it's peach cake today. It's the season."
"Mom, don't encourage Earl!"
"If it's cake, that kid will buy one for each of us," his father interjected. "Instead of arguing, you two should think about what to buy for him."
"Hmph, I've been saving some money every time. When that kid comes of age, I'll buy him a good sword."
"Maybe he'd prefer to work in the jewelry store," his sister said huffily. "His brain works better than someone's. I'll buy him a gemstone guide tomorrow…"
Teest sat across the street, continuing to listen.
He listened to those nearly forgotten laughs, to his family's plans for the future. He listened attentively until his parents became anxious over his long absence, until he heard his long-lost, true name.
The wind stopped, the swing in the yard no longer moved. His anxious family left the house, searching everywhere for the missing Flama's youngest son.
"Goodbye."
Teest stood up, bowed slightly, and whispered to those familiar figures.
He ended the reversion.
In the next moment, he was back in the ruined Bissus City, standing in the ruins of the square.
Nol stood before him. The God of Creation retracted his wings and horns, taking on a fully human form. Seeing Teest appear safely, the concern in Nol's blue eyes quickly dissipated.
"Thank god, the reversion was accurate." Nol sighed with relief, his face full of concern. "Did you see your family?"
Teest nodded, his expression as calm as when he left.
"It's all over," he said.
Nol studied Teest's face, which now carried a strange softness and a subtle sense of loss. As he expected, Teest didn't break down or cry; he was unbelievably calm.
Still the same Mad Monk, but…
"I suddenly feel like telling two stories," Nol said softly. "Would you like to hear them?"
Teest looked at him skeptically. "Please."
"Once there was an ordinary child named Thacker Flama."
"From his earliest memories, he had a playmate with whom he got along very well. They played together from time to time and maintained their friendship into adulthood, occasionally visiting each other's homes. They would talk about many things—work troubles, life's little problems, and so on."
"Until the Flama family disappeared, they remained best friends."
Teest's calm expression vanished, and he looked at Nol blankly. Nol returned the gaze with a gentle expression and continued his story.
"Once there was an ordinary child named Edith Blanco."
"When she was very young, she got a beautiful white cat. The cat would listen to her troubles, protect her life, and quietly accompanied her for over a decade. Soon after she met her lover, the cat peacefully disappeared."
"Then she met her lover's friend, and she gained a new friend. She and her lover often invited this friend to their home to play with their young children."
Nol reached out and touched the top of Teest's head.
"Teest, the reversion just now is not the end. It's a beginning."
The Flama family was destroyed in plain view, their deaths etched into fate, irreversible. After that, neighbors no longer spoke of that family. The sole survivor "Teest" lost his real name and most of his memories of his family.
Thus, the past of the Flama family was completely obliterated, unknown, and unremembered by anyone.
…But this also means, for the predetermined fate, the lives of the Flama family contain many, many blanks.
Insignificant blanks, fillable blanks.
In the several decades of life that Mr. and Mrs. Flama had, there could exist a friend who shouldn't have been there or a cat that shouldn't have existed. The Flama family's eldest son could have an extra classmate knight, the eldest daughter could gain a mysterious pen pal.
Unrelated to fate, unrelated to laws. They wouldn't change history, only leave behind more happiness and memories.
"If not used in warfare, 'reversion' is a very good ability." Nol said, "You still have plenty of time to get to know each other, Teest."
Teest suddenly felt a pain in his throat. He stood somewhat helplessly, his thoughts blanked by Nol's "stories".
Nol exhaled, stepped forward, and embraced the rigid Teest.
"You look like you need a hug," he said.
Teest looked up at the horizon, where the sun was blood red.
He had left in the evening and returned in the morning. If not for the increasingly bright sky here, Teest almost confused the time.
The morning was appropriate, he thought. Strange emotions pressed on his organs, their presence becoming clearer and he needed to expel them quickly.
Under the concealment of his ability, amid thousands of celebrating Players, Teest ended the hug. He grabbed Nol's right hand and knelt on one knee.
"I swear to you."
Teest kissed the back of Nol's hand, his tone returning to its usual lightness. "This time it's not a skill, honey. I owe you a real knight's oath—I will offer you my life, loyalty, and love."
"I accept," Nol reflexively responded, then widened his eyes at Teest's latter half of the statement.
But his knight didn't immediately stand up.
"I pray to you."
Teest pressed his forehead against Nol's hand, closing his eyes. "My faith still belongs to you, and I will not take it back… Thank you for everything you've given me, Nol."
"You're welcome?"
Nol said somewhat bewilderedly, his neck and ears turning slightly red. There were too many people here—even if they couldn't see them right now, it was still too crowded.
He hadn't expected Teest to suddenly do this. It was the first time he'd received such an exaggerated thanks.
His pope still didn't plan to get up.
"I request of you."
Teest turned that hand over, this time kissing the palm of Nol's hand. "Terminate that damned marriage contract. We don't need Star Stealer Sol as a witness. Now, I formally propose to you."
"About the words you said to me before the reversion," he said. "This is my response—"
"I love you too, honey."
The author has something to say:
The proposal is here!!!
I'm thrilled—this is the real proposal! Yes!!!