The footsteps of the six youths sounded rhythmic walking down the streets of the Victoriaz Kingdom's capital. In the middle of the group, Dylan continued to walk in silence. His gaze stared straight ahead, but his mind kept thinking about Arvin's desire, who apparently wanted to marry him.
I indeed have feelings of liking for him when seeing him treating all his spouses fairly. And I also want to experience being in their position. Dylan thought, lowering his gaze to look at the cobblestone street.
His dark past spun in his head again. Even though I am the son of a baron who has two wives, I am just a son who was thrown away after my mother's death, and I am not even allowed to use the name Salverin as my family name. If I become Arvin's seventh spouse, I might be able to find the love and affection that I have longed for all this time.
Instantly, a red flush spread slowly across Dylan's face as he was absorbed in his reverie.
If Arvin wants me, doesn't that mean my face perfectly fits his criteria? This is an opportunity that will not come a second time. It is certain that I want to become his spouse for the sake of the happiness I have dreamed of for a long time.
Allen, who was walking right next to him, was quite surprised to see Dylan's face suddenly blushing in the midst of the silence. Seeing that reaction, Allen became very certain that the youth currently beside him indeed had feelings of liking for his husband.
Dylan took a slow breath, gathered his courage, then turned to Allen.
"Allen, if I really become his seventh spouse, will I be bound by a Life-and-Death Contract like you all too?" Dylan asked to confirm, his voice sounding serious.
"Isn't that already certain and indeed an absolute must?" Allen answered casually yet firmly, returning Dylan's gaze. "If you are willing to become his seventh spouse, you must also be willing to surrender all your loyalty and life to him until the end!"
"I am willing!" Dylan answered quickly without the slightest hesitation. "I don't want to waste the opportunity in front of my eyes right now, which will only bring me to endless regret if I reject it."
Hearing that answer full of conviction, Alrain, who was walking on the other side, immediately smiled broadly.
"Good!" he chimed in, feeling happy and relieved. "Starting today, we allow you to sleep and even bathe with our husband. But, regarding the Life-and-Death Contract, you have to wait a little longer. Because Arvin will officially propose to Kylen first in the Flamort Kingdom."
Dylan's steps stumbled for a moment in surprise. His eyes widened slightly looking at Alrain.
"Am I... am I really allowed to sleep and bathe with him this fast right away?" Dylan asked, still not believing what Alrain had just told him.
"Of course!" Ordion answered enthusiastically, joining their conversation. "Only people we acknowledge or those our husband has chosen are allowed! Without those two conditions, we will definitely be furious right away if anyone dares to sleep by his side or even dares to look at his naked body directly."
"He is right!" Allen chimed in, confirming Ordion's words. "Arvin's body can only be seen by us who are his spouses. Because he would also definitely be very angry at a stranger who dares to look at our naked bodies."
After saying that, Allen quickened his pace, turned his body, and stopped right in front of Dylan.
That sudden action made Dylan and the others automatically stop their footsteps in the middle of the street. Allen stared straight into the youth's eyes, making sure there was no doubt there.
"Now, I want to confirm it one more time and answer me firmly! Are you really willing to become Arvin's seventh spouse?"
"I am willing. Very, very willing!" Dylan answered with full conviction, his voice sounding steady. "How could I reject this opportunity to achieve the happiness I have dreamed of all this time!"
"Happiness?" Alvein, who had been listening in silence all this time, repeated, his forehead furrowing slightly in confusion. "What kind of happiness is it that you desire, Dylan?"
Dylan fell silent for a moment. He looked at the faces of the five people around him alternately, realizing that he could now trust them as his family.
"Since I was seven years old, my mother has passed away. And after my mother's passed away, I don't know what my mistake was, I instead ended up being cast aside by my own family." Dylan answered in a soft tone, starting to recount the life he had kept tightly sealed all this time. "Even though I am the biological son of a baron, I was kicked out and strictly forbidden from using the name Salverin as my family name."
That reality made Allen widen his eyes slightly. "So... that is why you only use the name Dylan while in the academy?" Allen asked suddenly.
Dylan replied with a slow nod.
"I thought you were a commoner who is lucky to have magic just like the four of us, you know." Allen added in a surprised tone.
"You're not wrong, that's my status right now." Dylan said, smiling sadly realizing who he was at the moment. "After being thrown out of the baron's residence, I have lived like commoners just like you all."
The youth looked at Allen again, his gaze now turning much warmer.
"But, after I found out that Arvin wanted me, I feel that soon I will get the happiness I have dreamed of for a long time." he continued again with a slightly trembling voice. "Seeing the happiness of you four in class all this time, I am very certain that he treats all his spouses very fairly and full of affection."
"He is indeed like that!" Alrain chimed in with unhidden pride. "I am sure, you will absolutely not regret it if you become his spouse!"
Dylan replied to those words with a relieved smile, both his eyes starting to tear up before tears slowly wet his cheeks.
"Thank you very much for giving me this invaluable happiness. I feel I have been saved from this abyss of loneliness." Dylan said, wiping the corners of his eyes.
Allen raised his hand and gently wiped the tears on Dylan's cheek with his thumb.
"You don't need to think about your past anymore, Dylan." Allen said with a comforting, warm smile. "Welcome to our family."
Dylan nodded quickly. "Yes, I will try to do my best for Arvin and this family until the end!" he answered full of happiness.
On the other hand, Kylen, who had just stood silently observing their interaction all this time, felt increasingly amazed and proud of his future husband.
Oh my... once again Arvin has saved someone. This time, he has saved someone plagued by prolonged loneliness. Kylen thought, his gaze softening as he looked at Dylan. It seems, everyone he makes his spouse is indeed not just an ordinary person.
Kylen's gaze then shifted to Allen, who was still smiling, embracing Dylan.
And Allen... he is so very wise. Very fitting for his position as the first spouse. he continued in his heart, feeling very grateful to be among them. I also feel certain that by living with them, I will achieve unparalleled happiness until the end of my life!