The ceramic floors, recently polished to a mirror-like shine, began to be covered by rows of furniture brought out one by one from Arvin's dimensional storage space. The mansion, which had previously felt empty and hollow, slowly began to breathe, radiating an aura of warmth from a place that would soon become a witness to the history of their lives.
Arvin and Allen decided to begin the arrangement from the second floor. As a top priority, they headed to the master bedroom, the room that would serve as a place for them to rest as well as to share their love.
With great enthusiasm, they worked shoulder-to-shoulder to slide a luxurious and sturdy bed frame into the center of the room. Arvin, assisted by Allen, immediately positioned a heavy wardrobe in a corner of the room. Afterward, Allen arranged a dressing table in the corner that received the best sunlight.
Not forgetting the details, they set up a lounge table and a pair of chairs near the large window overlooking the garden. The image of how they would sit there while enjoying tea in the morning made both of them smile faintly amidst their busy work.
Finished with the bedroom, they moved to the lounge area on the second floor. Bookshelves were neatly arranged against the walls, followed by several plush sofas set around a round table. This room was designed as a space for relaxing, doing assignments, and studying.
The work continued to the ground floor. In the living room, the sofas, main table, crystal flower vases, and a thick, luxurious red carpet were placed with precision. Every item they had bought at Valon's shop seemed to find its natural place in their home. Their cooperation was perfectly synchronized. Allen knew where beauty should reside, and Arvin ensured every item was placed safely and sturdily.
However, the moment Allen looked forward to the most was when they began arranging the furniture in the kitchen area. For Allen, the kitchen was not just a place for cooking, but the heart of their home. His eyes sparkled as they began to set up the new hearth.
"My Husband, slide the dish rack a little to the right so it's close to the sink!" Allen requested with an adorable, enthusiastic tone.
Arvin followed every one of Allen's instructions without the slightest protest. With full happiness, he placed the spoons, glass racks, and the hangers for pots and pans exactly in the positions Allen desired.
The spice cabinet was placed within arm's reach, as was the kitchen knife rack that gleamed sharply. Allen wanted this kitchen to be truly comfortable to use so he could serve the best dishes for his husband and everyone who would eventually live with them.
Seeing how detailed Allen was in managing his kingdom, Arvin could only grin widely. He felt immense satisfaction in being able to provide the best facilities for the person he loved. Thanks to their solid teamwork and a little help from Arvin's mana, all the heavy work was finished in a short time, only about 50 minutes.
Arvin and Allen stood in the center of their now complete and tidy home. They looked at each other and shared a victory high-five. However, before Arvin could catch his breath in relief, he felt Allen's soft hand grip his arm firmly.
"Since the number of occupants will increase tomorrow, you must serve me today!" Allen said with a gaze that suddenly turned intense and 'naughty'. He began dragging his husband toward the main bathroom. "Satisfy me while we bathe together!"
"Hahaha!" Arvin laughed out loud, allowing himself to be pulled by the cute young man. His footsteps followed Allen willingly. "Even without you dragging me, I would certainly do it for you, Allen. I don't want to disappoint you and see your cute face turn into a pout just because I didn't fulfill your request."
The sound of laughter and splashing water began to echo from behind the bathroom door, closing the exhausting day with an intimacy that belonged only to the two of them.
Meanwhile, under the sinking orange glow of the afternoon sun, a different atmosphere enveloped Alrain and Yonna. The two of them were walking along the capital's sidewalk, which was beginning to grow crowded with residents returning from work. Yonna occasionally glanced at her brother, who walked with a light step beside her.
"Alrain, since when have you known Young Master Arvin?" Yonna asked, finally voicing the question that had been weighing on her mind.
Alrain turned for a moment, then looked back ahead. "For a long time, Sister!" he answered shortly without hesitation. "But, I will tell you the details when we are all gathered together. I want Allen to know at the same time so I don't have to repeat the story."
The answer did not immediately satisfy Yonna. She grew even more curious about how her brother could establish a relationship with a nobleman like Arvin Vedegra. As far as she knew, Alrain had almost never met anyone outside of their own neighborhood.
"Sister?" Alrain called.
Yonna startled, her daydreaming instantly shattered. "What is it, Alrain?"
"You're really serious about wanting to live with us, right?" Alrain asked, looking into his sister's eyes with a glimmer of hope, as if making sure that Yonna would not change her mind and return to her old, harsh life.
"Of course!" Yonna answered without a hint of doubt. "I promised Young Master Arvin to live with you all."
Hearing that confident answer, Alrain's smile bloomed perfectly. He began to hum cheerfully, a light melody that showed just how happy he was at this moment. For Alrain, the heavy burden he had carried for so long as the breadwinner and sole protector seemed to evaporate completely. He felt free.
On the other hand, Yonna was lost in her own thoughts. There are so many mysteries between my brother and Young Master Arvin.
Although the desire to ask directly was immense, she knew her brother's nature. If Alrain said "wait", he would stubbornly insist that she remain patient and wait.
Yonna looked at the darkening evening sky, feeling the breeze brush against her face. Many questions continued to haunt her, but she tried to take a deep breath to calm herself.
Ah... why think about such troublesome things now? Yonna grumbled to herself, trying to be pragmatic. After all, my brother will tell me tomorrow. For now, I just need to enjoy this happiness.