Part 1

- ARTHUR’S POV -

As I was walking away from my bedroom and going towards the dressing room I noticed that the latter was occupied.

The door was left slightly open and a feeble light was coming out of it.

I took a peek inside.

There stood a young boy. He was 3 years old but looked much more mature than a normal boy of his age. Both his look and his demeanor felt purposeful as if he already knew how to do things. Neither me or Liz gave him intensive manner lessons yet our boy picked up everything we taught and figured out the rest by himself. To be honest, he is far from being able to behave himself properly in front of the high nobility, but for a 3 years old boy of a simple swordsman family this level of behaviour was astonishing.

He was now changing from his usual clothes to the more formal ones.

Not that his usual clothes were shabby but they weren't really suited for the kind of occasion we were about to attend.

The new clothes that Liz chose for him were actually really mature and I thought he would reject them. Turns out we did a good job raising a non-spoiled and grateful son.

The set of clothes were composed of a pair of long dark grey trousers that were a little bit too long for him so Liz had to trim them a bit. The trousers looked really stylish on him, not too baggy or tight, a perfect size.

Then, a white long sleeve shirt was tucked into the trousers. On top of the shirt he wore a vest of the same color of the trousers. To finish the set a crimson shirt bow was tied around his collar.

As for the rest of the outfit he wore the same high black socks he always used and a pair of old dressy black shoes borrowed from the neighbor.

His usual messy hairs were now arranged much better. His forehead was now completely visible and the wisps of hair that were covering it before were now arranged on the side of his head.

“*whistle* What a handsome boy we have here! Are you perhaps looking to steal the heart of a lady?”

“Aahhh father?! How long have you been standing there?”

“Enough to enjoy the view of you making poses in front of the mirror”

“....This is the worst!”

“Come on dont make that sulky face! It was a really funny show to watch! Hahaha”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment or should I take it as a way to shame me even more?”

“The choice is yours boy hahaha”

“Bahh this conversation has no point...so what brings you here father? Other that making fun of me of course”

This is pretty much how our relationship goes. We both make fun of eachother out of nowhere. Someone from the outside would probably think that Raph is rude and impolite but it's completely wrong. The fact that we are able to have such carefree conversations is a blessing since he is so much more mature than others of his age.

“Nothing in particular Raph, I was just looking for you to remind you that the guests will be here in an hour or so, but as always you were ready”

“Yes, I made sure to be prepared in time in case something unexpected happened.

Father’s reputation is at stake and it would deeply pain me if my mistakes were the cause of shame to Father”

[Ohh God I want to hug him! But no, no I can't. I'm the father. I should be an example of strength and respect...Stay strong Arthur!]

“I see...Very good. As soon as you are finished go downstairs and help your mother. And make sure to be ready to greet properly like mother taught you.”

“Yes Father I shall not disappoint you!”

“Good, very good”

As I was leaving the room I closed the door behind me. It probably won't take him long but knowing him he will be checking out his outfit to make sure everything is in order.

[Ahh Liz we are so blessed to have such an amazing son!]

Part 2

- RAPHAEL’S POV -

Today we had guests, important ones too.

I didn't really know who they were. I only knew they were father’s old friends and respectable people who’s friendship was really cherished by father.

So, I had to be on my best behaviour.

I dressed up with the clothes that mother bought for me. She really has good tastes.

[I could be mistaken for the heir of a rich family in those clothes...Nahh let’s not get ahead of ourselves!]

I had just finished changing and was going to help mother with the table while thinking that.

I tried not to show it but I was a nervous wreck.

I heard that the guests had a pair of twins: a boy and a girl one year older than me.

This was going to be the first time that I had to interact with someone of my same age. The neighbor's daughter was no problem since I knew her for as long as I was in this world, also she was older than me so I had no problem conversing with her.

But people of my own age...How can I talk to them ?

[What should we be talking about in the first place ?

What if I screwed up something and caused Father to look bad in front of the people he so highly talks about?

No no, there’s no point thinking about this now. I have no other option than look good for the sake of the family even if I have to fake it all night long]

This situation was really getting on my nerves.

I still had to wait at least an hour until the time of the meeting.

I could feel myself getting stiffer by the moment and it looked like time had slowed down.

Part 3

“Raph, can you take care of the fire please?”

“Yes mother”

I took two chunks of wood but before throwing them into the fireplace I moved the embers with an iron stick with caution in order not to hit the meat with the sparks.

It took no time for the pieces to wood to catch fire.

A now vivid red fire was making the meat slowly drip some oil onto it.

The smell coming from it was really captivating and soon my mouth was watering.

The deep red boar meat was now turning a nice brownish color.

[I can't wait to eat this! Mother really gave all of herself to this dinner uh]

While my mind was wandering what kind of heavenly tastes I would be experimenting tonight a sudden sound caught my attention.

The sound of pawing horses and the slamming of iron clogs on the stone road.

[They are here!]

I took a handkerchief out of my pocket and cleaned the little pearls of sweat on my forehead and my hands.

I looked at mother and her with a decisive look nodded at me.

I rushed to the door, cleared my voice, fixed my shirt bow and turned the doorknob.

In front of me extended, for the length of the small garden, a tiny stone path that ended with a wooden gate. In front of the gate people were walking out of a beautiful crimson horse-drawn carriage. The carriage was made of wood painted in crimson red, both the top and the wheels were black and the details on the walls of the carriage were of a goldish color type of metal, probably painted iron. The carriage displayed a big coat of arms painted on top of an white metal shield, the coat of arms represented a long curved bow with a short wand. The two items were one vertical and one horizontal so the whole coat of arms looked like a cross.

From the carriage four people got off: a man that looked a lot younger than my father, a woman of the same age as the man and two children that looked my age.

The man was tall, probably taller than father. His long silver hairs were shining under the lights of the street lamps and small red eyes were now glancing in my direction. But what struck me the most were his ears. Long pointy ears.

I only ever dreamt of seeing those ears, the one peculiar characteristic of his race, those were elf ears.

The woman, who I supposed was his wife, was a stunning beauty. Long blonde hairs that reached her back were softly being blown by the gentle wind. Shiny green eyes and elegant facial features such as the small nose and the slightly curved lips were giving her a royal look. She didn't have ears as long and pointy as her husband but they were still longer than a human.

The two kids were no different. Silver hairs and red eyes like their father but smaller ears like their mother.

Everything about this group of people screamed beautiful.

Even their clothes were as elegant and beautiful as their figures. All of them had stylish light black suits except for the mother who had a long black dress that went down to her calves. Her hands were covered by long black gloves that went up to her armpits and a reddish fur coat covered her shoulders.

[Father what kind of friends do you even have? Those people are probably royalty….elf royalty!]

I took a slow deep breath once again and cleared my voice while approaching them.

I opened the wooden gate and gently bowed towards them putting one hand in front of me and one behind my back like mother taught me.

“I humbly welcome you to our house, I hope you had a pleasant travel. My name is Raphael Bluscale, son of Arthur II Bluscale and Elizabeth Bluscale. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

[I really hope I was formal enough!]

“Ohh this is unexpected. Arthur did tell me that he had an exceptional son but to be this well-mannered...are you sure that you are his son?”

Said the man with an amazed look as if something incredible had just happened in front of his eyes.

[Yes, compliments! Good job me, looks like you made a good impression]

“Yes sir, as far as I know I am Arthur’s son”

“Haha looks like I really have to compliment him this time! For him to raise such a fine child is something I would have not expected”

“Thank you very much sir. Please, follow me inside. Father and Mother were waiting for your arrival”

As I said that the four of them got inside the garden while I kept the gate open.

Once everyone was inside I closed the gate and hurriedly walked towards the door.

As soon as they reached the door I opened it for them and made a large gesture with the hand to prompt them to get inside.

The man looked at me pleased while the mother reached her mouth with her hand to cover a small smile. The boy looked at me with attentive caution as if he was searching for an opening to attack me, honestly it gave me the chills, while the girl looked at me with curiosity.

I don't know what she said but she exchanged a few words with her mother and then shyly smiled while trying to cover her face.

[Was I doing something wrong or perhaps funny?

Even if I change worlds one thing is sure to never change...I will never understand women!]

Part 4

Walking down the stairs and making a grand entrance father greeted the guests.

“Long time no see Elodor. Have you traveled safely?”

With a deep bow the four guests responded to the greetings.

“Yes, it's been too long since I last saw you my friend. Thankfully no harm came to my family during this journey”

“Thanks for having us here tonight, as you may know my husband rarely expresses his feeling but he's been looking forward to this meeting”

Suddenly joined in the woman.

“Pay no mind to it, I’ve known Elodor for the longest time so it doesn't bother”

Said father while giving the woman a smug smile.

“Now please, make yourself comfortable and sit. My wife was looking forward to show you how much her cooking skills improved from back then”

“It's a pleasure to see you again Elizabeth san. I see time has been blessing you! You look as beautiful as the day we parted ways”

“Ara- Elodor san I see you haven't changed at all in those years. Your words are as sweet as ever”

[What even is this conversation?! Is he hitting on mother?! No no no, he doesn’t seem stupid enough to hit on mother while dad is here, its probably just courtesy...probably...I hope so]

After this brief exchange of greetings the long awaited dinner started.

The two heads of the family sat facing one another at the two heads of the table. Mother sat on my father’s right while I sat on the left. The woman who’s name I later learned was Reyla sat next to mother. The two kids sat on their father’s right. The boy sat closer to Elodor while the girl promptly sat next to me. After seeing that, father had a really smug look and gave me some kind of sly wink.

[Father, I understand where you are going but do I have to remind you that I'm only 3 years old?]

I tried to look away but everywhere I looked I felt like I had more and more glare pointed towards me. I didn't really like the situation and I was starting to get anxious but luckily the table started conversing casually after being served.

The menu was wider than usual and displayed a lot richer and complex dishes. They were all laid on the table for anyone to see and take. Among the dishes I could only recognize a few of them such as the boar steak now finely cut and displayed on a bed of lettuce and showered with salt, pepper, lemon juice and a couple more spices that I couldn't recognize.

Another dish was a reddish colored stew with mushrooms and chunks of beef, probably bovine. Among the other dishes some fish could be seen: a very big one of a deep blue color was laying on a coarse salt bed, the unknown fish was probably steamed and the aroma that it emitted was strong and familiar, it tasted like the one of tuna from my previous life. Other small fishes and shellfish composed a bigger dish with many different dressings. A couple of different salads closed off the menu.

All together it was an amazing display of mother’s cooking skills. Knowing how good her cooking is I was dying to try it to its full extent but, being the good-mannered son that I am, I waited for the guests to be served first and only after that I was able to taste the blessing that was in front of my eyes.

Father also went out of his way to ensure an enjoyable dinner. He handpicked personally some of his most valuable wines in the basement. It's a shame that I was not able to try such fine wines, being a 3 year old had its pros but not being able to drink was a very big con.

The conversation went smoothly, mostly between the two men. They recalled the last time they travelled together and I was finally able to understand how father had such friends.

First of all they were not elves as I suspected but half-elves.

During the time father was working as a bodyguard he was hired by a small group of adventurers that wanted to visit a nearby forest full of caves. The group was composed by Elodor, Reyla, mother and a dwarf named Belluth. At that time mother ran away from home to enjoy her youth by being an adventurer. Father travelled with the group for almost a month until they decided that their time inside the forest came at an end. During that time father and mother got really close and later mother would decide to stay in the city where father resided. Father also saved the life of a young and reckless Elodor a couple of times giving birth to a long lasting friendship. After the forest Elodor, Reyla and Belluth changed city in search of more thrilling adventures.

In the end Elodor became an important magic instructor mostly for the children of noble families in a nearby country while Reyla became the supervisor of a profitable magic stone business.

Every trace of Belluth was lost and none of them have ever heard anything from him since they disbanded the party.

Years later Elodor and Reyla married and had twins, the boy Youm and the girl Sora who were really a year older than me.

The conversation then started going towards the feat and good qualities of each other’s children. It seems that both men liked to boast about their offspring.

Every eye turned towards me once again after father decided to praise my so-called “abnormal intelligence and aptitude towards study” and my “ability to behave myself properly under any circumstance”. Obviously everything father said was magnified, which brought upon me even more astonished and curious looks. Even the girl, Sora, was now looking at me with extreme curiosity as she had fixed her eyes on me and was now listening to father’s word with extreme attention.

I had never felt so embarrassed in my entire life.

[How can you spout such obviously enormous lies while keeping a straight face?

Please I beg you! For the love of God father stop!]

As I was wishing to slowly disappear from that awkward situation Reyla said something that made me suddenly stand straight on the chair and gave a cold chill down my spine.

“So tell me Arthur, has this magnificent son of yours already been promised to a girl?”

“No he hasn't, what of it ?”

“Ooh this is good news isn't it darling?”

“Yes yes it is good news indeed, listen Arthur how about this…”

Answered Elodor in a very pleased tone while sticking his chest out.

“...what do you think of marrying your son Raphael to our daughter Sora?”

Continued her husband’s phrase Reyla.

Both me and father looked shocked. We had the same astonished expression painted on our faces.

Mother did not react at all as if she already knew about this.

“Mom?! Isn't it a bit too sudden to ask this? We just met and didn't even have a chance to properly talk!”

Replied flusteredly Sora who was now visibly blushing from cheeks to ears.

“Nonsense Sora! This boy has an incredible aptitude to study, is well-mannered better than most of other older children and to top that has a cute face that is gonna become the face of a future handsome man! If you don’t seize this opportunity how many girls do you think will propose to him?”

“I-I think m-maybe…r-right”

She was now as red as a lobster and was fidgeting with her fingers under the table.

She didn't look like she was against the idea, but it was delivered too soon and she was caught off guard by it.

“W-well but first of all is she even interested in my son? I wouldn't want to sign on a marriage that would bring friction between our families”

[Yes dad tell them something! I'm still far too young to marry! I didn’t even marry in my past life. How am I supposed to do it now?! It's not like she isn't cute but…..no no no it doesn't feel right! Please do something!]

“Oh if that's what’s troubling you then you have nothing to worry! Our Sora has already expressed her intention to get closer to your son”

[What?! Seriously, when did that even happen? It's only been three hours since we met!]

Sora was now looking at me very intensively and behind her both her brother and father were looking at me and giving me a thumbs up.

[This was all planned! I fell prey to a vicious trap! But who could do such a mischievous thing to me?]

“Ah, is that so Sora?”

Asked a pazzuled Arthur.

“Y-yes, ever since father read the letter Arthur san sent where he so highly talked about his son. After personally meeting him tonight my thoughts on him have only been confirmed and improved. If you will permit it I-I wish t-to get to know him better towards the direction of m-m-marriage!”

She finished pronouncing her phrase almost screaming, probably out of embarrassment.

[This is it...Im never gonna go out of my room ever again!]

Mother had been smiling for the whole duration of the conversation, but now she wasn’t even trying to cover the smug look she had been showing me.

[This explains everything...It was mother who concocted all of this!]

“I...uuhhh…”

Father tried to speak but couldn't think of any argument after the declaration of Sora and was now looking troubled towards me.

[Why are you looking at me like that ?! What am I even supposed to do? You are the man here, do something!.....aahh who am I even kidding, there’s no escaping this!]

I stood up and all the looks were once again directed towards me, awaiting for a response.

“In the past hours I came to understand that Sora san is a lovable person, I have yet to have the pleasure to know her better, but if the two families are on accord on this matter and decide to proceed in the direction of marriage then there is no need for me to say a word since I wish to respect my parent’s decisions and wishes”

[Ahhhh I wanted to at least enjoy my youth as a free spirit, but I guess it’s too late now. Let’s just hope that this will have its perks!]

Father was looking at me as if he had just seen a ghost, his jaw dropped and his eyes were wide open, probably the shock had just burned what was left of his brain.

On the other hand Sora that had been looking at me for the whole time was now covering her face with both hands trying to hide her blush but was doing a pathetic job at it since she was blushing so hard that her ears were red and twinkling. Her father was looking towards his wife and exchanging a satisfied smile while her brother was giving her congratulations pats on her back.

“Well Arthur, if both of the interested parties have nothing against it there is little we can say right?”

Broke the awkward silence Elodor.

“W-well yes, forming ties with your family is something to go proud of so I have nothing against it but, both Raph and Sora are still young...is this really ok ?”

“That is indeed true, should we decide on a fiancé type of relationship until they are old enough to marry? In the meantime they could get to know eachother better”

“Yes yes, that seems like a reasonable proposal!”

[Father you are useless! This was all planned in order to check if in the future I’ll still be a suitable candidate for marriage... Well at least you tried]

“Then it’s settled! We shall decide on a future meeting so that they can bond!”

“Oh yes yes, of course”

From then on they discussed a future meeting. They talked about the date, the place, for how long should it last...I really couldn't bear that situation any longer. I had to get some air and to get my thoughts straight. All this talking about marriage was giving me a really hard time to process and I could feel my body temperature rising as if I had a fever.

“If you’ll excuse me I need to use the restroom for a moment”

“Oh yes, I bet all this talking about marriage built up quite the pressure on you boy”

“Yes Elodor san, it is a first for me so it really took me by surprise”

“Hahaha don't mind it boy! Just look at Sora, she was the one who knew it beforehand and still hides her face in her hands hahaha. Take your time!”

After that I lightly bowed and walked to the door in the far corner of the room behind the stairs where the bathroom was.

Part 5

“Thats fucked up! Me married? This is beyond unexpected!”

As I was locking the door behind me those words came out probably out of stress.

I headed towards the sink and opened the tap connected to a water tank.

The sink slowly filled with fresh cold water thanks to an iron ring imbued with magic that was placed around the pipe where the water flowed.

I was now waiting for the sink to fill and was looking at my reflection in the mirror.

My eyes had become slightly sunken, one could clearly see the tiredness in them. My skin had gained an abnormal reddish color and my forehead was covered in little pearls of sweat. Heavy breaths were enlarging my chest everytime I inhaled and the vest was now feeling really tight.

“I’ll admit it she is cute and will probably become a real babe in the future but...marriage? Really marriage? Is this how it works here? I haven't asked what’s the age when someone is considered adult and right now I can’t even drink yet I'm being asked to marry someone!”

The breathing became arrhythmic and much faster as if I had just run a marathon.

A burning feeling in my chest was now increasing even more my temperature but it was not umberable.

I unbuttoned the first two buttons of my shirt to try and cast that tightening feeling away but it didn't do much.

“It's not like I will marry today or tomorrow. I’ll have some years until the marriage but...how could I marry someone when her image is still burning in my mind?”

Memories started flowing like a river as I sunked my head under the cold water.

It was the first time I met her, Kei.

It was back when I was 21. At that time I was struggling to get recognition from important sponsors so every race was vital to my goal. During one of those races, a regional level one, I tore a muscle right after the start and I was forced to withdraw from the race. That time the winner received a sponsor from one of the most important teams. I thought that I wasted my golden opportunity.

That night I decided to visit my usual bar. A cozy place mostly decorated with wooden furniture. There weren't many customers but at least two or three people were in the bar every night. That night there was someone who I didn't recognize. A group of three girls all fancy dressed as if to go to a party and were now sitting at the bar counter snaking on some chips and drinking beer.

I wasn't in the mood to flirt or even have a talk so I just sitted in a corner and ordered a strong drink.

An hour passed as I was simply enjoying my numerous drinks while looking at my phone until I was interrupted by a sweet voice.

“Soo, are you here drinking all alone ?”

I raised my head. One of the three girls was now in front of me tilting her head like a little child and looking curiously at me.

“Yes, I had nothing better to do tonight”

“Can I sit?”

A big warm smile appeared on her face. She looked so sweet that I wasn't even able to properly formulate my words so I just silently nodded.

She sat in front of me and ordered a drink.

“So, bad luck today at the race uh?”

She knew exactly who I was.

[Is she into athletics too?]

“Yeah, I may have trained too hard for the past months and built up too much muscle stress. It was inevitable I guess. Still it kinda stings losing like this”

“I know...I saw you”

“What do you mean?”

“You see, I live near the training facility where you practice so I always saw when you went in to train. Almost everyday you spent hours and hours training. A normal person wouldn't even be able to stand your training. I really admire your perseverance so when I was watching the race this morning I felt really bad for you”

“......”

“So I thought I was really lucky to meet you here out of all places. Finally I'm able to speak with the man who I look up to! Hahaha honestly I was really nervous when I noticed that you were here, but thank God I worked up the courage”

“I'm really glad that you think so high of me but as you saw, my efforts were useless so I don-....”

“Please don't throw in the towel now! After all your efforts and all the hours you spent training your body, don't give up now, it's too soon! I believe in you!”

As she was saying that she gently touched my hand that was grabbing my glass.

A soft warm smile could be seen on her face and I could swear that in that moment light was radiating from her figure.

That's when I fell in love with the girl named Kei.

Part 6

I lifted my head and gasped for air.

Suddenly strong and fast breaths were pushing my chest forward as I was leaning with my elbows on the table sink. My face and front hairs were dripping with water and cold drops were sliding on my neck to end under my shirt.

[How much time has passed? Fuck it felt like hours! But why now? Is it because of what happened before? Ahhh damn it all!]

I raised from the sink and walked towards the towels.

I didn’t even take a step and my legs were already abandoning me.

I fell on my knees with a hand on a wall. My mind was fuzzy and my head was heavy. I could feel my body burning as if I spent hours laying under the sun. Everything was spinning, my ears were ringing and my legs were heavy.

“Fuck!”

I almost screamed as I was trying to stand up in vain.

[I need air and I need it now!]

As I was thinking that I unconsciously tried to reach the small window on the other side of the room with my left hand.

I suddenly felt really tired and my left arm started strongly itching out of nowhere.

I blinked.

Sudden pain spread from my back to every inch of my body as I felt like all the air in my lungs was forcefully sucked out.

When I opened my eyes the only thing I saw was broken wood and spilling water.

Something hit my head and my consciousness started to fade away.

I could hear voices from behind me but nothing they said made any sense as my ears were ringing even stronger than before.

My eyes closed.

I passed out.