As the group approached cautiously, their guards up, the sound turned into a shriek after Lyco's yell. With frightened anticipation, they parted the last bush of Favua leaves, only to find Roba lying in the mud, rolling around and snoring in drunken slumber.
"It's just your brother-in-law, Lyco," Armis said with a relieved voice.
Lyco, disappointed at their failure, took it out on Roba, trying to wake him up by kicking him. "Damn it, Roba! Wake up! Your sister needs you! Don't you want to see her happy on her wedding? You drunk!"
Roba, stirred by Lyco's kicking, stood up, eyes still closed, and began to walk towards the mansion. In the process, he stumbled into Alan, who managed to hold him back but ended up with his overall soiled by Roba's muddy hands.
Armis couldn't help but chuckle and laugh, mocking Alan, who glared at him. Suddenly, Roba changed trajectory and pushed Armis into the mud before continuing toward the mansion, leaving Armis fallen and his pants ruined.
Alan chuckled at Armis's fall and his sour expression, then moved toward Lyco, attempting to comfort him. As he did, Alan remarked, "Your brother-in-law snores like a beast. Must be that malt. That thing is evil."
"That's it!" Lyco exclaimed, turning toward Alan with wide eyes filled with excitement, about to explain his epiphany. But before he could, Armis quickly stood up and yelled, "Yeah, that's it!"
Lyco and Alan exchanged confused glances as Lyco, wide-eyed and excited, asked Armis in a giggly tone, "Did you figure out that the monster in the sewing room Poduria mentioned could be Arian? I heard the same grumbling coming from both of your rooms when you were asleep. It's possible Arian stumbled upon the sewing room, decided to alter my attire himself, and then fell asleep mid-way, getting locked inside?"
Armis, with a bewildered expression, responded, "No! I figured out how to make things right with Aurelia. All I gotta do is—"
"Nah Nah, Not Important!" Alan interrupted, brushing off Armis's explanation brusquely as he presented his suggestion-"Lyco, if you're right, we can find Arian in time and get both of you ready before the wedding starts."
Ignoring Armis's protest, Alan and Lyco exchanged nods immediately as they dashed towards the mansion, the sight of the preparations urging them on. They urged Armis to follow, and with a frustrated sigh, he joined them in their sprint.
The trio hurried into the mansion, their eyes darting around the empty halls. Alan, urgency in his voice, turned to Lyco. "How will we know which room is the sewing room?"
Lyco, pausing to think, suddenly had a realization. "Poduria mentioned they have a crafting quarters near the Men's Guest Room. It could be there. Just keep your ears open, and we might hear the grumbling. Let's go!"
Racing through the hallway, they nearly collided with each other in their haste, sprinting toward the Men's Guest Room.
—Grumbleee—
Alan abruptly stopped, causing Armis and Lyco to crash into him, the three tumbling to the ground.
—Grummbleee—
"It's this room!" Lyco exclaimed, hearing the grumbling emanating from the door two doors down from the guest room. With a groan and some staggering, they picked themselves up and quickly opened the door, sunlight flooding into the room, dispelling the darkness within.
"Hey! Shut out the sun, it hurts!" Arian's voice echoed through the room, drawing their attention. They found him sprawled on the floor, one leg resting on a box of needles and thread, the other stretched out awkwardly. Lyco's attire lay on the floor, a needle sticking out of it.
In relief, Lyco exclaimed, "Thank Roiran, he hasn't messed it up!"
Picking up his attire, Lyco turned to Arian, who opened his eyes slowly, his voice slurred and hazy. "Hey, little brother," he mumbled, "it's your wedding today. What are you doing here? Come on, I'll get you ready." He tried to stand but stumbled, caught by Armis just in time. Armis hoisted him onto his shoulders, and they exchanged disappointed yet determined glances before letting out collective sighs.
"Come on, let's get you ready," Alan said as he nudged Lyco out of the room. Walking toward the Men Guest Room, they moved quietly until Armis, carrying Arian, interrupted with another sudden epiphany.
"Guys! We totally forgot about Lyco's haircut! What are we gonna say to P—"
"Shut up, Armis!" Lyco and Alan snapped in irritation, cutting him off. Armis looked at them with confusion as they entered the room, grumbling to himself, "Well, don't come to me when she eats your head off, you twerp."
Hearing him, Alan turned to Lyco and asked sternly, "Well, he's right. What are you going to do about it?"
Lyco replied calmly as he shut the door behind them, "We'll just have to tell the truth this time."
After nearly two hours of struggle, getting Lyco ready, washing their own attire, and sobering up Arian, Armis and Alan, soaked in their drenched clothes, looked at Lyco, who exuded a princely charisma in his emerald attire, and commented with sincere emotion, "Wow... now you're ready for your wedding."
"Yeah, you look like a proper Preperena, Lyco!" Arian chimed in, still staggering from the hangover, his eyes drooping and a strong whiff of malt emanating from his breath, which tickled Armis's nose as Arian came to stand beside him. "Move, dude, you still have that wretched malt on your breath," Armis pushed Arian back, causing him to lose his balance and stagger to the floor with a thud.
"Hey!!! You brute, I w—-"
Thud
As Arian began to retort on Armis's action, another thud echoed in the room as the gate slid open. "What the hell are you all doing here?!!!" Armis, Alan, Lyco, and Arian watched in surprise as Master Longiseus, Orioros, Leotrus, and Atereia stood at the gate, with Orioros yelling at the group. All four of them jumped into action, facing the Crimson Army, as Longiseus continued from Orioros's scolding. "What is going on? Where were you all? The wedding is about to start, and everyone is getting worried about the groom."
"I'm sorry, Commander, it's all my fault. In my drunkenness, I—" Arian swiftly bowed down, beginning to apologize for their delay to Longiseus. But Longiseus, addressing the urgency at hand, cut off Arian as he instructed him, "Whatever, never mind. Just take him to the altar; his bride is getting worried." Longiseus said gestured towards Lyco, his concern evident in his expression.
On his command, Alan and Arian swiftly jumped into action. They helped Lyco up from the wooden stool, guiding him through the group, and escorted him outside the mansion.
Armis stood frozen, his gaze magnetically drawn to Artereia. She met his gaze with a suggestive twinkle in her eyes, standing out amidst the other members of the Crimson Army who wore standard attire – black robes and tights paired with white overalls.
Artereia, however, sported a customized version of the ensemble. Her robe was cut short, barely grazing below her ample bosom, which was snugly embraced by the white overall, teasingly revealing a hint of cleavage and accentuating her slender waist.
Instead of pants, she wore a sleek black skirt that cascaded down to her heels on one side, with a daring slit revealing her bare, shapely leg on the other. Adorning her head were delicate flower clips, while her feet were adorned with small black sandals, completing the enchanting ensemble.
As their eyes locked in a silent exchange, Artereia seemed poised to speak, but Armis rolled his eyes in embarrassment, tearing himself away from her captivating gaze. With a flush of discomfort, he followed his friends towards the altar, leaving Artereia behind but unable to shake off the lingering image of her alluring presence.
Observing the peculiar exchange between Armis and Artereia, Longiseus furrowed his brow and turned his attention to Artereia, inquiring, "Is everything alright? Did something happen between you two?"
Artereia, her patience wearing thin from Armis's antics, responded firmly, "It's nothing, Commander. Just a misunderstanding." With a subtle nod, she proceeded to lead the rest of the members forward, with Longiseus following closely behind, leaving the brief moment of tension behind them.
As the trio arrived with Arian in the front yard of the Silverforth mansion, they were momentarily captivated by the grandeur of the altar set for the wedding before them.
Beneath the canopy of a sky painted with hues of gold and orange from the setting sun, its rays filtering through the crystalline glass of the dome above, a soft melody from an unseen instrument mingled with the gentle murmur of the assembled guests.
Lanterns adorned the trees, casting a soothing white glow around the surroundings. A magnificent archway, adorned with an array of vibrant flowers, stood proudly near the pathway, dividing the seating area into two sections. On one side, members of the Silverforth family were seated, while on the other, their friends, along with the remaining members of the Crimson Army and other guests, were arranged in anticipation of the ceremony.
Beyond the rows of chairs lay the altar, a pristine structure crafted from white-painted wood and adorned with a kaleidoscope of vibrant flowers. Atop the altar stood a magnificent flower arch, its delicate white blossoms cascading down in a breathtaking display.
Beneath the arch, resplendent in her bridal attire, stood Poduria.
Poduria stood at the altar, a vision of ethereal beauty draped in a form-fitting white tunic. The fabric hugged her curves lovingly, accentuating her ample bosom and revealing just a hint of pale, flawless skin. The neckline plunged daringly, drawing the eye to the captivating contours of her chest.
The tunic ended tantalizingly just inches above her waistline, teasingly showcasing the curves of her plump abdomen. Below, a flowing white skirt cascaded gracefully to her heels, swaying with every movement and accentuating her heaving bust.
Adorning her feet were delicate white sandals, their straps winding elegantly around her ankles. Atop her head sat a crown woven from fragrant rose flowers, adding a touch of natural elegance to her ensemble.
In her hands, she held a bouquet of flowers, their vibrant colors complementing the soft glow of her skin.
Lyco's awestruck gaze shifted to concern as his heart sank when Poduria's tear-filled eyes met his concerned gaze, he felt a surge of urgency wash over him. Without a moment's hesitation, he turned to Alan and Arian, exchanging determined looks with them. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Alan swiftly scooped Lyco into his arms, apologizing as he did so.
With surprising strength, Alan propelled Lyco into the air, leaving him momentarily stunned. In a display of unwavering resolve, Arian soared through the air, his powers of air manipulation guiding Lyco safely over the guests like a guardian angel. With graceful precision, Lyco landed before Poduria, supported by his brother's strong presence. Despite the momentary disorientation, Lyco stood tall beside Poduria, his resolve unwavering.
As the initial shock and wonderment subsided among the spectators, Poduria's anger simmered beneath the surface. Leaning in close to Lyco, her voice laced with frustration, she let out a whispered torrent of admonishments.
"What on earth, Lyco?! You nearly missed our own wedding! How long does a haircut take, huh? Do you have any idea how worried I was? I thought something terrible had happened to you, I was certain that—"
Lyco quickly interrupted her, placing a gentle hand on hers to soothe her rising emotions. With a calming gaze, he urged her to take a deep breath with him. As Poduria regained her composure, Lyco spoke softly, his voice filled with sincerity.
"I'm sorry... for causing you worry and for lying to you."
Poduria gasped as her confusion lingered in the air while Lyco spoke, his sincerity shining through his eyes as he gazed deeply into hers. With each word, he poured out his heartfelt explanation.
"We didn't go to a barber, Poduria. Arian… he lost my attire in his drunken state. Finding him took up all our time. But don't worry! I'm here now, in one piece, ready to marry my angel of a wife. You look so beautiful! And all of this… it's like I'm in paradise. It's amazing!"
A warm chuckle escaped Poduria's lips, her initial worry melting away in the face of Lyco's heartfelt words and infectious excitement. His shift from apology to enthusiasm brought a blush to her cheeks and a smile to her face.
"Alright, that's enough of your sweet talk," she teased, her laughter filling the air. The exchange of smiles between the soon-to-be-wed couple brought joy to Poduria's family and guests alike, even drawing tears of happiness from her parents, who watched on with overflowing hearts.
Seeing his friend happy, Alan smiled humbly as Armis joined him from behind, witnessing the same scene. Armis remarked, "Hmm... he's finally happy, that twerp."
"He really is. W—" Alan's words were interrupted as he noticed Longiseus, Artereia, Leotrus, and Orioros passing by. They joined the rest of the Crimson Army in their seats, but Aurelia and Relecta, standing in the front row, caught Alan's attention. Their piercing gazes made it clear they were angry with the two of them.
Armis followed Alan's gaze, his confusion evident. When he saw the glare from their lovers, his eyes widened, as both men felt a shiver in their body and braced themselves for the scolding they knew was coming.
As Armis and Alan approached, their fear gave way to awe when they saw their lovers. Relecta and Aurelia, standing with crossed arms and furious gazes, looked absolutely stunning. The sheer beauty they exuded was almost otherworldly, leaving Armis and Alan momentarily speechless and mesmerized despite the impending scolding.
Relecta wore a customized, makeshift version of the attire Alan had gifted her. She had removed all the armor parts, leaving only a serene blue overall with full sleeves and a deep neckline that revealed the contours of her heaving bosom. The fabric snugged her midsection before draping loosely at her upper waist, then clung to her lean, tall abdomen. The overall ended just above her knees, snugly hugging her tall bust, plump thighs. Her tall legs were further accentuated by a pair of white sandals, perfectly complementing her elegant feet.
A beautiful jewel, shaped like a water droplet, rested on her neck, highlighting her crimson red lips and a streak of blush on her cheeks. Her hair was tied in a cute bun, with two locks and bangs framing her face, adding to her chaotic beauty. Relecta stood there, exuding both allure and an enchanting presence, leaving Alan completely mesmerized.
Beside Relecta stood Aurelia, exuding bold elegance. She wore an emerald tunic with a deep neckline, the fabric clinging tightly to her perky, ample bosom. Her half-cut sleeves hung loosely, adding a touch of casual grace. The tunic hugged her hourglass waist before transforming into a skirt that flowed down to her knees on one side. A seam on the other side revealed her lean, toned leg.
Her look was completed with jewel earrings and a string of pearls around her neck. Her hair flowed smoothly down her back, with a delicate flower tucked behind her ear. Aurelia locked her furious gaze on Armis, her striking appearance underscoring her intense emotion.
"Where were you two? And why are you wet?!" Aurelia and Relecta yelled in unison as Alan and Armis approached, taking their seats between them. Alan, sitting beside Relecta, saw her almost teary gaze as she tried to maintain her anger. She continued, "What happened? We were so worried... I thought... I..." Unable to hold onto her anger for long, a tear fell from Relecta's eye as she quickly grabbed Alan's arm, leaning onto him and resting her head on his shoulder. Alan looked at her helplessly.
Aurelia, sitting on the other side next to Armis, scolded him, "Why were you not in our room this morning, and why was she there with me, naked?" She gestured towards Artereia, who glanced back at Aurelia before rolling her eyes away. Relecta spoke again, her voice soft and sad, "Is everything alright? Are you upset that we had s—"
"Can you wait until the wedding is over?!" Armis and Alan, growing uneasy and uncomfortable from the sudden interrogation, turned to their respective lovers and replied in unintended unison before Relecta could finish and before Aurelia could resume her scolding.
Surprised and shocked like Aurelia, Relecta straightened up. As Aurelia shot a suspicious glare at Armis, Relecta mirrored her, looking at Alan with the same suspicion. One after the other, they spoke:
"You two are acting strange," Aurelia remarked.
"Very strange," Relecta added.
"We will have a talk," Aurelia continued.
"We will," Relecta finished.
Armis and Alan, first glancing at them in confusion, exchanged puzzled looks with each other. Suddenly, Father Zeneth's voice rang through the air, drawing everyone's attention towards the altar.
Everyone watched with humble and joyous smiles as Father Zeneth, draped in his regal priestly robe, stood in the center between Lyco and Poduria. With his wand in one hand and the other raised high, he began speaking in a commanding yet gentle voice:
"Welcome, friends and family, to this joyous occasion. Today, we gather to witness the birth of a bond forged from friendship, trust, struggles, and most importantly, love. This bond has united two passionate souls: Lyco Preparena and Poduria Silverforth."
Lyco and Poduria, with radiant smiles, gazed deeply into each other's eyes, reflecting on their shared moments and seeing into each other's souls. The melodious hum of the background music grew louder as the murmurs of the guests faded into silence. An air of divinity and majesty enveloped the entire yard. Each soul present, witnessing their union, felt a smile and a tear of joy in their hearts.
Father Zeneth captured everyone's attention once more. "Groom and Bride, in the presence of your family, friends, the Archbishop of the Holy Church, and with the divine blessings of the Almighty Pope and the Higher Gods, please begin announcing your vows to each other."
Lyco took a deep breath, summoning the courage for the biggest moment of his life. He locked his sincere, love-filled gaze with Poduria and spoke, "Poduria, my love, today has been one of the most stressful days for both of us. But do you know what kept me pushing through all the struggles without once thinking of giving up? It was you. My love for you, your trust in me, in us, in our friends, and the hope that once all this was over, you would become mine and mine alone, forever and till the end of time."
Lyco's voice carried a mix of command and resolve as he glanced back at Arian, who smiled with genuine emotion, even shedding a tear of joy for his brother's happiness. Lyco returned his gaze to Poduria and continued, "I, Lyco Preparena, promise you that I will always protect you, support you, and shower you with my love. I will never leave you alone in despair and will always stand beside you in struggles. Poduria Silverforth, I love you from the bottom of my heart, and I plan on doing so until my last breath."
Awes and applause filled the air at Lyco's heartfelt vows. Tears of happiness streamed down Poduria's face as she gazed at the man of her dreams, her soulmate. Smiling humbly, she tilted her head and began speaking, her voice filled with emotion and softness, "Lyco Preparena, I, Poduria Silverforth, promise never to leave you alone, whether in sickness or despair. I will always be there for you, to help, to serve, and to love. I would be happy to share even a single piece of bread with you. I will love you with every shred of my existence because you have made me feel something I had always longed for but never expected."
Her voice wavered with emotion as she continued, "When I received that from you in the form of your love, I knew in that very moment that if possible, I would stay with you forever. And now that it is really happening, it all feels like a dream—a dream from which I would never want to wake up. I want to spend eternity in your embrace, cuddling in your arms. I too love you, Lyco Preparena, and I want to thank you for making me the luckiest woman alive."
Tears and cries of joy spread like wildfire through the Silverforth family. Hearing Poduria's heartfelt vows, her parents wept openly, realizing that their beloved daughter, whom they had just begun to truly know, would soon start a new life with Lyco. Despite their sadness, they found solace in her happiness.
"Now, please seal your union with a loving gesture," Father Zeneth announced. Lyco and Poduria exchanged radiant smiles before leaping into each other's arms, locking their lips in a passionate kiss. The display left their families blushing and applauding, while their friends hooted and cheered, celebrating the joyous culmination of the ceremony.
As the kiss that sealed Lyco and Poduria's union ended and the air filled with applause, Father Zeneth began to descend from the altar. Suddenly, a voice cut through the applause, accompanied by the shuffling of feet on the flower-strewn pathway. The spectators' awe turned to gasps of confusion and shock.
"WAIT! Father Zeneth! Please remain there for a moment," Armis yelled, climbing onto the altar while pulling a bewildered Aurelia by the hand. Behind him, Alan and Relecta followed, trying to stop him.
"What the hell, Armis?!" Lyco exclaimed in confusion. Armis stood before him with a sheepish smile, excitement brimming on his face.
Alan tried to intervene. "Wait, Armis, not n—"
"No… Forgive me, Lyco, but this is urgent," Armis cut in, determined.
"More urgent than my wedding?" Lyco asked sarcastically, his frustration mounting.
"Yes!" Armis declared, sending disappointment at Lyco and confused amusement at Poduria. "And your wedding is already done, right?"
Upon Armis's question, Lyco glanced at Alan, who responded with a disappointed shrug, urging Lyco to relent. With a sigh, Lyco replied, "Yes…but…okay, whatever, tell me what's so important."
Armis seized the moment, undeterred by the confusion rippling through the spectators. With unwavering confidence, he continued, "Do you remember my problem, when I told you how worried I was about Aurelia's reaction when she found out I slept with both her and Artereia?"
At Armis's sudden revelation, the spectators gasped in shock, and murmurs filled the air. Longiseus and other members of the Crimson Army directed mixed looks of disappointment and surprise at Artereia, who blushed deeply. Sensing the attention, she stood up abruptly, shooting a glare and a yell, "What the hell are you all looking at?!" before storming off toward the mansion.
As Aurelia flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anger, and Poduria looked on with widened eyes, expressions mirrored by Relecta and Father Zeneth, Lyco's face contorted with a mix of embarrassment, cringe, and frustration. He gritted his teeth and squinted his eyes, then reluctantly turned his gaze toward his shameless friend.
"Yes… so what?!" Lyco replied, his tone laced with irritation.
Undeterred and still brimming with confidence from his earlier epiphany, Armis forged ahead. "And remember how I told you I figured out a way to calm Aurelia's anger? Well, now I'm going to need your help to do that," Armis declared. With a newfound innocent sincerity, he turned to gaze at Aurelia, who watched with anticipation. Then, with a humble smile, Armis knelt before her, taking both of her hands in his.
"Aurelia Scortch, I, Armis Goliath, ask you under the presence of all these people—our friends, the priest, and the soul of my father watching us from the sky—will you marry me right here and right now, making me the most powerful and loved man in all of Pompeii?!" His words sent another wave of awe and gasps through the crowd and his friends alike.
A tense silence enveloped the crowd as they awaited Aurelia's response, her emotions swirling in shock, happiness, and disbelief. Armis, with an expectant yet sheepish smile, stood before her, waiting anxiously for her answer.
Before Aurelia could respond, Lyco's anger erupted like a volcano, his voice booming across the gathering. "What the hell, Armis? This is my wedding! You can't just hijack it with your own agenda!" Lyco's frustration threatened to boil over as he moved toward Armis, ready to unleash his wrath.
However, Poduria intervened, grabbing Lyco's hand and pulling him back. Surprised by her action, Lyco turned to her, about to protest, but halted when he noticed tears streaming down her cheeks. Following her gaze, Lyco saw Aurelia's tear-filled eyes, her emotions overwhelming her as she cried and her lips began to form words voicing her agreement in Armis's proposal.
Seeing the impact of his actions on Aurelia, Armis pleaded with Lyco in a hopeful tone, "Please, buddy. I want to change. I beg you to let me have this. I know you're angry, but please, for our friendship, for Aurelia, please let me do this."
Lyco, still grappling with his anger, took a deep breath, his frustration mingling with a sense of sincerity in Armis's plea. Holding back his ire for the sake of his wife and their friendship, he replied calmly yet tinged with disappointment, "Well, why should it just be you? Hey, Alan!"
Alan's surprise was evident as he and Relecta stepped closer to Lyco, intrigued by his sudden call. Lyco continued, "We didn't get to see your wedding either. Why not make it official while we have the chance?"
A ripple of gasps swept through the crowd, even catching Armis and Aurelia off guard. Alan and Relecta exchanged surprised glances, their faces lighting up at Lyco's suggestion. Trying to contain his emotions, Alan leaned in towards Lyco, his expression filled with empathy, "Are you sure about this, man? It's your big day and—"
"Would you stop even if I said no?" Lyco interjected, his sarcasm cutting through Alan's attempt at empathy. Alan's eyes widened, and with a sheepish grin mirroring Armis's, he reached out and took Relecta's hand, replying to Lyco, "Nope. Never."
With a resigned sigh, Lyco turned to Father Zeneth, who appeared stunned by the turn of events, and spoke up, "Come on, Father, please officiate their wedding as well."
Father Zeneth glanced at Poduria's parents, who looked at Poduria, who smiled back at them as they sent an approving look at Father Zeneth. Seeing their silent consent, Father Zeneth nodded and announced, "After receiving the consent of the groom, bride, and hosts, I, the Sixteenth Archbishop of the Holy Church, shall proceed with the officiation of these spontaneous marriage unions. Will all three couples please stand together?"
A wave of mixed emotions swept over the spectators as Alan, Armis, and Lyco stood before Relecta, Aurelia, and Poduria. Their eyes sparkled with life and excitement, thrilled by these unexpected yet joyous occasions. Experiencing something beyond their wildest dreams, their happiness and joy were so infectious that it spread to all who witnessed the scene. Even Longiseus and his companions couldn't help but smile and applaud as Father Zeneth announced their union.
"With the authority vested in me by the Holy Church and the Almighty Pope, I call upon our God, the Great Roiran, and the Higher Gods to bless these unions," Father Zeneth declared. "I hereby pronounce these couples as husband and wife. Now, with a gesture of love, seal the bond that your souls share."
As soon as Father Zeneth finished his words, all three women leaped into their lovers' arms, sealing their love with passionate kisses. The sound of applause echoed through the air, mingling with the soft glow of the moon rising in the darkening sky. The beautiful and heartfelt ceremony came to an end, and as everyone celebrated and danced, they began to move inside the mansion.
The couples of Team Goliath held each other close, their faces adorned with smiles and excitement, celebrating the bonds they had formed on this unforgettable day.
After a sumptuous feast and a night filled with joyful revelry, the wedding festivities gradually approached their conclusion. The moon hung low on the horizon, its glow fading, hinting towards the arrival of dawn in just a couple of hours.
Standing on the balcony of the second floor of Silverforth Mansion, Longiseus peered out towards the silhouette of the towering gate leading to the next floor, obscured by the rolling hills and drifting night clouds. Lost in contemplation of the challenges ahead, his gaze remained fixed on the gate, apprehension flickering in his eyes.
Suddenly, his reverie was interrupted by Alan, who approached from behind and took his place beside Longiseus, facing away from the view. With a hint of jest, Alan quipped, "Did Lady Roartad kick you out?"
Longiseus held his gaze for a moment longer, mulling over Alan's remark before turning to meet his gaze with a chuckle. "Well, it can't always be bliss, you know," he replied. "And what about you? Not enjoying one of the best parts of marital bliss?"
Alan grinned mischievously at Longiseus before turning to follow his gaze towards the silhouette of the gate. With a hint of amusement, Alan remarked, "Nah... It was awkward at first, but now I'm quite comfortable. Just waiting for them to finish, so I can have some peace and quiet."
As Alan gestured towards the wall behind them, Longiseus couldn't help but notice the faint, suggestive sounds emanating from Armis and Lyco's room, sounds he had been subconsciously tuning out until Alan drew attention to them once more. The soft murmurs of pleasure filled the air, sending a knowing smile across Alan's face and a playful glint in his eyes.
Suddenly, amidst the sounds of intimacy, a loud thud and the creak of a door opening echoed through the corridor, followed by Lyco's exasperated yell, "Keep it down! Some of us are trying to enjoy our time, you lustful mongrels!"
Upon hearing Lyco's outburst, Longiseus and Alan exchanged puzzled looks, their chuckles breaking the tension.
Turning his demeanor from amused to stern, Alan asked, "So... still worried about the prophecy?"
"How can I not be?" Longiseus replied in a matching tone. They both gazed at the gate, tension thickening around them. "They are the words of our almighty ruler, the Almighty Pope. Great Roiran speaks directly through him. Not often does the Almighty Pope make prophecies. Before this, he spoke of a foreign arrival that would bring destruction to the Academy. Which turned out to be..."
Longiseus's words trailed off, eliciting a glare of fright from Alan. Anticipation filled Alan's mind, fearing what Longiseus might know about his true origin. He took his guard up, formulating plans and ways to counter any possible upcoming accusations from Longiseus, even considering escaping with Relecta or killing Longiseus if necessary and possible.
All this Alan held under his gaze fixated on Longiseus as he continued dispelling some of Alan's fear and panic-
"Venatus's assistant, Armo Arius," Longiseus divulged, "he aided in creating the mind-controlling potions. He was captured and executed by Leotrus, under direct orders from the Pope."
"Hmmm… intriguing," Alan mused, his curiosity piqued. "So, you never discovered his origin? Like which part of the world he hailed from?"
Alan attempted to probe Longiseus further about the foreigner, but his inquiry was met with a stern glare that sent shivers down his spine. It was a look that conveyed a clear message: another word could end in his imminent demise. Sensing the gravity of Longiseus's warning, Alan quickly averted his gaze.
Longiseus's voice carried a weight of caution as he spoke again, his words laced with a solemn warning. "Be cautious, Alan. Some matters are best left untouched. Speaking carelessly could lead to severe consequences. We refrain from discussing the world beyond Pompeii, as it has the potential to disrupt the delicate fabric of our society, painstakingly woven by our ancestors."
"My apologies, as you may know, I am a little new to the traditions of Central Pompeii. So that prophecy, if I remember correctly, said something about dangers lurking ahead would count in hundreds? Can that be possible? What do you think it meant? An Army? But of what?"
Backing away from his attempt after Longiseus's stern warning, Alan turned the conversation towards the subject of Longiseus's concern, putting questions before him, in hope to ease his tension, and understand the true meaning hiding in prophecy.
Alan looked at Longiseus with expectant gaze as Longiseus, after taking a pause, looked back at Alan and replied in a calm, calculative tone, "I am not sure. It could be some creature, but all the ones discovered till now do not even remotely pose the kind of danger described in the prophecy."
"Well, we need to think of some strategy, if we don't want to be caught by surprise. Anything in your mind?" Alan asked, turning towards Longiseus as both of them exchanged stern gazes.
"For now, let's focus on gathering supplies and support as much as we can. Seeing you back in your former form, along with your friends, you all will add much to our previous strength. So, that's a good sign. If you can get those potions ready before we reach the 50th floor… maybe in two days if we start tomorrow afternoon, using Lacerpull wagons, I believe should be enough for now. " Longiseus replied after taking a good look at Alan's revitalized body, now back in its former shape, draped in his black nightgown.
Alan smiled at what he interpreted as a compliment from Longiseus as he replied, "Well, what can I say, Silverforth Hospitality and some time with my friends is all I needed to heal my body. And about those pot—"
Suddenly, Alan stopped in mid-reply as out of nowhere, Relecta, heavily drunk, jumped on him from behind and began grazing her hands inappropriately all over his body. In a slurring voice, she remarked, "Oh…darling," licking Alan's ear provocatively. Relecta continued, sending a shiver down his body and embarrassing him in front of Longiseus, who watched with feigned amusement as Relecta whispered seductively in Alan's ear, "They are asleep, now we can start our…snu snu."
Alan's face turned crimson with blush as he looked at Longiseus with an embarrassed gaze. With a sigh, Longiseus replied to Alan's unsaid request, "Yeah..yeah..I understand, Marital Bliss, go enjoy. We can talk in the morning."
On Longiseus's words, Alan quickly scooped up the drunken Relecta, her thin nightgown clinging to her curves, accentuating her ample bosom and slender figure. Her thin bold outfit left little to the imagination as it made visible a tight blouse hugging her curves and a loincloth visible underneath. Alan, noticing Longiseus's averted eyes and flushed cheeks, hastily turned and began walking away with Relecta, his words trailing behind him.
"Yeah, you're right, Commander. And don't worry, I'll get you those potions as soon as I can. We'll make it, keeping everyone alive, our top priority. See you in the morning. Alan said in a distancing voice as he nearly crossed the hallway.
Relecta's loud voice echoed back as she commented on Longiseus's choice to wear his armor even at night, "Does he sleep in that?"
Alan tried to shush Relecta, as Longiseus chuckled at their banter. Turning, he looked ahead locking his gaze back at the silhouette of the gate, his amusement turned into a stern grimace. Murmuring under his breath, he said, "Keeping everyone alive, huh? I'm afraid that's one promise I can't make right now."