The guest manor provided by the capital was nothing short of royal. Marble floors, enchanted lamps that dimmed at a touch, and a massive bathing chamber that could fit six.
Akina sat by the window, staring down at the bustling courtyard below. Rina sat at the edge of the plush bed, watching Kenzo across the room as he fiddled with his status screen.
The silence between the two girls was thick. Not angry… but full of unspoken thoughts.
Finally, Akina spoke. "You don't have to be scared around me."
Rina looked up. "I…I'm not scared."
"You're nervous. I get it," Akina said, her voice softer now. "I was, too… at first."
"Scared of him?"
Akina chuckled. "No. Of what I felt. Of what this could become." She glanced over her shoulder at Kenzo. "He's… not like anyone else. And I mean that in every way."
Rina's cheeks colored, and she looked down at her hands. "He saved me. No one's ever done that. Not even my family."
Akina nodded, standing. "Then let's not waste what he gave us. He believes in bonds. In us."
Across the room, Kenzo's eyes widened as a system alert flashed in front of him.
[Point Threshold Reached: 100]
Random Ability Unlocked: [Soul-Seal Bonding Rite]
Grade: S-tier — Function: Upon use, upgrades a Devotion-Bonded target to [Soul-Bonded Wife]. Effects include permanent soul tie, magical compatibility boost, and passive stat sharing.
Kenzo's jaw dropped. "Wait… this is real?"
He glanced through his skill tree again. His Devotion Skill allowed for girlfriend-level bonds of passion, love, emotional strength.. but this? This was a rite. A vow. A seal that would make someone not just connected… but his forever.
He looked over at Akina, who had just approached with Rina beside her. Her red hair shimmered in the glow of the enchanted lights. She smiled at him, a quiet confidence in her gaze.
Without thinking, without hesitation as his heart already knew what it wanted.
"Akina," he said, rising to his feet. "Will you marry me?"
Both girls froze.
Her eyes widened. "W-What?"
"I mean it." Kenzo stepped forward, voice calm and steady. "You've been with me since the start. You've taught me, supported me, saved me more than once. I don't want to wait anymore. I want you. Not just as my companion or girlfriend, but my wife."
Rina gasped softly behind her.
Akina's eyes welled with tears as she let out a choked laugh. "You idiot… You're supposed to build up to that kind of thing…"
"I've never done things by the book," he said. "But I'll never stop choosing you."
She stepped forward, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Then yes. Yes, I'll marry you."
[Soul-Seal Bonding Rite Activated]
Target: Akina. Bond Sealed.
Status: Soul-Bonded Wife. Permanent devotion secured.
Effects granted: Shared magic resonance, enhanced charm aura, bonus growth rate to all bonded allies.
A warm glow enveloped Akina's body. A new mark as its a glowing red sigil shaped like an intertwined flame and dagger that's shimmered briefly above her heart before vanishing beneath her skin.
In the system screen, a ripple passed through his devotion web.
[Rina Bond Level Up – Lv. 2]
Effect: Emotional Stability Boost / Minor Attack Amplifier
Note: Potential for Soul-Seal in future…
Kenzo looked between the two girls.
Akina wiped her eyes, blushing. "Guess I'm your first wife now."
Rina turned away, cheeks flushed and fingers fidgeting. "I…I'm not jealous… just… surprised…"
Kenzo stepped between them and took both their hands.
"This journey's just getting started," he said. "But we face it together. No matter what."