The carriage ride back from the church was noisy.
Ryan talked endlessly. Samuel argued. Elena listened quietly.
Lucas, however, stayed silent.
Oliver noticed.
He's thinking about something…
---
Later that evening, in another section of the palace—
Lucas stood in front of his father.
His father, a calm and powerful alpha noble, looked down at him. "You're unusually serious today."
Lucas spoke directly.
"…Father. I've decided."
"About what?"
Lucas replied calmly, "When I grow up… I will marry Oliver."
Silence.
His father blinked.
"…You met him today."
"Yes."
"…And you already decided?"
Lucas nodded. "He's strong. I want him."
His father burst out laughing. "You're five."
Lucas remained serious. "I'm planning early."
---
The next day, the children gathered again in the garden.
Samuel was bragging about his wind control.
Ryan clapped. "Cool!"
Elena smiled. "That's impressive."
Lucas walked up quietly.
"I told my father something yesterday."
Oliver looked at him. "What?"
Lucas said calmly, "I told him I'll marry you when we grow up."
Silence.
Ryan choked. "WHAT?!"
Elena turned bright red. "L-Lucas!"
Samuel froze.
"…You what?"
Oliver blinked.
…That escalated quickly.
Lucas continued, "You're strong. I decided."
Samuel's face darkened. "You can't just decide that!"
Lucas tilted his head. "Why not?"
"Because— because—" Samuel struggled. "He's my rival!"
Lucas replied calmly, "Rivals can still marry."
Samuel looked horrified. "NO!"
Ryan laughed loudly. "This is chaos!"
Oliver rubbed his forehead.
I'm five… why is this happening…
Samuel stepped closer to Oliver. "Don't listen to him!"
Lucas added, "Think about it."
Samuel glared. "Stop!"
The air filled with tension again.
A faint gust of wind swirled around Samuel.
Lucas's aura sharpened.
Oliver sighed internally.
Children… are dangerous.
Theo watched from a distance.
"…What are they arguing about?"
Charles listened carefully… then covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.
"…Lucas wants to marry Oliver someday."
Theo froze.
"…No."
Sebastian laughed loudly. "They're starting young."
James sighed. "This is going to be a headache."
Theo crossed his arms. "…Oliver is too young."
Charles smiled. "They're just children."
Oliver looked between Samuel and Lucas.
Samuel: clearly jealous.
Lucas: completely serious.
Oliver smiled calmly.
"Let's just be friends for now."
Samuel relaxed slightly.
Lucas nodded. "For now."
Ryan whispered, "That means later…"
Elena whispered back, "Ryan!"
Oliver looked at the sky.
This world… keeps getting more complicated.
And the rivalry—
Had just gained a new layer. 😄✨