Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 1501: Kaelith and Chad’s Marriage: Part-1

Kaelith and Chad’s eyes trembled. Just moments ago, they had been surrounded by only a small gathering of people, their presence heavy with whispers and unmasked disgust.

And now, that suffocating weight was gone, replaced by something vast and warm, as if the world itself had exhaled. Their surroundings overflowed with souls and quiet affection.

It did not come in the form of people. What gathered around them were animals and nature itself, forming a gentle circle that pulsed with life.

Feathers rustled softly, leaves swayed in patient rhythms, and eyes both wild and calm regarded them without disdain. There was no questioning gaze, no hidden contempt, only a simple, honest warmth that asked for nothing in return.

Even when the world had failed to recognise their love, nature did. It opened its arms without resistance, even though their bond defied the rules nature was said to follow. And yet, here it stood, accepting them fully, without remorse or hesitation, as though love itself carried a language deeper than laws.

That was what nature truly was.

It accepted everything without judgment or pause, so long as love bore the weight of its own responsibility and stood without fear of consequence.

Nature... truly was a strange existence.

Of course, in this case, nature had been dragged here by some bastard who insisted on giving a gift to his father-in-law.

The intent was selfish and... the method questionable, but the result remained unchanged.

Still... nature was nature, no matter how it arrived.

Aether turned back with a bright smile and stepped toward Kaelith. He placed his right hand firmly on Kaelith’s shoulder.

The simple gesture pulled Kaelith out of his daze, and when he looked up, he found Aether’s gentle gaze waiting for him, steady and sincere.

”I wish you a happy marriage, Father-in-law,” Aether said quietly, as he leaned forward and rested his forehead against Kaelith’s.

Kaelith blinked several times, struggling to process everything that had unfolded so suddenly. Emotion surged through him, before a blooming smile finally broke across his face. He closed his eyes, unable to stop a single tear from slipping free.

”T... gulp... Thank you,” he managed, his voice thick, carrying more gratitude than words could ever express.

[+1000 AP]

[+2000 AP]

[+2000 AP]

Aether stepped back slowly, a soft smile lingering on his lips as his gaze shifted toward Chad.

Damn, she looked breathtaking in those clothes. There was a radiance to her that felt unreal, something that made even real girls pale in comparison. Those trembling eyes, wide and shimmering, carried a fragile beauty that tugged at him before he could stop himself.

She—

’Okay, stop this nonsense. I know what you are trying to plan, but I ain’t falling for this shit. And just for clarification... that’s ”He.” Got it, Motherfucker?’ Aether screamed inwardly at someone no one else could see.

[Who are you talking to?]

Even Log seemed confused by the sudden spike of emotion.

Ahem... anyway, Aether smiled gently and bowed his head slightly.

”I hope you like my gift too,” he said.

Chad’s attention finally tore away from the flowers as she looked at Aether. Her eyes trembled, glassy with unshed tears that clung stubbornly to her lashes.

”Like it?” she said softly, her voice wavering as she stepped closer. ”I love it.” She placed her right hand on his shoulder, her touch light but filled with meaning.

[+100]

Aether froze for a brief moment, surprised. Then he returned the gesture, placing his hand over hers and nodding slowly.

”Thank you,” he replied.

Chad’s eyes trembled again as she spoke, her words spilling out with quiet emotion rather than restraint.

”Kaelith must have done something truly remarkable to have you as his son-in-law. Look at you... not only handsome, but someone who knows how to bring happiness to others without asking for anything back.”

Aether softly smiled, letting out a light laugh.

”Haha... what can I say? I need to best for my father-in-law and also for you too! You look gorgeous, and compared to your beautiful eyes, this is nothing,” he said casually, the words slipping out before his thoughts could catch up with his mouth.

A faint glint passed through Chad’s eyes.

[+1000]

Aether smiled.

[+2000]

Aether still smiled.

[+3000]

Aether... s-smiled?

[+4000]

Aether... Aether immediately pulled his hand away from her shoulder, his fingers retreating as if burned.

”A-Anyway, please continue the ritual,” he said hastily, words tumbling over each other. Without waiting for a response, he turned away from Chad at once, his steps hurried and awkward as he retreated.

Chad tilted her head slightly, her expression briefly clouded with confusion. Then, as understanding settled in, a sly smirk curved her lips. She leaned closer to Kaelith and whispered into his ear,

”He’s cute~”

Kaelith flinched at once.

”W-What?” he muttered, his eyes snapping toward Aether’s retreating back. He shot it a dead glare as Aether walked away.

Kaelith frowned, then leaned back toward Chad’s ear, whispering in a rushed, defensive tone.

”He’s above average, okay? I mean... look at those bulky muscles, they’re weird, and do you know what that means? Those muscles smell nasty, too. In fact... I’m more cute than he is... haha... ha... ah.” His voice faltered at the end.

Chad covered her mouth with her palm, chuckling softly as amusement danced in her eyes. She leaned closer again, her whisper playful yet affectionate.

”Oh, cutie~ jealous already? Haha... you’re so cute right now. I love you, darling.”

Kaelith’s face flushed faintly as he straightened his posture, trying to reclaim dignity. Still, his eyes remained narrowed, stubbornly following Aether with a suspicious squint.

Aether settled between his beloveds and let out a quiet breath as he watched the ritual finally begin. The atmosphere calmed, a gentle rhythm spreading through the gathered souls.

Maelona appeared to be hosting it, her movements composed and deliberate, guiding the ceremony forward.

Aether leaned slightly toward Aria, his brows knitting together in mild confusion.

”Is this alright?” he asked quietly. ”I mean... that’s his ex-wife, right? Wouldn’t this be weird?”

Aria shrugged, ”My father wanted to use other elders, but my mother volunteered herself for this, so...”

Aether hummed softly, considering her words. If Maelona herself didn’t mind, then why should he?

Still, the situation felt oddly uncomfortable.

His frown deepened as he noticed the flow of the marriage ritual. The chants, the pacing, even the subtle exchanges felt familiar.

Too familiar.... Almost identical to what he had gone through just yesterday.

He leaned toward Aria again, voice lowered.

”Why does this ritual look almost the same as ours? Today is their wedding, right?”

Aria flinched slightly before forcing a cute, innocent smile,

”Most things are similar in our traditions, Aether. There’s no need to sweat over small details.”

Her words were smooth, practised, and... entirely unconvincing!

Aether frowned, then hummed quietly and leaned back. His gaze shifted to Liora, who stiffened at once and stared forward as if she hadn’t heard a single word.

Aether’s frown deepened further before he finally shook his head.

’These girls,’ he thought weakly.

Except for the seed and the other sacred elements, everything went exactly the same.

Chad and Kaelith each took a sip from the chalice, the sacred water glimmering faintly as it touched their lips. A visible glow spread across their bodies, warm and gentle, as if the ritual itself acknowledged their union.

Holding the chalice together, their fingers brushing without hesitation, they poured the remaining sacred water onto the big tree beneath which they stood.

Aria leaned closer and muttered softly, ”Look... that’s the tree they planted together a long time ago... Just like us~”

Aether blinked in surprise as his gaze lifted toward the tree, his eyes tracing its massive trunk and sprawling branches.

’I guess... a very long time,’ he thought quietly.

Maelona clapped her hands together, drawing everyone’s attention. Her voice rang out, firm and ceremonial, carrying authority and finality.

”I, Maelona Zephyr, hereby announce Kaelith Zephyr and Chad Zephyr as husband and wife!”

Everyone rose to their feet at once, applause erupting from all sides. Hands clapped, voices cheered, and even the animals joined in, tossing flowers into the air with unrestrained enthusiasm.

Their joy felt slightly forced, yet undeniably happy, echoing through the space.

”Chirp~ Chirp~”

”Grrrlll~”

”Kkrrrryyy~”

”KKuuuu~”

Flowers rained down upon Chad and Kaelith as if nature itself had chosen to bless them openly. They smiled warmly, standing close, their eyes soft and glistening as petals brushed past their faces. Slowly, their gazes drifted toward Aether, who returned their look with a gentle smile.

Soon, one by one, everyone stepped forward onto the stage to congratulate the newlywed couple. Laughter and warm words filled the air, wrapping the moment in shared joy.

Aether watched the scene with quiet warmth. His eyes lingered on Aria as she congratulated them enthusiastically, her smile bright and genuine. Then his gaze shifted to Maelona, resting there for a few seconds. She smiled calmly, offering her congratulations as if nothing unusual had occurred. Aether glanced upward briefly and shook his head.

’Idiot...’ he thought.

He shook his head again and stepped forward, standing before them with a composed expression.

”I wish you a happy life going forward,” he said sincerely.

Kaelith nodded, smiling deeply.

”Thank you, Aether. I really mean it.”

Chad, however, smirked slightly, her eyes narrowing with playful expectation.

”That’s it?”

Aether blinked, caught off guard.

”Do you need something else?”

Chad let out a small sigh, feigning disappointment as she crossed her arms lightly.

”Here I thought Mr. Aether would offer a wonderful dance at our marriage, something to make it even more unforgettable.”

Hearing that, Aether stiffened slightly, clearly taken aback.

”Dance? Me?” he said, his eyes rolling to the side as memories surfaced.

He recalled the times he had danced when his ownership was on the line... another when he toyed with an entire empire, and... yet another when he spread guilt throughout the empire itself.

Those were the moments when he made others suffer...

’Well... they weren’t exactly good,’ he thought.

Chad smiled and continued,

”Even though my husband offered your engagement a wonderful and unforgettable dance, right?” she said sweetly. ”Or maybe you’re not as good as my husband... fu~ fu~.” She then turned to Aria and Liora, her expression suddenly pitiful.

”You children may never receive such a wonderful dance again.”

For some reason, Kaelith smirked happily with pride.

Aether’s lips twitched, a faint spark igniting in his eyes.

”Very well,” he said firmly. ”I will show you what I’m made of.”

With a serious expression, he leapt forward onto the ground.