A Marriage Proposal

By the way, that girl hasn't even turned 16 yet this year. Solam can only say: what a beast! If this were his past life, someone like Krum would be facing prison time. Who would have thought that Krum, who usually looks so honest and steady, is actually a hardcore lolicon. (The author is a staunch supporter of the mature-woman faction; lolicons are heretics.)

So, every time Solam sees that guy's smug, spring-breeze expression, he wants to blast a Fireball right at his lecherous face and just put him down for the sake of humanity.

However, Solam still couldn't handle the guy's relentless pestering and had to help him style his hair. Little Iluter, who is 6, didn't know what kind of tantrum he was throwing, but he wanted the same hairstyle. When Solam refused, the kid sat on the ground and wailed. With no other choice, Solam had to hold his nose and give the brat the same haircut.

And just like that, the three brothers started walking around every day sporting this hairstyle, acting all cool.

The most important reason Krum returned this time is to have his parents propose marriage on his behalf. Seeing that the girl is about to turn 16 and there are quite a few wolves eyeing this piece of meat, Krum intends to strike first.

His family also takes this marriage very seriously, especially Aunt Solari, who has been worried sick for her son. It can't be helped; Krum has been honest and steady since he was a child, and as he grew up, he became a total mute. He usually doesn't even have the guts to talk to girls, and now at 21, he's still a single dog. Now that his son has finally opened his eyes and is actively pursuing a girl, she is, of course, one hundred and eighty percent supportive.

But unfortunately, in recent years, the Old Man has been intending to let Karut take over, so he has handed many clan affairs to Karut, leaving him with no time. As for Aunt Solari, because Granny Karom is getting older and is in a state of semi-retirement, Aunt Solari has had to take on more responsibilities and is also tied up. Neither of them has the time to go propose for Krum.

Fortunately, the second uncle has been free lately, so he took over this task. It's perfect, as it also allows Aunt Zaira to return home for a visit. After all, Aunt Zaira has been married for over a dozen years and hasn't been back many times.

The Old Man won't be moving; according to tradition, when children get married, it is the parents' generation that handles the arrangements. It's not the Old Man's place to step in, so having the second uncle is enough, and the old man didn't get involved.

Regardless, it is still a bit impolite for the parents not to be present during a marriage proposal. Although, given the relationship between the two families, the other side shouldn't mind, the groom's side still needs to show some sincerity.

So, for the past two days, they have been preparing gifts. For a proposal, the more solemn, the better, so the old man brought out some of his treasured items, especially a few bottles of fine wine obtained from humans, which are extremely precious in Avalon.

Solam and Krum grew up together, so it was impossible for him not to help. He donated his own Snow Tiger pelt, along with some rare metals—all rare and valuable things. He had originally planned to bring out his Snow Dragon pelt, but Krum refused to hear of it. After all, that item is too precious, and there's no telling when he'd get another chance to acquire a second one. After much discussion, they decided to split the Snow Dragon pelt in two and use the fur to make a garment as a gift. After all, half a pelt would look a bit shameful, but a garment would be fine—both beautiful and practical.

When the old man Arando heard about this, he was heartbroken. "You're turning such good material into clothes?" In the end, the old man couldn't change Solam's mind. He had to settle for the next best thing, demanding that no matter what, Solam must save the skin from the Snow Dragon's belly and neck. Solam didn't think much of this request; it was for clothes anyway, and it didn't make much difference which part he used. Besides, he knew that the skin from the Snow Dragon's belly and neck was not only softer and tougher but also the best material for crafting magic scrolls, so he agreed.

By the way, Solam also asked the old man for leave. The family wanted Solam to go along for the proposal—partly to have someone to look after things, and partly to see if Solam could find a girl for himself. After all, compared to the eldest, Krum, the second son, Solam, is the one who causes more worry.

Solam's biggest problem is that he isn't popular with orc girls. Being a "bestie" is fine, but being a husband is a bit of a stretch. In truth, Solam himself can't really accept the appearance of orc girls. Just like that, let alone marriage, Solam hasn't even been in a relationship.

Arando didn't object to Solam's request for leave. He had already taught Solam all the knowledge he possessed, and the rest wasn't something that could be achieved overnight. In fact, Arando hoped more that Solam could receive instruction from an orthodox mage, which would lead to a much brighter future.

And so, a few days later, Solam set off with the family delegation.

There isn't much to say about the journey; the group played and joked around until they reached the territory of the Frostblade Clan. Their party consisted of about 20 people. With so many orcs together, as long as they didn't go looking for trouble, there was basically no danger, and Avalon doesn't have things like bandits.

The Frostblade Clan's territory, the Frost Snow Land, is at the northernmost tip of Avalon, a highland covered in ice and snow. It is rich in Woolly Rhinos. These animals are covered in long hair and look very much like rhinos, hence the name, though they are smaller in size.

The Frostblade Clan makes a living by herding these animals. At the same time, because the Frost Snow Land is the most dangerous place in Avalon, the warriors there are famously fierce. Although their numbers aren't huge, they are still one of the top clans in Avalon.

The close relationship between the Bloodaxe Clan and the Frostblade Clan can be traced back to before the Year of Dark Boiling, and the two sides have been intermarrying for many years. This time, the Frostblade Clan took Krum's proposal very seriously; after all, Krum is the eldest grandson of the Bloodaxe Clan's chieftain and the future heir, so they sent people to welcome them early on.

The rest of the journey was smooth sailing, which bored Little Iluter, who had been eager to see the world, to death. He had thought coming out with the adults would be very interesting, but it turned out to be nothing but traveling. To reach the Frost Snow Land as quickly as possible, they even skipped hunting and only ate the dry rations they brought; there was simply nothing fun to do.

Solam felt it didn't matter; the purpose of this trip was to propose for Krum, and there was no need to cause extra trouble.

Soon, they were led to the Frostblade Clan's territory.

Upon entering the territory, they had to pay a visit to the Great Elder Dussel first. This is etiquette, as this Great Elder is the spiritual leader of the orc clans.

The group was quickly brought into the Great Elder's tent.

The second uncle, Trick, first expressed his condolences to the Great Elder and apologized for his older brother and sister-in-law not being able to come in person, as it was indeed a bit impolite.

The Great Elder Dussel was a man in the twilight of his years. His gaze was not aggressive; instead, it was warm and kind. From his eyes, everyone could see the wisdom that time had left him.

"Heh heh, they are serving the tribe; how could an old man like me blame them? Isn't it enough that you all could come?" The old man's voice wasn't loud, but it was infectious, making people feel close to him upon hearing it.

"Is your father well? Is he still as hot-headed as ever?" To be honest, in all of Avalon, only this Great Elder could speak of the old man Kramsh like that. It couldn't be helped; he was even older than Granny Karom.

"Yes, Father is doing very well now. He spends his time hunting or drinking and chatting with friends." As for the rest, Trick couldn't respond, so he simply acted as if he hadn't heard it.

"Hmm, as for the marriage between Krum and Lilia, you and Barut can discuss it; I won't get involved." The old man first pointed to a middle-aged orc kneeling to the side, telling Trick to discuss the children's marriage with him. Lilia was Krum's sweetheart, and she couldn't attend such an occasion, while Barut was Lilia's father and the son of the Great Elder Dussel.

"By the way, is Solam here? Stay for a moment." Everyone was already preparing to take their leave, as the old man was very aged and it wasn't good to disturb him for too long, and they would have to find another place to discuss the marriage anyway. However, the old man suddenly stopped them, wanting to see Solam.

Solam was also confused, not knowing what this highly respected elder wanted with him, but he stood out honestly. The others, seeing that the elder had something to say to Solam, were curious but dared not defy the elder's wishes.

"I am Solam, Elder."

"Oh, oh. I'm old, and my eyesight is failing. I knew you were a half-elf, but I just couldn't see you clearly. Your grandfather has told me a lot about you; he is very proud of you."

"Heh heh." When you don't know how to answer, a silly laugh is always the best choice.

"I feel the favor of the elements upon you. Hmm, this favor is so strong. Hmm, you must have come into contact with a powerful existence from the Elemental Plane. Hmm, I wonder which Elemental Demigod has favored you. You are very good." The old man had Solam walk closer, looked him over carefully, and then said a bunch of inexplicable things.

Seeing Solam's face full of question marks, the old man smiled and said gently, "Did something unusual happen during your Spirit Communion Ritual?"

During the Spirit Communion Ritual, Solam had only told Granny Karom about what he heard and saw in the vision, as he felt it was very strange. Granny Karom couldn't make heads or tails of it either, but she shouldn't have told anyone about it. How did the Great Elder know?

"Can you tell me what happened?"

Solam felt the old man wouldn't harm him, so he honestly told the old man about what happened that day.

"Hmm..." The old man considered it, as if preparing his words. "Four voices. It seems more than one powerful elemental has taken notice of you."

"Elder, is there something bad about that?"

"Bad? Hahaha, on the contrary, this is very good. You are favored by the demigods of the elemental world, which means your talent has reached a certain level."