Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 1500: Son-in-law’s gift for his Father-in-law’s Marriage

Faeria Arbor Territory belonged to the High Elves... The outskirts of the territory were where Kaelith chose to live, driven there by circumstances beyond comfort or pride.

The outskirts rarely welcomed visitors, remaining untouched and still for most of the year. Today, however, the clearing brimmed with life, not crowded, yet full enough to mark the occasion.

More than a dozen figures arrived wearing traditional attire, their colours subdued and respectful, gathering before a towering tree.

Beneath its wide canopy stood two figures upon a small elevated platform, both wearing gentle smiles meant to welcome all who came.

A single strip of green cloth draped from one of Kaelith’s shoulders like a dupatta, leaving much of his upper body bare. A narrow band traced the curve of his shoulder, running down along his side to his hip, where it merged into a pair of intricately folded, wrinkled trousers.

Kaelith’s expression softened as his gaze swept across the gathering, warmth settling in his eyes as he inhaled steadily.

”Please, welcome,” he said, his voice calm yet carrying clear emotion, as he addressed those who had come to witness his marriage.

”Your presence here means more to me than words can express.”

Beside him stood his beloved, draped in a gentle white gown that clung gracefully to her small frame. White pearls were embroidered along the hem, catching the starry sky with every subtle movement. Soft, fluffy fabric adorned her shoulders, where white flowers rested like freshly fallen petals.

She appeared gentle and serene, as if the forest itself had shaped her. Her silvery white hair was drawn into a tight bun, delicately decorated with flowers woven carefully into place.

Chad smiled warmly, her eyes shimmering as she nodded slowly, acknowledging the gathered guests with composed grace.

”Welcome,” she said softly, bowing her head with respect. ”Thank you for sharing this moment with us, and for honouring this union with your presence.”

Her gaze drifted toward the first row of wooden chairs, where the most distinguished guests were seated.

Emperor Kaelen sat upright, his posture composed and authoritative. Beside him sat his mother, dignified and watchful.

Aria, wearing her engagement clothes, was sitting beside Liora, leaving a single chair between them for someone.

Yet, Liora and Aria’s posture seemed strained, lifting their butt here and there as if something still stinging their asses!

The Elders arrived one after another, each stepping forward with measured grace, offering brief acknowledgements before taking their places.

Maelona was dressed in the same garments she had worn during her daughter’s engagement. She remained occupied with the preparations for Kaelith’s marriage ritual, checking every detail with careful eyes and practised hands.

For a time, everything unfolded smoothly, without interruption or discord.

Yet whispers began to stir among the Elders, their voices low and restrained as their eyes repeatedly drifted toward Chad.

She noticed, of course, but responded only with a composed smile, refusing to let unease show.

Kaelith, a shadow of disappointment crossed his features when he realised that the person had still not arrived. The sky deepened in colour, and the moment for the ritual crept closer with every passing breath.

He turned toward Maelona, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. She met his gaze and offered a faint, strained smile before stepping onto the platform and leaning close to him.

”He is on the way,” she whispered gently, her voice meant to reassure. ”Just a little more time. Please, trust that he will come.”

Kaelith hesitated, his fingers curling slightly as he swallowed his doubt.

”But it’s already time for the ceremony,” he replied quietly, ”This moment is sacred. I shouldn’t delay it lightly, nor waste such an auspicious time.”

Maelona followed his gaze toward Chad, who remained silent, standing patiently beside him. Her expression showed no complaint, only quiet acceptance and unwavering calm.

The Elders began whispering again, their curiosity sharpening as they noticed the empty space between Aria and Liora.

Was Aether not going to appear?

Was this silence his way of objecting to the union?

The murmurs spread subtly, like rustling leaves before a storm.

Aria’s brows furrowed as she cast a sharp glance toward the Elders, her gaze firm enough to silence them without a word.

/Aether, where are you?/

/I am coming!/

Maelona lifted her eyes toward the sky. The stars had aligned perfectly, shimmering in their ordained positions, as if the heavens themselves awaited the ritual.

Kaelith lifted his gaze toward the sky oo, watching the stars shimmer silently above. A slow sigh escaped his lips before he finally nodded.

”Start the ritual,” he said, his tone carrying humiliation and disappointment.

Truthfully, if it were not for Maelona’s insistence that Aether was on his way, Kaelith would not have felt this sting so deeply. He had already made it clear that... If Aether had time, he could come.

There were no obligations!

That was all it was meant to be.

Kaelith had never intended to delay his marriage for anyone, not even Aether.

The thought alone irritated him now, as if his own expectations had betrayed him. He clenched his teeth briefly, frustrated at himself more than anyone else.

Maelona released a quiet sigh and nodded, her expression heavy with understanding as she stepped forward to begin the ritual.

”WAIT!!”

The shout tore through the clearing as a violent rush of wind surged forward, tearing through the space with dangerous speed. Leaves spiraled upward, branches groaned, and the air itself seemed to recoil from the force.

Everyone flinched, eyes snapping toward the incoming gale. Before anyone could comprehend what was happening, the ground trembled.

Thud!

Aether’s feet slammed against the earth as he halted abruptly, but the wind behind him refused to stop.

The force continued onward, crashing into the gathering like a living wave.

Sshhhh~

Guests raised their arms instinctively, shielding their faces as the wind rushed past with stubborn strength. Kaelith’s and Chad’s clothes fluttered wildly, fabric snapping against their bodies, while leaves rained down from the tree above, scattering across the platform.

When the wind finally passed, Maelona and the others exhaled in unison.

Aether stood there, chest rising and falling heavily. His clothes were damp and clung to him, strands of hair plastered to his forehead. His eyes looked strained, faintly dry.

’Fuck... I really need my teleportation skill,’ he thought bitterly, blinking once before straightening his clothes. He forced his breathing to steady as he walked forward.

Kaelith watched him approach, irritation flickering openly across his face.

”What took you so long?” Kaelith asked.

Aether smiled weakly, ”Forgive me, Father-in-law,” he said with a soft chuckle, trying to lighten the tension. ”I wanted to prepare a worthy gift for you. It took longer than expected, so... I’m sorry.”

He lifted his gaze and winked playfully, not only at Kaelith, but briefly at Chad as well.

Kaelith and Chad exchanged a look, their brows knitting together in shared confusion before both turned back toward Aether with curious frowns.

Aether stepped onto the platform and casually motioned with his hand, signalling the Elders and others to return to their seats.

/Should I bow before them, or do something formal before giving the gift?/ Aether asked telepathically, directing the question to Maelona. He wanted to be certain, unwilling to disrespect their traditions through ignorance.

After all, he was one of them now.

Customs and respect mattered!!

He needed to learn whether he liked it or not!

Maelona shrugged lightly,

/If it’s just a gift, there’s no need. Only blessings require a bow. A son-in-law bows for that./

Aether nodded faintly in acknowledgement before turning back toward Kaelith and Chad. He inclined his head respectfully,

”I didn’t prepare anything grand,” he said honestly, his tone softer now.

Chad smiled gently, warmth shining in her eyes as she shook her head.

”It’s fine,” she replied quietly. ”Your presence here means more than anything else.”

Aether’s smile deepened,

”Thank you,” he said, then paused before continuing. ”But my father-in-law once gave me a priceless gift, Yesterday... one born from blood and love for his daughter.

For something like that, I couldn’t come empty-handed.”

[+100 AP]

Kaelith’s expression softened, the earlier annoyance fading as a quiet smile touched his lips.

”Thank you, Aether,” he said sincerely. ”So... where is the gift?” he added, curiosity slipping into his voice as his eyes searched Aether’s empty hands.

Aether turned around slowly, his gaze sweeping across the gathered crowd before settling back on the platform.

”This is not enough for my father-in-law,” he said, noticing the number of people here.

”Even if the world failed to accept his love,” Aether continued, ”Even if my father-in-law once doubted the worth of his own feelings, love does not diminish because of rejection.”

He lifted his chin slowly,

”This world embraces all things,” he said firmly. ”That is the meaning of Zephyra. It protects, it shelters, and it welcomes every form of love without discrimination.”

Aether spread his arms and tilted his head upward, facing the open sky above the towering tree.

”Bless us, Zephyra~” he said softly, his voice carrying a quiet reverence.

The air shifted.

A sudden breeze flowed through the clearing, brushing against skin and fabric alike. Leaves stirred, grass bent, and breaths froze mid-inhale as everyone waited, eyes wide and hearts braced.

And then... nothing happened.

”...”

No light like before... No wind surged further.

Nothing!

Kaelith and Chad blinked, exchanging uncertain glances. For a fleeting moment, Aether stood there with arms spread like an idiot.

Aether’s cheeks tinged red as he tilted his head slightly, raised a fist to his mouth and coughed very loudly,

”Comugh... Mough... Fuough!”

Then, suddenly, a faint noise broke the silence.

”Chirp... chirp.”

A single bird fluttered onto the platform, its wings beating lightly as it arrived.

”Chirp... chirp.”

”Chirp... chirp.”

Before anyone could fully process the sight, another bird followed, then another, each arriving with a flower held carefully. They landed one after another, placing their offerings upon the platform with delicate precision.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

”W-What’s going on here?” One of the Elders muttered in shock, but it’s far from over.

From deeper within the forest, heavier footsteps echoed softly against the earth. Massive glowing elk emerged between the trees, antlers crowned with vines and pale blossoms that glimmered faintly beneath starlight.

The ground trembled subtly as bears followed, their great forms moving with unexpected gentleness.

Wolves appeared next, their silver and ash-colored fur rippling in the wind. They did not snarl or bare their teeth. Instead, they formed a wide circle, sitting upright with alert gazes fixed on Kaelith and Chad.

Above, the canopy came alive.

Owls settled onto branches with soundless wings, eyes glowing softly like moons caught between leaves. Smaller birds filled the air, their songs weaving together into a gentle chorus that rose and fell like breath itself.

Even the smallest lives came.

Butterflies drifted through the clearing in slow spirals, their wings dusted with soft luminescence. Fireflies followed, blinking into existence like scattered stars, wrapping the gathering in a living constellation.

The wind returned, but this time it was warm and deliberate. It brushed against skin with care, lifted loose strands of hair, and carried the scent of leaves, flowers, and rain-soaked earth.

Kaelith stood frozen, breath shallow, eyes reflecting the impossible sight before him.

Chad’s fingers trembled as she reached for Kaelith’s hand, her eyes glassy with emotion. She did not speak, because words felt far too small. Her grip tightened instead, grounding herself in the truth unfolding around them.

The Elders had risen from their seats without realising it. Some pressed hands to their chests, others bowed instinctively, their faces stripped of pride and doubt.

Even Emperor Kaelen’s composed expression softened, awe slipping through the cracks of authority.

Aether lowered his arms slowly as he smiled gently.

”This is Zephyra,” he said at last.

One small bird fluttered closer and settled gently on Chad’s shoulder, its tiny claws barely pressing against her skin.

It tilted its head and chirped repeatedly, its voice bright and playful.

”Chirp~ Chirp~ Chirrrppp~”

Chad’s eyes softened instantly, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she lifted her other hand. She tickled the bird’s cheek carefully, her touch light and affectionate.

”So cute,” she murmured, her voice filled with genuine delight as the bird puffed its feathers proudly.

But in reality, it was anything but cute... Because,

”Chrripp~Chripp!~Chrrripp~ppppp~pp~”=”That human threatened to steal our wives if we didn’t come... Aweeee!”

They were crying... Literally crying if someone looked closer, those bears, antlers, elk, everything had some tears in the corner of their eyes and bruises on their body.

So pitiful~

Aether smirked happily,

’Thank you... Hehe~’