SHOPPING
Morning came, the sun rose bright and fair. In the sunshine the air was warm, and that warmth was particularly pleasant with the invigorating freshness of the morning. Mort returns home to the Brethren city and headed straight into the Aslanovs' manor after he talks to Sumire's family.
Emerge from his phantom car, Mort felt a surge of happiness in his veins. The news elevated his mood. He couldn’t think of a time he’d ever been happier. The hunk never imagined himself in these situations but this is him now, he felt like an ordinary person.
Mort unconsciously hums as he strode toward the manor. With a calm and cool demeanor, a charming smile curved on his lips. All he knows he is deeply delighted.
"Is that really our Master?"
"I have never seen Master like this..."
"I think Master was just reborn from being a demon."
Mouth left hanging open, the maidservants stare at him completely awestruck as he passed by. They all lined up and held their gaze, struck by the light aura around him. Though his aura of power, his command and confidence, the sense that—whatever he was—he was something humankind wasn't prepared to face, the menacing aura that screams danger which made the people around him felt restless and suffocated, is now strangely invisible. The maidservants of the manor surprisingly felt comfort with Mort's presence.
Everywhere, there is now vigor and vitality. The servants seem to be able to breathe freely. They never thought they would see Mort as a different person. This rare occasion comes once in a lifetime. They immediately thought of the only maiden Mort brought to the manor and introduced to the Aslanovs. The maiden is possibly the reason for their Master's sudden change. Even though Mort didn't seem to acknowledge their existence and presence around him, they all happily bowed and welcomed the hunk with warmth and respect.
"Welcome back, Sir." They said in unison. The Head Butler of the Aslanovs opened the door widely for the hunk and Mort entered the Library room where the Aslanovs, Lucian, and Yakov gathered together for a meeting.
All eyes darted to him. The young man had just returned to the family's manor and they wondered why he is home again. It seems Mort going home becomes more frequent. The Aslanovs don't know whether to be happy about his presence in the manor or get nervous.
"I'm going to marry Sumire next week," Mort announces and seated in the empty chair opposite his Grandfather, Don Zagreus.
Unsurprised in their respective chairs, the Aslanovs have expected this day to come and they all looking forward to it. But what left them wondering, is why Mort does not ask for approval from them.
"We heard you." Don Zagreus responded.
Don Demetrius smiled and mouthed 'Congratulations' to his son and Mort nodded in response. Lady Katyusha, on the other hand, gives their son a slight nod and a small smile to congratulate him. So did the Consigliere Lucian and his son, Yakov.
"Good. Then you should let me leave the Underground." Mort said in a firm and serious tone making Don Zagreus's face contort at what he said.
The chairman of the family dislikes the idea of his eldest grandson leaving the Underground. If possible, he wants Mort to stay until the last of his breath and remain there, ruling. The world where he was born and grew up.
They both know leaving that world is impossible. Especially there are the highest people who will not allow Mort to leave the throne. The OUTLAWS, who operate both underground and surface world. They are in the middle of two worlds. They have the power to judge high-ranking officials on the surface, mafia lords and kings who will dare to leave the Underground. Not everyone on the surface and underground knows about the existence of OUTLAWS, especially Mort. They're like residing in the shadows, watching every move and keeping their eyes on the current leaders of both worlds.
The OUTLAWS let Mort do what he wants. If the young man thinks they are referring to his enemies who get in his way of leaving the throne, then Mort is wrong. They are referring to the OUTLAWS.
Don Zagreus forbids talking about their existence. He can only ask two people for help this time. The main reason why he sent Lucian to the country of Francois. Narco and Chadwick. Both of them know and have the possibility of having a connection with the OUTLAWS. The Don doesn't know even one of the outlaws though he knows their existence. Don Zagreus is now struggling to help his grandson.
"You don't understand. You don't know anything." Don Zagreus said. He doesn't know where to begin and how to tell Mort everything without triggering the OUTLAWS.
Mort, who wanted to guess what was on his grandfather's mind, could not even see anything on Don Zagreus' conflicted face. It was as if the Head of the family wanted to tell him but something was holding him back.
A deafening silence engulfed the entirety of the library for several minutes, waiting for someone to speak. Mischa who wanted to congratulate her older brother was waiting for the right time to do so. She felt the heavy atmosphere descend upon them. She may make the situation worse if she speaks up.
Leaning against the car, Narco and Klauss who were left outside the manor also quietly waiting for their Boss to come out. Lost in thought, Narco knew that Mort couldn't leave easily his role especially knowing Mort's situation. Although his adoptive father does not know what will happen when he leaves the Underground, Narco is working on a way to help him.
Narco thrust one hand into his pocket and get the phone. He dialed Don Zagreus's personal number who immediately answered his call. The Chairman utters no words, he waits for him to say something.
"Let him." Narco curtly said and Don Zagreus immediately ended the short call. After a minute or two, Mort came out from the manor with a happy visage, not knowing a great danger that awaited his adopted son foolish enough to make a hasty decision.
"Congratulations, Dad," Narco said smilingly with an open arms. Mort hugged him.
"Thank you." Mort genuinely whispered. Klauss, who still did not want the Boss to leave the Underground, flashed an unforced smile.
The secretary accepts his Boss' decision. Klauss can't help but felt sad. He will not let it affect the life his Boss wanted. Though, he asked himself if a dark stained monster would last long on the surface that had been lurking in the darkness all its life. But whatever it is, he can't do anything else but support his friend and considered family, Mort.
"Congratulations, Boss," Klauss said and Mort gave him a small nod. The secretary genuinely wishes his Boss true happiness for the rest of his life with Sumire and a family of their own to build.
"Then help me prepare for everything."
While Mort was preparing for their wedding, Sumire does shopping for baby items for the twins with Lunaire and Chaise at a mall owned by her Uncle Chadwick. The maiden does not want to go shopping as she wanted her and Mort to do it. But her parents insisted and were very excited to shop for their grandkids. Sumire was left with no choice but to agree and go with them.
'Well, Mort and I can go shopping together anytime soon.' A hand caressed her belly, the maiden giggled at the thought. She can't wait for them to become parents of their twins.
Sumire looked at the fluffy stuffed toys and took one of them. Her habit came in. She buried her face in a squishy and fluffy bear. A small commotion caught her attention when she saw Lunaire and Chaise arguing over plushie toys. Heaving a sigh, she went to their place.
"I want to propose to Mort when I get home to the Brethren." Sumire suddenly said out of nowhere which stopped her parents and look at her.
They were in the baby section of the famous mall. Holding a penguin and bear stuff toys, Lunaire and Chaise exchange glances. The couples knew that when Sumire returned home, their son-in-law Mort would welcome their daughter to a surprise wedding.
Lunaire blushed with excitement as she tightly clung to her husband's arm and pinched Chaise's on the side, squealing in silence. She was elated deep inside with what Sumire said. No doubt they were made for each other.
"Ouch! H-honey...that hurts..." Chaise said as Lunaire pinched him even harder. His wife was too excited that her joy can turn someone's happiness into suffering.
"Okay. We got you, sweety. Just let us know if you ever need our help." Face twitched from the stinging pain, Chaise added and roughly smiled in hurt at the maiden.
Sumire was so happy, so free, so lighthearted! though the image of Mort's unkempt appearance according to the twins haunts her mind. It damn worries her.
"Mommy, I feel sorry for Mort," Sumire said in a worried tone which surprise the couple. If they remember it right yesterday, their daughter was in a hurry to go home to the Brethren because Mort was not doing well.
"Why? Did something happen to him?" Chaise asked feigning innocent even though he just met and have a talk with Mort yesterday.
"Leroy and Lyric told me Mort does not take care of himself properly well. They said Mort doesn't shave his face and now he has stubble. The twins told me Mort terribly reeks as he doesn't bathe anymore." Sumire snorted as Lunaire almost burst into laughter.
Faking a cough, Lunaire's face grew red again in amusement. Mort looks so handsome and impeccably groomed. He had a clean face with no traces of stubbles and the hunk smelled so nice last night.
"He is also losing weight as he is not eating properly." The maiden added with a worried face. Chaise was surprised, staring at Sumire in disbelief. Mort has much a bigger frame now with well-toned muscles and a perfect body build. He even looks more dangerous and he doesn't look sick yesterday.
"When did they say that, honey?" Lunaire asked, taking all Sumire's complaints while trying her best to suppress the laughter.
"Yesterday, when I command them to pull all the weeds in Uncle Chadwick's garden," Sumire said. The couple immediately understood why Leroy and Lyric said such a thing. The twins probably make the maiden distracted. Unbeknownst to them, Mort's two little chimpanzees were just kidding around their daughter.
"Then when you go home, you must give everything to him. Take good care of him so that he can return to the way he was before." Lunaire gently said with a selene smile.
Sumire nodded to her and put the boxes of nappy diapers she was holding in the big cart with all the different brands of milk and many more. After they finished shopping, Leroy and Lyric picked them up with big smiles plastered on their faces. The maiden raised an eyebrow at them.
"What is up?" Sumire asked. Something is fishy going on with their playful smiles. The twins looked at each other.
"We cooked your favorite food. Recipe from Boss. Taught by Boss Mort. And we made it with love though you tortured us with passion." Leroy replied with pride and finally, they were able to boast and show off the food they prepared.
"Too bad we're going to eat outside today." Sumire gave a cocky answer that leads to fading of the beautiful smile of the twins.
"Are you serious?" In unison, Leroy and Lyric asked in disbelief and Sumire nodded in response.
The maiden felt satisfied as she mercilessly shattered their big expectations hoping she would be impressed with their cooking skills. Lips thrust forward, the twins pouted.
"We did our best." Shoulder greatly dropped, Lyric said in a lowered head and low tone. Sumire flashed a smirk and approached them. She patted them on the shoulder at the same time.
"Better luck next time," Sumire said leaving the twins on their hands and knees on the floor, dark clouds were above their heads, and heaving a sigh of defeat. That day ended with the maiden victoriously bullying the twins.
Sumire was having fun at the chaos in the country of Francois. Mort, on the other hand, went shopping for a wedding gown with Narco and Klauss at the famous dress emporium of the Brethren city.
In their simple yet expensive looks, the men entered the most extravagant and highest quality boutique where the simple yet elegant wedding dresses with lavish prices were modeled by the mannequins. The shoppers especially the female staff can't help but drool over them. Their looks draw so much attention to the place.
Mort, Klauss, and Narco spent almost three hours shopping for gowns. Eyes darted at the fabric and unique design that would suit Sumire. The staff of the store introduced them to the exquisite wedding dresses and patiently waited for their choice. They knew they would make a lot of money. One more thing, the three of them were hot and gorgeous now holding a gown that catches their eyes.
"This gown suits Sumire. She absolutely looks sweet, sassy, and classy in it!" Narco said while picking up the gown.
Klauss nodded in agreement and slap Narco's hand, afraid the dress might get stained. Childishly pouted, Narco rub his hand from the stinging pain and step back.
"No doubt. I mean all the wedding dresses here will suit her." Mort flexed with a smug on his face which Klauss turn his gaze on him and sneered. The hunk had already imagined Sumire in the gown. His future wife is stunning whether she is dressed or naked. He can't help but admire the maiden's pure and exquisite raw beauty. Hand on his chin, Mort nodded in satisfaction.
"You are right. But to be sure, how about measuring this dress on you, Boss?" Klauss challenged him making Mort freeze in his place, stunned.
"According to the elders, for the wedding to be successful, the groom should be the first to measure the wedding dress for his bride." Narco is seconded, playing along with Klauss.
"You are right. But what if this gown gets damaged?" Mort innocently agrees as his eyes darted to the delicate gown. He could easily teared this dress on Sumire on their honeymoon.
Stood unblinking, trying to process what they had just heard, Narco and Klaus gawked at Mort in disbelief. Stare in a catatonic stupor, their expression was deceptively composed, their surprise given away by a brief gasp.
"Sir, is this what you have chosen?" A female staff suddenly appeared and asked in a flirtatious tone. She approaches their place and tried to seduce Mort, Narco, and Klauss at the same time.
The two buttons on the uniform are intentionally open to flaunt her cleavage peek in the sight. Her skirt was slightly pulled up, shorten it to her thick thighs and expose her bare legs that had just taken off her stockings. Her hair, which should have been tied up, is already loose. She's beautiful and curvy but unfortunately, none of the men does bother to throw her a single glance. Her seductions are unimpressive and failed to capture their attention as one of the men whose pair of arctic blue eyes were as cold as ice and numb, the other one desired a man, and the top gorgeous man she'd ever seen in her life is about to get married and is loyal to the core of the woman he madly loves.
"We'll just call you when we've made our choice. You can go." Mort said in a cold tone even after wearing a cool and calm demeanor. The woman was frightened and left quickly.
"So, what do you think? Will the gown be damaged when I take it on?" Mort asked. Narco and Klauss were left speechless, lips parted in silent surprise.
"Are you crazy? We're just fooling you." Brows rose in a surprised arc, Klauss said harshly as Narco finally burst out laughing.
"Damn, Boss is finally corrupted by this so-called love. This thing terrifies me."
