Freya's eyes soften at such a gesture, the tension she was holding slowly leaving her body.

"It's fine, I know you didn't mean to hurt me, my father is just…well stubborn"

"I know you were just being protective, thank you Yuto"

"Of course Fae"

‘I'm not going to lie, for a moment, I thought that you were going to kill him’

["I was trying to scare him, if he took it like that well he only has himself to blame"]

Senki let out a soft huff, still shaken from the amount of fear that he took, but was not as hostile as before.

"Protective is an understatement," he muttered, wiping away the sweat from his forehead.

Freya shot her father a glare, silently telling him to cut it out, she turned her attention back to Yuto.

"Yuto, you shouldn't have gone that far, scaring father like that was not necessary"

‘Yeah Yuto, it was too much’

["Well you said to let lose so you're kinda to blame"]

‘Ha well she doesn't know that, so own up to it and apologize, I'll make it up to you later’

Yuto slowly nodded, "I'm sorry Freya, I'm sorry"

Freya gently cupped his face, and her soft hand was oddly comforting. "I know you are. Just…be careful next time, okay?"

Yuto smiled as he stood up, he pulled her into a hug, gently caressing his hand on her back, "And I'm sorry in advance"

"Huh sorry for what?"

Yuto leaned in and kissed her neck, which sent shivers down her spine, her body responded to such an intimate touch.

She felt her cheeks heating up, a mix of desire and embarrassment building up.

"Not in front of my father," she whispered, her voice becoming breathless.

Senki was still in the background, obviously not pleased at Yuto's public display of affection, "Can you too…not do this in front of me?"

Freya shot her father a glare, not happy at his interruption, "Father, it's not like we're doing anything wrong"

Senki rolled his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh, "I don't need to see that, at least respect your old man's wish, okay?"

While Freya and Senki argued about the morality of Yuto's constant display of affection.

He scanned the room, sensing only the three of them in this small room.

["Mizuki, there's something I'm curious about"]

‘What is it?’

["The queen, Freya hasn't spoken about her, and Senki obviously won't tell an outsider anything"]

‘What are you getting at Yuto?’

["I think… I think that the queen is either dead or ill, which means I can gain some favor for us if I take care of the problem for them"]

Yuto cleared his throat, "I've been meaning to ask, but where is the queen?"

Senki stopped arguing with Freya, his face slowly darkening, it was a touchy subject for him.

"My queen…she is…ill"

"She's been bedridden for a month now, ever since this stupid invasion of the Demon King's army, we hadn't had time to do anything for her"

"Father," Freya looked down, a few tears escaping.

Yuto walked up, wiped Freya's tears away, and looked at Senki with a smirk, "I'm not a doctor, but I can help her, so I request you let me see her"

Senki's eyes widened in surprise. He was visibly uncomfortable, clearly not happy with the idea.

"You…you want to see the queen?"

He glanced at his daughter expecting her to interfere but Freya was just as surprised as her father at Yuto's sudden request.

Freya stayed quiet and Senki looked back at Yuto, "Young man, this is serious, please don't make such jokes"

"Must I prove my abilities time and time again!"

Senki was going to argue, but he took a moment, Yuto's tone, the determination in his eyes, gave him pause, and he let out a defeated sigh.

"Fine, but hear this, if anything happens to my wife, I will hold you responsible, follow me"

Before Senki can open the door leading to a secret room Yuto stops him, "What is it now?"

"If I can save your queen, I want a reward"

Senki raised an eyebrow, intrigued at Yuto's proposal, "A reward you say," he mused, his voice skeptical but somewhat intrigued.

"And what kind of reward are you talking about"

‘What are you going to request, Yuto?’

["Well, something that will have both you and Freya surprised"]

"Well human, what is it?"

"I want you to hold a wedding"

For a second, Yuto thought that he saw Senki's eyes explode, but that was just the anger he had been holding in, ["A wedding?"]

He looked at Freya and then back at Yuto, honestly, it killed him to say the next part as Freya was the last of her sisters to get married, all of them had left the Elven kingdom to be with their husbands.

"If…if only if you can save my wife, I will consider your request human"

"Mizuki"

Senki looked confused, "What the hell is a Mizuki?"

Freya wasn't surprised when Mizuki appeared in her physical form, a beauty in a black kimono, with long white hair and a nice pair of crimson eyes.

Senki was bewildered at such a magical appearance, "Who on earth is that?"

"King Senki, my name is Mizuki, I am Yuto's ego sword, in other words, his partner"

"An ego sword?"

"Even with my long life of living, I haven't seen one, I thought they were a myth, but to have one as a companion"

"Anyways, the point is the wedding is for me, Freya, and Mizuki"

Freya's eyes widened, her heart beating, "You want to marry me?"

She glanced at her father who had an expression of disbelief and outrage.

"Fae, remember our discussion about the wife's situation?"

Freya slowly nodded, "Yes, Mizuki joked about me becoming the second wife"

Yuto chuckled, "Well Fae, do you?"

Freya felt her heart pounding, it wasn't something she expected, "Are…are you asking me to marry you?"

"Yes"

Mizuki amused by the situation, decided it was best to turn back into a ring, as Freya's eyes welled up with tears, disbelief, and happiness at how blunt Yuto was.

"Yes, yes I want to marry you!"

Yuto smiled as he turned back to Senki, "Well you heard her, she agreed"

"Human, you can't be serious?!"

"You're asking for my daughter's hand…and you're sword companion as well?"

"Look, old man, do you want your wife saved?"

Senki was in disbelief, struggling to wrap his head around this entire situation, he was torn, knowing that his wife's life was at stake.

He hesitated, his gaze flitting between them, "…can you save my wife?"

"Yes, because that is a promise"

It took a while, but with a deep sigh, Senki walked up to Yuto, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Fine, if you can save my wife, I'll allow your marriage between my daughter and you're sword companion"

"Deal"

Senki looked like he was sick, clearly not happy with this turn of events, but with how serious Yuto looked, and how easily he agreed, he knew he had backed himself into a corner.

"Yes, we have a deal"

Yuto moved Senki's hand off his shoulder, dusting himself off, "Now we must hurry, I'm sure the more time we waste, the more your wife will be in pain"

Senki nodded, forcing any doubt he had down, "Yes, follow me, the queen is in her private chambers"

With that Senki led them through the underground, the air became thick with tension and uncertainty as they walked, no one spoke a word as they walked for 30 minutes.

Finally, they had reached the queen's room, her father hesitated outside the door, his hand hovering over the handle.

He glanced at his daughter and then over at Yuto as if silently asking them if they were ready.

Freya could feel her heart pounding, not entirely sure what to expect, the last time she saw her mother.

She was helping heal the wounded soldiers, to think that she was basically on her deathbed, was more than she could handle.

Senki sighed as he opened the door, it was dimly lit, and a giant bed was in the middle. It was cold, extremely cold, and somewhat suffocating.

Despite the curtains, they could see a figure lying, looking small and fragile.

As Senki opened the curtain, they all saw how her body looked to be consumed by some kind of illness, as she looked lifeless, alive but lifeless.

Freya could see the sweat bending on her forehead, and the strained, rough sound of her breathing.

"M-mother?"

Senki's voice choked with emotion as he softly kneeled on the bed, he picked up the queen's limp hand on his own, a tear running down his face as he gently caressed her skin.

Yuto walked up to Senki, grabbed his shoulder, and gently pushed him aside.

"Move"

Senki looked up, his eyes widening at Yuto's brusque tone, but quickly moved aside, allowing Yuto to approach the bed.

Yuto reached forward, grabbed the queen's hand, and released a bit of his energy to inspect her body.

The room was eerily silent, nothing happened, the queen continued to lay there, unconscious, her breathing still strained.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Everyone get out, I can save her but I won't do it in front of any of you"

There was a moment of hesitation, Senki was reluctant to leave, he was going to argue, but he saw the seriousness in Yuto's expression, and slowly rose to his feet, gesturing silently for Freya and himself to leave.

They left the room, Freya closing the door behind them as they decided to wait in the dimly lit tunnel.

The only sound they could hear was the muffled hum of hushed voices from inside the room.

'Can you save her Yuto?'

"Honestly I don't know, I have a few tricks up my sleeve but that is it"

'Still, I was surprised that you offered a wedding, we have known each other for two years about to be three, but you've only known Freya for about a month'

"Mizuki, do you know when you know something feels right, and you just have to go for it"

‘Let's say I do, what about it?’

"I wasn't lying when I said I love both of you, so do not doubt me, have some faith"

Mizuki blinked in surprise, letting out a soft chuckle, "As you wish"

Yuto smiled as he walked back to the bed, he tilted his head, as if he saw something interesting.

"Hello Miss Queen, I know you can speak, I did pour some of my eternal energy into you"

The room was silent, the only sound was the low rasping breath of the queen. For a moment, it seemed that Senki wasn't mistaken, and maybe she was too far gone to respond to anything.

Then, her eyes began to slowly open, her gaze focusing weakly on Yuto, "Who…who's there?"

Her voice was weak and strained, barely above a whisper.

Yuto let out a small oddly weird chuckle, "It doesn't matter who I am but what I can do, tell me, do you wish to live?"

The queen let out a small gasp, her eyes widening slightly, she attempted to push herself up into a sitting position, but her limbs were so weak and uncoordinated, that she found herself sinking back down onto the bed.

"Easy there, I can't have you hurting yourself, take it easy, yes or no?"

A few tears escaped her, angry at how weak she'd become, "Y-yes," she managed to whisper.

"And what would you give me in return?"

Her expression was strained, her body was racked with pure agony, and it took her a moment to catch her breath, "Anything," she whispered, her voice trembling with desperation.

"I would…give you anything…to live"

Yuto's grin grew wider, "Know this, I shall ask for two things, is that acceptable to you?"

The queen took a moment, before reluctantly nodding yes.

"Well then my queen, remember that promise, for I shall hold you to it"

‘You know, it is times like these when I think, that your title kinda suits you’

["Hush now Mizuki, I need to concentrate, I'm not 100 percent sure this will work"]

[ Blood Sacrifice x Grace of Healing ]

Yuto stabbed his leg, letting his blood leak, the queen was shocked at such a sight, clearly shaken by his sudden act.

But despite her obvious discomfort, a small glimmer of hope lighted her eyes as his blood started to replace her poisoned one, it soon became her blood as it removed all the impurities of the poisoned blood.

Slowly, the color began to return to her cheeks, and her breathing became less horsed and more steady.

She let out a soft sigh, her body relaxing into the bedding, her eyes fluttered closed, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips.

She blinked, her gaze now focusing on Yuto, although she was still a bit weak, there was a hint of warmth in her expression.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice still weak, but much stronger than before.

"Not do not thank me just yet, mother-in-law, what you see next, do not tell anyone"

[ Healing Magic: Tier 6 ]

The queen was puzzled but nodded wordlessly, the room went silent as Yuto began to heal any wounds she had left.

Slowly, the queen's skin began to glow faintly, a soft, golden light spreading from Yuto's hands and into her body, her color fully returning to normal, and the tension in her face now easing.

After 5 minutes, the glow faded, and the queen let out a soft sigh, she was now fully healed.

"I can't believe it…I feel so much better"

[ Passive: Grace Healing ]

Yuto's wounds and missing blood were replaced as his passive-activated.

["I used a lot more blood than I expected to use but as long as the queen is alive, that is all that matters"]

The queen positioned herself up, surprised at the sudden burst of strength and energy she was feeling, this was nothing short of a miracle.

"Your husband and youngest daughter, are currently outside, waiting for you"

The queen's eyes widen, a look of surprise and joy crossing her face.

"They…they're here?" She asked, her voice eager and hopeful.

She looked towards the door, her expression filled with anticipation as if already imagining all the things she wanted to tell her family.

Seeing how the room was silent, Senki decided it best to re-enter, clearly eager to see his wife, as he walked in he caught sight of her sitting up on her bed, her eyes bright and alert, and he let out a choked gasp.

"Julieta," he breathes, rushing to her bedside.

Julieta's face lit up at the sight of Senki, her eyes watering with tears of joy, she reached out a hand towards him, taking his hand in hers, and gripping it tightly.

For a moment, it was just the two of them, sitting in silence, simply relishing in each other's presence, it was a beautiful, tender moment between a husband and wife who have been apart for too long.

Eventually, the queen's gaze shifted to Freya, it was a soft and loving gaze, a mother taking in the sight of how her youngest daughter gained confidence.

Freya stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest, it had been too long since she had last seen her mother, the last time they spoke, the queen told her to be safe as she went to search for a hero.

Freya kneeled beside her bed, her hand grasping her mother's, feeling how healthy she was.

"Oh my little girl, it feels just like yesterday, that you used to hide behind me, look at how much you have grown," her voice was filled with warmth and affection.

She lifted a hand to brush a strand of hair away from Freya's face, her touch was so gentle and warm.

Freya's tears started to flow, it had felt like an eternity since she had felt her mother's touch, her love.

She leaned into her touch, her head resting against her shoulder as she basked in her presence.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you, … I should have been there for you when you went to find the hero, I'm sure you must have been scared, I am proud to see you become a brave young lady"

Freya shook her head, unable to speak through the lump in her throat, she knew her mother couldn't help the situation, she knew her mother wasn't to blame for being on her deathbed.

"My dear little Freya, I promise I will never leave you again," Julieta hugged Freya tightly, and Freya clung to her, desperately holding on to this moment.

Their embrace lasted a long time, even Senki who had a sour face, had a look of relief and happiness, it was a moment filled with love and tenderness, a core memory for Freya.

Eventually, Julieta released her daughter and looked at Senki, who was quietly watching their reunion, "I'm sorry for putting you through such worry, my love"

Senki shook her head, a small wry smile on his lips, "You have nothing to apologize for," he said with a voice choking on emotion.

"I'm just glad to have you back, healthy and eyes full of life again"

Julieta leaned her head against Senki's shoulder, a small sigh escaping her lips. It was a sight that filled Freya with warmth to see her parent's reunion.

"Cough cough"

The sound breaks the moment, interrupting the tender scene. They all look at Yuto, and it's clear that they've forgotten that he is still in the room.

"Am I someone to ignore, your majesty?"

Julieta was a bit startled, as she had indeed forgotten about Yuto, "No, of course not, please come closer"

She gave a gesture for Yuto to come closer as he stepped back to give them a little time to enjoy their reunion.

As he approached the queen, Senki was eyeing Yuto suspiciously, clearly still wary of him, although Yuto had just healed his wife.

Seeing the wary expression on Senki's face, the queen let out a small laugh, patting his arm soothingly, "Don't worry my love, he's not going to hurt us"

Senki let out a scowl, still eyeing Yuto warily but he decided not to protest further, simply watching him with a suspicious gaze as Yuto moved forward.

Yuto though, was starting to get irritated, his belief was repaying good with good and evil with evil, what had he done to make the elven king stare at him with such distaste?

"Old man, if you keep looking at me like that"

Senki huffed at Yuto's words, his expression softening a bit to not upset his wife, "I'm just being cautious, you can hardly blame me for being so wary after what you did"

"After what I did? You only have yourself to blame for that!"

Senki was offended but before he could speak, Julieta cut him off, putting a restraining hand on his arm, "Now my love, this is no place to be fighting"

She turned her attention to Yuto, her expression was stern and unyielding, "And you, please be respectful, we owe you a great debt for your assistance in healing me, but that does not give you the right to insult my husband"

'I see, it seems as if your uncle was right about elves being prideful'

["This isn't pride, its stupidity, and I'm getting tired of being treated as a criminal"]

Yuto turned his head to Freya, who was watching the argument go down, "Freya"

"Yes?"

"I told you how I felt about royalty, can you repeat it?"

Freya hesitated, her mind fuzzy from the whirlwind of emotions, it took a moment for her to remember but she stepped up to repeat his words, "You mean how you won't bow to arrogant assholes?"

Yuto nodded before looking back at Julieta, "Your 'highness' it is your husband who should show me some respect and get off my back"

"What do you mean?" She asked with a puzzled look.

"I saved your people, I killed the demonic beast that broke in, made a barrier to keep everyone safe, and let us not forget the fact that I saved your life, and yet, even with all that, your husband keeps giving me attitude and disrespect"

Julieta looked at Senki, her eyes narrowing slightly at his expression, "My love, he has done us a great service"

Senki swallowed down his protest, grudgingly acknowledging his wife's words, "Yes, he has"

Julieta smiled, pleased at his agreement, "Then let us acknowledge his assistance"

"Sir Yuto, what is it that you want in return for your help?"

Yuto chuckled, "King Senki already knows the details for my first request"

Senki's expression darkens, it is clear that he knows what Yuto is talking about, and is not pleased with the demand.

Julieta looked back and forth between Yuto and her husband, clearly sensing the tension in the room, "What is that you speak of?"

Both Yuto and Senki remain silent, the room is so thick with tension that it feels like a blade could cut it. It was Senki who broke the silence, his jaw clenching so tightly that the veins on his neck were visible.

"He…he wants something that I have no intention of giving him"

Julieta's expression was puzzled, her eyes wide as she looked between the both of them, "Well? What is it that he wants?"

"He wants a wedding for himself, our daughter, and his ego sword named Mizuki"

"A wedding?"

"Between him and our daughter?"

Senki nodded, a look of discomfort spreading across his face, "And his ego sword"

"That's…unprecedented," Julieta managed to say, her voice filled with surprise and confusion.

"A marriage between royalty and a commoner, and with a living weapon no less…"

Senki let out a frustrated huff, his expression still dark, "It's an absurd request, one that I have no intention of fulfilling!"

["Mizuki"]

'Yeah?'

["Are we sure I can't kill this man, I mean he is going back on our deal"]

'Sadly we might taint your uncle's reputation, so please bear with his attitude, I'll reward you later'

Yuto chuckled as he turned his head back to the queen, "Your Highness Julieta, you said you would fulfill two requests of mine if I saved your life, this is one of those requests"

"I, yes, I did say that…"

"But…but a wedding? A marriage with a princess, a commoner, and a magical weapon, it's unheard of, it's…"

"Queen Julieta, do not go back on your word, for you would not like it if I go back on mine"

Julieta was caught between the promise of Yuto and her desire to appease her husband.

Finally, after a long moment of internal struggle, she let out a soft sigh, her shoulders slumping in resignation, "Fine, I will honor my promise, how soon do you want this wedding to be"

Senki let out a strangled sound of protest, his expression filled with disbelief, "Julieta you can't be serious?"

"This is absolute madness, you can't seriously consider this…"

Julieta looked over to Senki, her expression firm and reluctant, "I swore that I would honor this young man's request, and I will"

"Believe me when I say, it was not a decision that I made lightly, my love, but I cannot go back on my word"

"So child of man, when do you wish for this wedding?"

"I wish for the wedding, for after I fulfill the king's first request, to deal with the looming danger over the elven kingdom"

Julieta nodded, "Very well, we shall prepare for the preparations after the request is fulfilled, now go"

Yuto nodded and looked back at Senki, "Please guide me to the problem"

Senki looked frustrated and unhappy about the entire situation, but there was no choice but to comply, "Very well, follow me"