Help! I'm in Another World and the Dragon Man Want Me To Get Pregnant!
Chapter 154: Side Story: Morin in the Republic of Mara (Part 18)

Chapter 154: Side Story: Morin in the Republic of Mara (Part 18)

The reason for his nerves was simple: today, he had been invited to a family dinner.

"I’m so nervous... Hey, do I look okay?"

He repeated the question he had already asked countless times, glancing up at Malvis beside him.

Malvis chuckled gently, clearly amused.

"There’s nothing wrong at all, Morin. You look adorable."

"Adorable, really?"

With that sweet gaze and even sweeter smile, it was impossible not to blush.

Morin turned his eyes away, feeling embarrassed but happy.

The inside of the castle was calmer than he expected.

It was already night, so only a limited number of people were around.

The dining area prepared for them was smaller, a more intimate table reserved for family.

When Morin entered alongside Malvis, Qi Yu noticed them and greeted him with a slightly bemused smile.

"Welcome, Morin."

"Uncle Qi Yu... Um, I..."

What should he say?

While he was still trying to figure it out, Qi Yu smiled warmly and pulled him into a hug.

Being held in those kind and warm arms, Morin felt safe enough to relax completely.

"You poor thing. Looks like Malvis has you completely smitten."

"I’m very happy," Morin replied sincerely.

"Thank you, Morin."

That gentle voice and those warm arms reminded him strangely of his own mother.

It made him long to see his face, even if just for a moment.

But then, the arms suddenly wrapped around him from behind and pulled him back.

Malvis hugged him from behind, wearing a slightly sulky expression.

"You can’t have him, Mother."

"Pfft—"

Malvis’s pouty, childlike voice made both Morin and Qi Yu freeze for a moment, and then burst into laughter.

A little while later, King Malrik arrived and smiled kindly at Morin.

As they waited for the food to arrive, Morin kept thinking: I have to say something.

Malvis had been doing everything he could to prepare to meet Morin’s parents.

Morin thought it was only right that he also express his intentions.

That’s what this dinner was about, after all—so he had to say it upfront.

Gathering his nerves, Morin stepped forward.

Both Qi Yu and Malrik looked surprised.

He braced himself against his trembling body and poured his heart out.

"Uncle Qi Yu, Uncle Malrik! I love Malvis! Please allow me to be with him!"

He bowed his head deeply.

He could feel the stunned silence in the room.

Something about what he said must’ve been wrong, but he wasn’t sure what.

Then Qi Yu let out a joyful laugh.

"My goodness, Morin. You are delightful."

"I mean it!"

"I know you do. But ’please allow me to be with him’—that phrasing’s a bit much, don’t you think?"

"I meant, I’d like to be accepted as a member of your family."

"I understand."

Qi Yu laughed like a tinkling bell, and beside him, Malrik smiled warmly as well.

He reached out with a large hand and gently patted Morin’s head.

"Likewise, we’re happy to have you. Please take good care of Malvis."

"Yes, absolutely!"

Morin was overwhelmed with joy.

Happiness spilled over from his heart.

Standing next to him, Malvis nodded his head with gentle expression Morin had ever seen.

The dinner was peaceful and pleasant.

Malrik was soft-spoken, but when spoken to, he always responded with a kind smile.

Qi Yu, in contrast, was lively and playful, which made the conversation flow naturally.

That night, Morin was invited to stay at the castle for the first time.

"This is my room," Malvis said, guiding him in.

It was the room Malvis used within the castle—furnished with a canopy bed and beautifully carved furniture.

"Is this really okay? I mean, I thought outsiders weren’t allowed to stay in the castle?"

That’s what Morin had been told the first time he visited, which was why he had been staying at Nabe’s estate.

But the words Malvis said next filled his heart with warmth.

"What are you talking about, Morin? You’re already part of my family."

"Huh?"

"You’ll be my family... won’t you?"

Malvis asked the question with a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

But inside Morin, a completely different feeling was swelling—one of quiet joy.

He had been accepted as part of Malvis’s family, and that thought made his chest warm.

"Morin, you really are a crybaby," Malvis said with a small smile, gently brushing Morin’s cheek.

The tears that had rolled down his face were warmed by Malvis’s touch.

"These are happy tears, right?"

"Of course they are!"

"Good. I was worried you might be regretting something."

"Never! I’m just so happy that even your parents see me as family now."

"Of course they do."

Morin couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.

As he laughed and tried to wipe his cheeks and the corners of his eyes, Malvis suddenly took hold of his hand, gently kissed the edge of his eye, then softly touched his lips.

"Welcome, Morin. No—saying it like that sounds too self-important. I’m just... truly happy. That I get to become family with you."

"I’m happy too. I love you, Malvis."

He simply spoke what was in his heart.

Wrapping his arms around Malvis’s neck, Morin kissed him gently and tenderly.

...

A few days later, an unexpected announcement arrived.

"Huh? My father is becoming king?"

Summoned by Qi Yu, Morin and Malvis looked at each other in surprise.

Morin turned to Qi Yu, a little worried.

"Did something happen to my grandfather or grandmother?"

"No, no. Both His Majesty and Her Highness are in good health. In fact, they’ve decided to abdicate while they’re still well, so they can enjoy a peaceful retirement."

"Oh, I see! That’s a relief."

Morin let out a breath.

Both his grandparents had always been affectionate toward him, so he’d feared something might have happened to them.

But hearing they were fine put him at ease.

Still, that meant a national celebration was inevitable.

If his father was stepping up from Crown Prince to King, then surely his older brother Kaelion would become the next Crown Prince.