Chapter 231
I’ve lost count of how many emergency summons I’ve received from the Crown Prince this semester alone. At this point, I might as well be getting cozy with this whole ordeal.
‘This isn’t something I should be getting cozy with, though.’
With a bitter feeling, I quickly deleted the ugly message from my communication terminal. It was far too horrid to keep stored.
As soon as I deleted it, I contacted Marghetta right away.
‘Who knows how long I’ll be held up this time.’
Honestly, I didn’t think this would lead to any disciplinary action. Someone who has faced multiple disciplinary situations can usually tell what kind of trouble will get them in hot water. Even if a high official were to grab their neck in dismay, this incident isn’t severe enough to warrant punishment for me.
Besides, there’s no justification for them to want to punish me. Have I made the duke cry? Walked hand in hand with the Crown Prince in the middle of the Academy? Those aren’t exactly things I can openly confess, are they?
So, I’m relieved to be avoiding punishment. But since it’s not a formal reprimand, I have no idea what kind of actions might come my way. Responding to the Crown Prince’s summons leaves me uncertain about when I can return to the Academy.
‘Let’s avoid a repeat of last time.’
If I end up stuck for just a few hours, I’d get back to the Academy only by afternoon. Just like last time where I had to pass Marghetta without notice.
With time passing, the chances of rumors reaching Marghetta’s ears are only going to increase. Then, the true Marghetta might break down again.
I need to prevent that. If I can’t make it, I’ll let her know in advance, and if it comes to misunderstandings, I’ll clarify them myself. That’s only right.
– Oh my, Carl?
“Mar.”
It didn’t take long before Marghetta picked up. I could see a teacup on her side, suggesting she might’ve been having tea after a meal.
– Contacting me this early? Were you really that eager to see me?
Marghetta’s eyes widened with surprise, but she quickly broke into a smile.
Of course, the person who would be coming to the Vice President’s Office later was bound to have some questions about why I contacted her so early.
“Yeah, I wanted to reach out because I miss you. It seems I’ll be visiting you late today.”
Marghetta tilted her head at my words while smiling.
– Is something going on?
“I had a meeting with Duke Marcilio yesterday at the Academy. Right now, the Crown Prince is summoning me. So, I might be delayed in returning to the Academy.”
Marghetta visibly flinched at the unusual content of the conversation. The slight twitch was noticeable even through the communication terminal.
And who could blame her? After confessing to Marcilio, meeting with him now… and someone with experience in probation and detention like me going to see the Crown Prince. For Marghetta, this is no trivial matter.
“The New Year’s Ball is coming up soon. After that, I also need to ask the Iron-Blooded Duke for his blessing to marry. It would be problematic if the surroundings get noisy.”
– Ah, yes. That’s right. It’s just around the corner.
The tension in Marghetta’s face melted swiftly upon hearing that. The mention of marriage blessing seemed to wipe her worries away.
For Marghetta, what matters above all is trust and reassurance. As long as those two things are guaranteed, she welcomes me with a smile.
“Yeah. And I discussed various matters with Duke Marcilio, and your position will be secure.”
Marghetta’s eyes widened once again.
Secure position means I won’t have to yield first place to the duke.
“Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you deserve to take priority over Carl…”
Truth be told, after the last incident of me being out in the cold, Marghetta seems to have given up her aspirations for first place. If it means being with me, it doesn’t matter how low her rank is. She seems to prioritize my choices over her desires.
Still, how can people’s hearts change so easily? Even if she let go of her aspirations, it’s only natural to want something if it’s within reach. Hence, with my assurance of going first, she has every reason to be happy.
– Did the Duke say that?
Seeing her lean closer to the communication terminal made me chuckle. Yeah, she’s genuinely happy.
“I’ll explain everything in person.”
It’s a bit too complex and lengthy to convey over a terminal.
“Don’t worry; I won’t allow myself to just watch you from afar and keep you in my heart.”
How can I explain that the Duke made such a poignant declaration so simply?
It’s basically a declaration of surrender, stating he will comply with my wishes. It’s a declaration that warms my heart while also reassures me that I don’t have to concern myself too much with his presence. The Duke isn’t fixated on being first or monogamous.
And if he doesn’t desire monogamy, and both he and Marghetta have lessened their cravings for first place, then there’s a decent solution.
No, not just decent; I’ve come up with the one and only solution. It’s surprising that I didn’t think of this sooner.
– I-I’ll wait.
“Just in case, keep the window of the dormitory open. I might drop by tonight.”
Marghetta blushed fiercely but nodded.
After contacting Marghetta, I then reached out to the Principal to explain the situation. I told him I had gone to the Academy for an errand, but I might be late due to the Crown Prince’s summons.
For a moment, I caught a glimpse of his expression, which seemed to ask, ‘What in the world did this guy do to meet the Crown Prince so often?’ but he ultimately chose to ignore it.
“Has the Director of Inspection arrived?”
“I’ll see His Highness.”
What matters now isn’t the Principal’s curiosity but my future.
Honestly, I pondered a lot in front of the Crown Prince’s palace. This wasn’t a predetermined consequence; it all hinged on the Crown Prince’s mood.
Should I initiate with a deep bow to show my remorse, or cartwheel into the room? If one of the knights guarding the Crown Prince said, “Make sure to crawl on your hands and knees until you reach his office,” I would’ve confidently done so.
In the end, I walked in normally.
“It seems I’ve been seeing the Director of Inspection quite often lately. Just a little joy amidst the drudgery of work.”
= I’m grateful for the trouble you cause just when I’m beginning to relax, you bastard.
I lowered my head at the Crown Prince’s indirect insult right from the start.
It’s unfair, but I have to bow my head now. Just an hour ago, the Duke was the one crying, and I was the one holding hands with him at the Magic Tower to suppress the rumors. Yet, I still have a stake in that situation.
“And I’m quite glad that the pillars of the Empire seem to be intertwining.”
“I’m honored, Your Highness.”
At that, I bowed even deeper. It was clear he was displeased about the fiasco involving the Duke.
With less than a month remaining before the New Year’s Ball, there was no way the Crown Prince would be happy about an incident erupting right in the midst of preparations.
“Please, take a seat. I’ve kept the guest standing for too long.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Fortunately, the verbal jabbing didn’t last long. That is, unless he has plans to hammer me down once I sit.
“By the way, I’m increasingly looking forward to the first wife of our Director of Inspection. Which family could she be from?”
The Crown Prince, seated at the head table, spoke with a light smile.
Regrettably, short it was not; it was the beginning of a powerful pitch right after sitting down. The Prince effortlessly threw a direct dart my way.
His blatant words made me swallow inadvertently. My first wife, the one who will take the place beside me first.
‘There’s a way.’
A way for both to coexist without conflict. A way to not obsess over who comes first.
I finally reached that truth. I’d untied the Gordian knot and set up Columbus’s Egg. Shocked by the revelations, this morning I unlocked the doors to truth.
“That’s all.”
“Alright, I—”
The Prince’s hand froze as he was lifting the cup.
*
Looking down at the cup I was holding.
Am I a bit tipsy? Is there still vodka left in this cup that I haven’t finished?
‘It’s water.’
But, it really was water. A boring liquid with no scent. Definitely just water.
Unless maybe the vodka I drank earlier has scrambled my brain, but even that isn’t the case. I’d been perfectly fine before the Director of Inspection arrived.
Ultimately, I had no choice but to directly confirm with the person involved.
“…Is that all?”
I asked the Director of Inspection, questioning if I had heard rightly.
“Yes, that’s all.”
I had indeed heard the crazy stuff correctly.
“Wives are family to share a lifetime with. Even if we cannot love equally, establishing a priority is inappropriate.”
I held back my urge to say, “Then why did you choose polygamy?” The Director of Inspection probably would have only pursued marrying Marghetta had the Duke not barged in.
“Everyone desires their firsts. Even if compromises eventually form, it can become a lifelong grievance.”
I nodded without thinking, but an uncomfortable feeling settled over me. Since when was the Director known for being so wordy? Normally, he keeps it brief, yet today, it feels overly excessive.
It felt as if someone often under pressure was desperately trying to make excuses.
“The order of first, second, is ultimately about marriage order, isn’t it?”
“Typically.”
Yet, following the earnest gaze of the Director of Inspection, I indulged him. I was curious about what he was driving at.
“Well then, let’s marry at the same time.”
“What?”
That’s pure nonsense.
The unexpected declaration froze my mouth.
“If the order of marriage separates individuals, then marrying simultaneously means everyone is first.”
I didn’t have words to respond, and the Director of Inspection rampaged even further. Anyone could tell this was utter nonsense, yet he blabbered on with whatever justification he could muster.
I watched in a daze. Is he serious? Or is this a joke? But the Director isn’t one to make jokes like this. If that’s the case, is this absurd thought really spontaneous?
As I tried to hold onto my swirling mind, I eyed the Director once more. Our gazes met.
‘Ah.’
I realized at that moment.
‘He’s gone mad.’
Yes, he’s gone insane. The Director, after dealing with one incident after another, finally lost his mind.
From seventeen onward, he was a warrior with his sword in the field, and since nineteen, he served as a high official. Those four grueling years of hardship, suffering.
And the unprecedented confession from the Duke, leading him to be caught between two houses.
Under that pressure, he finally crumbled internally.
‘Sadly…’
A serious feeling surged within me. I found myself reflecting on whether I had been overworking him too much.
“How about it, Your Highness? Wouldn’t that solve everything?”
As he rambled on, the Director confidently wrapped up his idea.
Well, I guess there wouldn’t be an issue if it made sense in his head.
“Impressive.”
But I couldn’t entirely contradict him. To be honest, I just didn’t find the inclination to refute him.
Looking at the Director of Inspection, all the thoughts of teasing or pressing him vanished. Right now, I just wanted to comfort this poor man who was now completely out of his wits.
I nodded appropriately, giving him just enough respect, and sent him on his way.
“…Is that so?”
Then I rushed off to report to the Father King, explaining the Director of Inspection’s state. While he might not be in great shape, I felt he lacked the need for suspicion regarding his loyalty.
“The Director of Inspection has been working tirelessly.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“…I’ll make it a point to carve out some time during the New Year’s Ball. I shall commend the Director personally.”
Ultimately, the Father King also decided to set up an opportunity to assess the Director’s condition.
He seeks to comfort the loyal subject who has gone mad, unnoticed by anyone.
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