Chapter 232
I unveiled the veil and glimpsed the future, reaching the truth. The Crown Prince, who was prepping to throw a fit, couldn’t help but obediently let me go after hearing my words.
There’s no doubt the Crown Prince was impressed by my groundbreaking idea. He looked a bit flustered, but how could he react any differently when faced with a truth that shattered conventional wisdom?
Besides, even if it took a while, he finally understood the new truth. He’s not just some poker player who got his title from the Crown; his comprehension is commendable.
‘See? I wasn’t wrong.’
The truth accepted by the Crown Prince really made me feel satisfied. I could close my eyes with a sense of fulfillment like I’d found my lost sock.
All that time I spent racking my brain seemed like a waste now. No, no, that didn’t seem right. Those worries led me to this conclusion, so it’s not garbage.
‘Such an easy problem.’
My mind cleared up. The world looked different.
Yeah, nobody was able to untie the Gordian Knot until Alexander sliced it apart. Columbus’s Egg stood upright only when Columbus revealed the answer.
Now, a new idiom will emerge on this continent. It signifies resolving a complex issue simply and neatly—let’s call it “The Marriage of the Sword.”
Filled with satisfaction, I gazed up at the sky. The blue sky and bright sun seemed to embrace me warmly.
‘I can just head back now.’
Moreover, contrary to my expectations, the conversation wrapped up pretty quickly. Marghetta must have just clocked into the Vice President’s Office.
Thankfully, I wouldn’t have to scale walls to sneak into the dormitory at midnight. I’m confident I wouldn’t get caught, but the awkwardness of being seen would be way too much.
Anyway, time to head back. I need to share this delightful news with Marghetta. Happiness doubles when shared, right?
As I strolled into the Vice President’s Office, I caught sight of a somewhat surprised Marghetta. I guess she was taken aback since someone who said they’d be late just waltzed in.
“Welcome back, Carl! Sounds like whatever His Highness wanted has wrapped up nicely.”
While her smile seemed sincere, she wasn’t displeased that I arrived early.
“Yes, it went smoothly.”
“Phew, that’s a relief! I was worried when you mentioned you’d be meeting with His Highness all of a sudden.”
Marghetta stood and slightly opened her arms.
It became a routine morning greeting. With a light smile, I embraced her, and she nestled her face into my chest before softly pulling away.
I initially didn’t plan to let go so quickly, but I guess we both learned how to keep it casual enough now.
“It’s getting shorter…”
Teasing her a little resulted in Marghetta blushing almost instantly.
“Well, I’m going to spend my life with Carl, after all. No need to cling too much in a short time.”
Still, she stated that with such confidence, I just pretended not to catch on.
Let’s think positively. If Marghetta can be this at ease, it probably means she’s not feeling any anxiety about our relationship.
“Haha, that’s true.”
I nodded, settling onto the couch while Marghetta sat across from me, seeming a bit restless.
I wondered why she was acting like that when a thought suddenly struck me.
“Speaking of which, Mar, I told you I met Duke Marcilio yesterday, right?”
Before Marghetta could fidget too much, I decided to speak up.
I meant to explain what happened with the Duke. I’d nearly forgotten while being too absorbed in persuading the Crown Prince earlier.
Was my memory fading just because I reached a new truth? Sad but true.
“Ah, yeah.”
And as I started, Marghetta’s expression turned serious.
What on earth happened with the Duke? What conversations took place that brought about Marghetta’s newfound position? She was probably curious ever since we connected.
“He made a little mistake and apologized to me.”
“…What?”
In summary, Marghetta blinked rapidly at my brief explanation. A Duke’s mistake leading to an apology. This could never happen under normal circumstances.
The Duke stands atop the imperial nobility, a pillar supporting the empire at the Emperor’s beck and call. Even if he made a blunder, no one would dare point it out, let alone demand an apology.
Of course, my relationship with Duke Marcilio isn’t conventional, so it’s an exception.
“So here’s the thing…”
I continued explaining in detail.
I visited the Duke after considering the Wise Duke’s advice. He was secretly working on a life extension project without my consent. We nearly clashed, but he calmed the situation with his apology. Then I ended up spending the night at his mansion, and we went to the Magic Tower hand in hand the next morning.
I shared every detail down to the nitty-gritty. I didn’t want to hide anything from Marghetta anymore. I’d rather avoid misunderstandings that could arise from withholding info.
“Ah, I see.”
Fortunately, Marghetta didn’t show resentment or anger for me hanging out with the Duke; she just seemed overwhelmed by the influx of information. Clearly, saying everything was the right choice.
“So… that’s how it was.”
Marghetta mumbled softly, exhaling a small sigh.
It must be bewildering. On one hand, the mistake of trying to extend my lifespan without my knowledge; on the other, the heartfelt apology he gave with tears. She probably didn’t know whether to be angry or feel sympathy for him.
“…I think the Duke has really fallen for you.”
While murmuring, Marghetta awkwardly smiled. It seemed like she chose the latter after contemplating.
“Well, that’s quite the compliment.”
I responded with a slight smile of my own.
In a way, Marghetta was almost on the verge of saying, “Your husband really is something!” Still, with the difference of being an elf, she managed to understand and forgive the Duke’s tearful apology.
Truly, I feel grateful. The Duke, Louise, Irina, and even the Second Manager… all of them give me so much more than I deserve, but also Marghetta and her broad heart.
‘Now’s the time!’
I needed to share that good news with Marghetta. I must tell her that neither the Duke nor anyone else can take away my first place.
“Anyway, even though the Duke made a bit of a mistake, please don’t take it too hard. We’re all first in our own way.”
“I understand. All of us are the same first…?”
Marghetta, who was nodding vigorously, seemed to get confused about the odd phrasing.
She was probably unsure if “same” and “first” could be used side by side. I understand; even the Crown Prince was confused at first.
But I firmly believed that once she heard my explanation, Marghetta would come around.
“I was stuck in my biases.”
I chuckled as I began. I had endured so much pressure over the need to establish a sequence.
I explained it joyfully, just as I’d told the Crown Prince. Ultimately, firsts and seconds are meaningless titles tied to marriage order. So if we all marry simultaneously, everyone gets to be happy.
Marghetta didn’t say anything for a moment, then quietly approached and hugged me tightly.
“If that’s what you want, Carl, I’m totally okay with that.”
I wrapped my arms around her in return.
‘Just as I thought.’
I believed Marghetta would understand.
*
Always reliable Carl. Occasionally showing quirky sides, but undeniably lovable Carl.
I quietly embraced him. Looking at his face, I felt like I might burst into tears, so instead, I just held him close.
‘What do I do?’
Thinking about the joy-filled Carl made my chest ache. My eyes began to grow increasingly moist.
‘He was hurt a lot.’
I tightened my grip on him. Just thinking about how much he must have suffered made me want to comfort him in any way I could.
When I reflected on it, it made sense. When the Duke confessed to Carl, I recalled the turmoil it caused me. Carl had to deal not only with the Duke but also the declarations from other women.
Carl was bearing considerable burdens on his shoulders. As the Director of Inspection, the responsibilities of being the Academy inspector, the advisory role in the Pastry Club, and there was even the grand confession!
Why did I fail to consider that? No matter how strong a person’s heart, they will falter under such pressure.
“All brides will marry at the same level as Duke Marcilio.”
“Yes, that’s really wonderful.”
“There’s no one above or below anyone else.”
“Just thinking about it makes me happy. Thank you.”
I gently patted Carl’s back as he continued discussing.
Honestly, I was at a loss for words. Ever since the idea of simultaneous marriage surfaced, my mind felt like it was rejecting logic.
Yet, I couldn’t just stop him. Carl wasn’t joking around; he wasn’t trying to fish for reactions.
‘He means it.’
Carl is sincere. After all his struggles, he finally found an answer in his own way.
Admittedly, that answer was a bit strange.
‘How could I stop it?’
Thinking of Carl suffering alone, I couldn’t. I couldn’t just tell him ‘no’ after he finally thought he found a solution.
Exactly. If that’s what Carl wants, then why not go for it? If everyone is equally first, that would lead to a happy conclusion!
Everyone in the same position. It sounded like a dream come true. There would be no need for the wives of lesser families to feel jealous of those from greater families—they could freely love Carl without any burdens.
“Convincing the parents might be a bit challenging…”
Carl’s murmured thoughts made me chuckle lightly. Who knew he was capable of such down-to-earth worries?
“And if we have five brides, we’ll need a big venue for the ceremony…”
At that moment, my hand that was patting Carl’s back froze.
‘Five.’
I already knew the number, but hearing it again made my head swim. I had resigned myself to polygamy, but never imagined it would be five.
…Well, five is at least a number I can still count on one hand. Thinking of the Duke with his countless relationships, I suppose five is quite manageable for Carl.
If it goes beyond five, it might get a little dizzying, but that again would be Carl’s choice.
“Mar.”
“Yes, Carl?”
“What happens if someone catches more than one bouquet?”
Without an answer, I just continued patting Carl’s back.
‘Poor thing.’
I felt like tears were about to break free. It was evident that something had shifted within Carl. He seemed fine on the outside, but internally, something was off.
Suppressing my urge to cry, I held Carl even tighter.
Carl, don’t worry. I’m always on your side.
Right now, you’re confused and hurting. But I’ll wait until you return to your original self.
Even if you don’t come back, as you wish, I’ll support you.
Carl deserves to do as he wishes.
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