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I was able to walk through the veil and glimpse the future, reaching a profound truth. Even the Crown Prince, who was ready to challenge me, listened and eventually let me go.

He must have been impressed by my groundbreaking idea. Though he seemed a bit taken aback, such reactions were inevitable when one encountered a truth that shattered conventional wisdom.

Eventually, even he understood this new truth. Considering that he didn't gain his title through a game of poker, his comprehension was admirable.

I was right, after all.

I found the truth that even the Crown Prince, who issued an urgent summons, accepted. I felt so satisfied that I could die peacefully.

All the time I spent wrestling with this problem felt like a waste. No, not really. Those struggles led me to this conclusion, so they weren't wasted.

It’s such a simple problem.

My mind cleared, and the world looked different.

Yes, nobody could untie the Gordian Knot until Alexander the Great cut it. Nobody could stand Columbus's egg until Columbus showed them how.

Now, this continent would have a new phrase. A simple and neat solution to a complex problem: Carl’s marriage.

I looked up at the sky, feeling content. The blue sky and bright sun seemed to embrace me.

I can return right away.

Contrary to my expectations, the conversation ended quickly. Marghetta might have just arrived at the Vice President's office.

Luckily, I didn't have to sneak back into the dormitory in the middle of the night. Though I was confident in my stealth skills, getting caught would be too awkward and embarrassing.

Anyway, I should hurry back. This good news, which even the Crown Prince accepted, must be shared with Marghetta. Joy multiplies when shared, doesn't it?

***

I saw a slightly surprised Marghetta as I entered her office. I told her I might be late, so she must have been puzzled that I came on time.

"Welcome, Carl. It seems things went well with His Highness."

She seemed to think that wasn’t a bad thing and greeted me with a smile.

"Yes, it went smoothly."

"Fufu, that's a relief. I was worried when you said you were meeting His Highness out of the blue."

Marghetta stood up and gently spread her arms.

This had become our usual morning greeting. I smiled slightly and hugged her, feeling her nuzzle against my chest before pulling away gently.

Originally, she never wanted to let go once we hugged, but perhaps she was used to it now since she had learned how to do it in moderation.

"Mar’s hugs are getting shorter."

I teased her, and her face instantly turned red.

"I-I’m going to spend the rest of my life with Carl, so there's no need to cling to short moments."

She tried to speak confidently, so I pretended not to notice her embarrassment.

Thinking positively, Marghetta's calmness meant that she felt secure in our relationship.

"Haha, you're right."

Nodding, I sat on the sofa, and she took a seat across from me, looking a bit uneasy.

Why did she look so restless? Then, something dawned on me.

"Come to think of it, Mar. Didn’t I mention meeting the Mage Duchess yesterday?"

I spoke up before she grew more anxious.

I promised to explain what happened with the Mage Duchess, but I got so caught up in convincing the Crown Prince that I almost forgot.

Maybe reaching this new truth dulled my memory a bit. What a sad reality.

"Oh, yes."

Marghetta's expression turned serious as I brought it up.

She must have been curious about what happened between me the Mage Duchess and what kind of conversation led to me saying that she would be my first. She probably had been curious ever since I contacted her.

"Her Grace made a slight mistake and apologized to me."

"...What?"

Marghetta blinked at my brief summary. The Mage Duchess's mistake and subsequent apology were unheard of under normal circumstances.

A Duke was the pinnacle of the empire's nobility and a pillar supporting the emperor, a figure so exalted that even their mistakes couldn’t be criticized. Therefore, they had no need to apologize.

Of course, this was an exception since the relationship between the Mage Duchess and me wasn’t normal.

"Well, let me explain."

I continued, giving her more details.

I told her about following the Wise Duchess's advice and visiting the Mage Duchess, and how I discovered her secret life extension project, the massive argument that almost ended disastrously but was calmed by the Mage Duchess's apology. I also told her about having the Mage Duchess stay the night at the mansion and heading to the Magic Tower together the next morning.

I shared everything in detail, down to the smallest bits. I didn’t want to hide anything from Marghetta anymore. Keeping secrets could lead to misunderstandings, and I wanted to avoid that.

"I... I see..."

Marghetta said, clearly overwhelmed by the flood of information. However, she didn't show any resentment or anger towards me for spending time with the Mage Duchess. It was indeed the right decision to tell her everything.

"So, Her Grace... did that."

She muttered quietly, letting out a small sigh.

She must be confused. The Mage Duchess was wrong in trying to extend my lifespan without my consent, but she then apologized sincerely and in tears. It must be hard to decide whether to be angry or sympathetic.

"...It seems the Mage Duchess has quite the affection for you."

Marghetta spoke with an awkward smile, apparently choosing to sympathize after much thought.

"Undeservedly so."

I replied with a slight smile.

From a certain perspective, Marghetta almost had to deal with the ‘your husband looks amazing’ treatment in her later years. Yet, despite the differences in races and the Mage Duchess’s tearful apology, she chose to understand her and move on.

I felt really grateful. The Mage Duchess, Louise, Irina, and even the 1st Manager... they were all more than I deserved, but Marghetta’s broad-mindedness was truly something to be thankful for.

Now’s the time.

I needed to share this good news with Marghetta and tell her that she would never lose her first place to anyone, not even the Mage Duchess.

"Anyway, Her Grace made a small mistake, but please don't be too upset about it. Aren't you all the first?"

"I see. We're all... the first...?"

Marghetta, who was nodding firmly, tilted her head. She seemed puzzled by something.

She was probably confused about how ‘all’ and ‘first’ could be used together. I understood. The Crown Prince was confused at first, too.

However, I was sure that Marghetta would understand once I explained.

"I've been too caught up in my own biases."

I started with a laugh. How much did I struggle because I thought I had to rank things?

I joyfully explained to Marghetta what I had told the Crown Prince. Ultimately, being first or second were pointless labels bound by the order of marriage. If we married simultaneously, then everyone would be happy.

After staying silent for a moment, Marghetta quietly approached me and gave me a tight hug.

"If that's what you want, Carl, then I'm fine with it too."

I hugged her back.

As expected.

I believed that Marghetta would understand.

***

Carl was always reliable and trustworthy. He sometimes showed a quirky side, but he was so very lovable.

I held him quietly. I might cry if I looked at his face right now, and I didn’t want to worry him, so I just held him close.

What should I do?

My heart sank at the thought of him saying that with such joy, and my eyes began to well up.

He must have been in so much pain.

I hugged Carl even tighter. I wanted to comfort him. Just how much did he suffer?

It made sense. When the Mage Duchess confessed to Carl, I went through a lot of emotional turmoil. Besides, Carl had to deal with not only the Mage Duchess's confession but also those of other women.

So many burdens were placed on Carl’s shoulders. He had his responsibilities as the Executive Manager of the Prosecutors’ Office, his role as an Academy Prosecutor and observing the royalties as the pastry club’s advisor, and, on top of that, dealing with all these romantic confessions.

Why hadn't I thought about it? Under such pressure, even the strongest person would feel the strain.

"All the brides will marry from the same position as the Mage Duchess."

"Yes, that's truly wonderful."

"None will be above or below another."

"Just thinking about it makes me happy. Thank you."

I patted Carl's back as he continued talking.

Honestly, I didn't fully understand what he was saying. Ever since he mentioned marrying simultaneously, my mind refused to grasp it.

But I couldn't stop him. Carl wasn't joking or trying to test the waters. He was being completely sincere.

He’s serious.

Carl meant it. After much contemplation and struggle, he had found his own answer, even if it was a bit unusual.

How could I dissuade him?

Thinking about how Carl suffered alone, I couldn't do it. I couldn't bring myself to tell him, 'No, I don't like it,' when he believed he had finally found the solution.

If that was the way Carl wanted it, then it was fine. If everyone was first, then it would lead to a happy outcome.

Having everyone at the same level sounded like a dream. The wives from less prestigious families wouldn’t have to feel intimidated by those from higher-ranking ones, and we could all love Carl freely.

"Convincing your parents might be a bit tough, though..."

I couldn't help but smile at his muttered words. It was a surprisingly normal concern.

"And if there are five brides, we'll need a large venue..."

My hand, which was patting Carl's back, suddenly stopped.

Five.

Even though I already knew the number, hearing it again made my head spin. I had braced myself for polygamy, but I hadn't expected there to be five.

...Well, at least five was a countable number. Considering the Gold Duke, who had more than ten, Carl was being quite reasonable.

It might be dizzying if the number increased beyond five, but that was Carl's choice.

"Mar."

"Yes, Carl?"

"What will happen if one person catches multiple bouquets?"

I kept patting his back without answering.

Poor Carl.

Now, I really felt like crying. It seemed like Carl was breaking down. He might appear fine on the outside, but something had to be wrong inside.

Holding back the tears that were about to fall, I hugged Carl even tighter.

Carl, don't worry. I'll always be on your side.

You're confused and hurting a lot right now, but I’ll wait until you return to your normal self.

And even if he doesn’t, then I’d still do what he wanted.

Because he deserved to have things his way.