The grand hall of Duke Alaric's palace was a masterpiece in itself, with tall windows letting in the sunlight and reflecting off the intricate golden decorations. Alex stood before the duke, Emi at his side with her arms crossed and a clearly annoyed expression, while the duke's daughter, Aria, stood beside her father, looking radiant with a smile that seemed to light up the entire room.
Now fully recovered, Aria wore an elegant dress that highlighted her long purple hair. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Alex, as if nothing else in the world existed.
—"Alex, have you considered the possibility of becoming engaged to my daughter?" the duke said with a warm smile, though his tone made it clear the proposal was serious.
—"What?" Alex blinked several times, trying to process what he'd just heard. "Engaged? But… we've known each other for like two days."
Aria, her cheeks flushed, stepped forward and took Alex's hands.
—"It doesn't matter how long it's been. I know what I feel, and I'm sure you feel it too." Her voice was sweet, but there was a determination in her words that couldn't be ignored.
Alex, clearly uncomfortable, thought to himself: Where is she getting this idea that I'm in love? This is way too fast.
Before he could answer, Emi stepped forward, cutting in firmly.
—"Alex can't get engaged to anyone. He's a hero, and we travel constantly. That would put your daughter in danger if she decided to come with us."
Aria lifted her chin and faced Emi with a defiant glare.
—"Do you have a problem with our relationship and our love?"
Emi crossed her arms, her expression hardening as the air around her began to shimmer with a golden light—sign of her light magic.
—"And what if I do?"
The air grew heavy as Aria's purple aura manifested, creating a stark contrast with Emi's light. The two locked eyes, as if a magical battle was about to erupt at any moment.
The duke, far from intervening, watched the scene with an amused smile. He turned to Alex, who looked like he was evaluating whether or not to bolt out the door.
—"My daughter is not only capable of defending herself, she's also one of the most talented mages in the kingdom. If you accept the engagement, there'd be no problem taking her along on your travels. Besides…" the duke added in a playful tone, "according to our kingdom's laws, it's not uncommon to have more than one wife. You could marry both."
—"What?!" Emi exclaimed, taking a step back, her face a mix of shock and a faint blush.
—"It's an interesting option, don't you think?" the duke continued, completely ignoring Emi's reaction.
Emi lowered her gaze, visibly shaken. She thought to herself: I'm the protagonist. If anyone should have a harem… it should be me. But I don't want other guys—I just want Alex.
Alex, completely unaware of Emi's internal storm, shook his head and raised a hand.
—"I can't accept that. Emi is the protagonist, not me. I'm just a side character. She should be the one with a harem full of nobles and special people."
Emi lifted her gaze toward Alex, surprised, but instead of feeling flattered, her shoulders fell and her expression turned melancholic.
—Is that really how he sees me? Emi thought, looking down and clenching her fists.
Meanwhile, Aria seemed delighted by the statement, assuming she had won. But Alex continued:
—"I also can't get engaged to you, Aria. That's not part of a side character's script either."
Aria's expression froze, and her purple aura flared slightly as she gritted her teeth.
—"What…?"
Without warning, both Emi and Aria cast magical spells toward Alex. One golden, the other purple—both flew right past him as he barely moved, still dazed by the situation.
—"What did I do now?!" he exclaimed, running a hand through his hair as both girls stormed out of the hall, furious.
The duke watched the scene and burst into laughter.
—"Ah, youth. You know, Alex? I envy your problems. To be young again… now that would be an adventure."
Alex looked at him incredulously, letting out a deep sigh as he muttered to himself:
—"Why do I always end up in situations like this?"