Alrain's words pierced through the defenses of Allen's ego and settled deep within his heart. Allen squeezed his own knees, feeling a pang of guilt for allowing his jealousy to cloud his common sense.
He realized that forbidding Arvin from gathering strength, even in the form of expanding a harem, was the same as letting his husband walk alone toward a future that might be far more terrifying than the stories Alrain told. My husband truly needs people who can sincerely support him, not just emotionally, but with absolute power on the battlefield.
Seeing Allen begin to soften and reflect, Arvin leaned back against the sofa.
"Hah..." Suddenly, Arvin let out a long sigh for the third time in that living room. He rubbed his face with one hand. "I figured this would happen, Alrain."
Hearing that, Alrain let out a soft laugh. "You really are something, My Love!" Alrain exclaimed proudly, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Arvin. "You never change. That critical nature and your ability to read the situation... it's been there from the beginning, hasn't it? Hehehe."
"I've always been like this." Arvin replied casually, though his heart wasn't quite as relaxed as his expression. "But listen, I really have no desire to build a harem! My relationship with you and Allen is already enough to make me—"
However, Alrain didn't let his future husband finish the sentence.
"I really want Ordion to be your third spouse!" Alrain cut in, his tone firm and spirited. "You know? I understand exactly how it feels to have an unrequited love! I know precisely what it's like to be tortured for years in silence just because of those feelings! If Ordion loves you that sincerely, he deserves the chance he never had in his previous life!"
And for the fourth time that night, Arvin sighed again. This time it was longer and more resigned. Arguing with a stubborn Alrain who was acting for the sake of someone else was a lost cause.
"Alright, alright..." Arvin said, finally surrendering as he raised both hands in defeat. "I'll make a deal. If Ordion actually has memories of the past like you do, I will consider accepting him. But only on one absolute condition! That's if Allen permits it."
Arvin stared straight at Alrain, making sure his boundaries were clear. "But if he remembers nothing about the past, if he's just a normal Ordion like any other first-year student, I won't make him my spouse at this time. Although, yes, I have to admit his face is cute and he fits my criteria perfectly."
Alrain immediately broke into a wide, happy smile upon hearing his future husband's answer. He then turned his head to look at Allen, whose tear tracks hadn't yet fully dried.
"So, what is your answer, Allen?" Alrain asked, demanding certainty from the first spouse. "Will you give your permission if he has a harem?"
Allen fell silent for a moment. He raised his hand, wiped the remaining tears from his cheeks, and took a long breath. Slowly, he gave a firm nod.
"I... I've actually been thinking about this from the beginning." Allen said softly but with conviction. "I realized that someday, it might not just be the two of us who become his spouses. Especially with Arvin's status as a high-ranking noble, it's only natural for him to have more than two spouses."
Arvin was slightly taken aback. He never expected that Allen, who had previously seemed so jealous, had been quietly contemplating such heavy matters without ever saying them out loud.
"Wait a second. Since when have you been thinking that far ahead, Allen?" Arvin asked suddenly, curious about his first spouse's train of thought.
"Since the moment this contract symbol was first etched onto the back of my right hand." Allen answered as he lifted his hand, showing off the beautifully carved white contract symbol. "When I forbade you from adding more spouses... truthfully, that was pure selfishness on my part. My heart couldn't bear the thought of you sharing your love with anyone other than Alrain, whom I've already accepted."
Allen lowered his hand, staring at the marking for a moment. "But..." Allen continued, his voice sounding much more mature now. "After hearing Alrain's crazy story, I'm forced to be realistic. You might really need strong people who sincerely support you. People who are willing to fight to the death by your side if something horrific truly happens in the future. Especially now, since you've drastically changed your fate by marrying me, someone who was supposed to be your enemy."
Then, Allen looked deep into his husband's blue eyes, as if searching for the absolute truth.
"My husband, please tell me honestly!" Allen said gently but firmly, demanding an answer that was no longer hidden. "How many people do you actually plan to make your spouses?"
"Ah, I'm curious about that too!" Alrain chimed in suddenly, his eyes glowing with curiosity. He leaned in closer. "I'm certain you would never judge someone carelessly when choosing who stands by your side, just like how you judged me when we first met in that forest."
"Good grief, you two..." Arvin grumbled, massaging his temples. He never thought his two spouses would team up to press him for the truth about the 'harem' plan he had initially wanted to avoid.
However, seeing the seriousness in their eyes, Arvin realized that lying or dodging would only make his heart heavier. "Fine, fine. I'll be honest with you."
Allen and Alrain enthusiastically awaiting the answer from their beloved. Even Yonna, who had been quietly observing from her sofa, held her breath, curious about the men who fit Arvin Vedegra's specific criteria.
"If I count the two of you..." Arvin began his confession cautiously, counting in his head. "In total... there are perhaps six or eight people on my radar who are potential candidates to become my spouses."
Arvin looked at them in turn. "But you have to know one thing. Almost all of my primary targets are commoners, not nobles. However, they are all geniuses and deadly in their respective fields. Including Ordion."
"Six people..." Alrain muttered, his eyes widening slightly. He looked at Arvin with a scrutinizing gaze. "Are you absolutely sure that the others besides Ordion can be trusted and won't betray you?" Alrain asked, his protective instincts resurfacing to ensure his husband's safety.
"Yes, I'm certain!" Arvin answered without hesitation. "Someday, and of course if you allow me, when the time comes, you will all meet them and see for yourselves."