Chapter 92 - 26
The grand conservatory of the Apex Estate hummed with an almost electric intensity, smelling of crushed lavender, rare mountain tea, and the subtle, suffocating tension of twelve world-shaking women engaging in high-stakes diplomacy. At the center of the plush velvet sofa sat Dr. Elena Vance, holding a porcelain cup of steamed moon-leaf tea, looking utterly comfortable as the executive council surrounded her like devoted courtiers attending a newly crowned empress.
Lyra stood to her immediate left, carefully handing her a golden ledger containing the central bank’s unallocated medical budget. "Sister Elena," Lyra began, her tone sweet, respectful, and entirely devoid of her usual corporate sharpness. "I have already liquidated three regional trade accounts to establish an unrestricted research endowment in your name. Whatever equipment you need, whatever facilities you desire—it is done."
"I’ve already mobilized four elite vanguard units to guard her private clinic perimeter," Valerie chimed in, standing at rigid attention nearby, her hand resting gracefully on her sword hilt. Her sharp eyes melted into an almost eager posture as she looked at Elena. "No one enters her presence without my personal clearance."
"And the food!" Nisha piped up, her thick fox tail swishing frantically back and forth as she presented a silver platter stacked high with candied spirit-fruits. "I personally selected the freshest harvest from the southern province! Master Arthur used to mention how much you liked sweet treats back home, Sister Elena!"
Around the room, the rest of the council moved in synchronized, frantic effort. Greta had brought detailed blue-scroll schematics for a titanium-alloy surgical suite; Sylvia stood ready with a tray of high-tier restorative elixirs that could instantly close any wound; Professor Elaria adjusted the conservatory’s temperature using gentle spirit-motes; Madame Vespera purred as she offered silk cushions; Celeste nervously polished a set of enchanted diagnostic spectacles she had crafted overnight; while the Halfling twins, Kaelen and Lilia, hovered nearby with ink scrolls, ready to write down any minor wish Elena uttered. Aria, the master of logistics, quietly cross-referenced transport routes to ensure Elena’s private carriage would never encounter traffic.
Elena leaned back into the soft cushions, taking a slow sip of her tea, thoroughly enjoying the royal treatment. She was no fool—she knew exactly why these breathtaking, immensely powerful women were competing so desperately for her favor. To them, she was the ultimate threshold to Arthur’s heart.
"You all don’t have to fuss so much," Elena said with a soft, warm laugh, her amber eyes sparkling with affectionate humor. "Arthur always was a stubborn, overly thorough boy. When he built this place, I expected to find a cold, efficiency-driven machine. But seeing how deeply all of you care for him—and how hard you work to keep his world running—makes me very happy."
Hearing those words, a collective, silent sigh of relief swept through the twelve women. Lyra’s shoulders relaxed slightly, Celeste flushed a happy crimson, and even Baroness Ignis let out a quiet, satisfied growl, her dragon tail thumping softly against the marble floor.
"He carries the weight of the entire continent on his shoulders," Lyra murmured, her violet eyes shining with deep, unshakeable devotion. "We only wish to share that burden. And... to remain by his side forever, if he will allow it."
The atmosphere shifted subtly into a quiet, hopeful tension as the women exchanged subtle, nervous glances.
Elena set her teacup down on the glass table, looking at each of them in turn. She saw the absolute loyalty in Valerie’s posture, the brilliant intellect in Celeste’s eyes, the fierce passion in Ignis, and the deep, romantic devotion in Lyra.
"You know," Elena said thoughtfully, leaning her jaw on her hand, a subtle, playful smirk touching her lips that looked almost identical to Arthur’s. "On Earth, marriages were strictly between two people. But Arthur isn’t on Earth anymore, and he certainly isn’t an ordinary man. He built a continent. He redefined civilization."
The room fell completely dead silent. Every single breath hitched.
"To be completely honest," Elena continued, her tone calm, loving, and entirely firm, "I love Arthur more than anything in this world or the last. I want him to be happy, surrounded by people who adore him as much as he deserves. I don’t expect him to pick just one of you. In fact... I’m fully in favor of him taking all twelve of you as his wives."
The entire executive council froze.
Celeste dropped her diagnostic spectacles onto the rug with a soft gasp. Lyra’s face exploded into a violent, burning crimson, her hands flying to her hot cheeks. Ignis blinked her golden dragon eyes in total shock, her jaw slightly slack, while Vespera let out a breathless, flustered laugh, her usual cool composure completely shattering.
"A-All... all of us?!" Lyra stammered, her heart hammering against her ribs so hard she could hear it in her ears. "Sister Elena... you... you would approve of that?!"
"I don’t just approve, I’m counting on it," Elena chuckled softly, winking at the flustered women. "Somebody needs to keep him from working himself to death, and it clearly takes twelve of you to balance his stubbornness. Besides, I’d love to have a big family."
Meanwhile, up in the main executive study at the end of the grand hall, Arthur sat at his dark mahogany desk, completely oblivious to his sister’s marriage declarations.
The glass screen of his master terminal hummed softly as he reviewed the final economic reports for the quarter, approving the allocation of central bank reserves and adjusting the academic funding metrics. His dark eyes were cold, sharp, and entirely focused as he signed off on the last decree, closing the files with a swift swipe of his hand.
He stood up, walking over to the wide glass window that overlooked the glowing night skyline of Aegis City.
Tomorrow morning, his brief leave would end. The private carriage would carry him back to the gates of the Aegis Academy, where the clueless noble boys would continue their petty rivalries, the crowded corridors would await his return, and a shy, voluptuous commoner named Katherine would be nervously holding a seat for him in the very back row.
Arthur adjusted his mana-suppression ring, a low, captivating smirk appearing on his face as he looked toward the distant spires of the campus. The sovereign had rested, his sister was safe, and now it was time to return to his life as a student.