A momentary silence enveloped the living room after Arvin's words hung in the air. The sentence about "splitting himself", which the husband had uttered with a half-joking tone, triggered a reaction that was completely beyond his expectations.
Upon hearing those words, Allen's eyes widened instantly. His mouth hung slightly open, unable to believe such an extraordinary coincidence. What Arvin had just mentioned was the exact same topic he had privately discussed with Yonna in the living room earlier. It was all spoken aloud before he even had the chance to suggest that Arvin look for the book.
Alrain, sitting on Arvin's right, was equally startled. His body tensed as he realized that in this world, there truly existed ancient magic literature or books with power great enough to allow the user to duplicate themselves.
"M-My Husband..." Allen called out, breaking the silence with a voice that trembled from shock. He stared intently at Arvin's sharp jawline. "D-Did you already know about that magic book beforehand?"
Arvin turned to look at Allen, his expression calm yet suggesting a depth of knowledge that no one else in this world could measure.
"I've heard the rumors." Arvin replied flatly, choosing his words carefully so as not to reveal too much of his identity as someone who knew the world's original plot. "There are whispers circulating in certain circles about an ancient magic book kept under tight seal. Its script is written in a lost language, making it unreadable to anyone in this kingdom... or perhaps, anyone in this world."
Arvin then shifted his gaze forward, his eyes sparking with firm determination. "I am very curious about that book." he continued, his voice turning more serious. "If it truly exists and I can master that magic, it's certain that I could divide my form and give my time fairly to all of you, without anyone feeling left behind."
Allen continued to stare at his husband in lingering awe. "Actually... I just discussed it with Yonna while you and Alrain were having your honeymoon in the bedroom earlier." Allen admitted honestly. "My intention was to suggest tonight that you go to the palace library to find that book. But you said it yourself before I could even open my mouth."
Seeing the lingering bewilderment on Allen's face, Arvin let out a soft chuckle. His laughter was deep and reassuring.
"Hahaha. Don't think too much about it, Allen." Arvin said gently. He lifted his free hand and softly stroked his first spouse's cheek, transferring warmth from his palm. "I already know a great many secrets in this world. Right now, I only need to step forward and do what I must to protect what is mine."
Arvin's gaze gradually sharpened, and his aura of leadership as a descendant of the Vedegra line began to radiate through the room.
"Furthermore, I have an important mission!" he added, shifting the topic to something much more crucial. "I must immediately strengthen the Vedegra territory. I will ensure that the military power there develops rapidly as a precaution, in case a great war breaks out again in the future."
Hearing his husband mention the family name and the looming threat of war, Alrain's expression, previously one of surprise, turned grave.
"I agree!" Alrain chimed in suddenly, his voice firm and devoid of doubt. "You must protect them all. I won't let that bastard prince destroy your family again like he did in the past!"
"I agree as well!" Allen added from the left, gripping his husband's arm tightly. His eyes shone with absolute loyalty. "Don't let yourself lose your family for a second time. We will support you with everything we have."
Feeling the unconditional support from both his spouses, Arvin's heart warmed. He slowly released Allen and Alrain's grip on his arms. Instead, the blue-haired teenager reached out with both hands and embraced them both by the waist, pulling his two spouses close until they were pressed intimately against his sides.
"I am so grateful to have spouses like the two of you." Arvin confessed truthfully, letting his guard down before the two most important people in his new life. "You both are the best!"
Hearing such honest and sincere words from their husband, Allen and Alrain couldn't hide their happy smiles. They both returned the embrace with equal intimacy. The living room became a silent witness to the warmth of their household.
Allen and Alrain... Arvin whispered in his heart, closing his eyes as he breathed in the distinct scents of both his partners. They really are the best. One is my favorite character from the beginning, and the other is the cute one who proved to be the most loyal to Arvin.
My life as Arvin in this world has truly changed. he continued mentally, unconsciously tightening his hold on their slender waists. Just as I wished when I first realized I was in this world, I will be myself. I will protect them without having to become the villain destined to die for the sake of the protagonist and this cruel world.
After satisfying his need to convey his affection, Arvin slowly opened his eyes. "Allen, Alrain, let's go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day."
They both nodded in agreement. Together, the three of them rose from the sofa, turned off the living room lights, and walked side-by-side toward the master bedroom to rest, facing the new day with renewed resolve.
As morning dawned...
The morning sunlight peeked shyly through the gaps in the luxurious master bedroom curtains, illuminating Arvin's sleeping face. However, his slumber didn't last long.
Mwah! Mwah!
Two soft, warm kisses landed simultaneously on Arvin's left and right cheeks, delivered so affectionately that the man slowly fluttered his eyes open.
"Good morning, My Husband..." Allen greeted softly, his face appearing on the right side of Arvin's vision.
"Good morning, My Love..." Alrain greeted just as gently, smiling sweetly on his left.
Arvin gathered his consciousness for a moment, then returned their smiles with a characteristically husky morning voice. "Good morning to you too, Allen." Arvin replied, looking at his first spouse who seemed to glow in the morning light. He then turned to the other side. "And a good morning to you too, Alrain."
Hearing his response, Allen and Alrain's smiles widened with happiness, gazing at their handsome husband, who still looked captivating even with his messy morning hair.
Allen was the first to move. "I'll go prepare breakfast for us all." He said, tossing back the covers and rising from the large bed, then turned toward his husband's second spouse. "Alrain, do you want to join me in the kitchen and start learning to cook, as you asked last night?"
"Of course I'm coming!" Alrain answered quickly, full of spirit. He immediately jumped out of bed, not wanting to miss the chance to learn how to prepare delicious meals.
The two of them quickly tidied their clothes and left the master bedroom together to head for the kitchen.
After his spouses left, Arvin threw back the blankets and stood up. He walked slowly toward the bedroom window, pulling the curtains wider, and gazed out at the mansion grounds shrouded in morning dew. His thoughts immediately drifted to his plans.
Today, I must ask Ordion about his feelings for me directly. Arvin thought firmly, mapping out his next move. And to fulfill Alrain's sincere plea from last night, I must set aside my ego and propose to him... provided, of course, that he truly does have feelings for me as Alrain said.
Having steeled his heart, Arvin turned. He walked out of his room and headed straight for the bathroom area located a bit further down the hallway.
As he passed the dining area connected to the kitchen, Arvin only saw the backs of Allen and Alrain, who were focused on ingredients and cooking utensils. The sound of a knife chopping vegetables blended with their light conversation.
Arvin paused for a moment, scanning the room. Where is Yonna? Arvin wondered, confused. He couldn't find the green-haired woman in either the dining room or the kitchen. Ah... well, perhaps she's still sleeping or getting ready in her room. he concluded silently, not wanting to overthink it.