The Extra's Rise

The news reached me through official diplomatic channels at precisely the same time it arrived via emergency magical communication from my mother, which told me everything I needed to know about the magnitude of what Arthur had just accomplished. Sitting in my private study at the Northern palace, I found myself staring at reports that would have seemed impossible just hours earlier.

Arthur Nightingale—my friend, rival, and one of the few people whose political instincts I genuinely respected—had just announced engagements to six women simultaneously: Rachel Creighton, the Saintess I had grown up alongside, Cecilia, Seraphina, Rose, Reika and Elara.

"Magnificent bastard," I murmured with genuine admiration, setting down the official report to pour myself a drink that the situation clearly warranted. "He didn't just make strategic marriages—he created a world alliance that makes him untouchable."

The political implications were staggering. Arthur now had direct marital connections to three of the six superpowers, plus a marquis and an archduke within the Slatemark Empire itself. The Ouroboros Guild's economic influence combined with these political alliances made Arthur arguably the most powerful non-royal individual in the known world.

And he was my friend, which meant the Northern continent had just gained an invaluable ally without needing to sacrifice anything in return.

"Lucifer?" came Seol-ah's composed voice from the study entrance, though I caught an undercurrent of excitement that suggested she had heard the news as well. "Might we join you? This seems like the kind of development that warrants discussion."

I turned to see both Seol-ah and Deia entering with expressions that mixed genuine curiosity about the political ramifications with something that looked suspiciously like expectation. Seol-ah moved with her characteristic grace, her dark hair perfectly arranged despite the late hour. Deia followed with less formal composure, her red hair slightly disheveled as if she had been pacing while processing the news.

"Of course," I replied, gesturing for them to take seats near my desk where they could review the reports themselves. "I assume you've both heard about Arthur's... comprehensive approach to matrimonial alliances?"

"Six engagements announced simultaneously," Deia said with obvious amazement, settling into her chair with the kind of restless energy that characterized her response to major developments. "I've never heard of anything like it. The political coordination alone must have required months of planning."

"The economic implications are extraordinary," Seol-ah added with the analytical precision that made her such an effective advisor. "The Ouroboros Guild now has royal backing from three continents plus significant noble support within the Slatemark Empire. Arthur's influence just increased even more."

I nodded in agreement, though part of my attention was focused on how both women kept glancing at me with expressions that suggested they were thinking about more than just political analysis. The timing of their expectant looks, combined with the nature of Arthur's announcement, made their thoughts fairly transparent.

"I have to admit," I said honestly, "I'm genuinely impressed by his strategic thinking. Creating six simultaneous engagements rather than sequential ones prevents any appearance of favoring one relationship over others while maximizing the political impact of the announcement."

"And you're happy for them?" Deia asked with the kind of direct curiosity that had always characterized her approach to complex situations. "For Rachel and the others, I mean. This isn't just politics for them—these are real relationships with someone they care about."

The question touched on something that mattered more to me than the political calculations. Rachel had been my friend since childhood, someone whose happiness I genuinely cared about regardless of strategic considerations. Knowing that she had found someone who appreciated her intelligence and dedication rather than simply using her for political advantage was deeply satisfying.

"I'm genuinely happy for Rachel," I replied with conviction that made both women smile. "She's been in love with Arthur for years, and he loves her as well."

What I didn't mention was my suspicion that Arthur's pursuit of Elara had been motivated by knowledge or considerations that went beyond normal courtship patterns. But that was speculation rather than confirmed fact, and Arthur's personal motivations were his own business as long as they didn't threaten Northern interests.

"Six wives representing different continents and magical traditions," Seol-ah observed thoughtfully. "The alliance structure alone will reshape international politics for generations. Arthur has positioned himself at the center of a network that could influence everything from trade agreements to military cooperation."

"Indeed," I agreed, though I was becoming increasingly aware of how both women kept glancing at me with expressions that had nothing to do with political analysis. "The Northern continent benefits significantly from having such strong connections to Arthur's expanding influence."

"Lucifer," Deia said with the kind of direct approach that had always characterized her personality, "aren't you going to comment on the most obvious aspect of Arthur's announcement?"

"Which aspect specifically?" I asked, though I suspected I knew exactly what she meant.

"Six proposals," Seol-ah said with a meaningful look that confirmed my suspicions. "Six different women who all received formal marriage proposals from someone they care about. Six rings that represent commitment and shared futures."

The expectation in their voices was unmistakable now. Arthur's dramatic announcement of six simultaneous engagements had clearly inspired thoughts about proposals and marriage commitments in the minds of my own romantic partners.

"I see," I said carefully, noting how both women were watching my reaction with obvious interest. "And you're thinking that Arthur's approach to formalizing his relationships might serve as... inspiration for other romantic situations?"

"We're thinking," Deia replied with a smile that combined affection with gentle pressure, "that if your friend can commit to six women simultaneously, perhaps you could consider committing to two women who have been remarkably patient about the question of marriage."

The comment was delivered with humor, but the underlying message was clear. Arthur's bold move had raised expectations about formal commitments throughout our social circle. Both Seol-ah and Deia had been understanding about my cautious approach to marriage proposals, but witnessing their friend receive such dramatic romantic recognition had clearly inspired thoughts about their own relationship status.

"That's a fair point," I admitted with a rueful smile. "Arthur has certainly raised the bar for romantic gestures. Six custom-designed rings, six personalized proposals, six different women all formally committed to sharing his future."

"He has," Seol-ah agreed with obvious satisfaction at my acknowledgment. "Though we're not expecting anything quite so elaborate. Two rings, two proposals, two women who are already completely committed to sharing your future—that seems much more manageable."

Looking at these two remarkable women who had chosen to build their lives around our relationship, I felt the familiar combination of affection and responsibility that characterized my feelings for both of them. Arthur's announcement had been impressive from both political and personal perspectives, but it had also highlighted how my own cautious approach to marriage might be creating unnecessary uncertainty for people who deserved better.

"You're absolutely right," I said with growing conviction about what needed to happen next. "If Arthur can commit to six women who will help him build an empire, I should certainly be able to commit to two women who are already helping me prepare to rule a continent."

The delighted expressions on both their faces told me everything I needed to know about how long they had been hoping for this conversation. Arthur's dramatic announcement had accomplished more than just reshaping international politics—it had inspired romantic developments that would ripple through our entire social circle.

"So," Deia said with obvious excitement, "when should we expect these hypothetical proposals to become less hypothetical?"

"Soon," I promised, meaning it completely. "Very soon. Arthur has reminded me that the most important commitments shouldn't be delayed by political convenience or strategic timing."

As we sat together in my study, reviewing reports about Arthur's unprecedented announcement while discussing our own romantic future, I reflected on how my friend's bold move had created opportunities for everyone in his orbit. The political implications would dominate international headlines for months, but the personal implications might prove even more significant in the long run.

Arthur had changed the game for all of us, and it was time to follow his example.