[A/N: No roast, as the time hasn't come.]
—
"If you are unaware, the purpose of political marriages tie allied kingdoms together." Helix explained to his partners, listening to him with a myriad of crashing emotions.
"So a relationship with Princess Eliza Zinon can be strictly platonic.
As Earthian rulers, you are not bound to stay in Alzeria, as you can leave Queen Eliza to run our kingdom.
We can also move our kingdom elsewhere, and then she'll run it there. The relationship has many benefits, and it's practical for everyone."
Marie's eyes widened in shock.
It was different to understand the implication of platonic marriage and be given an explicit affirmation from the queen.
Moreover, it solved a major problem they would face.
"As Earthian custom dictates, many who marry do not consummate the marriage on the first night." Helix continued with a serious voice.
"As an agreement between shared cultural customs, we have agreed to honor this custom.
We've agreed not to discuss it in public or private discussions."
Marie's eyes welled with tears, and she turned to Helix with a thankful expression.
"While this is the case, if you agree, I hope you will accept my daughter into your relationship." Helix continued.
"Princess Eliza deserves a good life.
She's kind, gentle, and good-natured.
Since she can live with you, she isn't bound by Alzerian laws and customs.
As a result, she can live the life you may seek to avoid without pulling you into it.
Eliza is a beautiful young woman with everything perfect to be your wife."
The last statement hit the group like a bag of bricks.
Charlotte had convinced the group to accept each other as wives.
It was an agreement, and a clear distinction Helix made with the queen.
Therefore, the relationship they considered wasn't a marriage between their husband and Eliza.
They would all be marrying Eliza.
Marie flashed Helix a beautiful smile.
He sent one back.
Riley smiled when she looked between the two of them.
Charlotte got pumped the moment there was near certainty for the relationship.
"For the sake of the Alzerian and Earthian people, I humbly request you consider this offer." Helix continued with a warm smile.
"Even if you refuse, please remember that the kingdom supports your marriage ceremony with open arms.
I hope my aid in making his Majesty's ceremonial preparations and message shows that.
Sincerely yours, Queen Liliana Zinon."
"Yes!" Marie cried before bursting into tears.
Helix and Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise.
Riley was also confused.
"Ummm…." Helix replied in a daze.
"This…." Marie said before bursting into sobs.
"The way you approached this situation…."
Charlotte's mind clicked in understanding.
Riley's did too.
"Shows that you care… about my f-feelings… far more than a refusal." Marie explained between deep breaths.
"It's… the logical thing to do… and it's symbolic… but…."
Helix listened with a thankful expression.
He was truly devastated he had to consider the proposal.
"It still hurt… because of… our vow." Marie cried.
"But you proved the vow… was just as important… to you… as it was to me…."
Helix opened his arms, and she ran into them.
"I made you a promise." He whispered with a gentle voice.
"I wouldn't break it for anyone."
Marie cried, and Riley and Charlotte's eyes welled with tears.
The two were reminded for the first time in a while that Helix offered her true exclusivity.
Helix considered them all equal in terms of his love.
Back then, it wasn't the case.
Marie was his number one supporter and protector.
She was the most beautiful, with a strong fashion state, and charismatic in general.
Men love dazzling women they'd be proud to take home to their parents.
Charlotte was [not[ that woman.
No matter how incredible she was, she was still a trainwreck of positive emotions.
Riley was quiet, sweet, and perfect for emotional stability and support.
She was perfect but not heart-catching.
It's not shocking that Helix was head over heels for her.
So the fact they were in a harem instead of friends with Helix was a miracle in retrospect.
But with their group relationship, they had become a perfect, harmonious, tightly wound relationship.
They were all loved and happy.
Charlotte and Riley owed Marie as much as Helix did for their current happiness.
They looked at her with strings tugging on their hearts.
"I would have refused outright if the Kingdom breaking down wouldn't have fallen on Eliza's shoulders."
Stunned silence followed.
Marie, Charlotte, and Riley looked at Helix with trembling eyes.
"So you're not considering it because you like her as a friend…." Charlotte said with wide eyes.
"Well, they're connected." Helix replied with a neutral expression.
"I think… she's saying that it's not your primary motivation." Riley commented with gentle eyes.
"Correct. It's a sad situation involving my friend." Helix replied with a nod.
"I would have had the same difficulty and worked with the queen if it were Millie, Mira, or Miskie."
The three looked at Helix with trembling eyes.
"I love that about you." Riley announced with a determined nod.
"It's the only reason I felt comfortable joining you always, despite being confused when you asked.
So I also support marrying Eliza."
Helix, Marie, and Charlotte's eyes welled with tears at the admission.
It was then that it clicked when Riley couldn't understand his love for so long.
Since he was always accepting and never let anyone get left behind, it'd make sense why anyone would question whether he [wanted] them there.
She rarely showed her opinions first, so the impact was far more powerful than usual.
"Come to think of it… I'm pretty sure we're in a relationship because Hellie didn't want anyone being left out." Charlotte pointed out.
"Everyone here was in Eliza's shoes."
Marie and Riley looked bewildered by the admission.
While Helix was mildly confused, he thought he knew where she was going.
"Even Marie?" Riley asked.
"Yep~" Charlotte smacked.
"There's no way in hell he'd date Marie exclusively if she forced him to treat Emelia differently."
A gravitational wave struck Marie and Riley.
They looked at Helix with wide eyes, and he returned a confused expression.
"I… thought that was a given, I guess?" Helix replied nervously.
"I imagined she might not sleep in my bed, but I'd still love her emotionally the same."
He genuinely didn't think the admission would shock anyone.
Marie considered it a given conceptually, but she never truly considered it.
They were dating and created a harem on the same day.
So she never had to.
"Then there's Riley and me." Charlotte continued.
"Hellie had a crush on Marie and a special bond with Emelia."
Marie, Riley, and Helix listened with the same level of interest.
"But when we all confessed, Hellie accepted our love without question." Charlotte continued while addressing Marie and Riley.
"However, he gave Marie the same level of control over accepting us as he is with Eliza."
Marie's eyes widened in surprise.
It truly was the same scenario.
"See? We might be three people, but we're still being offered exclusivity as one." Charlotte reasoned.
"So culture aside, I think we're lucky Helix did the same thing for us.
Since we've already agreed to marry Princess Eliza, perhaps we should give her a shot with our relationship."
Helix, Marie, and Riley were stunned by Charlotte's strange character turn.
Everyone was curious whether she wanted to be in a relationship with Eliza or truly grateful for Helix's character trait.
"Putting aside your strange eagerness…." Marie commented.
"Of course we'll try."
Helix, Charlotte, and Riley looked at Marie in surprise.
Her statement was the [second] time her bold willingness to enter the relationship threw them off.
She looked around her with a puzzled expression.
"Why is everyone so surprised?" Marie asked in bewilderment.
"I'm not thrilled with the idea, and I'm scared it might cause problems.
But… does everything think I'd be so cold that I'd let Eliza get married and be alone for the rest of her life?"
A stunned silence followed.
The gravity of the situation hit Charlotte and Riley for the first time.
Only Helix was understanding and grateful.
"No, it's just… you know…." Charlotte replied awkwardly.
"You wouldn't be so… eager?"
Marie's eyes widened in confusion, and she started to reply.
However, Riley saved the day as always.
"I think Charlotte's trying to say that you're much more willing than we expected." She explained in a sweet voice.
"Your reaction to Helix's love and the corresponding acceptance is touching.
It is a monumental day for everyone, after all.
I think it's wonderful, and Charlotte does too."
Marie's face heated up as she looked around.
Helix was staring at her with the most loving smile imaginable, making her want to hide her face.
It was a touching moment for everyone.
"It's~decided. Princess Eliza will be our wifey."
—
[A/N: We'll save the super epic roast session for the wedding.
So sharpen your knives. I'm preparing to cry for week. ;)]
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