The Third Prince Of Darkness

Roxanne's words seemed to ease the tension in the room slightly. A few people involuntarily smiled and nodded, though a hint of doubt or contemplation still lingered on everyone's faces. Accepting such an unusual situation wasn't easy.

Despite Roxanne's sarcastic tone, Luciana continued to speak calmly. "It might be everyone's right to judge this relationship. But Ethan and I have faced many challenges in this world. The love we share has been our greatest strength in overcoming them."

Breaking her silence, Evangeline spoke in a gentle voice. "In truth, we all know how much the concept of 'normal' has changed, especially after the collapse of the empires. Ethan's love is what brought us all together, and that is something truly special. So, personally, I don't think I'm in a position to judge."

Her words brought some relief to the room. Evangeline's diplomatic and mature approach once again showcased her wisdom as a leader.

Kayle, after remaining silent for a while, shook his head and finally spoke. "Alright, but how do you plan to manage this, Ethan? Maintaining order in a situation like this doesn't seem easy."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

I smiled and replied, "This isn't about management, Kayle. It's about love and commitment. We're all going through tough times, and we can stay strong by supporting one another. Over time, we'll establish a better order, of course."

Kayle paused to consider this, then shrugged. "Well, if everyone's happy, I guess it's not my concern." But from his body language, I could tell he was still uncomfortable.

Most people, however, handled the situation with maturity. To be honest, I had expected some sort of argument. Perhaps they refrained from opposing me because of the difficult times I endured after the war. Either way, for now, things seemed to be under control.

Despite her shyness and uncertainty about the situation, Luciana was exceptional at taking responsibility. She answered everyone's questions with grace and composure, leaving little need for me to speak at all.

As the night progressed, the atmosphere grew more relaxed and even playful. Perhaps it was because everyone had been under immense stress, but it was clear they wanted a chance to unwind and express themselves. Even Ellera made a joke at one point, which highlighted how much such a night was needed for everyone.

This made me realize that I must end this civil war as quickly as possible to provide them with a less stressful life. A plan has been on my mind for some time: Why not use my dark element to teleport to Liam or Thaerd and kill them in secret?

It wasn't a bad idea, but there were several problems. First, if I leave the capital now, I won't be present to address any unexpected issues that may arise. For example, if Liam orchestrates a covert attack, I'll only learn about it after returning. Secondly, if I win this civil war like that, both brothers mysteriously die, it won't enhance my authority or respect.

However, if I defeat Liam and Thaerd on the battlefield, it will make controlling the country much easier. This is why I actually want to use this civil war to my advantage. Finally, there's the risk that my assassination attempt might fail. While the odds of failure are slim, it's not impossible. Perhaps I'm being overly paranoid.

For now, this means shelving my assassination plan, at least partially. If things don't go as expected, I'll immediately put it into action. I can't afford to take more risks or enter a war I can't win.

"Ethan? Are you listening to us?" Isabella's voice broke me out of my thoughts.

Looking around, I noticed my mother's deeply flushed face in particular. "Yes, what happened?"

"Stop this nonsense..." Luciana began to say.

"Yes, I think Ethan should decide who he wants to spend the night with," Roxanne chimed in.

"No, settling this is for the best," Isabella interjected.

"What are you discussing?"

Turning to me, Isabella paused for a few seconds before answering. "How do you plan to decide who you'll spend your nights with?"

The weight of her question suddenly bore down on me. The atmosphere in the room grew tense again, but this time it was tinged with awkwardness rather than seriousness. Luciana's reddening face revealed how uncomfortable she felt while Roxanne looked at me with an amused smile, seemingly entertained by the situation.

"Is this really something we need to discuss right now?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

However, Isabella pressed on with determination. "Ethan, we all know that leaving these things unresolved will only lead to bigger problems. At least if you make a decision now, everyone will know where they stand."

"She's right," added Roxanne. "If we don't establish some kind of system, misunderstandings will keep cropping up."

Though clearly uneasy, Luciana interjected, with a slight tremor in her voice. "This is a private matter. There's no need to pressure Ethan like this."

"Luciana is right," Evangeline said calmly. "Being transparent is important, but turning this into a debate is unnecessary. When and how Ethan decides is entirely up to him."

"I think we could use a rotation system," Isabella suggested, speaking carefully. "You can decide who to be with in the mornings, Ethan, but since we all want to spend nights with you, a schedule might be ideal. Otherwise, we could see jealousy escalating within days."

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"Alright, but how do we decide who gets to be first? I don't want to be last!" Roxanne protested.

The room erupted into debates once more. Roxanne's outburst heightened the tension again. While Luciana tried to calm things with a deep breath, Isabella quickly cut in.

"The fairest way to decide the order is by drawing lots. That way, no one feels favored."

Roxanne responded with a sarcastic raise of her eyebrows. "A lottery? Are we really going to resolve such a serious matter by drawing lots?"

"If you have a better idea, Roxanne, we'd love to hear it," Isabella replied, her tone calm but slightly challenging.

At that moment, Ellera unexpectedly intervened. "Perhaps we should leave this decision to Ethan. After all, it's his choice, isn't it? We should respect his preference."

Ellera's diplomatic approach created an instant silence. All eyes turned back to me. As the discomfort within me grew, I realized I had to find a way to resolve this. Evangeline and Avanne, two women whose relationship with me was uncertain, looked slightly embarrassed. They had not realy much joined the conversation at all.

"Alright, then. Isabella's idea sounds fine."

After my words, everyone exchanged glances, and Isabella smiled with satisfaction. "A lottery is a fair method, Ethan. At least it ensures everyone feels at ease," she said confidently.

Roxanne crossed her arms and stepped forward. "Fine, but you should be the one to draw the lot, Ethan. This way, it won't look like a competition between us. It'll seem like you're deciding, but it'll still be left to chance."

Luciana appeared internally annoyed by that words, but took a deep breath to hide it. "Do we really need such a detailed plan? Ethan can do it however he wants," she muttered.

Isabella, however, pulled out a pouch and took out small pieces of paper. "We can do it right now. Everyone's name is written down. Ethan, pick one, and decide who you'll spend the first night with."

The tension in the room intensified once again. Evangeline and Avanne remained silent, but their discomfort was evident. I glanced at them briefly and thought about how unnecessary this situation felt. Yet, I couldn't think of another way to diffuse the tension in the room.

Isabella extended the pouch toward me. "Go on, Ethan. There's no point in delaying this any longer,"

I took a deep breath and reached for the pouch. All eyes were on me. As I drew out a piece of paper.

I unfolded the paper and read it slowly. "Luciana."

Luciana's face turned red instantly. She tried to say something while averting her gaze, but the words got stuck on her lips. Isabella smiled faintly and nodded. "A fair result. Now, pick for the second night," she said.

For the second time, I unfolded a piece of paper and read it aloud. "Kayle."

When I said the name "Kayle," she remained silent for a brief moment. Then, with a faint smile, she nodded. "A fair result," she said in a low voice, though there was a subtle look of surprise on her face. The room's atmosphere shifted again with a soft sigh from Roxanne.

Everyone's eyes were on me again. I reached into the pouch to draw a third name. As I opened the paper and read it silently, I then spoke a little louder: "Evangeline. But… we haven't reached that stage with Evangeline yet," I said.

The moment I said Evangeline's name, everyone's eyes in the room turned to her. Evangeline smiled shyly and began to speak in a graceful voice.

"Ethan, I assume in this situation that we'll only be sleeping together," she said calmly yet clearly. Her voice carried the usual composure of a mature leader. "I'm not ready yet…"

"Of course, Evangeline. I respect you. There's no need for you to feel pressured in any way about this," I replied.

Then, I continued drawing the remaining names and announced the seven women in the room. For the fourth night, Ellera; for the fifth, Roxanne; for the sixth, Avanne; and lastly, Isabella for the seventh night. Ironically, Isabella, who had devised this solution, ended up being last. Meanwhile, I made a mental note to clarify my relationship with Avanne on her night.

"So... good night everyone"

Rising to my feet, I took the hand of Luciana, who was now incredibly embarrassed, and led her out of the room.