"Well, how was your time spent with Sam?" Gwen asked with a knowing look on her face as Nate and Sam walked back into the cottage.
A deep blush spread across Sam's face as she averted her eyes from Gwen. Cathy approached the two and gave them a knowing glance before sighing. "Guess I won't be getting any grandkids yet."
"Mother!" Nate exclaimed, feeling his face grow warm.
"Oh hush up. I know the chief would disfigure you if you consummated your marriage before you're 18." Nate's mother then cast him a sly grin. "Why don't you take Gwen and Sam to your room?"
Shaking his head, Nate grabbed both Sam and Gwen's hands and led them to his room. "Are you planning to stay the night?" Nate asked, looking at Sam.
"Sadly, my father would kill me if I did, so I'll have to head out soon." The three spent the next hour chatting, allowing Sam and Gwen to get to know each other better before Sam had to leave.
After washing up and enjoying the delicious dinner Cathy made, Nate and Gwen fell asleep in each other's arms.
When the morning sun began casting its glaring light into the small cottage, everyone's slumber was abruptly interrupted by a loud pounding on the door, followed by shouting. "Gwendolyn, get out here right now!"
Stirred awake by the noise, Nate sleepily glanced over at Gwen, who had a blank look on her face—one he had learned to associate with family trouble.
Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, Nate made his way out of bed and put on some clothes before heading to the doorway, where Nate's mother had already opened it.
"I demand my daughter be handed to me this instant!" shouted a short, pudgy man with balding brown hair, dressed in garish clothes, while addressing Nate's mom.
"Baron Blackwood, is there an issue?" Nate asked, irritation evident in his voice at the way the man was speaking to his mother.
The Baron's face turned red with anger as he glanced at Nate. "You village boy peasant! How dare you seduce my daughter? Your station isn't even high enough to lick the boots on my feet, let alone marry my daughter."
"Sir, if you do not stop soon, I will be forced to petition the royal family with my grievances against you," Nate said firmly.
The Baron laughed loudly, dismissing Nate's words. "What can a powerless boy like you accomplish? The royal family would never take the petition of some random villager seriously."
"Father, I would advise you to hold your tongue when addressing Viscount Mildew-Cromwell, who is also engaged to Princess Chloe," Gwen's voice suddenly cut through, full of stern authority.
Turning around, Nate saw Gwen with her chestnut hair still disheveled from sleep, but her sea-blue eyes were fierce and commanding.
The Baron's face visibly fell upon hearing his daughter's words. "Viscount…?"
Nate gave the man his most dazzling smile. "It's a recent title, and I won't officially be given any responsibilities until I turn 18."
Baron Blackwood's expression shifted dramatically, a huge, fake smile overtaking his face. "I see. I just wish the viscount would have properly introduced himself. I was concerned when my daughter did not return home with my son and asked him where she was."
Greed clouded the Baron's face. He had originally found a count for his daughter, but being the official wife of a viscount with royal connections was even better.
"Why don't you invite me in so we can discuss your future relationship with my daughter?" The Baron suggested. Nate was about to close the door, but his mother stepped forward and invited the man inside.
Soon, everyone was seated in the small living room, with Nate comforting Gwen by holding her hand.
"When are you planning to have your engagement ceremony?" the Baron asked, his eyes shimmering with greed.
Nate's mother looked at him with expectation. "You should take responsibility since you're already sleeping in the same room as her."
"We simply haven't had the chance yet due to school, and then I spent a few weeks confined to my bed after the capital attack," Nate explained.
"Nonsense! We have time right now; we simply need to find someone to perform the ceremony," the Baron said enthusiastically.
Nate glanced at Gwen. "I haven't finished your third condition yet."
She gave a small smile. "There is no hurry. I trust you will be able to fulfill it when you have more power."
After everyone agreed, they made their way to the village chapel and performed a quick ceremony, solidifying Gwen's place as his third wife.
[Skill Update: Lover's Embrace]
3rd Wife: Gwendolyn Blackwood - 1st part/Gain Skill Independent Spirit (Rare), 2nd part/Locked
[Skill: Independent Spirit (Rare)]
Description: Passive skill that allows the user to push forward alone even when the chances of victory are low.
As soon as the ceremony was over, the Baron disappeared, seemingly satisfied with the arrangement. Nate led Gwen into the nearby woods, where they found a peaceful spot to relax.
"I'm not sure how I'll do it, but one day I will destroy that man for you," Nate promised, gazing into Gwen's eyes.
"You're still young, Nate. I don't expect you to know how to handle a noble right away. I'm sure you'll come up with something in time," Gwen said with a small, reassuring smile.
"What do you think of Sam?" Nate asked, curious about her opinion of his first wife.
"Hmmm... she's a bit plain in appearance but has a lively and cheerful aura that can lift even the gloomiest spirits."
"I always had a bit of a temper, and most of the village children were scared of me. Sam was the only one who was never scared and always worked to make me feel better," Gwen added.
Their conversation was interrupted when Sam approached them. "Congratulations on your engagement!" she said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.
"Is something wrong?" Nate asked, concern in his voice.
"No, I just wish I would have been invited," Sam replied with a pitiful pout.
Gwen suddenly burst into laughter. "Sorry, Sam. It was very unexpected."
Nate reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch that had been cleverly tucked away. With a deep breath, he knelt in front of his two wives, their eyes wide with anticipation. "I know we've already exchanged vows and ceremonies, but I wanted to present you with something else, something that holds great significance in another culture." With gentle hands, Nate opened the pouch to reveal two delicate golden bands. Carefully, he placed one on the ring finger of each woman, sealing their bond with an eternal symbol of love and commitment.
The two women smiled lovingly at him, each placing a small kiss on his cheek as a thank you.
"Are the two of you heading back to the academy tomorrow?" Sam asked, her voice tinged with a bit of sadness.
Nate gave a slight nod. "Yes, Professor Jodi mentioned there's something very important for my future growth that she needs to teach."
Taking Sam's hands in his, Nate gazed deeply into her eyes. "No matter how far away I am, just know that I am always thinking of you."
With that, the three decided to head back and spend the remainder of the day with Nate's family