Episode 171: The Happy Ending of a Tragic Romance Fantasy (Complete)
On the day of the wedding.
The union of the two great families, Lahart and Fervache—just the mention of their names made it impossible for the wedding to be anything but grand.
The flower pillars lining the virgin road and the red roses made the scene look like a heavenly garden. The enormous chandelier on the ceiling sparkled in golden light, completing the picture.
Sunlight streamed through the large windows, bathing the venue in warmth. The subtle scent of candles drifting through the air and the sound of string instruments added to the atmosphere.
Outside, the mansion was bustling. The attendants, all looking tense, were busy making final preparations. The sound of hurried footsteps never ceased in every corner.
The lobby was already crowded with distinguished guests from various places, and for security reasons, the entire Lahart knight order had been deployed, ensuring an impenetrable defense.
For today, at least, this place was the brightest center of the empire.
“Oh my, Duke, your skin is flawless.”
“His jawline looks like it was sculpted…”
“It’s a pleasure to dress you up.”
Since it was his wedding day, Yohan, the groom, also had to be well-dressed. A mana canvas would capture this moment forever, so if he could look even better, why not?
Of course, that didn’t mean applying makeup or anything like that—just some grooming to enhance his appearance.
“There, all done!”
“Would you mind standing up and turning around?”
Yohan stood up from the chair and slowly turned in a circle.
“Perfect!”
“There’s no way we could create a finer masterpiece than this…”
“It’s a work of art.”
The attendants clapped in unison, and some even pretended to wipe away tears, genuinely pleased.
“Alright then, I should get going. Today’s ceremony will be a bit different.”
“Oh, do you mean the group wedding?”
“Yeah. I need to inform people in advance so they won’t be too surprised.”
Yohan chuckled lightly and adjusted his attire one last time.
“I’ll be back.”
With that, he left the dressing room and headed toward the grand banquet hall.
The long hallway, draped in silence, was completely empty. Everyone had already gathered in the banquet hall.
“Yohan.”
Just as he was on his way, someone called his name.
“Brother, it’s been a while.”
It was Mulden Harsen, the eldest son of the Harsen Viscount family. Beside him stood their father, Balder Harsen, and the second brother, Daran Harsen.
“It’s been a long time. You’ve not only climbed the ranks—you’ve practically soared into the heavens.”
Yohan’s father, Balder Harsen, smiled warmly as he spoke.
“It just turned out that way,” Yohan replied with a bashful smile, nodding slightly.
“At first, I had no idea how things would unfold, but you managed to come this far. I’m proud of you, Yohan.”
“Thank you.”
Balder shook his head.
“There’s no need to thank me. I didn’t offer you any help. The glory you enjoy now—you achieved it entirely on your own.”
The Harsen family had never provided Yohan with any support. They didn’t have the resources to invest in their third son, and more importantly, he had become entangled with the Fervache ducal family.
Since he was involved with the dukes, he had to seize the opportunity? That would have been a foolish notion. If things went wrong, the entire family could have been ruined. After all, the Fervache family held such power.
As the head of House Harsen, Balder knew his limits well. He understood exactly how far their family could go and which temptations concealed hidden dangers.
That’s why he had drawn a clear line between himself and Yohan. He was not only a father to three sons—he was first and foremost the head of House Harsen.
In essence, he had abandoned Yohan.
“Even so, you still trusted me.”
Yohan, however, simply smiled.
“My actions could have put our family in danger, yet you believed in me enough to let me handle things on my own. That alone is more than enough for me.”
He was no child. He understood noble society better than anyone and had fully experienced it. The Viscount Harsen had simply chosen the best option for his son.
If Yohan had ever displeased the Duke Fervache, then no matter how much the viscount had distanced himself, he would not have remained safe.
Yet, the Viscount had allowed Yohan to act freely. He had only withdrawn his support.
“Your ability to navigate situations never ceases to impress me.”
“I learned from you, Father.”
“Well, we wouldn’t have survived otherwise.”
The Viscount let out a quiet chuckle.
“Congratulations on your marriage, little brother.”
“Congratulations. This year has been full of surprising news.”
Mulden and Daran smiled, patting Yohan on the shoulder.
“Thank you, brothers.”
Though they weren’t particularly close as family, this moment gave Yohan a strange sense of warmth.
***
The Grand Banquet Hall of the Duchy of Lahart
Tables were lined with an abundance of food and drinks, and attendants stood at the ready. The hall was crowded with nobles invited to the wedding, with even members of the imperial family gathered at the center.
Step.
Yohan slowly moved forward to the second-floor balcony, then spoke into a magical device.
[I sincerely thank all our esteemed guests for taking the time to attend and celebrate my wedding.]
His calm voice resonated throughout the hall.
[However, before we celebrate this moment, I must first make an announcement.]
The nobles, who had been engaged in lively conversations, turned their attention to him, listening intently.
[I, Yohan Lahart, am in a polygamous relationship.]
Thud.
It was as if a heavy stone had been dropped into a silent lake. The nobles in the hall widened their eyes in shock.
Polygamy wasn’t unheard of. Many noble families practiced it, and some high-ranking aristocrats even kept concubines.
But it wasn’t exactly common either—especially for someone as highly regarded as Yohan.
Moreover, his official wife came from the Fervache Ducal House—one of the Four Great Houses, rulers of the North.
Yet he was in a polygamous relationship?
Seeing the stunned expressions on their faces, Yohan continued.
[Of course, this decision was not made on my own. My fiancée has given her consent, and thus, my marriage has become polygamous.]
The hall was soon filled with murmurs. With his heightened senses, far surpassing those of ordinary people, Yohan could hear their conversations clearly.
“Polygamy? The Empire’s Guardian of the Sun…?”
“Honestly, it would be stranger if he didn’t have multiple wives. The Lahart bloodline must be spread further.”
“Wasn’t he once devoted only to the Fervache lady…?”
“What’s the issue? The Duke Lahart simply does as he pleases.”
The nobles were divided in their opinions.
Not that it mattered to him.
[Therefore.]
Yohan’s expression turned serious as his voice deepened, echoing through the hall.
[This wedding will be a moment for me and my lovers. I ask only that you enjoy yourselves and celebrate this occasion.]
As soon as he finished speaking, silence fell upon the hall.
No one knew how to react.
But it lasted only for a moment.
Clap.
Someone began to applaud. It was Crown Prince Descartes Rozino. He smiled brightly as he looked toward Yohan on the balcony, clapping his hands.
“Duke Lahart never fails to surprise us! I fully support your love!”
Descartes had read the situation. Supporting Yohan now would prevent any political fallout. That’s why he was the first to respond.
Clap clap clap…!
Soon, other nobles followed suit, their applause filling the hall. The crown prince, a strong candidate for the throne, had given his approval. Any lingering doubts were left to personal thoughts alone.
[Thank you.]
Yohan smiled with satisfaction.
Descartes Rozino… as expected, he’s quick-witted.
***
The time for the wedding ceremony had arrived.
Though the nobles had heard quite the shocking news, they did not act recklessly. What had seemed like a topic that would cause an uproar quickly subsided, and a dignified atmosphere took hold.
And then—
Bam— Babababam—!
With the orchestra’s performance, the wedding began.
“The groom, Duke Lahart, will now enter!”
The officiating priest announced with a bright smile. Yohan walked down the pristine white aisle.
Clap, clap, clap…!
The nobles smiled and applauded.
[Next, the first bride, Lady Francia of the House of Fervache, will enter! Please welcome her with a big round of applause!]
Clap, clap, clap, clap!
The applause grew even louder.
Click.
Between the sound of the orchestra and the clapping, the sound of her heels echoed. Francia, the symbol of nobility, was adorned in a pure white wedding dress, holding a bouquet of white flowers.
[Now, the second bride, Lady Rudella!]
Next, Rudella appeared. Her sky-like eyes shimmered amidst the white roses.
The nobles, who had been clapping, held their breath.
“Rudella…?”
“Wasn’t she supposed to be the crown princess?”
“So she wasn’t in exile?”
Another murmur spread through the hall. It was shocking enough that she had suddenly appeared after being missing, but for her to be here as Yohan’s bride? It was beyond surprising.
Yet, Rudella did not falter in the slightest. She remained poised and unyielding. No gaze, no words could wilt the rose that was Rudella.
And there was no one to openly oppose her. The faction supporting the former crown prince, led by Bismarck, was already on the path to ruin.
[The third bride, Lady Rudbeckia Freeche!]
The priest continued the introductions smoothly.
Rudbeckia also wore a pristine white wedding dress. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with warmth as they gazed at Yohan.
[And finally, the fourth bride, Lady Eris Highlander!]
Eris stepped onto the pure white path with a bright smile. She was usually expressionless, but in this moment, her face blossomed with joy.
Clap, clap, clap…!
Though the nobles struggled to keep up with the situation, they continued applauding.
[Now that the groom and brides have all arrived, we shall proceed with the sacred marriage vows.]
The officiating priest continued.
[This is the time to confirm your love for each other. The groom and brides will now make their vows.]
Yohan slowly lifted the white veils of his four brides, one by one.
“I, Yohan Lahart, vow to love my wives without discrimination— to ensure that the love I have pledged will remain unchanged and eternal.”
He first spoke to Francia.
“Even if the stars in the sky were to vanish, my love for you will not waver. Today, beneath the eyes of the divine, I engrave your name as my fate and make this vow.”
Francia smiled and sealed their vow with a kiss.
As Yohan took a step to the side, Rudella’s turn came.
“My heart beats for your name, and my soul finds peace in your smile. From this moment on, I will be your shadow, following you, and your light, illuminating your path. I give you all my days.”
After finishing her vow, Rudella placed a soft kiss on Yohan’s cheek.
“Yohan, I will be both your night and your morning. In this moment, with all my blood and heart, I vow to love you until the end.”
Rudbeckia blushed as she stepped forward, gently pressing her lips to Yohan’s cheek.
“You are my destiny and my chosen eternity. My sword will be raised to protect you, and my lips will pray in your name.”
With tears welling in her eyes, Eris stood on her toes. Yohan bent slightly, and she placed a kiss on his forehead.
[With this, the marriage of Duke Lahart and his four wives is established. God will sincerely bless this moment and ensure the eternal love between this couple.]
Thus, the wedding ceremony came to an end.
It had been a tumultuous journey, but there were no regrets.
He had turned back time, seized past mistakes, and altered the future—
And now, this once-tragic fate had finally reached its true happy ending.
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TLN: And that’s it—this novel is now officially complete! I can’t thank you all enough for reading and supporting.
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