The Ashborn Dimension was calm.
Endless twilight skies stretched above crystal-white land, rivers of light flowing gently through the realm Alexander had shaped as his own. It was a place of peace—one that reflected his will.
And currently—
It was not peaceful.
Alex sat at the center of a wide marble terrace, expression calm, posture relaxed.
Surrounding him were his wives.
Many of them.
Some leaned casually.
Some watched him with sharp interest.
Some smiled in ways that promised trouble.
Retsu Unohana was the first to speak, her gentle smile carrying unmistakable danger.
"So," she said softly, folding her hands. "When are you planning to introduce Veronica Stark?"
Alex didn't even blink.
"…Eventually."
Morgan le Fay lifted a brow. "That's not an answer."
Scáthach crossed her arms. "You don't hesitate on battlefields. Why hesitate here?"
Astoria Pendragon—Saber Alter—sat with her legs crossed, eyes half-lidded.
"You have already acknowledged them. Delay only builds tension."
Grayfia adjusted her glasses. "From a logical standpoint, postponement will only increase expectations."
Jeanne d'Arc Alter scoffed. "Hah. You're scared."
Alex calmly took a sip of tea.
"I am not scared," he said evenly. "They're not ready yet."
Ciel's voice echoed gently inside the space.
"Assessment: Alex is lying by 12%."
Alex ignored that.
The Names Come Up
Infinity lounged against a pillar, crimson eyes gleaming.
"And what about the others? Gwen. Felicia. Skye."
Death—elegant, composed, terrifying—smiled faintly.
"They orbit him naturally. It's only a matter of time."
Galacta grinned. "I kinda like them. They're fun."
Sif nodded. "Strong-willed. Honest."
Lorelei tilted her head. "They feel… sincere."
Amora smirked. "And very expressive."
Aria and Bela exchanged knowing glances.
Hela leaned back, arms crossed. "So why wait?"
Alex set the cup down.
"Because," he said calmly, "this isn't something I rush."
The room quieted slightly.
Then—
Alex spoke again.
"…Veronica is still amusing."
That got their attention.
The Veronica Stories
Alex described it plainly.
How Veronica tried to act composed—but failed.
How she flustered easily.
How she pouted when teased.
How she blushed bright red when he leaned too close.
"And when I tease her," Alex added, "…she gets quiet. Or defensive. It's… cute."
There was a pause.
Then—
Hera smiled.
Slowly. Knowingly.
"…She sounds familiar."
Several heads turned toward her.
Hera looked around the circle of women.
"She reminds me of someone."
Infinity tilted her head.
"…Who?"
Hera's gaze shifted.
Directly—
To Peggy Carter.
The Comparison
Peggy stiffened instantly.
"…What?"
Hera smiled warmly. "Strong. Composed. Intelligent. Tries to appear unfazed."
Aphrodite chuckled softly. "But completely flustered around the man she cares about."
Hela nodded. "Yes. Very similar."
Morgan smirked. "The denial is the same."
Scáthach added calmly, "So is the discipline hiding emotion."
Retsu smiled gently. "And the way she reacts to his attention."
Peggy's face heated instantly.
"That's not—!" she started.
She stopped.
Her cheeks burned red.
Everyone noticed.
Peggy pressed her lips together.
She wanted to argue.
She wanted to say she wasn't like that.
But—
The memory surfaced.
Standing across from Alex in the past.
Trying to stay professional.
Failing when he looked at her calmly and spoke her name.
Her heart had skipped.
Her voice had faltered.
She had been—
Flustered.
Peggy looked away.
"…I am not like that," she muttered weakly.
No one believed her.
Aphrodite smiled brightly. "Oh, you absolutely are."
Infinity laughed.
"Adorable."
Peggy covered part of her face.
"…Please stop."
Alex watched quietly.
Then spoke.
"You were," he said simply.
Peggy froze.
He didn't tease her.
Didn't smile.
Just stated it as fact.
Her face turned even redder.
"…That's unfair," she whispered.
Alex tilted his head slightly.
"I wasn't complaining."
Silence.
Then laughter erupted around the terrace.
Peggy buried her face in her hands.
"I hate all of you," she muttered.
Alex leaned back, calm as ever.
"We'll wait," he said again.
"For Veronica. For Gwen. For Felicia. For Skye."
His wives watched him closely.
None argued.
Because they understood.
Some things were worth waiting for.