Chương 49: The Architecture of the Harem — Bonds and Lies

Walking through the stone corridors of our temporary base, I permitted my mind to coldly review the timeline and biological status of each individual who held tactical importance. It is noted that Queen Liria is sixteen years old, and Akari is fifteen. Commander Kaelia is seventeen, with exactly three months remaining until she turns eighteen. Analyzing my immediate group, Liora has completed her sixteenth year, while exactly two months remain before Selene, Aurélia, and I turn seventeen together.

As for Myreia, her soul carries sixteen years of actual living experience, but the feline body she currently inhabits will turn nineteen in two months. My silent steps led me toward the internal living quarters. Upon pushing the door open, I encountered an unexpected sight: Liora and Selene were together, sharing a moment of physical affection and deep intimacy. I remained completely motionless in the doorway, observing the scene with an analytical gaze.

From what it appeared, Liora possessed an affection for women as well. I harbored no personal objection to her engaging in a relationship with Selene. In fact, I calculated it to be advantageous. A bond between two women did not constitute a betrayal of my position. My intellect searched the demographic data I had accumulated since my arrival in this universe. Due to the incessant and devastating border wars that plagued the nations, the male birth rate had plummeted through the centuries.

Consequently, the female population had drastically taken over the world, shifting local society into an overwhelming layout of eighty percent women. Because of this, the entire social framework and the fundamental concept of relationships had transformed completely. Here, the existence of harems composed of a single woman leading several others was a common, widely accepted, and normalized social fact.

Marriages and romantic alliances between women had become the default standard for survival and affection within civilization due to the extreme scarcity of men. I analyzed the engineering behind that reality. One of my logical conclusions was that such a massive demographic discrepancy, maintained across generations, was undoubtedly the handiwork of the goddesses. Stepping away from the quarters for a brief moment, I walked through the cavern until I located Myreia.

She stood near one of the runic corridors, meticulously organizing a set of scrolls. Noticing my approach, she lifted her eyes. — You took your time. — I resolved a few matters. — Did you manage to speak with the Queen? — Yes. — And? — We possess a mansion, unrestricted access to the kingdom's mineral resources, and a specific mission. Myreia adjusted her runic spectacles over her face, staring at me for a long, silent second. —... How on earth did you manage to obtain all of that? — I asked.

— You are truly terrifying. — Were you all waiting for me to return before going in? — I questioned, shifting the focus to the structural baseline of our sanctuary. — Absolutely not — Myreia shot back, pointing an accusatory finger directly in my direction with a sharp glare. — If you dare enter while I am in there, I will kill you. If you wish to join, it will have to be alongside your two girlfriends. I believe those two are currently dating each other now anyway.

I distinctively heard them groaning inside the quarters. It might not be a solidified relationship yet, but they are definitely having a fling. Before entering the hot spring facilities, Selene stopped right next to Liora. — Kuro. I paused, turning my gaze toward the two of them. — What is it? Selene hesitated for a brief couple of seconds. — You are aware that Liora and I are together, right? — I am. Liora observed my countenance intently, searching for a fracture in my icy mask.

— And you truly harbor no issue whatsoever with this arrangement? — None. This time, I was not fabricating a falsehood. I had already logged the fact that Liora harbored deep feelings for Selene. In truth, I had perceived her emotional trajectory long before she herself fully comprehended what she felt. I did not categorize this as a betrayal. Selene remained my woman. Liora remained my woman. The mutual bond between the two of them did not alter those operational values.

Selene appeared visibly startled by the blunt nature of my response. — So... you accept it? — I accept it. Liora tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharp. — Without attempting to prevent us? — For what reason would I? She fell into a tense silence. — You genuinely do not care? — I do not. To test my reaction and firmly assert their shared position, Selene and Liora drew closer to one another. Right before my eyes, they surrendered completely to a hot, intense, and passionate kiss beneath the rising steam.

I watched the entire display with my twenty percent baseline emotion active, keeping my facial features entirely stable and completely devoid of any petty human jealousy. When they finally broke the contact, I shattered the remaining ice with my linear, vacant voice: — May I join the kiss? The two of them widened their eyes, caught entirely off guard by my sheer audacity, realizing that I genuinely approved of the situation. I was speaking the truth.

If they harbored mutual affection, I possessed no logistical reason to interfere. Quite the contrary. The stronger the bonds between the individuals around me, the more stable the entire group would remain. Now they would share a mutual link instead of wasting operational energy fighting. I favored this development. I stared into the rising vapor, contemplating: Could I enter the spring as well?

I experienced a profound desire to submerge myself in the heat, but I knew that executing that action right now would generate immediate conflicts with Myreia and Aurélia. At that moment, Selene stepped out from the inner quarters with calm strides and a serene countenance, unreservedly embracing the status of their bond. — We are together. It is normal. Everything is perfectly fine, right, Kuro? — It is excellent. The two of them entered the hot spring facility together alongside the others.

As they settled into the runic warm water, Myreia approached the edge carrying several pieces of tailored fabric. Observing the items, Akari tilted her head, questioning with clear curiosity: — What is that? Myreia adjusted her spectacles, explaining with absolute naturalness: — If you girls eventually want Kuro to join you in the water, you wear these. But since it is only the women here right now, you don't need them. The girls took the garments, quickly comprehending the utility of the bikinis.

Myreia had prepared the runic bikinis in distinct colors tailored for each of them. Selene received a deep, dark crimson that matched her hair. Liora chose a simple, discreet black. Myreia wore a dark violet. Aurélia was given a white one adorned with lilac details, matching her purple streaks. Akari received a dark brown. The thick steam covered the hot springs while everyone enjoyed a rare pocket of tranquility within the pool. Selene leaned against the edge of the water, with Liora remaining closely by her side.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. — I still find it hard to believe that Kuro managed to march straight into the throne room and simply demand to marry Liria. Myreia adjusted her spectacles over her nose. — Statistically, it was one of the most absurd decisions he has ever executed. Liora remained entirely tranquil. — It functioned. — That is precisely the problem! — Selene retorted, throwing her arms slightly up.

Aurélia let out a soft, delicate laugh from her corner. — At least he managed to secure the promise of the mansion. Akari raised her hand high. — I want a large bedroom! Myreia glanced over at her. — You do not even know if you will possess a private quarters at all. — Then I want a large bedroom regardless! Selene began to laugh softly. — Akari, you are truly impossible. Liora turned her gaze toward Selene. — You appear exceptionally happy today. — I am attempting to enjoy the moment.

After everything that has transpired, I calculate that all of us deserve a peaceful night. Aurélia remained in silence for a few seconds before nodding gently in agreement. — It is pleasant to be able to converse without calculating that someone will abruptly appear to attack us. Myreia rested her chin upon her palm against the stone edge. — Although I still desire to comprehend exactly how the Eclipse managed to stabilize that immense quantity of energy. Selene closed her eyes tightly. — Myreia... — What?

— We are inside the hot springs. — And so? — Can you manage to speak of an alternative topic for a mere five minutes? Myreia contemplated the restriction. — I can attempt to. Akari raised her hand once more. — I possess a question! Everyone locked their eyes onto the cat-girl. — Is Kuro genuinely going to marry the Queen? Selene fell into a tense silence. Liora answered first: — Probably. Selene shot a glance toward Liora. — You do not appear worried. — I am not. — For what reason? Liora gave a light shrug.

— Because I trust him. Selene spent a few seconds staring into her eyes. — You speak those words with far too much tranquility. — It is because I possess no motive to fabricate a lie. Aurélia observed the exchange from afar, averting her eyes to contain a subtle chuckle. — You two have genuinely grown remarkably close. Selene became instantly flustered. — Do not start. Myreia narrowed her eyes, a calculating glint flashing behind her lenses. — Interesting...

— Myreia, do not even contemplate it — Selene countered immediately. Akari tilted her head, completely lost. — Contemplate what? — Nothing! — Selene shouted back. Liora merely remained in comfortable silence. For several minutes, no one uttered a single word regarding wars, queens, demons, or political assassinations. It was merely a group of women conversing. And after everything they had endured, that simple slice of normalcy felt almost foreign to them.

The thick vapor continued to shroud the hot springs while everyone enjoyed that rare interlude of peace. Selene rested against the perimeter of the pool, while Liora remained beside her. Myreia observed the pair for a few passing moments. — The two of you are becoming increasingly inseparable. Selene looked back at her. — We are together. It is normal. — I am aware. I am merely logging the observation. Liora turned her face toward Selene. — Are you experiencing cold? — A little.

Liora drew closer, slipping her hand beneath the water to hold Selene's hand tightly. Selene's cheeks turned slightly flushed. — You could simply ask first. — I did ask. — That did not constitute a question. — It constituted a solution. Myreia adjusted her glasses. — Technically, her logic is flawless. Selene let out a heavy sigh. — You are not helping, Myreia. Akari tilted her head in curiosity. — So you two are genuinely girlfriends? Selene nodded firmly. — Yes. — And does Kuro know?

Liora answered without a split second of hesitation: — He knows. Akari appeared completely perplexed. — And he does not become angry? Selene let out a small, soft laugh. — No. Kuro does not possess jealousy in that manner. Liora locked her eyes onto Selene. — He already knew that I harbored feelings for you. — He knew? — Long before I even admitted it to myself. Selene's eyes widened in sheer surprise. — Of course he knew...

Aurélia, positioned further away in the warmer section, observed the two with a significantly more tranquil expression on her face. — It appears you two genuinely share affection. Selene smiled warmly. — I do like her. Liora remained in silence for a few seconds before delivering her response: — I like you as well. Myreia immediately whipped her face to the side, adjusting her lenses. — I saw absolutely nothing. — You two are truly impossible — Selene murmured, though her smile remained.

Liora stayed completely tranquil, her fingers remaining intertwined with Selene's beneath the surface. Akari submerged herself until the water reached her neck, letting out a long sigh. — I never desire to leave this place. Myreia glanced over at her. — You have been inside the water for a mere three minutes. — They were the three greatest minutes of my entire existence. Selene rested her head against the stone lip while Aurélia let out a relaxed breath. — I agree. Liora observed Selene for a few passing moments.

— Your hair looks different when wet. Selene turned her face toward her. — Different in what manner? — More beautiful. — You utter these statements entirely out of nowhere... — It is the truth. Myreia looked over at the pair. — You two genuinely shed any remaining shame the moment you began dating. Selene's face burned bright red. — That is not it! Akari raised her hand high into the vapor. — I possess a question. — What is it now? — Selene asked, exasperated. — Who is the most beautiful individual present here?

An absolute silence crashed over the pool. Myreia instantly pointed a finger toward herself. — Obviously, me. Selene stared back at her, deadpan. — You did not even hesitate. — Self-confidence is a crucial scientific attribute. Aurélia laughed softly. — That justification possesses no logical sense. — It doesn't need to. Liora stated calmly, her voice even: — Selene. Selene's eyes widened. — Liora?! — You asked the question. Akari began to laugh merrily. — And the runner-up? Liora shot a glance toward her.

— I do not know. — You did not even process the options! — I have already made my choice. Selene hid her crimson face entirely within her hands. — Cease uttering these things right in front of them! Myreia broke into a loud laugh. — This is turning out significantly better than I anticipated. Aurélia observed the lively group and, for the first time in a long period, let out a genuine laugh that carried no forced weight. — You girls are remarkably noisy. Akari pointed a triumphant finger in her direction.

— You are smiling as well! Aurélia appeared startled, reflexively lifting a hand to her own cheek. — I... Selene smiled softly. — Leave her be. Liora turned her gaze toward Aurélia. — It is pleasant to see you in this state. Aurélia fell into silence for a brief few seconds, her fingers tightly clutching the purple pendant around her neck. — Thank you. The environment turned completely quiet for an instant. Then Akari tentatively lifted her hand into the air once more. — May I execute another question?

Everyone responded in perfect, unyielding unison: — No. Akari displayed a thoroughly indignant pout. — You don't even comprehend what the question is! Myreia adjusted her glasses with an air of finality. — Familiar with your operational history, we have no logistical need to comprehend it. Selene's vibrant laughter echoed throughout the hot springs. For a handful of minutes, the variables of war, demons, the sovereign, or Kuro's lethal mission ceased to exist. It was merely a normal interlude among them.

And after everything they had faced, that fragile normalcy was perhaps the most valuable asset they possessed. Shortly after, Aurélia stepped out of the water, stating that with those specific runic bikinis, there would be no operational issue if I joined them. I approached the outer edge of the pool, locking my eyes deeply and continuously onto Aurélia. — I did not know the crystal would execute all of those functions, Selene — I commented, keeping my tone perfectly linear.

— Aurélia possesses no remaining relatives and is entirely alone. Selene, observing the scene from within the water, responded immediately: — Aurélia has you. Aurélia began to shift her weight, visibly restless and with her cheeks flushing dark red beneath my direct, unblinking stare. — Who do you calculate to be the individual responsible for everything? — she questioned, her voice carrying the heavy weight of a suppressed agony. — Is it Liria? — It was not Liria — I responded coldly.

— I have secured the necessary information, and the culpable individual is Hina, the elven advisor. She is the sole culprit. — But who was the one who physically went there and executed Lyra? — The individual who killed Lyra was a warrior of Silver who betrayed her nation. According to the data Kaelia provided me, she is an assassin currently operating under Hina's direct employ. She is a wolf-woman, thirty years of age, and exceptionally experienced. I will deploy alongside Selene and eliminate her for you.

— No — Aurélia countered immediately, the pride of her lineage sparking brightly within her purple eyes. — I will execute that action with my own hands. Thank you... I owe my existence to you, and I will remain completely faithful. I looked straight into her purple eyes without a single shred of hesitation. — I love you, Aurélia. I was not fabricating a falsehood. The actual instigator behind the setup was indeed Hina.

Furthermore, that specific wolf-woman assassin genuinely operated for Hina within the shadows, and her continued survival would constitute a severe tactical hazard for myself and the other women if left unchecked. Aurélia remained trapped beneath my fixed stare, her fingers nervously gripping the borders of her bikini. — When you look at me in that exact manner, it leaves me entirely restless...

It appears as though you are uttering deeply profound concepts, but in reality, you are just staring straight at my chest and my undergarments. — My apologies. But it was Myreia who crafted that bikini, correct? — Yes... it was indeed her — Aurélia replied, turning her face away in deep embarrassment. At that exact moment, I finally submerged my body into the rúnic warm water.

Selene navigated through the heat and wrapped her arms tightly around me, pressing her form flush against mine while letting out a heavy sigh laden with an intense jealousy. — Are you genuinely going to marry Liria? — Are you experiencing jealousy? — Of course I am. She is the Queen... if that occurs, I will possess no tactical chances with you. I whirled to face her directly within the pool, taking her face firmly between my hands. — I am aware that Liria maintains a secret relationship with her girlfriend...

and that girlfriend happens to be your sister, the most powerful mage in the entire kingdom. Selene responded with complete calmness, demonstrating that their past variables were far more interconnected than I had originally calculated: — I was already aware of that data, Kuro. My sister, Sienna, and the Queen were close childhood friends of ours. Liria frequently visited our estate, and we routinely went directly to the palace.

Sienna constantly sends me correspondence, and she had already detailed their relationship within those letters. I absorbed the piece of information in absolute silence. I maintained my grip on her face, advancing the game of emotional submission to lock down total control over her piece. — Selene, I must declare something to you. May I? — You may... I desire to know. — How far would you go for my sake? — Until death parts us — Selene responded immediately, locking her eyes onto my dark irises.

— Not even death can part us. — What do you mean by that? — You would not comprehend the mechanics. But know this... I genuinely like you, Selene. You are the one, and you are the one I love the most. Though I do harbor feelings for the others. Aurélia and Kaede, yes. As for Myreia, I desire for her to remain by my side as well; I will never execute her even if she attempts to betray my position. Selene, if a day arrives where she betrays us, you will possess the choice to eliminate her or not.

But she remains an important asset, and now you comprehend that I want her near me. Therefore, attempt to draw her to our side of the board. You can attempt to seduce her alongside Liora and declare that you love her. Selene recoiled a single centimeter, blinking her eyes repeatedly, thoroughly staggered by the request. — What on earth are you uttering...? You intend to keep other women and you want to utilize me even for that purpose? I did not deliver a response utilizing logical arguments.

I wrapped my hand around Selene's waist, pulling her flush against my body and kissing her with absolute intensity for thirty complete seconds beneath the thick steam of the hot springs. The action thoroughly silenced any remaining objections, forcing her biological structure to relax entirely against mine. Breaking the contact, I stared straight into her eyes, which were entirely clouded by pure desire, leaving her completely surrendered to my control. — Trust in me, Selene. She nodded in absolute silence.

However, upon recovering her breath, the mage appeared to gather the remaining fragments of her pride. She leaned slightly back into the water, pointing her index finger directly at my face before drawing the exact shape of a heart in the thick vapor with her hands. With a provocative smile, she declared: — I will still make you fall deeper and deeper in love with me, Kuro! Write down what I am telling you. I backed away slightly, permitting my internal chessboard to process the actual bluff hiding behind her mask.

My features remained completely untouchable, like pure ice. I fabricated a falsehood. Selene, I also harbor deep affection for the others. And to state the actual truth, I love Selene and Aurélia equally. The plan is advancing precisely as calculated. We are a single step away from my ascension to King, and everything will be permanently consolidated the moment I marry the Queen.