Whose Harem is This?

Ru in the hospital bed was once again immersed in the dream of the golden palace. However, no matter how much he called out, he could not get any response from the reflection.

"Alright, dying is boring," he finally said and began wandering aimlessly down the corridor that seemed to stretch on forever.

He didn't know how long he had been walking—or if he was even walking at all. The corridor around him distorted under the refractions of light from an unknown source, and the disorienting shifts in its shape were beginning to wear on his courage.

"I'll regain my magic powers. Please, don't let this be a dream."

Though he refused to give up, the reflections began to overtake the place's form. Thousands of mirrors appeared before him. He searched for his reflection but couldn't find it.

As the ground grew indistinct and the mirrors began to rise, he let go. He lay back in the void, closing his eyes. The momentary release of control created a ringing in his ears. The ringing climbed up his brain with increasing pressure until it felt like his skull was going to split open like an overripe watermelon. He jolted awake in his bed.

Someone said, "Doctor," but the voice—and the obscure figure it belonged to—faded quickly.

Ru's eyes opened to the shimmer of water, whispers and giggles echoing in his ears. His skin felt warm and damp. His lungs filled with the scent of exotic incense mingled with steam.

"Why am I so drowsy?" He grumbled, looking around.

He saw a massive dome above him. The sunlight refracted through it, casting beautiful patterns on the floor. The dome was supported by exquisitely carved statues, and sheer curtains billowed in a gentle breeze, catching on the fronds of majestic palm trees. In the center of the space was a pool as large as the dome itself, surrounded by cushions and low tables.

Colored vapors rose from incense burners, veiling the figures that moved within. These figures, beautiful as if plucked from a mirage, danced gracefully to a pleasant melody.

"Music?" Ru asked, searching for its source. He first saw the instruments, then the players—half-naked women draped only in sheer fabric.

"What is this?" He asked, turning his head away in embarrassment. But there was more.

"This is a harem!" Ru covered his eyes with his hands, bit his lips, and shook his head rapidly in the negative several times.

"Why am I ashamed? This is my field and obviously my dream. I'll look into it," Ru said, puffing out his chest with unreasonable pride.

The harem exploded with brilliant movement and color all around him. Beautiful women, dressed in silks that clung to their figures like a second skin, glided with effortless elegance. Some young women were barefoot on the chilly marble, their hips swaying to the hypnotic rhythm of drums, their laughter ringing like music. Others reclined on luxurious divans, their bodies adorned in revealing fabrics, their eyes brimming with languid desire as they consumed dates or drank from goblets of spicy wine.

In the center of the room, a large pool sparkled like a sapphire, its surface rippling as women swam lazily, their hair floating around them like dark clouds. The water reflected the flickering light of oil lamps, casting a warm, golden glow over their glistening skin. Some of the women lounged at the pool's edge, trailing their fingers in the water or reclining on cushions, their whispers echoing softly against the tiled walls.

The women looked like living art, with henna patterns on their bodies and gold and silver bangles around their wrists and ankles. Each one seemed to have a distinct charm, from the dancer with wild red hair to the peaceful beauty with polished black skin and a gaze as deep and enigmatic as the night.

"Okay, I've peeped enough. Now here's the question," Ru said, pausing to collect his thoughts. "Whose... harem is this?"

As Ru averted his gaze, he noticed a platform. At its top were wide cushions, and sitting there was...

"Whoa! That's me!"

Ru immediately stood and ran toward his reflection. But a blue smoke intervened.

He tried to push through, but a sudden, all-consuming fear gripped him. He froze in place.

The blue smoke was like a lightning-charged cloud fallen from the sky. It crackled and roared, encircling the platform with electric currents. Ru couldn't get closer to his reflection because of it.

His reflection, adorned with precious jewels, looked strangely sad. Yet, he seemed to be the ruler of this place. The girls all gazed at him adoringly, offering him plates of fruit, mysterious drinks, beautiful garments, and priceless jewelry.

Young Ru thought, "I'm a cursed prince," and felt pity for himself. "Poor me," he said.

At that moment, he caught a few meaningful words hidden within the thunder.

"My harem is yours. Take what you want."

"Ah, it must be my big bro," young Ru reasoned.

"If you wish, I can also give you handsome men," the voice said.

"So you're giving me your men. This is good," young Ru smirked.

"But," the voice continued with a chilling wind, "I'll lock you back in the cage if you don't rid your mind of that thought."

Young Ru was shocked. "What? Why?"

"You... are mine!" the voice declared, penetrating his very being. "And you belong only to me!"

"Screw you! Since when do I belong to you?" Young Ru snapped. At that moment, a bitter taste filled his mouth. It was so bitter that he began to gag. He wanted to vomit. Just to vomit...

"Rui!" a voice called out.

"Lirui!" was shouted once more.

Ru lifted his head and looked around. There, at the top of the dome, the sun had spread its pure white wings and was flying toward him at great speed.

As rainbow droplets fell like a refreshing rain, both he and his reflection smiled with hope.

And both of them said, "Claude!"

"Claude?" someone asked.

"Hnn, hnnn," Ru mumbled, trying to lift his eyelids, but they felt like they were made of stone.

"I have been by your side for the entirety of this time, and you suddenly summon Claude?" the voice pressed.

"Hrmph," Ru huffed, his throat dry.

"Vaelan, please," came Claude's soothing voice.

Hearing that beautiful name spoken in such a wonderful voice was so incredible that Ru, though unable to open his eyes, managed to smile.

"He's coming around," Vaelan said.

"Yes, but we shouldn't tire him," Claude replied.

"Thank you, doctor, for everything," Vaelan said, his voice enthusiastic.

"Shh, he's sleeping," Claude said, gesturing to the patient. He added in a whisper, "Let's wait outside. Let the doctor tend to him."

"So be it," Vaelan said quietly.