The Inevitable Harem (1)

I was currently sketching to kill time, Nine was sprawled on the bed with Jennifer-chan and Gabriel taking turns poking his body. Prune was holding a light conversation with Miss Margrett.

The door opened.

I turned around.

As I expected..

"I'll be in your care from today onwards," Rin, still in her maid clothes, lowered her head. She should really do something about that bloodstain.

The way she presented herself was something that exceeded the level of cosplay. The way she presented herself and the elegance in her movements-- it's stupidly realistic.

"I thought we decided to let her return.." I said.

"Are you really digging that option?" Nine asked.

"Noel-sama, this choice was my own. It's the best option I could think of," Rin lowered her head.

"She'll come with us," Liliath reinforced.

"You did properly say your goodbyes to your brother and sister, did you?" I asked. Liliath was supposed to see her off.

Rin nodded, "Thank you for your concern, Noel-sama."

"Rin-san, Is it alright to not use -sama? It actually sounds weird," Prune said.

"Yeah. I know it's part of the culture here but you can drop the honorifics when talking to us."

"But we use -chan for Jennifer and Gabriel though?" said Nine.

"But you didn't just then.." Gabriel retorted.

"Welcome to the family, Rin," Liliath congratulated.

Family-- as in Nine, Prune, Liliath and me.. right?

Rin stiffened when Liliath said that. Looks like she's not used to it yet.

"Welcome to the family.. I guess. If you need anything, Nine and Prune are also here alright?"

"Yes," Rin bowed, placing her overlapped hands in front.

"Liliath."

"Yes?"

"Come here for a bit."

She tilted her head but did as I was told.

I flicked her forehead.

She blinked a few times.

"Did I do something wrong?" of course it didn't hurt for her.

"Nothing.. I'm just a little annoyed," Liliath probably didn't try to persuade Rin to leave, rather, I'm guessing she even incited her to come with us. Then again, I'm being the selfish one for not wanting Rin to be part of our group even though her life would be in danger if she returned.

Liliath nodded with a contemplative smile.

Miss Margrett clapped twice and everyone's attention was gathered on her.

"Since everyone is here, is it alright if I distributed the rewards at once?"

"What reward?" Nine asked

"For acting as my helper during the decoration. Here is as thanks for the assistance," Miss Margrett said, dropping a bag on the table.

"Wow.. that's a lot more than you said though.." Nine looked on as the pouch sagged and stretched.

"Think of it as a small bonus. As for Gabriel, I've already passed her share."

"See here," Gabriel shuffled her pocket for a smaller bag and waved it.

"Miss Margrett. I'm very grateful for this," Liliath said.

"Thank you Miss Margrett," I said.

"Thank you," said Prune.

Rin stood behind my chair and nodded.

"Jenn-chan, Gabriel-chan, we'll be returning now if that's alright?"

"We're washing ourselves with a warm towel tonight?" Jennifer-chan asked.

Miss Margrett nodded.

"It's alright to use the shower though," Prune said.

"I wouldn't want ourselves to get used to such luxuries. It'll be difficult to revert once it's gone," Miss Margrett confessed.

"But it's only for today isn't it?" Gabriel said.

"Today?"

There was a brief pause.

"I'll do as mommy tells me. I'll have more chances in the future," Jennifer-chan bounced off the bed.

"Isn't today the last time we get to.." Gabriel kept looking at the apartment door.

"If you want to, you may with Prune-san's permission. Jenn-chan and I will go first if that's alright?"

"O-Okay then.."

"Have a great evening everyone," Miss Margrett said.

"Bye bye," waved Jennifer-chan

"You too, good evening."

"See ya."

"Good evening--"

Miss Margrett left for her room.

"I'll borrow the shower," Gabriel went to get her clothes so.. she's still going over to their side. Sheesh..

As for the amount of coins we got: it was 50 silver.

It's quite a lot for a day of work. Not to mention, she paid for our expenses, be it food or accommodation-- excluding the lunch Prune voluntarily prepared and even helped resolve the incident involving Rin.

"Want to trick Gabriel-chan?" Nine asked.

"Really?"

"Sounds fun," Liliath said.

"Huh?" Rin couldn't keep up with this whole situation.

A few moments later, Gabriel arrived with a clean towel and her clothes.

"Huh? Where's the door?"

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"Noel," Liliath passed me a cup of tea.

"Thanks."

"Rin," Liliath passed Rin a cup of tea.

"Thank you.." she received it hesitantly.

Liliath then came around and sat beside me-- on the same chair.

"Here," Liliath and I shared a cup of tea this time around. The one we got this time around tasted like wild berries.

When the kids are asleep, the demon lords come out to play-- ahem. That's just a metaphor. Don't overthink the possible meanings this one phrase could have.

"So.. how should we proceed with this talk.."

We already had our evening discussion when Prune and Nine were still awake, and touched about our TALENTS and our background– Rin had a hard time believing it of course. We'll take the chance to explain it again later at Bleu's domain.

Besides that, due to the lack of space. Liliath, Rin and I will be sleeping, here, in the proxy room. Nine and Prune will sleep in the apartment.

Prune will have to figure out something. Our current idea was to buy a futon or something so that they can share a room.

It's been confirmed that July and April had just reached Erudite Kingdom.

That said.. we never really did touch on the fundamental topic at hand.

"Noel. Rin is mine, we're family," Liliath said.

"What exactly do you mean by that?" I couldn't help but feel my eyes twitch. And if you pay attention to Rin's reaction.. she was a little frightened.

"You won't take in any other girl besides myself, I'm not wrong with this statement, correct?"

"Yea..?"

"If so then I'll just make her mine. "

"Hold up. What do you mean? Making her yours? I don't get it.."

Liliath stood up and spun around to Rin's side. Rin tried to pull back, but was held still by Liliath. Liliath brought her face close to Rin's. I could see cold sweat running down Rin's pale face.

"Um..

"If you won't make her your's. I'll make her mine. Simple?"

"Are we talking about gay right's here?"

"L. E. S. B. I. A. N."

I grimaced at those letters she spoke o so slowly.

Rin was practically sending me S.O.S signals with her eyes.

Liliath was staring at me. This wasn't a joke.

Let me get this straight. What Liliath is saying here is that since I'm not going to build a harem, she's going to build her own? Is that what it is?

WHAT BULLSHIT?!

"Can I get to why you're so serious about making her.. you know.."

"Part of our family?"

"Something like that.."

Is this even the same Liliath I know anymore? I don't know if I should be laughing or crying.

"I'll NEVER ever. Let Javiel get his hands on her," her cold voice sent a chill down my spine.