Chapter 347: Side Story — Harem Confession (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 347: Side Story — Harem Confession (2)
“I want to aim for a bigger goal.”
“A bigger goal?”
“I’ve always aimed to become the Imperial Wizard of Zelver. But then I started thinking about what I wanted to achieve after reaching that position. I realized I could reach those goals through means other than becoming an Imperial Wizard.”
“That’s a good idea,” I replied with a small nod.
Kaya’s expression brightened at my approval. However, I have to admit, my attention wasn't actually on Kaya’s career path. My focus was entirely consumed by Alice, who was currently hidden under my desk.
I couldn’t even tell if she was particularly skilled; it wasn't just her touch that felt good. The problem was the way her presence filled my mind with vivid, erotic fantasies. Those images were driving me crazy, and Alice was at the center of every single one.
Alice clearly knew exactly what she was doing.
Was suppressing my desires always this dangerous?
The hunger I had been bottling up suddenly surged, threatening to boil over.
“President, what’s wrong?”
“What do you mean?”
“Your face... it’s turned quite red for some reason.”
“Me? Ah... maybe it’s because I’m cold?”
“The Ice Sovereign... feeling cold?”
I had blurted out the first thing that came to mind. It was a fatal mistake. Dorothy could read emotions; she could see with perfect clarity that I was currently gripped by intense desire.
“I have something urgent to take care of first. Senior Dorothy, can we talk later?”
“Later? But I want to talk now…”
“Later. In your room.”
“…My room?”
At that moment, I decided to use Dorothy’s intuition to my advantage.
“That’s fine, right?”
“Huh…?”
I deliberately made it seem as if I were lusting after Senior Dorothy herself. She gasped, her hands flying to her hair, twisting the strands nervously as she lowered her gaze.
“If it’s in my room… that might be good? Yeah, that sounds great! My room has lots of information and stuff… Uh-huh, that’s a very wise decision!”
Dorothy laughed a bit too loudly, her lips twitching. It seemed she had reached a very specific conclusion based on my state and my suggestion. Thankfully, things were going exactly as I’d hoped.
Even in the middle of this, she’s still so cute.
For a moment, the fantasies Alice had planted in my head shifted entirely toward Dorothy because of how adorable she looked.
“Kaya, let’s finish our talk later as well.”
“Yes. Excuse me, Sir Isaac.”
Kaya bowed deeply. She looked incredibly motivated, as if she were staring straight into a brilliant future.
“President, see you later!”
“I’ll see you then.”
Dorothy and Kaya offered their final greetings and left the office.
Bang.
The door clicked shut.
“Mwah… Haah…”
Under the desk, Alice finally stopped and let out a long, deep breath.
“You really are something…”
“Did you like it?”
She peeked out from between my legs with a sly, annoyingly cheeky smile.
“Baby’s reaction was just too amusing.”
“Stop messing around. I can usually tolerate your antics, but just for today, control yourself.”
“Why?” Alice stood up, pressing her cheek against my abdomen as she wrapped her arms around my waist. “For what reason? Is there any particular reason why I shouldn’t do this?”
Alice looked up at me, her eyes wide and innocent. She was so adorable it was driving me insane.
“Ah, seriously, stop…”
“Darling.”
“Please… Pfft!”
Alice kept tilting her head and acting cute until I finally broke, unable to hold back a laugh.
*
I’m trembling…
Even when I stood before the Evil God Nephid, I hadn’t been this nervous. It had been a long time since my legs felt this weak.
Despite the [Frozen Soul] effect of my [Ice Sovereign] skill—which usually kept me perfectly composed—the sheer anticipation surging through my chest was making me shake.
Alright, calm down.
I gazed at the stars scattered across the night sky like grains of salt and forced my emotions to steady. Today was the day. The day I would finally confess to everyone.
To prepare, I had transformed the imperial palace rooftop into the most romantic setting possible. I had arranged beautiful structures and floral branches, making them shimmer with the pale blue glow of my ice mana. I hoped the atmosphere might soften their hearts, even if only a little.
With the help of my attendants, I had dressed as sharply as possible and even put extra effort into my hair. In my hands were five flowers I had prepared for the occasion. Although I was proficient in telekinesis, I chose to hold them; I wanted to hand them over personally.
They’re coming…!
Through the perception of an Archwizard, my mana picked them up. Five women were approaching.
The rooftop door opened, and they stepped out one by one: Dorothy, Alice, Luce, Kaya, and White. They stopped, gazing in awe at the beautifully decorated space.
“Isaac?” Luce called my name, her expression puzzled.
I almost reflexively used [Psychological Insight], but I stopped myself. Reading their thoughts right now would be too draining. I decided to save that for after the confession.
The five of them came to a halt in front of me.
“You’re here?”
Ah, this is…
Now that the moment was actually here, a wave of secondhand embarrassment washed over me. I suddenly recalled the advice of the 3rd Legion Commander, Isabel.
— My lord! Just say, ‘You, be my woman,’ and it’s done! What woman in the world wouldn’t follow you?!
Maybe I was trying too hard to be romantic instead of just being direct. But then again, no woman truly disliked beauty. Most importantly, I was sincere. I loved them all. That was why I had decided to pour my heart into this proposal.
The fact that there were five of them didn't make it any easier. I had to suppress the urge to cringe and push through. In this moment, I would be the world's greatest romantic.
“Dorothy, Alice, Luce, Kaya, White.”
I called their names, meeting their eyes one by one. Even without magic, I could tell they were nervous. It was only natural; they had surely realized why I’d decorated the rooftop, invited them all at once, and was standing here with five flowers.
Well, it would be stranger if they didn’t know.
Thinking that actually made me feel a bit more at ease. A natural smile spread across my lips. It felt as though our feelings were already confirmed, even before the flowers changed hands.
“The reason I asked you all to gather… I’m sure you’ve already figured it out.”
I dropped to one knee and held out the five flowers. Using telekinesis, a ring floated up from the petals of each flower. The five rings rotated slowly, sparkling in the pale blue light of my mana.
Except for Alice, the other four looked genuinely stunned.
Deep breath.
Pushing past the last of my nerves, I let the words out.
“I love all five of you. Will you marry me?”
A sudden rush of heat swept over me. Without realizing it, I quickly lowered my head, certain my face was bright red. I definitely didn't look like an "Ice Sovereign" right now.
Was that too lame? Was it not cool enough? Should I have just gone with Isabel’s ‘be my woman’ approach?
I didn't know. My mind was a chaotic mess.
I feel like I’m going to die of embarrassment!
The heavy silence pressed against my chest. I couldn't muster the courage to look at them. I just hoped someone—anyone—would respond.
Please.
“…Pfft!”
Finally, Alice’s laughter rang out like a saving grace.
One by one, the flowers were taken from my hand. When the last one was gone, I slowly opened my eyes and raised my head.
I saw five lovely women holding their flowers, their cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Dorothy gave me an awkward, shy smile. Luce turned her head, avoiding my gaze. Kaya stared wide-eyed at the bloom in her hands. Alice beamed at me, looking perfectly relaxed, while White looked like she’d just seen a miracle.
“President.”
Dorothy tried to meet my eyes but flinched, pulling the brim of her witch’s hat down to hide her face. “Why go to all this trouble? I mean, it could’ve been a little simpler, and that would’ve been fine too…”
“Is it… not good?”
“No! Of course not! I mean, it’s even better this way!” Dorothy waved her hands frantically in denial.
“Ah…”
They’re happy. Thank God.
I shook off the last of my nerves and stood up. Taking the rings floating above each flower, I began carefully placing them on their left ring fingers.
Dorothy gave an embarrassed smile and looked down. Alice wore a wistful, tender expression. White whispered, “Senior…” her voice trembling.
Kaya let out a long, dazed “Huaa…” as smoke began to rise from her head. Her usual personality receded, replaced by her Ravenous side as the smoke subsided.
Finally, I approached Luce. When I took her left hand, the Ring of the Abyssal Queen came into view.
“Luce.”
“Yes.”
“Do you remember when we promised to stay together?”
Luce nodded, looking more nervous than I had ever seen her.
“I’ll say it again. Let’s live together forever. By my side.”
A gentle, radiant smile spread across her face. “…My answer is always the same, Isaac.”
I couldn't help but smile back. As soon as the ring slid onto her finger, she lunged forward and hugged me tightly.
“Isaac!” Dorothy shouted, as if refusing to be left out, and clung to my other side.
“I love you, Isaac,” Kaya whispered, hugging my arm.
I looked at Alice. She was watching me contentedly, her face slightly flushed. Then White approached as well.
“Senior Isaac…”
“Why are you crying?”
“Just… because I’m so happy…”
White sniffled and hugged my remaining arm. I felt silly for having been so worried. I leaned into them, surrounded by the women I loved. They were all so incredibly precious.
Cheers to the harem.