Harem System In A fantasy World

Elion nodded; he had no problem with that. They had already granted him plenty in his opinion, so this was the least he could do.

Once that was settled, the revised contract was brought back. Naturally, Elion read it through thoroughly once again to make sure they hadn’t snuck in anything that might come back to bite him in the future.

He put the document down after confirming that there was no foul play, much to Smith’s surprise, who had already gotten comfortable, no doubt expecting him to take a while reading the thick document.

He didn’t comment on it though, perhaps looking too up his composed, scholarly air, even though he was definitely curious. They proceeded to sign on each page with a black ink quill before printing the front page of the contract with their blood using their thumbs.

"And the slot?" Elion asked once they had settled everything.

Master Smith tapped his cane once against the floor, "The slot will be yours once your ability is verified."

Elion tilted his head, "Verified how?"

Maya’s eyes flickered slightly while Marilyn sighed softly, as though she had expected this part. Master Smith’s expression remained calm, "You will duel one of our current candidates."

Elion smiled, "Of course."

"The purpose is not to kill or cripple. It is merely to make the replacement publicly acceptable within the organisation. If we take away someone’s slot and hand it to a stranger without proof, it will create unnecessary resentment."

"That makes sense," Elion said.

"Good. Then you do not object?"

"Not at all." His smile widened.

"If they want to keep the slot, they can beat me."

Master Smith looked at Elion for a long moment, then he smiled, "You are very confident."

Elion shrugged, "If I lose, then I was not worth recruiting."

"That is true."

Master Smith tapped his cane again.

"Very well, your duel will be arranged by Marilyn as soon as she informs the other party. If you win, you will enter the Legacy World under the Triad Alliance’s banner. I might be repeating myself, but I expect great things from you, Elion Nova. Do not disappoint me."

Elion nodded. That was simple enough.

Master Smith turned his attention toward Aeron, "And you."

Aeron’s smile became slightly stiff. "Me?"

"Aeron Tudelig," Master Smith said. "I did not expect to host one of Duke Tudelig’s sons today."

Aeron scratched his cheek, "I try not to announce it too loudly."

"Wise, but unnecessary here. You are an honoured guest."

"I appreciate the hospitality."

"Should you need anything while in Silvergrove, the Triad Alliance will be happy to assist."

Aeron smiled politely, "I will keep that in mind."

Elion watched the exchange quietly. It was obvious what Master Smith was doing.

Aeron might not join the Triad Alliance, but forming a friendly connection with him was still valuable. Even a loose acquaintance with a ducal son could open doors for an organisation like this.

Master Smith was not wasting the opportunity. The man’s gaze moved toward Zenovia, "And you are?"

Zenovia met his gaze calmly, "Zenovia."

There was a brief pause as Master Smith waited for her to say more, but Zenovia did not continue. The sight almost made Elion laugh.

Eventually, Master Smith seemed to realise she had no intention of adding more and simply nodded, "A woman of few words I see."

"She saves them for insults," Elion said lightly.

Zenovia’s head snapped toward him, and her eyes glared at him, but other than that, she chose to keep whatever insult she was about to throw at him to herself for the moment.

Master Smith’s gaze moved between the two of them, and he chuckled softly, "Interesting companions you have gathered, Mr Nova."

Elion smiled, "You have no idea."

Master Smith rose from his seat, and everyone else began to stand as well. Elion stood with them, though he still did not bow.

Master Smith did not seem to mind. "Rooms will be prepared for all of you. Rest properly, and we will speak again once the formalities are complete."

His gaze lingered on Elion for a final moment. "Try not to cause trouble in my city before then."

Elion blinked and smiled, "I will do my best." The others expressions immediately suggested no one believed him.

Unsurprisingly though, Smith’s final glance was directed at Maya, "Maya, we will speak at home."

She pursed her lips and nodded calmly, "Yes, father."

With that, he turned and left the room, his black-and-gold cane clicking softly against the floor until the door closed behind him.

Elion sat back down and glanced at Maya, "So," he said casually, "your father is charming."

Maya’s eyes narrowed. "Do not start."

Elion smiled, "I said charming."

"You meant terrifying."

"Why not both?"

Aeron laughed, and Zenovia shook her head.

Marilyn merely rubbed her temple, as though already regretting how much more troublesome the coming days were about to become.

Marilyn reminded Elion that he would have to pick up his identification document in her office the next day once it was prepared, and then everything would be set. Apart from being offered rooms to rest in for an indefinite period of time, Elion and the others were also offered a meal in the mess hall on the third floor.

They absolutely destroyed it.

Uta and Yaana were there as well, and after everything they had endured inside the trials, no one seemed particularly interested in holding back for the sake of appearances. Plates were emptied quickly, drinks were refilled several times, and for a short while, the atmosphere became surprisingly relaxed.

After that, the trio of Elion, Zenovia, and Aeron spent the rest of the day walking around Silvergrove and enjoying the sights the city had to offer.

Zenovia remained quiet and distant for most of it.

She looked like she was deep in her own thoughts, her gaze occasionally drifting toward the city streets without truly focusing on anything in particular.

Maya had excused herself earlier, likely returning home to report to her father as he had requested.

As for Elion, he had already arranged with Marilyn that his duel would take place exactly one week from now. That, of course, delayed his plans.

He was considering leaving Silvergrove with Zenith and returning on the day of the duel itself. After all, he was already short on time. The Legacy World would open in about a month, and once this week passed, he would have only three weeks left.