Chapter 15: Harem Aquisition

"What the hell is this thing?" Damara asked, grabbing at a silvery, jewel inlaid collar.

My phone started going nuts with alerts forcing me to grab it from my slacks. Opening it revealed several glowing quest notification.

[ QUEST COMPLETE: Lose Your Virginity ]

REWARD: 5000 favor.

[ QUEST COMPLETE: Your First Harem Member ]

REWARD: 5000 favor.

Another window opened within the app.

[ HAREM CANDIDATE LOCKED ⅕ ]

REWARD:House Upgrade.

NOTE: Harem Members are endowed with a collar. This collar acts as an extension of the Celestial Market and The Harem System.

"Sam... what’s going on!" She asked, her voice soft. "Why can I feel how you’re feeling? Like Oh my god..." She trailed off.

"It appears I have a lot to explain. I’ll do my best, though I’m unsure of why a collar manifested on you."

She followed me into my bedroom, and I told her everything. I even showed her the celestial market and all the crazy things from Earth I could buy. We talked through the collar and figured out that it was permanent as long as long as she wanted to be a part of the harem.

On the subject of harem’s. When I explained, at first she seemed mad, but she came around after I explained further.

"It makes sense... you’ve mentioned Celestia multiple times. If she brought you here. What does she really want?" Damara reasoned.

"I’m not sure, I honestly couldn’t read her when we met," I continued. "Seemed like an air head."

Damara giggled quietly, allowing me to relax my shoulders. It seems I’ve talked myself out of this one somehow...

"Shit! The food!" She yelled, suddenly upright off of the bed. "You spent all that time cooking and it went to waste..." Her head lowered. "Sorry Sam... it smelled so good too."

"Fear not my lady. It just so happens I saw something useful while showing you the market app," I said triumphantly, grabbing for my phone. "Sometimes the items are crazy but this one... this is definitely going in our kitchen!"

"What is it?" She asked, her head titled cutely.

"Follow me and I’ll show you!" I nearly shouted as I opened the door, flashing her a wide grin. "Come on!"

Making our way to the kitchen, I noticed lids had been placed on top of my pans. Thanks Ignis!

I moved us over to the back counter, navigating to the CLEARANCE section of the app. Pushing the BUY button under the item. A metallic rectangular object formed from nothing in front of us, landing on the counter.

I searched the item for an electrical plug but it seemed to power itself somehow. After I made our plates, the food was still slightly warm and placed it inside the device. The machine chimed as I pressed the buttons on the front. Once I pressed the START button, it lit up spinning the food inside.

"What in the world..." Damara said as she oogled the machine.

"It’s called a microwave, it’s used to reheat food that’s gotten cold. Or in my case I used it to warm up water for ramen in my previous life." I cleared my throat. "I’ll have to see if they sell ramen. Honestly I’m surprised I hadn’t thought of it to this point," I said, continuing to ramble as the machine hummed softly.

"It just does the work for you?" She questioned, getting closer to the glass panel.

"It only heats the food up through radiation, you’d still have to prepare the meal yourself," I corrected, watching the timer near zero.

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Damara nearly fainted as she backed away from the microwave. "It scared me!" She laughed a bit as she regained her footing. "Hey don’t laugh at me!"

Unable to contain my laughter, I covered my mouth and turned away. Her face had looked so cute it was hard to stop. "I fear I’ve ruined my mental image of you..." I cleared my throat before continuing. "Go ahead and sit at the table. I’ll finish preparing these, and bring our plates out."

Garnishing the steaming plates with a vine of parsley, I grabbed them after, and carried them with care to the table. Damara sat politely with her arms crossed next to my chair, watching my every move. The low light twinkled in her eyes.

"Here you are," I said, placing her plate down in front of her. "Blow on it before you take a bite," Sitting down, I scooted myself in closer. "I hope you like it. It’s called Chicken Alfredo, essentially noodles with a rich white sauce. And I just threw some chicken in it."

"Thanks for the food," We both said, before digging in.

Damara twirled a forkful of the thick, creamy pasta, blowing gently across the surface before sliding it into her mouth. Her eyes widened instantly, and a soft, muffled hum escaped her throat as the rich garlic, melted parmesan, and savory grilled chicken hit her tastebuds.

"Sam, this is incredible," she mumbled around another huge bite, sauce catching on the corner of her lip. "If this is Earth food, your world might actually be better than Veloria."

"Careful, don’t choke," I laughed, taking a massive forkful of my own. The creamy sauce was piping hot and seasoned just right, completely melting away the lingering tension of the evening.

We cleared our plates in comfortable silence occasionally broken up by soft moans of enjoyment, savoring every last bite until only streaks of white sauce remained. Damara set her fork down with a satisfied sigh, leaning back in her chair and resting a hand over her full stomach.

She flashed me a warm, tender smile that made my chest flutter all over again. "Mind if I stay in your bed tonight? I don’t feel like being alone tonight..."

"Definitely. Not a problem at all!" I nearly shouted as my cheeks rushed full. "I mean. Yes, you are more than welcome to come sleep in my bed."

Her grin widened. "Thank you–"

Her reply was interrupted by the sound of gnashing wood upstairs that sent violent shakes through the manor.