Case 17: To sow the seed of a harem.

Kiara d'Anjou.

Among the three primary love interests, she was perhaps the most normal person. Thanks to that, she was also the easiest one to deal with: no detrimental flaws, no immoral secrets, no twisted traits.

Just, a slightly lonely girl bearing the hope of being accepted.

''Greetings, Your Highness.''

Still wearing her silly glasses and the party hat, Kiara politely bowed her head. Since she was a royal, she could get away with what was usually perceived as 'rude,' unlike her two subordinates behind, whose bodies had already bent ninety degrees.

''Greetings, princess of Anjou.'' Rachael calmly replied. ''You can be comfortable.''

''Thank you.''

When Kiara eventually raised her head, our eyes met, and I immediately bowed. Even if I was with Rachael, it didn't change the fact that Kiara was much nobler than I was.

Such was a world of aristocrats.

For some reason, Kiara lingered on me a bit, but then, she turned away. Beyond those glasses, I could still feel her apparent interest in me. Maybe it was because of my beauty; maybe she was merely looking at Lyra, who hid behind me. I wouldn't know.

In any case... I didn't think I would meet her this early, but I suppose it was an opportunity I could use.

Stepping forward, I broke the silence and introduced myself.

''It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I am Cecilia of House Orleans, and this is my sister—''

''...Lyra of House Orleans.''

With an expression as though encountering something unexpected, Kiara muttered, ''So you are...''

Before she could respond further, I quietly approached her, closing our distance until there was virtually no gap between our bodies. The moment I felt her shoulders tensing up and her eyes widened, I took a step back.

''Excuse me, Your Highness. There was a fallen hair on your shoulder.''

''Ah... okay. Thanks.''

My mouth curled into a smile when I saw her blush.

I played her route many times. It was relaxing and very wholesome to see just two girls bonding with one another.

In reality, this was all that I needed to do for Kiara. She was an ordinary, healthy girl with a thing between her legs, so showering her with my female pheromones would instantly mesmerize her teenage brain.

In a sense, she was similar to Penelope, albeit this person was more 'cute' than 'hot.'

Of course, I knew how scummy I was. Even using Lyra's protection as an excuse, I was justifying myself seducing these women... but as someone who had experienced every intimate moment with every love interest, I couldn't help but want to embrace them all.

Who would dare to stop me?

Besides, the in-game Lyra could achieve a harem ending, so why couldn't I?

''Ah.''

Except, it didn't seem to work out pretty well at this point.

For the first time since knowing Rachael, I was treated less than courteously. Holding my wrist tightly, she pulled me back into her embrace, and then, after securing my waist, she whispered from behind,

''Don't do that again.''

''...!''

The moment I heard her cold voice, a chill ran down my spine, and I was reluctant to face her sharp eyes. I got goosebumps. And somehow...

I was excited.

Heaving a few hot breaths, I meekly nodded, and only then did Rachael remove the pressure.

''Enjoy your party, princess.'' She said, clearly signaling Kiara to back away.

''...Thank you, Your Highness.''

Seemingly stunned, Kiara then returned to her table.

Afternoon.

We were coming back home after a long date. Lyra, perhaps exhausted from following us all day, had already fallen asleep on my lap, her quiet purrs reminding me of a cat. As I slowly combed through her silky black hair, a fuzzy love seemed to have bloomed in my heart.

''Cecilia.''

For a brief moment, I thought I had misheard Rachael.

She called me without honorifics.

''Y-Yes?''

When I turned to the side, a pair of menacing eyes caught me—fiery as if enraged, burning as if jealous. It was at this moment that I truly saw her possessive side.

Clutching my chin, Rachael's thumb lightly grazed my lower lip.

As I struggled to control my heart, the imperial princess sneered.

"Do you do that to anyone?" She quietly asked, yet her tone made it clear that her mood was far from calm.

''Um... I apologize if it made you uncomfortable.'' I muttered.

''So you won't even try to deny it?''

As if reflecting her fury, the hand clutching my chin tightened. It hurt a bit, but this was nothing compared to the coughs. Besides, it seemed Rachael knew how to control her strength.

It was proof of her affection for me.

So, gaining confidence, I gently grasped her hand with both of mine... and got closer to her.

''Then...'' I uttered. ''You'll just need to conquer me before anyone else does... ♥''

Mustering all of my courage and more, I pressed my lips onto her smooth cheek, resulting in an audible 'chut' when I backed away. With a heart as pure as a maiden's, I spent a good while blushing, unable to meet eyes with Rachael.

I talked big games about building a harem, but in reality, I had negative experience in dating, not to mention my tendency to cower before absolute hotness.

It was a miracle that I was able to respond like this.

Right when I started to feel good about myself, however—

''...!''

With a swoop, Rachael lightly hugged the back of my head and pulled me towards her. As I stared into her eyes, a sudden heat—a sudden softness graced me.

Rachael kissed me.

Taken by complete surprise, my whole body tensed up.

Fearing Lyra might wake up, I darted my eyes below, and upon seeing that, Rachel pushed herself even further as if demanding attention. For my first kiss, it was terribly deep and naughty, yet I couldn't help but be drawn to it.

In vulgar terms, my mind was being fucked silly.

''...We have arrived.''

If it wasn't for Kyrie telling us that we got to my home, I feared Rachael might have devoured me right then and there.

''It was an enjoyable day, Cecilia.''

Licking her lips seductively, Rachael caressed my flushed cheek.

''I hope we can deepen our bonds further next time.''

''Ah... yes, Your Highness.''

While trying to pull back my drifting mind, I got out of the car with a sleepy and confused Lyra. As I watched the car getting farther and farther, I couldn't help but touch my lips.

''...''

How come... how come it felt so good?

Should I... try it with Penelope next?

''...Big sis?''

''Hm? Ah, what's wrong?''

''What happened?''

''N-Nothing?''

Lyra looked at me suspiciously for the rest of that day. At night, I could hardly sleep. Just reliving that moment inside the car made me squirm on the bed restlessly. My imagination ran wild, and fortunately, there was someone I could use to relieve that craving for warmth the next day.

''Lady Penelope... mn...!''

''Hah... Lady Cecilia...''

''...''

''...''

...No, why are we only hugging?

True to Penelope's promise to 'enjoy' me slowly, she only progressed from handholding to hugging. I... I knew that, and I certainly supported her way of doing this before, but...

Damn you, Rachael. You made me this way...!

''...?!''

In pure spite, I hugged Penelope's head deep into my chest, hoping to at least feel some sort of pathetic sexual relief out of this encounter. It hurt me more when I felt a certain bulge pressing against my belly, but alas, Penelope had too much restraint, so nothing happened.

I felt humiliated.

Okay, well... let's just take care of it myself.

''Hah...''