CHAPTER 49 – LYSANDER’S HAREM
LYSANDER FARADEISS
My heart races, a furious drumming that seems to set my chest ablaze. It's not just a quickened beat; it's a sensation akin to my heart being pummeled by a welterweight division boxer. Each thud resonates like a relentless assault, leaving my chest battered and bruised with every pulse. The air, once abundant, now feels scarce, as if each breath is a struggle against an unseen force.
“…Lysander?”
The familiar, gentle voice of Hiraya pierces through the haze of my distress, bringing me back to the present. As I turn toward the source, I find Hiraya, her face contorted in pain, clutching her chest. The act of breathing seems to cause her agony. Beads of sweat form on her temples, and her usually knife-like ears droop, mirroring the weight she bears. The physical manifestation of her discomfort is evident, a visceral display of the toll the moment takes on her.
In an effort to momentarily stave off the onslaught of pain, I drew in a deep breath, attempting to create a brief respite for my senses. Turning towards Hiraya, I met her gaze, finding her golden eyes aglow, akin to a pure gem radiating light. Despite the evident distress etched on her face moments ago, there was an undeniable brilliance in her eyes.
Lowering her hand, she met my gaze. “Are you okay?” Her concern, genuine and immediate, made me realize that, in the midst of my own turmoil, she had swiftly shifted her focus to my well-being.
“I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a smile to mask the discomfort. “How about you? You don’t look too good yourself.” The concern in my voice mirrored hers as I observed the subtle signs of her struggle – the sparkle in her eyes now shadowed by the weight of pain, a vulnerability she couldn't entirely conceal.
Hiraya's smirk returned, her aura shifting from the recent agony back to its usual cheerful demeanor. Her ability to seamlessly transition from pain to pleasure revealed her adeptness at concealing her own suffering behind a façade of positivity. She played the role of an actress, skillfully masking the strains beneath the surface.
Despite the lingering unease from the cryptic memory or vivid daydream, I dismissed it swiftly. Perhaps it was just another intense day-nightmare, a product of my wandering mind. The conscious act of writing it off became a defense mechanism against the unknown, a way to maintain a semblance of control.
As we continued, the trio of dragonoid girls caught up with us, accompanied by two adult ladies. Even without an introduction, their status in the empire was unmistakable. These women, widely recognized figures, stood out effortlessly in the crowd. Their presence signaled a shift in the atmosphere, as we now found ourselves in the company of some of the most prominent individuals in the empire.
In our midst stood the ever-elegant Madam Marieflorine Corasell. Deviating from her usual frilly duchess dress, she donned the formidable attire of a Dragon Knight—midnight black trousers adorned with an array of badges, crisp white slacks, and polished dark boots. Her once freely cascading hair was now neatly tied in a ponytail, and a sword was sheathed at her waist, a stark departure from the usual accessories associated with her aristocratic persona.
Beside her, the woman of the highest stature in the empire graced us with her presence—Empress Serenity Elkyria. Her grayish blonde hair was intricately braided into a crown, and she wore a flowing white gown that exuded regality. A captivating blue orb adorned her forehead, a symbol of her position and power. Every gesture she made emanated elegance and aristocracy, as if each movement was a choreographed dance.
Upon the arrival of the empress, Hiraya and I instinctively bowed in a synchronized display of respect. “Your Higness,” we uttered simultaneously, acknowledging her presence with deference.
The empress's smile graced us, and with a subtle hand gesture, she indicated for us to raise our heads. Her voice, gentle and sweet, addressed the blonde elf with enthusiasm.
"So, you are Ms. Hiraya Misteltein," the empress exclaimed. "You're even more beautiful than I've heard."
Hiraya, displaying both grace and humility, responded with a curtsy. "It's a pleasure for me to hear your praises, your grace."
The empress acknowledged the potential wait we endured for her audience. "You must have been waiting for a long time. I apologize for my tardiness, as I was attending to some other matters. But now that we are here, I would love to hear what you have to say." Her smile persisted, inviting conversation and setting a tone of warmth in the grandeur of the moment.
Madam Corasell, taking the initiative, stepped forward. "Let's discuss this matter at my office," she proposed, her tone carrying both authority and efficiency.
Observing the empress's humble and elegant demeanor, I found myself admiring this genuine aristocracy in contrast to the facade of pretentiousness. My gaze unintentionally shifted toward Charlotte, silently conveying the sentiment that she might learn a thing or two from the real empress's example. In response, Charlotte met my glare with an icy one of her own, as if keenly aware of the teasing and responding with an intent to kill, a silent exchange between us that spoke volumes.
Madam Corasell's office exuded an air of spaciousness, order, and refinement. A lavish tribal carpet adorned the floor beneath, while a dazzling crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow across the room. The walls, painted in a soothing beige-white, provided a backdrop of understated elegance. The furniture, including the table and chairs, exuded a sense of classic antiquity, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to the surroundings. Bookshelves lined the walls, contributing to the scholarly ambiance, and the dragonoid statues stationed at the four corners of the room added a touch of mystique.
As Hiraya recounted the harrowing tale of our encounters with Neo Arcadia—beginning with the invasion of the school, the capture of Doctor Voltaire, and culminating in the bombing of Tasty Town—the room absorbed the weight of the narrative. The Empress, attuned to the gravity of the situation, spoke with a measured concern.
"Neo Arcadia is growing stronger every day," she concluded. "We must regard them as the highest level of threat, and we shall address them as swiftly as possible."
Madam Corasell, pragmatic and to the point, interjected, "The problem is, we do not know where they are." The uncertainty hung in the air, a challenge that needed resolution in the face of a rising menace.
Hiraya's gaze briefly met mine before she refocused on Madam Corasell and the Empress.
"I know of a way to find them," Hiraya asserted.
Madam Corasell, ever the pragmatic leader, sought assurance. "Are you sure?" she inquired.
Hiraya nodded with conviction. "Yes. Gazelle Lockwood referred to me as a future Dragon Lord. He mentioned that I am destined to be their Oracle. They want me alive."
A mixture of concern and disbelief flickered across my face as I muttered, "Hiraya..."
Madam Corasell's eyes widened in shock. "Hiraya, you don't mean..." Her words hung in the air, echoing the unspoken implications of what it might mean for Hiraya to play the role of a living Oracle in the pursuit of Neo Arcadia.
Hiraya, undeterred and resolute, bestowed a reassuring smile upon Madam Corasell. "That's right. I will be the bait. Since they want me, then I shall give myself to them on a silver platter. Once we confirm their location, we can launch an all-out attack."
The Empress, her worry evident, voiced her concern. "But, Ms. Misteltein, isn't that a risky move? We still do not know the full capabilities of Gazelle Lockwood, and our knowledge about Dragon Lords is limited."
"I am willing to risk my life for this," Hiraya declared with unwavering determination. "Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost their lives. I will gladly risk or even offer my life if it means protecting the peace and saving everyone."
A moment of contemplation passed between the Empress and Madam Corasell, and then they nodded in agreement. The Empress and Madam Corasell both smiled at Hiraya, acknowledging the courage and sacrifice she was willing to undertake for the greater good.
Madam Corasell commended Hiraya with admiration, "That was a brave and wonderful plan, Miss Misteltein. No wonder you managed to thwart Neo Arcadia's plans even with few people and little resources."
The Empress, appreciative of the proposed strategy, leaned forward. "We will definitely consider this. For now, I understand that you all must be exhausted. We will summon your group again once we finalize the plan." Then, with a curious expression, she inquired, "By the way, what is the name of your group?"
Silence enveloped the room as we five exchanged uncertain glances. The realization dawned on us that we had never thought of a group name. Hiraya, seeking assistance, looked at each of us in turn. Kate responded with a sweating, clueless smile. Charlotte was whistling and twirling her hair. Gaeun, shyly blushing, averted her gaze. As Hiraya turned to me, I vigorously shook my head, signaling our collective lack of preparedness in this regard.
Hiraya released a sigh, and then turned to the Empress with a smile. "Our group is called Lysander's Harem."
My protest was immediate. "Wh-What!? Why did you name it after me? And why is it a harem?"
Hiraya explained nonchalantly, "Well, we are all girls, and you are the only thorn among the roses." The room filled with a mix of amusement and incredulity as the unconventional name hung in the air.
"That doesn't explain the harem part! I mean, do you girls even like me?" I cried, feeling a mix of confusion and embarrassment.
"I like you!" Hiraya replied with a blush. "I love you, even. But not romantically."
"Wait, am I included in the harem too? But I'm a lesbian," Kate said, sounding troubled by the unexpected label.
"Um, I like you as a friend too, Lysander. But I have a boyfriend," Gaeun shyly added, providing her perspective on the matter.
"Do I like Lysander? Really? Ew! Filthy plebeian. Don't touch me!" Charlotte cringed, her response an unexpected mix of disdain and humor.
"Fuck off, Charlotte!" I cried, a mixture of frustration and exasperation in my tone.
Hiraya, seemingly undisturbed by the chaos, clapped her hands and addressed the group with a smile. "So that's decided then! Our group will be called Lysander's Harem for the meantime, subject to change in the future!"
The room filled with a mix of laughter and awkwardness, and the Empress and Madam Corasell, attempting to join in, forced a laugh. Yet, beneath their forced smiles, I sensed a genuine concern about the uncertainties that might lie ahead for our peculiarly named group.
CHAPTER 49 – LYSANDER’S HAREM
LYSANDER FARADEISS
My heart races, a furious drumming that seems to set my chest ablaze. It's not just a quickened beat; it's a sensation akin to my heart being pummeled by a welterweight division boxer. Each thud resonates like a relentless assault, leaving my chest battered and bruised with every pulse. The air, once abundant, now feels scarce, as if each breath is a struggle against an unseen force.
“…Lysander?”
The familiar, gentle voice of Hiraya pierces through the haze of my distress, bringing me back to the present. As I turn toward the source, I find Hiraya, her face contorted in pain, clutching her chest. The act of breathing seems to cause her agony. Beads of sweat form on her temples, and her usually knife-like ears droop, mirroring the weight she bears. The physical manifestation of her discomfort is evident, a visceral display of the toll the moment takes on her.
In an effort to momentarily stave off the onslaught of pain, I drew in a deep breath, attempting to create a brief respite for my senses. Turning towards Hiraya, I met her gaze, finding her golden eyes aglow, akin to a pure gem radiating light. Despite the evident distress etched on her face moments ago, there was an undeniable brilliance in her eyes.
Lowering her hand, she met my gaze. “Are you okay?” Her concern, genuine and immediate, made me realize that, in the midst of my own turmoil, she had swiftly shifted her focus to my well-being.
“I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a smile to mask the discomfort. “How about you? You don’t look too good yourself.” The concern in my voice mirrored hers as I observed the subtle signs of her struggle – the sparkle in her eyes now shadowed by the weight of pain, a vulnerability she couldn't entirely conceal.
Hiraya's smirk returned, her aura shifting from the recent agony back to its usual cheerful demeanor. Her ability to seamlessly transition from pain to pleasure revealed her adeptness at concealing her own suffering behind a façade of positivity. She played the role of an actress, skillfully masking the strains beneath the surface.
Despite the lingering unease from the cryptic memory or vivid daydream, I dismissed it swiftly. Perhaps it was just another intense day-nightmare, a product of my wandering mind. The conscious act of writing it off became a defense mechanism against the unknown, a way to maintain a semblance of control.
As we continued, the trio of dragonoid girls caught up with us, accompanied by two adult ladies. Even without an introduction, their status in the empire was unmistakable. These women, widely recognized figures, stood out effortlessly in the crowd. Their presence signaled a shift in the atmosphere, as we now found ourselves in the company of some of the most prominent individuals in the empire.
In our midst stood the ever-elegant Madam Marieflorine Corasell. Deviating from her usual frilly duchess dress, she donned the formidable attire of a Dragon Knight—midnight black trousers adorned with an array of badges, crisp white slacks, and polished dark boots. Her once freely cascading hair was now neatly tied in a ponytail, and a sword was sheathed at her waist, a stark departure from the usual accessories associated with her aristocratic persona.
Beside her, the woman of the highest stature in the empire graced us with her presence—Empress Serenity Elkyria. Her grayish blonde hair was intricately braided into a crown, and she wore a flowing white gown that exuded regality. A captivating blue orb adorned her forehead, a symbol of her position and power. Every gesture she made emanated elegance and aristocracy, as if each movement was a choreographed dance.
Upon the arrival of the empress, Hiraya and I instinctively bowed in a synchronized display of respect. “Your Higness,” we uttered simultaneously, acknowledging her presence with deference.
The empress's smile graced us, and with a subtle hand gesture, she indicated for us to raise our heads. Her voice, gentle and sweet, addressed the blonde elf with enthusiasm.
"So, you are Ms. Hiraya Misteltein," the empress exclaimed. "You're even more beautiful than I've heard."
Hiraya, displaying both grace and humility, responded with a curtsy. "It's a pleasure for me to hear your praises, your grace."
The empress acknowledged the potential wait we endured for her audience. "You must have been waiting for a long time. I apologize for my tardiness, as I was attending to some other matters. But now that we are here, I would love to hear what you have to say." Her smile persisted, inviting conversation and setting a tone of warmth in the grandeur of the moment.
Madam Corasell, taking the initiative, stepped forward. "Let's discuss this matter at my office," she proposed, her tone carrying both authority and efficiency.
Observing the empress's humble and elegant demeanor, I found myself admiring this genuine aristocracy in contrast to the facade of pretentiousness. My gaze unintentionally shifted toward Charlotte, silently conveying the sentiment that she might learn a thing or two from the real empress's example. In response, Charlotte met my glare with an icy one of her own, as if keenly aware of the teasing and responding with an intent to kill, a silent exchange between us that spoke volumes.
Madam Corasell's office exuded an air of spaciousness, order, and refinement. A lavish tribal carpet adorned the floor beneath, while a dazzling crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow across the room. The walls, painted in a soothing beige-white, provided a backdrop of understated elegance. The furniture, including the table and chairs, exuded a sense of classic antiquity, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to the surroundings. Bookshelves lined the walls, contributing to the scholarly ambiance, and the dragonoid statues stationed at the four corners of the room added a touch of mystique.
As Hiraya recounted the harrowing tale of our encounters with Neo Arcadia—beginning with the invasion of the school, the capture of Doctor Voltaire, and culminating in the bombing of Tasty Town—the room absorbed the weight of the narrative. The Empress, attuned to the gravity of the situation, spoke with a measured concern.
"Neo Arcadia is growing stronger every day," she concluded. "We must regard them as the highest level of threat, and we shall address them as swiftly as possible."
Madam Corasell, pragmatic and to the point, interjected, "The problem is, we do not know where they are." The uncertainty hung in the air, a challenge that needed resolution in the face of a rising menace.
Hiraya's gaze briefly met mine before she refocused on Madam Corasell and the Empress.
"I know of a way to find them," Hiraya asserted.
Madam Corasell, ever the pragmatic leader, sought assurance. "Are you sure?" she inquired.
Hiraya nodded with conviction. "Yes. Gazelle Lockwood referred to me as a future Dragon Lord. He mentioned that I am destined to be their Oracle. They want me alive."
A mixture of concern and disbelief flickered across my face as I muttered, "Hiraya..."
Madam Corasell's eyes widened in shock. "Hiraya, you don't mean..." Her words hung in the air, echoing the unspoken implications of what it might mean for Hiraya to play the role of a living Oracle in the pursuit of Neo Arcadia.
Hiraya, undeterred and resolute, bestowed a reassuring smile upon Madam Corasell. "That's right. I will be the bait. Since they want me, then I shall give myself to them on a silver platter. Once we confirm their location, we can launch an all-out attack."
The Empress, her worry evident, voiced her concern. "But, Ms. Misteltein, isn't that a risky move? We still do not know the full capabilities of Gazelle Lockwood, and our knowledge about Dragon Lords is limited."
"I am willing to risk my life for this," Hiraya declared with unwavering determination. "Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost their lives. I will gladly risk or even offer my life if it means protecting the peace and saving everyone."
A moment of contemplation passed between the Empress and Madam Corasell, and then they nodded in agreement. The Empress and Madam Corasell both smiled at Hiraya, acknowledging the courage and sacrifice she was willing to undertake for the greater good.
Madam Corasell commended Hiraya with admiration, "That was a brave and wonderful plan, Miss Misteltein. No wonder you managed to thwart Neo Arcadia's plans even with few people and little resources."
The Empress, appreciative of the proposed strategy, leaned forward. "We will definitely consider this. For now, I understand that you all must be exhausted. We will summon your group again once we finalize the plan." Then, with a curious expression, she inquired, "By the way, what is the name of your group?"
Silence enveloped the room as we five exchanged uncertain glances. The realization dawned on us that we had never thought of a group name. Hiraya, seeking assistance, looked at each of us in turn. Kate responded with a sweating, clueless smile. Charlotte was whistling and twirling her hair. Gaeun, shyly blushing, averted her gaze. As Hiraya turned to me, I vigorously shook my head, signaling our collective lack of preparedness in this regard.
Hiraya released a sigh, and then turned to the Empress with a smile. "Our group is called Lysander's Harem."
My protest was immediate. "Wh-What!? Why did you name it after me? And why is it a harem?"
Hiraya explained nonchalantly, "Well, we are all girls, and you are the only thorn among the roses." The room filled with a mix of amusement and incredulity as the unconventional name hung in the air.
"That doesn't explain the harem part! I mean, do you girls even like me?" I cried, feeling a mix of confusion and embarrassment.
"I like you!" Hiraya replied with a blush. "I love you, even. But not romantically."
"Wait, am I included in the harem too? But I'm a lesbian," Kate said, sounding troubled by the unexpected label.
"Um, I like you as a friend too, Lysander. But I have a boyfriend," Gaeun shyly added, providing her perspective on the matter.
"Do I like Lysander? Really? Ew! Filthy plebeian. Don't touch me!" Charlotte cringed, her response an unexpected mix of disdain and humor.
"Fuck off, Charlotte!" I cried, a mixture of frustration and exasperation in my tone.
Hiraya, seemingly undisturbed by the chaos, clapped her hands and addressed the group with a smile. "So that's decided then! Our group will be called Lysander's Harem for the meantime, subject to change in the future!"
The room filled with a mix of laughter and awkwardness, and the Empress and Madam Corasell, attempting to join in, forced a laugh. Yet, beneath their forced smiles, I sensed a genuine concern about the uncertainties that might lie ahead for our peculiarly named group.
