Building a Harem in a Noble House-Chapter 72: Spoilsport...

I took the glass but didn’t sip. "What’s this about? I hope I didn’t offend you in some way, Lady Greaves."

Her face shifted in a way that reminded me of the Demon Queen. "Oh, nothing of the sort! It’s just..."

She set her glass down, and that’s when it happened. The room shifted. Not like an earthquake, but subtle, like reality rippling. The walls seemed to expand, the bed vanishing into shadow. Suddenly, the space was a grand chamber, round table at the center, torches flaring to life. And people–tons of them. Maids from earlier, but now dressed head to toe in gleaming plate armor, swords at their hips, helms tucked under arms. Butlers standing beside them, each dressed as Royal Knights. They formed a circle around the table, eyes locked on me. I stood at the center, wine glass still in hand, feeling like I’d stumbled into a war council.

Lady Greaves had changed, too. Gone was the robe. Now she wore full paladin regalia: polished silver armor etched with holy runes, a white cloak emblazoned with the Order of Paladins’ crest: a radiant sun over crossed swords. Head Paladin, through and through. She sat at the head of the table, gauntleted hand drumming lightly.

"I wanted to ask you a few questions!" She finally finished, drawing cheers from the dressed-up maids and butlers in the room. Was this some sort of production...?

Confused, and a little embarrassed, I tentatively took a seat in the chair beside me. And to loosen up, I finally took a sip of the wine she’d offered me. It tasted quite nice.

"Where were you born, Lloyd May?"

"Parents came from Rushela. Died on a Quest. I was raised in ’Little Squire’s Orphanage’ in West Podros."

"How’d you get so strong in such a short amount of time?"

"Had to fight to not be bullied. Got good at it quickly. Then I started going on Quests to make money, but the harder Quests made more money. Everything just snowballed from there.

"And what of Lyra, your companion? Who is she to you?"

"Closest friend. Basically my sister. We’ve been through everything together."

"Interesting. How does Isobel factor into that equation?"

"She started as the, no offense, one we had to get through to buy House Greaves. Now, though, she’s our dear friend. We’re a package deal."

I answered quickly, keeping pace with her rapid peppering of questions. It was far easier to simply tell the truth than it was to lie.

Lady Greaves, ever the inquisitive mind, took full advantage of that.

"First time with my daughter?"

"Day of the–"

The door burst open before I could finish. Isobel stormed in, face flushed, braid swinging wild. "Mother! What the hell is...? L-Lloyd?! Oh god, I’m too late, aren’t I?!". She looked mortified, eyes darting from the "knights" to me, then back.

Lady Greaves raised a hand. "Why don’t you come and take a seat? I’m just asking him a few questions, dear."

Isobel slammed the door, crossing her arms as she stood beside me. "This is ridiculous. Interrogating him like a spy?"

"Why wouldn’t I interrogate the man who is sexually involved with my only daughter?" Lady Greaves said coolly.

Isobel tensed, but she didn’t waver. "Our relationship isn’t purely sexual. Sure, the night we met, I secretly desired comfort, but what we have has grown into something far more meaningful than mere nighttime relations. And besides... l-lovemaking is a normal part of a healthy relationship. Frankly, I don’t see how those matters concern you," She gestured the room. "Or the servants."

Her mom nodded. "I suppose that’s fair," She shrugged. She didn’t wave the servants away, but she did, blessedly, drop the line of questioning that was coming, instead shifting to ask us about our relationship. "Tell me, then, daughter. Would you have found yourself with Lloyd had circumstances been different? Had he not pursued the House and you had become its ruler as Alexander intended, would you still have the feelings for Lloyd that you do now?"

"If fate allowed us to cross paths, then yes, I would," Isobel said without pause. "He’s the same man either way: a great listener, a strong adventurer, and a supportive friend."

Lady Greaves chinned at me. "And you? Same question."

I met her gaze, voice steady. "She’s the first to capture my heart like this. In all my years, I’ve been too afraid to love. Isobel was the first woman to change my mind on that front. I don’t know if we’d have met under the same circumstances if things were different, but I know that she’d soften my heart all the same."

Isobel and I both shifted in place, not meeting each other’s gaze. Lady Greaves had a face like she was loving it, though, head in her hands like a nosy schoolgirl.

"How sweet. Here’s hoping for a life full of love!" She clapped, which, in turn, prompted the servants to do the same. Isobel and I snuck awkward, blushing glances at one another before turning back to Lady Greaves. "Now, I have a new question: the day everyone was kicked out of House Greaves. What really happened up there? I’ve always wondered that."

"We talked about–"

"No," Lady Greaves interrupted, cutting me off with a hand. "Isobel is my daughter. I know you didn’t talk her down from her temper."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I’m just saying, if it were me in your shoes, Lloyd, and her father had angered me enough, there’s only one thing he can do to possibly calm me down. Care to take a guess what–"

Isobel waved the proverbial white flag. "No, no, no. This is what I was afraid of. I refuse this conversation. You’re cut off. This interrogation is over. Let Lloyd leave. I’ll be outside." She turned on her heel, storming out, door banging shut.

The room shimmered again, knights fading back to shadows, armor dissolving into maid and butler uniforms as they slowly bowed to the Lady before awkwardly leaving the room. It was just us now. She sank into a chair, crying with laughter. "What a spoilsport! Ah, my baby’s a grown woman now." She wiped a tear from her eye. She fixed me with that steely gaze, humor with a hint of power. "Keep her safe, Lloyd. Do so, and you’ll remain in my good graces. Should something happen to her, though..." She smiled without a trace of humor. "My family hails from Eshil. I’m sure I could make a few calls to some powerful friends of mine."

The words hung heavy. At this point in the timeline, Eshil Hitmen were a legitimate threat to my life!

"You don’t have to worry about me, Lady Greaves. I promise you."

"Good! Now go find my daughter. Oh, and tell her I’m sorry. She doesn’t like when I play around like this."