Building a Harem in a Noble House-Chapter 76: Surely I Was Overthinking This

The first thing I’d thought about was Isobel. She wouldn’t have minded. Hell, she’d probably encourage it, given that whole thing about threesomes the other day. But... would her family see it that way...?

That was stupid. I was overthinking this. So was Lyra! She was just being dramatic. There was absolutely no truth to what she was saying.

Right...?

The meal wound down, plates cleared by silent servants, including Savrah, who avoided my side of the table like it was cursed. Conversation shifted to Estate matters that didn’t concern Lyra and me, but then Lord Greaves turned to me, his eyes sharp under bushy brows.

"So, Lloyd. What’s next for House May? I know my little girl wasn’t going to make the sale easy, but now that the House is yours, any plans you’re willing to share?"

I opened my mouth, words forming about needing to start hiring for a Quintessential Quartet, but Isobel beat me to it, her voice firm yet polite. "Unfortunately, Father, Lloyd is not at liberty to share. The goings on of House May are private information." She turned to me. "Lord May, I would advise against divulging secrets with those you have no business relations with."

The table went quiet for a beat, forks pausing. Lady Greaves tilted her head, a knowing smile creeping across her face as she adjusted her green robe’s collar. "Lord May? Advise? Interesting choice of words, Isobel. Very interesting."

Lord Greaves nodded in agreement. "So, you’re the Advisor for House May, are you?"

Isobel’s cheeks flushed, but she held her chin high, glancing at me with a mix of shyness and pride. "Indeed, I am. It was meant to be a surprise."

Laurence whistled low. "Can’t imagine you would’ve left the House anyway. Maybe hiring you was the best way to deal with you."

Lord Greaves boomed a laugh, clapping his hands. "I think Laurence may have a point!"

Lady Greaves beamed, reaching over to pat Isobel’s arm. "Ignore them, dear. I’m so proud of you! I know you’re going to do great things there! Don’t hesitate to call on our own Advisors if you need any pointers!"

Isobel ducked her head, awkward but clearly flattered, her fingers twisting in her lap. "Thank you, Mother. I already had it earlier today. I have journals for days."

Lord Greaves wasn’t done, though, his gaze sliding back to me with that probing intensity. "So, Lloyd? Why Isobel?"

I caught the double meaning right away. There was more to that question than what his words conveyed. It was clear in his eyes, the way he spoke, the way he narrowed his eyes at me. He wanted to know why I’d hired Isobel as Advisor... and why I’d chosen Isobel as my lover.

The table watched expectantly, the candle flames dancing in their eyes. I set my cup down, meeting his stare steadily while I answered the first question.

"Her knowledge is unparalleled. She knows everything about the Noble Houses than I possibly could. I believe in her insights and trust her to lead us to becoming a Great House." I smiled softly. "Though you might be right to say that hiring her was the only way to keep her happy. She wouldn’t have left us alone if we’d begged her to."

They chuckled at the jab about not leaving, slight tension thankfully easing into warmth, but I pressed on, finally answering the question that he’d truly been asking me.

"That’s not the only reason I wanted her as my Advisor, though. Truthfully, I just wanted to have her around. Isobel opened something in me I didn’t know was closed. Made me see beyond the walls I’d built around my heart. Her strength, her fire... it cracked me open, let light in." I blushed, the weight of my words finally hitting me. "S-sorry if that’s... sappy."

"At least you apologized," Laurence groaned.

Isobel smacked her brother’s shoulder, which Laurence responded to by sneering at her. Lady Greaves stopped them with a hand before turning to me, smile warm and welcoming.

"You two are a sweet couple. Thank you for loving our daughter. I know you’ll keep her happy."

Lord Greaves grunted approval, nodding slowly. "Aye. I feel the same way. Well chosen, both of you."

Dinner wrapped smoothly after that, leading to a dessert of berry tarts and cream paired with steadily flowing wine. There were no more awkward pauses after that, thankfully, leaving us to eat in peace.

As plates cleared, Lady Greaves stood, smoothing her robe. "Right, time to wind down. Isobel, Lloyd, you can take the guest house behind the house. Savrah has already prepared it for you both, but feel free to ask her if you need anything. As for you, Lyra, we have a fully furnished room in the east wing, fully prepared for you. Again, don’t hesitate to ask them for absolutely anything."

Lyra perked up. "Sounds perfect. Thanks."

But before we could scatter, Lady Greaves added, "One stop first: baths. Lloyd, you’ll join the boys in the male baths. Lyra, Isobel, you two can come with me to the female baths."

Everyone rose, chairs scraping, but as we headed out, Isobel hung back, turning to Savrah, who was stacking linens by the door.

"I’ll join you all in a moment. I’d like to speak to Savrah about a few things in private before I do, though."

Lady Greaves nodded. "Of course! Take your time."

Savrah also nodded, eyes flicking to me quickly before dropping. Lyra shot me a look once again, as if to remind me of her warning regarding Savrah. My pulse kicked up, nerves jangling. What the hell was going on with this Savrah situation...?

Laurence clapped my shoulder, steering me toward the hall. "Don’t worry, I doubt you’re in trouble. Isobel’s just picky about her bed. Notice how she always burns incense and herbs before she goes to sleep? She’s just making sure that’s all set up. Don’t stress yourself out."

"Yeah... I know," I responded, though my tone likely gave away my concern.

Surely I was overthinking this.