Building a Harem in a Noble House-Chapter 86: A Paladin! (End of Volume 1)

We made our way back to the dining room, dressed in the same clothes we showed up in–all thankfully cleaned by the maids. I slid into my same seat next to Lyra, who was already there, looking like she’d just shown up from a trip to the spa–which she very well might’ve.

Isobel took her spot with her family: Lord Greaves at the head, looking gaunt as ever, skin pale and stretched tight over his bones like he’d been skipping meals for weeks. Lady Greaves was next to him, healthy and vibrant, cheeks rosy as she exchanged greetings and pleasantries with us, and Laurence, Isobel’s brother, slouched in his chair, dark hair messy, expression neutral but sharp-eyed.

Lyra turned to me with a grin, passing the bread basket. "Morning, Lloyd. Slept like a baby last night. They had this enchanted incense going that knocked me out like a light! It even gave me lucid dreams! I’d tell you about them, but you’re still a baby. I don’t wanna traumatize you."

I buttered a roll, nodding. "How gracious. I’ll never forget your kindness."

She laughed softly, taking a sip of juice. "You’re a peach. Oh, yeah! Get this: the maids came by last night, all polite and stuff. Said they’re allowed to offer anything to visitors, within reason. Like, anything. They even offered themselves! But I passed. Politely, of course." She winked, then leaned in closer. "They did tell me they had sex toys, though. All kinds. Even some weird shit from Ublar!"

I raised a brow. "Did you take them up?"

Lyra’s cheeks heated a bit, but she waved it off. "T-that’s not a breakfast conversation, Lloyd. Let’s just say the estate’s hospitality is... thorough." She didn’t elaborate, didn’t say if she’d used any or what kinds they were, just dove into her eggs like it was ancient history.

Which I didn’t blame her for. The food was amazing! Fluffy scrambled eggs with herbs, fresh bread, and fruits from the vineyard that burst with sweetness. As we ate, Lord Greaves cleared his throat, setting down his fork. His voice was weak, raspy.

"You three can’t stay forever, you know. I’m sure you have business to attend to." He looked even more worn up close, eyes sunken, hands trembling slightly as he reached for his non-alcoholic, morning edition wine.

I glanced at him, then at Lady Greaves, who was digging into her meal like a champ, no signs of frailty. "You okay, Lord Greaves? You look... rough."

Lady Greaves waved her hand dismissively, smiling warmly. "He’s fine, dear, but thank you for showing concern. He’s just a little worn out from a little late-night exercise. We’re both too old to let ourselves go, you see? I’ve gotta keep in shape." She patted his arm affectionately, but there was a glint in her eye that made me wander.

Laurence’s face soured instantly, fork pausing mid-air like he’d tasted something bitter. He shot a quick glare at his parents but said nothing, shoving food in his mouth instead.

Isobel nodded along. "I agree with Mother. Don’t be grumpy with us just because she cares for your well-being."

"...Is that what you think...?" Lord Greaves grumbled, but he didn’t say anything after that. Not after the venomous glare Lady Greaves gave him. No, he was too focused on finishing his meal to speak after that.

We eventually finished up, plates cleared by silent servants, the conversation lightening: weather, the vineyard’s yield so far, vague questions about House May and our plans going forward. They wanted to form an alliance with us! I wasn’t sure what we could provide or vice versa, but the sentiment was sweet nonetheless, and we accepted them as allies wholeheartedly.

Afterward, as we gathered in the foyer to leave, Savrah showed up, handing over a gift basket. It overflowed with bottles of rich red wine, bundles of fresh flowers that smelled like summer, and rare fruits I’d never seen, plump and exotic. "A gift from the family," she said. "Come back whenever you like."

Lord Greaves nodded from his chair nearby, Lady Greaves hugging Isobel tight. Laurence gave a stiff wave, still looking defeated. Isobel lingered, pulling her mom into another embrace, whispering something that made Lady Greaves tear up a bit.

"I’ll miss you all. Take care of yourselves." She kissed her dad’s cheek, squeezed Laurence’s shoulder.

"I look forward to our many years together as allies," I added, joining Isobel by the door.

"Thank you for having us!" Lyra said, waving cheerily.

We left the manor where our waiting carriage stood. We piled into the carriage after exchanging another series of pleasantries with a few of the servants, the door shutting with a thud, horses clopping off down the gravel path. The interior was plush, the cushions soft, and as the estate shrank in the distance, we settled in just like the ride here: me in the middle, Lyra leaning into my left side, her head on my shoulder, Isobel on the right, arm draped over my chest. I wrapped my arms around both, pulling them close, the familiar warmth chasing away the morning chill.

"That might be the nicest place I’ve ever stayed in. Like, ever." I said, staring out the window at the rolling vineyards.

Isobel sighed, nestling closer, her hair tickling my neck. "I still think the House is better when it’s at its peak, though it’s gonna take a while to get to that point. A long while. It’s probably a mess now. You know how fast that grass grows! We’ll need to give the place a once-over."

"That won’t do anything for the decor," Lyra mused. "My bedroom had enchanted incense...!"

Isobel winced. "I-I will allow that our furnishing situation certainly isn’t making Granny Edith happy. It’s a temporary situation, though. Not at all permanent. Just you wait, our house’ll look even nicer than the vineyard!"

I squeezed her shoulder. "That’s not what you had planned, is it? A big renovation plan?"

She perked up, standing to face the two of us. We straightened to match her intensity, curious looks on mine and Lyra’s faces.

"That’s the thing: I’ve been arranging for us to begin hiring for the first of the Quintessential Quartet– a Paladin!" She smiled like a child. "You can’t officially be our Paladin, Lloyd, because you’re the head of the House. Also, you’re unregistered, so, technically, you aren’t really a Paladin anyway. Only registered Paladins can take the role."

I paused, realization dawning. "The recruits in the city..."

Isobel nodded, catching my drift. "This year has a strong batch. Many are sponsored by neighboring Noble Houses, but enough of them aren’t for there to be a chance we recruit one before any other Houses do."

Lyra tilted her head, looking between Isobel and me before coming to some realization, eyes widening as she furiously tapped my shoulder.

"Lloyd!"

"Y-yeah?"

"What House did Meredith belong to?!"

I blinked. Eyes also widening as realization dawned. "None..."

We stared at each other, smiling in tandem like two madmen.

"What?" Isobel asked, visibly confused.

"Meredith the Life Warden. She should be a recruit around now..." Lyra started.

"We can recruit Meredith as our Paladin!" I finished.

"I’ve heard you talk about her a few times," Isobel mused. "The fact that the Order of Paladins gave her the honor of replacing her surname with a title means she’s certainly powerful in your time. Do you think she’s powerful now, though?"

"We can train her. Plus, whenever we get an Instructor, they can help her bring out her true potential!"

"That’s a fair point," Isobel allowed. "Tell me more about this ’Meredith’. What’s she like?"