“A night’s visit…?”
I blinked in surprise at the sudden proposal.
The woman who came to the Third Squad’s office introduced herself as Eliza.
Her position was Minister of the Imperial Household—in other words, the person in charge of managing all sorts of affairs within the palace.
She looked to be in her mid-forties.
To put my first impression bluntly, she had a slightly plump appearance and gave off the vibe of an auntie who loved gossip.
“Yes, to restore Lord Abel’s immense Magic Power, the Sex Ritual of the Almelis religion is the most efficient method. It is said to have been used to fully restore his Magic Power many times.”
As she said this, the Minister looked meaningfully at me, Claire, and the others.
“Therefore, to keep Lord Abel, the cornerstone of our country’s defense, in optimal Magic Power at all times—as per the Queen’s decree, I have come to request that Lord Abel undergo the Sex Ritual periodically.”
“Periodically…?”
In other words, was I supposed to have sex with women chosen by the country?
“The partners for Lord Abel will be select beauties. Among them, you may choose the woman you fancy and perform the ritual. It is fine to do it one-on-one, or with multiple partners at once.”
So, no matter the number of partners or the type of play.
And to have sex with carefully selected beautiful women…!
“Of course, the content of the play… ah, excuse me, how you engage, can all be according to Lord Abel’s preferences… no, excuse me, as you wish.”
Eliza said with a sly smile.
“We have also prepared a dedicated facility for this. Various sized bedrooms for the Sex Ritual. We have also gathered a complete set of erotic tools to satisfy all sorts of play and desires.”
It was truly a case of having everything taken care of.
This… was getting me fired up!
…No, wait a minute.
“Um, those women… are they perhaps going to be forced into such acts with me by order of the country?”
“My word, to say ‘forced’ is utterly unthinkable.”
Eliza shook her head left and right as if deeply offended.
“On the contrary, there has been a rush of applicants. So many wanted to participate that our selection process was quite difficult. It ranged from self-introductions and talent displays to singing, dancing, and even swimsuit competitions…”
It sounded like a beauty contest.
“In any case, all those chosen are women who wish to be of service to Lord Abel and to be embraced by him. Please enjoy them without restraint.”
Gulp, this situation has become quite something.
This is basically… right?
It’s a state-sanctioned harem, isn’t it?
“The facility will be ready in about two or three days, and we will contact you once it is complete.”
With that, Eliza left.
So, my harem life will begin in two or three days.
“Hmm…?”
Wait, Claire, why the scary look in your eyes!?
“You seem happy, don’t you…?”
“You’re grinning, Abel…”
Racine and Lil were glaring at me too!
“…Blood flow concentrated in the lower body. Erect state confirmed.”
Hey, Dita, stop staring at my crotch!
“I-it’s not like I’m jealous or anything! R-r-really!”
Veronica, your face is bright red.
“It’s the Queen’s decree. I understand it might not be a pleasant feeling, but let’s prioritize Abel’s Magic Power replenishment here.”
Ashe tried to calm everyone down.
“…Honestly, I could provide replenishment anytime…”
Lastly, I heard a disgruntled murmur, Ashe!?
***
“Haa… my own harem.”
As I savored the thought, I made my way home.
I, who used to farm in a remote village, had somehow been elevated to the status of a hero by the country and now even had a harem prepared for me.
“Look, it’s Lord Abel…”
“Is that the rumored strongest mage…”
“So young… and so wonderful.”
“They say he’s single. I wonder if he already has someone…”
Suddenly, I noticed I was being stared at by several women as I looked around.
All their gazes carried a sweet aura.
They were intense, burning stares.
They even seemed like they would naturally follow me if I invited them to bed.
It felt as if an aura of “predatory women” was pressing in on me from all sides.
But the facility for the Sex Ritual that Eliza mentioned, when you think about it, was indeed about that—
In my mind’s eye, I saw the figures of countless women beckoning me.
Of course, they were all incomparable beauties.
They were all clad in stunning, full-body, glamorous nude bodies, swaying their breasts and hips provocatorily as they swarmed around me, unable to wait—
Incidentally, according to Eliza, the facility would have a dedicated chef and sommelier who would prepare fine wines and exquisite food just for me.
Even excluding the erotic aspects, it was apparently going to be like a top-tier resort.
Truly—a paradise.
Such a place would be ready in just a little while longer.
A sense of guilt, as if I were cheating, and the anticipation of what kind of beauties awaited me.
These two emotions mingled, causing a sweet, aching throb in my chest.
I spent that day unable to sleep well due to my restless mood.
—A few days later, a report came in that the Empire had once again begun its invasion towards Aisha.
***
“The opponents this time are on a different level than before.”
In the Third Squad’s office, I was listening to Ashe’s operation briefing along with Claire and the others.
“There are three enemies, and all of them are from the Elysion Octa.”
Ashe, who was usually calm, had an unusually tense expression.
The Elysion Octa—
These were the strongest top executives of the Magatsu Empire, possessing ranks and abilities second only to the Magatsu Emperor.
“One is a mage named Dibahha, who excels in aerial combat. And the other two are—”
Ashe looked at me.
Her tense eyes trembled slightly.
I involuntarily held my breath.
Could the other two be—
As if answering my unspoken question, Ashe nodded.
“They are Forse and Lilmid, who are considered the strongest among the Elysion Octa.”
