The fuck!?
Rem stared at the notification floating in her vision, her brain refusing to process what she was seeing. "Harem member acquired?" was bad enough, but then the interface expanded, and it got so much worse.
[NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: HAREM COLLECTOR]
Type :Conquest Skill
Function: Allows user to build a personal harem of any gender
[NEW FUNCTION UNLOCKED: HAREM INTERFACE]- Access comprehensive tracking of harem dynamics
She focused on the interface, and a new window materialized:
KAISEN'S HAREM:
Elise (Primary)
Status: In Party
Condition: Healthy, well-rested
Feelings: Deeply in love with Kaisen. Sexually satisfied. Comfortable sharing him with others. Views Rem as a friend and potential sister-wife
Rem (Secondary - YOU)
Status: In Party
Condition: Recovering from rough sex
Feelings: Strong physical attraction to Kaisen. Emotionally conflicted about role in harem. Accepting situation despite reservations. Growing fondness mixed with guilt about circumstances. Does not want to be exclusive with host
REM'S HAREM:
[Empty - Begin building your collection]
Potential Targets Detected:
Kaisen:
Compatibility: Very High
Current Status: Available, attracted to you
Elise:
Compatibility: Moderate
Current Status: Available, horny toward you
Altaria:
Compatibility: High
Current Status: Quest Target - Innocent, unaware
Marcus:
Compatibility: Low
Current Status: Unconscious, relationship damaged
"What the actual fuck," Rem whispered, sitting up in her bed at the inn. Dawn light filtered through the window, painting everything in soft gold.
She could see herself listed in Kaisen's harem, could see exactly how she felt about him according to the system. The accuracy was disturbing. And now she had her own harem skill? meaning she was expected to seduce others for her own collection.
Aria's laughter echoed through delighted: "Oh this is DELICIOUS! I was waiting for this, now you're not just his toy, you can collect your own toys too! Imagine it, darling. Kaisen in YOUR harem while you're in HIS. Altaria serving both of you. It's a beautiful web of sex and desire~"
Rem pressed her palms against her eyes, trying to process. She'd written this world, programmed these mechanics, but experiencing them firsthand was entirely different. The system was treating relationships like collectibles, reducing complex emotions to status screens and compatibility ratings.
But the worst part? A small, shameful part of her was intrigued by the possibilities.
"I hate you," she muttered to Aria.
"You say that, but we both know you're already thinking about it. Kaisen will definetly be part of your collection, then you will chase Altaria together. but please!! add atleast an orc later on, i wanna see your face for that~" Aria's words went deaf to her though she blushed.
Rem dismissed the interface and got dressed, pulling on her ragged clothes—a reminder that they desperately needed to buy new things. The silk kimono was fine for private moments but not exactly practical for daily wear.
As she left her room, she wondered if Kaisen could see her harem interface the same way she could see his. Probably not, since he didn't know she had a system. But he'd definitely know she was in his harem. That notification had appeared for both of them.
Time to face the music.
The inn's common room was quiet this early, just a few workers eating breakfast before heading to the fields. Rem found Kaisen and Elise already at a corner table, speaking in low voices.
They looked up when she approached, and Kaisen's expression shifted to something complicated—satisfaction mixed with concern.
"Morning," he said carefully. "Sleep well?"
"Not really," Rem admitted, sliding into the seat across from them. "We need to talk. About last night."
"The sex?" Elise asked bluntly, taking a bite of bread. "Or the thing that happened after?"
Rem blinked. "Both"
"Oh right, kaisen also had something to tell us right?" Elise glanced at her partner. "Something about rem being officially added to his party?"
Rem acted confused gauging how much to reveal.
"Um yeah actually... i got a notification" Kaisen said with a dry laugh. "My system registers those... close to me as a party member and, your now in mine"
"I dont even know what that means...but" Rem said quietly. "I knew what I was getting into. Sort of. The system thing just... adds layers I wasn't expecting, but dont expect me to follow you around 24/7, remember im only doing this gig for the money."
"Yeah....." Kaisen before but was stopped.
Before they could press further, Altaria entered the common room from the stairs leading to Marcus's room. She looked tired but peaceful, her copper hair pulled back in a simple braid.
"Good morning," she greeted them with a warm smile. "Marcus's condition is stable. No changes overnight, but his breathing is stronger. I think he'll wake within a few days."
"That's good news," Kaisen said, gesturing for her to join them. "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet," Altaria admitted, settling into the empty chair beside Kaisen. Their proximity too close for natural, so it begins huh? well kaisen was a looker so it wasn't shocking.
The harem interface flickered in Rem's vision without her calling it:
[Potential Target Update]
[Altaria Emotional State toward Kaisen: Growing attraction, admiration, curiosity]
[Compatibility Assessment: Very High (innocent, seeking purpose, natural submissive tendencies)]
Rem dismissed the interface with effort. The last thing she needed was to be distracted by system notifications while actually sitting with the girl.
"We're planning to stay another week at least," Kaisen announced. "Marcus needs time to recover properly, and honestly we all need rest. Is that going to be a problem for the settlement?"
"Not at all," Altaria assured him. "The church provides hospitality to all travelers. And you did help clear out some of the monster threats near the farms. The community is grateful."
"Then it's settled," Elise said brightly. "We rest and we figure out our next move once Marcus is awake."
Rem noticed Altaria's curious glances between the three of them—noting the easy familiarity, the way Elise touched Kaisen's arm casually, the way Rem fit into their dynamic. She must be wondering what it felt like, to have companions
Rem had written altaria as quite a lonely figure, she was born with the divine protection of a goddess, blessed with the gift of healing, and a prodigy like no other. her parents had abandoned her when she was born, leaving her to this church on their travel. Altaria was raised a saint.
Everybody liked her, he kind acts, sincerity and dedication towards others, she was a saint. but she was also lonely
From childhood, she was trained in the arts of holy worship and separated from her peers due to her potential, no friends, no family... it was a lonely life indeed.
Rem's stomach twisted with anticipation and guilt in equal measure. Honestly she had a serious crush on her back in the days.
After breakfast, Kaisen pulled Altaria aside. "Could you show me the church's facilities? I'm interested in understanding how you work."
Altaria's face lit up. "Of course! I'd love to show you. The sanctum has some really fascinating historical texts about magic evolution..."
They left together, Altaria chattering enthusiastically about her calling. Rem watched them go, tracking their movements until they disappeared around a corner.
"They're cute together," Elise observed, appearing at Rem's shoulder. "She's already half in love with him and doesn't even know it."
"You're okay with that?" Rem asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Elise shrugged. "I knew what Kaisen was when I fell for him. He's meant to have multiple partners—it's just how he is. Fighting it would be like fighting the tide. plus i would lose good sex"
The casualness was jarring. Elise truly was a crack head in the core. The harem interface had been accurate about her feelings.
"Want to go shopping?" Elise asked suddenly. "We all need new clothes after that disaster with the alphas, and I saw some interesting shops in the marketplace yesterday."
Rem considered refusing, but curiosity won her out. She wanted to understand Elise better, a character she herself wrote, cant say there was no giddiness.
"Sure. Let's go."
===============================
The settlement's marketplace was modest but well-stocked there were food stalls selling fresh produce, a blacksmith hammering away at steel, merchants with colorful bolts of cloth, and various general goods shops.
Elise led them to a clothing shop first, a middle-aged woman sat there with kind eyes who immediately began pulling out practical travel wear.
"You poor dears look like you've been through a war," the merchant tsked, examining their tattered clothes. "Let's get you properly outfitted."
They spent an hour trying on various outfits:
Rem settled on dark red tunic with black trim that actually fit her properly, along with sturdy leather pants and a traveling cloak, this had to do before she bought more armor from the shop. The red brought out the dark tones in her hair, making her look both dangerous and elegant.
Elise picked out a flowing blue dress for casual wear "Because I can't wear combat gear all the time, it's depressing" along with a set of travel clothes in lighter colors.
"You look good in red," Elise commented as Rem examined herself in the mirror. "Matches your whole mysterious dangerous woman aesthetic."
"I have an aesthetic?"
"Oh definitely. Dark, brooding, secretly soft underneath but vicious as well. Very attractive." Elise grinned. "I love that kind of thing."
After paying for their purchases, Elise pulled Rem toward a smaller shop with curtained windows tucked away from the main market square.
"What's this?" Rem asked suspiciously. she had a bad feeling about this.
"You'll see. Come on, it'll be fun!"
Inside, Rem understood immediately why the shop had curtains. Lingerie covered every surface—lace, silk, leather, things Rem couldn't identify as fucking clothes, what were they even taking money for if there was literally just a single string for a cloth!? A discreet selection of what could only be called "intimate accessories" occupied one corner too
"Oh gods," Rem muttered.
"Right?" Elise was already browsing enthusiastically, holding up various items. "I saw this place yesterday and knew we had to come back. We deserve nice things after everything, plus i dont get to do stuff like this in the capital!"
An older woman emerged from the back, her expression professional despite the shop's inventory. "Can I help you ladies find anything specific?"
"We're looking for lingerie," Elise announced without a trace of embarrassment. "Something that'll make our partner's brain short-circuit."
The merchant smiled slyly. "I have just the things. Follow me."
What followed was the most surreal shopping experience of either of Rem's lives. The merchant pulled out set after set of pure air, each more bizare than the last:
"This would look amazing on you," Elise said, holding up a black lace set against Rem. The bra was barely there, the panties even less so, rem was squishing her privates like her life depended on it, embarrassed as fuck but the overall effect was undeniably striking. "With your coloring? he would lose his goddamn mind."
"That's the point?" Rem asked, taking the set.
"Absolutely. Half the fun is watching them try to maintain composure." Elise was examining a matching set in deep red. "Oh! We should get similar ones. Like matching but different colors."
"Why would we need matching lingerie?"
Elise gave her a look like she was being deliberately dense. "For when we're both with him, obviously. Aesthetic matters."
Right. Because that was apparently their life now—coordinating lingerie for group sex.
Aria's voice whispered through the mark "I love how quickly you're accepting this. A week ago you were a repressed virgin author. Now you're shopping for sexy underwear to wear in a threesomes. Beautiful character development~"
Rem ignored the goddess, focusing on the sexy reality that yes, she would probably be naked with both Kaisen and Elise again, and yes, she might as well look good doing it.
They ended up purchasing:
Matching black and red lingerie sets
Silk sleepwear that was more revealing then that damn kimono
Scented massage oils ..... Elise insisted
A few small items from the accessories corner that made Rem blush but Elise claimed would be "fun for experimenting" What were these even doing in this small place!!?
Rem knew the answer ofcouse, she had made it up... to cover for some of the more fetished content in the story. In this world, people had sex like rabits, because each day might be their last! yeah the capitals and big cities were safer, but even they were just one dragon away from demise!!
As they made their purchases, Rem found herself enjoying Elise's company. The other woman was funny, shameless, and surprisingly thoughtful beneath the carefree exterior.
"Can I ask you something personal?" Rem ventured as they left the shop, packages tucked discreetly under their arms.
"Sure."
"How are you so okay with all of this? With sharing Kaisen, with bringing other people into your relationship. Doesn't it bother you at all?"
Elise was quiet for a moment, considering. "It did at first. When Kaisen first told me about his... tendencies... I was jealous. Possessive. I wanted him all to myself, i pushed you desperately for that reason alone.."
"What changed?"
"I realized that loving him meant accepting all of him. Including the parts that wanted multiple partners. And then I realized something else—sharing him didn't diminish what we had. If anything, it made it stronger." Elise glanced at Rem. "Plus, having you around is actually nice. I like you. You're real, you know? Not fake or manipulative. Just trying to figure things out like the rest of us."
The honesty surprised Rem. "I like you too. Even if you did help destroy my ability to walk."
Elise laughed. "You're never letting that go, are you?"
"Never."
They walked back toward the inn, chatting along on small topics such as ice cream or Elise's life back in the capital. Rem found herself grateful for this moment—for friendship that wasn't complicated by competition or jealousy. Just two women navigating an unusual situation together.
"For what it's worth," Elise said as they approached the inn, "I think you're going to be good for both of us. You balance Kaisen out in ways I can't. And you're already making him think more carefully about his choices."
"How so?"
"He actually feels guilty about Marcus. Before you joined, he wouldn't have cared as much. You make him more human." Elise smiled. "That's valuable."
Rem didn't know what to say to that, so she just nodded and followed Elise inside.
They returned to find Kaisen already back from the church, reading in the common room. He looked up as they entered, his eyes immediately tracking to their packages.
"Shopping successful?" he asked
"Very," Elise said with a mischievous smile. "You'll see later."
Altaria appeared moments after, joining them at their table. The priestess seemed more relaxed now, more comfortable with their group after spending the morning with them and the entire day with Kaisen.
"How's he doing?" Rem asked.
"Good, His body is healing well, but something about his mana pathways seems... blocked." Altaria frowned. "I've never seen anything quite like it. It's as if the magical channels themselves were damaged beyond normal healing."
Kaisen and Elise exchanged glances. Rem kept her expression neutral, but internally she was processing. Marcus's shattered mana core—a permanent injury that would prevent him from ever using magic again. When he woke and discovered the truth, his reaction would be devastating.
"Can you fix it?" Kaisen asked carefully.
"I don't know," Altaria admitted. "I'll keep trying different approaches, but I've never dealt with core damage this severe. Usually if someone's core shatters, they die immediately."
"He's lucky you were here," Rem said, and meant it. Without Altaria's intervention, Marcus would absolutely have died from his injuries.
Altaria blushed at the compliment. "I'm just doing my duty. It's what the goddess asks of us, to heal those in need."
They settled into easy conversation over dinner that evening, Altaria asking curious questions about life beyond the settlement. She'd never traveled further than the neighboring town, had spent her entire life in this small community serving the church.
"Don't you ever want to see more?" Kaisen asked. "Experience the wider world?"
"Sometimes," Altaria admitted quietly. "But that feels selfish. I'm needed here. And besides, I wouldn't even know where to start."
"You could travel with us," Elise suggested. "Once Marcus is recovered. We're always looking for a talented healer."
The offer was surprising , but Rem noticed Kaisen's subtle approval. He was already thinking about adding Altaria to their group, to his harem. And Elise was helping in the set up. Damn matchmaker
Altaria looked tempted but uncertain. "I don't know. Leaving the settlement, abandoning my duties..."
"Think about it," Kaisen said gently. "No pressure. But the offer stands, we are here for a week"
Rem watched Altaria's face change the conflict between duty and desire, she really wanted too. The priestess was already considering it, imagining what life could be like beyond this small settlement.
The seduction was happening naturally, Rem realized. Kaisen wasn't pushing or manipulating, he was just offering a genuine connection and possibility. Altaria was falling for him because he treated her like she mattered, like her dreams were valid. She felt guilty for that.
And in the nine days, Rem would need to insert herself into that dynamic. To make Altaria want her too.
The thought made her stomach twist with anticipation and guilt.
That night, alone in her room, Rem examined the harem interface again:
KAISEN'S HAREM:
Elise (Primary)
Status: In Party
Condition: Healthy, well-rested
Feelings: Deeply in love with Kaisen. Sexually satisfied. Comfortable sharing him with others. Views Rem as a friend and potential sister-wife
Rem (Secondary - YOU)
Status: In Party
Condition: Almost recovered from rough first sex
Feelings: Strong physical attraction to Kaisen, slight to Elise and Altaria. Growing more comfortable with her role in harem. Does not want to be exclusive with host
REM'S HAREM:
[Empty - Begin building your collection]
Potential Targets Detected:
Elise:
Compatibility: High
Current Status: Available, horny toward you, views you as a sister wife, attracted
Altaria:
Compatibility: Very High
Current Status: Quest Target
Feelings: Friendly, curious and wants to know you better, slight crush due to your attractiveness
The progress tracker showed Altaria's seduction was advancing without Rem actively doing anything. Just being part of the group, demonstrating a healthy relationship dynamic, was working.
Aria manifested more fully in the room, her presence making the mark burn warm. "See how easy this is? You don't even have to be predatory about it. Just be yourself, let her see what pleasure looks like, and she'll come to you willingly, you are a eye candy yk."
"That doesn't make it less manipulative," Rem said.
"Everything is manipulation, toy. Every conversation, every kindness, every relationship—all manipulation to get what we want. The only difference is you're conscious of it. dont forget what you are"
"What I am?"
"Mine. my Corrupted. Changed. creature of lust and desire instead of a repressed writer playing at being a character, a man who views woman as objects." Aria's smile was sharp. "we both know you'll do it. You want to, even if you dont, the penalty is too bad."
Rem wanted to deny it, but Aria was right. A dark part of her was already imagining Altaria willing and desperate. The same part that had enjoyed being fucked senseless by Kaisen. The part that was accepting her new nature. but also the man who wrote this woman.
"I hate you," Rem whispered.
"You say that," Aria replied, "but you're not trying very hard to resist anymore, are you?"
Rem had no answer to that.
Nine days. She could do this. She could seduce Altaria, complete the quest, and move forward without her corruption being visible to everyone.
Rem pulled out the black lace lingerie set they'd bought, examining it in the candlelight. The fabric was barely there, designed to reveal all of her except the sweet part. She tried it on, checking her reflection in the small mirror.
She looked good. Dangerous and sensual and completely unlike the man she had been, or the woman who entered this world. The mark on her lower back was visible, black patterns stark against pale skin, a permanent reminder of Aria's claim.
A knock on her door interrupted her examination.
"It's me," Kaisen's voice. "Can I come in?"
Rem considered changing but decided against it. They'd already fucked each other senseless. Modesty seemed pointless now.
"Come in."
He entered and froze, taking in her appearance in the lingerie. His expression shifted to something hungry and appreciative.
"Elise said you bought new things," he managed. "She didn't mention they looked like that."
"Surprise," Rem said dryly, though she felt a spike of satisfaction at his reaction. "You like it?"
"That's an understatement." Kaisen closed the door behind him, moving closer. "You're beautiful, Rem. I know things are complicated, but I need you to know that. This isn't just about the system or quests or whatever forces are pushing me to you, and i fucking love you"
The sincerity caught her off guard. "I know. And that makes it harder, honestly. If this was just physical, it would be easier."
"Easier how?"
"To accept it as it is, to not feel guilty" Rem gestured at herself in the lingerie. "A week ago there was tension between us. Now I'm standing here in basically nothing, planning how to seduce an innocent priestess, and I'm okay with it. That should terrify me."
"Does it?"
"Not as much as it should."
Kaisen studied her face. "You don't have to coax Altaria if you don't want to. We'll find another way."
"There isn't another way. Not without consequences I can't accept." Rem sighed. "Besides, part of me wants to. That's the scary part. I'm curious about her. She's cute and i kinda have a crush now"
"Should i be jelous?" he smirked
"Gods if i know" Rem laughed without humor. "Because I'm pretty sure she is a better looker than you"
Kaisen moved closer, his hands settling on her hips carefully, giving her time to pull away if she wanted. She didn't.
"Im coming to terms with it" he said quietly. " I go around making woman mine, plan to do it to many more too... i cant expect someone to not do that as well, especially you."
Rem leaned into him despite herself, letting him hold her. The physical contact was grounding, reminding her that beneath all the system mechanics and manipulation, They were still just humans trying to navigate impossible circumstances.
They stood like that for a while, neither speaking. Just feeling each other in the quiet room, complicated feelings settling between them.
"Will you stay tonight?" Rem asked eventually. "Not for sex. Just... stay."
"Of course."
They moved to the bed together, Rem still in her lingerie but Kaisen held her while they talked about Altaria, about Marcus waking up soon, about where they'd go after leaving the settlement. It was refreshing and a new feeling at the same time
Eventually Rem drifted off, secure in Kaisen's arms, the black lace lingerie she'd bought to seduce him still hugging her curves.
She dreamed of copper hair and innocent green eyes, of poison spreading like ink in water, of Aria's laughter echoing through a church as she dragged another soul into darkness.
When she woke, Kaisen was still there, and the mark on her back pulsed warm with Aria's approval.
Eight days left.