After we arrived at a deserted location, the blonde girl finally spoke.
"Anata, from what I understand, about a third of us are inclined to leave."
She looked at me with her clear, emotionless eyes.
"Of that third, about half plan to leave today after saying goodbye to Sister Lycoris."
A third... to be honest, that was a lot. Especially the sixth who were preparing to leave immediately. It surprised me. I thought my display yesterday would have convinced more of them.
But faced with the girl's gaze, I couldn't show any weakness.
"I see," I said calmly. "But you contacted me privately. Surely you wanted to tell me more than just this."
"Yes. I'd like to know what your thoughts are after learning this."
"My thoughts?"
"Yes. What you truly think."
The blonde girl revealed her purpose.
I was surprised.
'Why ask me this?' I wondered. 'Is she afraid I won't agree to let them leave? But when I proposed this condition, I never showed any intention of forcing them.'
"Although I don't want any of them to leave," I began carefully, "since they want to go, I won't..."
"That's a lie."
Her sudden interruption and decisive tone made me raise an eyebrow.
She gave the impression that she already had the answer and asking was just a formality.
"Why do you say I'm lying?"
"Because of my innate ability."
She stared straight into my eyes.
"Just by seeing a person, I can get a general idea of what kind of nature they possess. And you... you are not a selfless person. Nor are you a magnanimous one."
She paused for a moment, then bowed perfectly.
"I'm sorry. Please forgive my bluntness."
Even so, I was speechless.
'Since you're so outspoken, why don't you just come out and say I'm selfish, stingy, and narrow-minded?'
"Your ability is really... convenient," I muttered.
However, her ability reminded me of someone.
Crusch Karsten.
One of the future Royal Selection candidates. Her power came from the Divine Protection of Wind Indication. By reading the wind, she could judge whether someone was lying.
This girl's ability was remarkably similar.
"Have you really thought about letting any one of us leave your side?" she pressed.
"Well..." I hesitated.
"Is that so? I understand what you mean."
In her view, that split-second hesitation had proven everything.
'Hey, wait! I haven't said anything yet!'
But there seemed to be no need for further explanation. Her ability had already revealed my true nature.
Was it selfishness? Possessiveness?
Probably.
Humans are inherently selfish beings. And since my transmigration—perhaps due to the Authority of Greed—my desires had become much more spontaneous and intense. I wanted to keep them all.
"Now that you know what I'm thinking, what do you want to do?" I asked, dropping the pretense.
She didn't seem stupid. Bringing this up meant she had already made a decision.
"I will assist you."
"Help me?"
"Yes."
After giving a definite answer, the blonde girl continued to tell another story.
"Yesterday evening, I spread information through certain channels that Princess Capella belongs to the Witch Cult and is the Sin Archbishop of Lust."
My eyes widened.
"As a result of the rumors, Princess Capella—true to her character—caused a scene before fleeing the Capital to avoid capture. Her whereabouts are currently unknown."
She looked at me calmly, as if discussing the weather.
"We have already gone through so many tragic things. Please don't make us go through any more."
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"I will never allow anyone who could potentially harm us to lurk nearby. Especially someone like Capella, a member of the Royal Family with considerable power. Therefore, the only solution was to burn her bridges—expose her and force her to leave the Capital."
I was impressed. While I was sleeping, she had already neutralized the political threat.
"Even so, we are not absolutely safe," she continued. "As a Sin Archbishop, the Witch Cult will follow her. She could make a comeback at any time. Especially since she issued a death declaration to all hundred of us yesterday."
She stepped closer.
"So, as a husband... do you really have the ability to protect us?"
This was the test.
She needed to know if I could truly be their support against the Witch Cult. This was extremely important.
Looking at the expressionless girl with a calm tone, I could sense her steely determination.
"Do you know about that unlucky guy's abilities?" I asked.
"Unlucky guy...?"
She was stunned for a moment, then realized I meant the original Regulus.
"Yes. I know his abilities. He was invincible."
"If you know, then it's simple."
I smirked.
"In addition to my own abilities, I gained that unfortunate guy's Authority. You should know what that means."
"You gained his Authority!?"
The girl's eyes widened in genuine surprise. It was the first time she had shown such a clear break in her doll-like facade.
But it quickly subsided into a look of deep relief.
If I had Lion's Heart, then I was invincible. And if I was invincible, they were safe.
"I understand... Anata."
She curtsied again, deeper this time.
"I... no, we will always follow you."
Her tone was different from before. It conveyed a sense of genuine intimacy and loyalty. I had gained her approval.
This woman!
If Lycoris was the figurehead—the gentle heart of the harem—then this girl was the brain. The Shadow Leader hiding behind the scenes, making the hard decisions to protect everyone.
"What is your name?" I asked.
"Excuse me?"
"I asked for your name. I should know my strategist's name."
She looked up. For the first time, a small, genuine smile touched her lips. Although it was faint, it was absolutely gorgeous.
"My name is Loris. Please never forget this name, my dear."
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