After exchanging glances and recalling something, Kemiro asks, “Now that we’ve aligned our understanding of our relationship, is there something you’d like to ask? Your visit is a bit unexpected; is there a particular reason for it?”

“Yes, there is,” Mandipha replied with a slightly embarrassed smile. “Our house received a commission from the Royal Family, the content being about an investigation and data recovery within the Phantom Zone. This commission was sent to all the Pillar Houses. I won’t be participating, but my intention was to offer you an alliance so our teams could work together. However, it seems my plan won’t be necessary.” She flashed a charming smile. “Honestly, I don’t mind; I’ve gained something even more precious.”

Trying to hide a satisfied smile, Kemiro gently pinched Mandipha’s nose, saying, “Look at you using that sweet talk on me. It doesn’t have any effect on me.”

“Actually, it’s more effective than I could imagine!” Mandipha thought, allowing the playful banter.

Hiding his dark thoughts behind his smile, Kemiro reflects, “I should’ve been used to this by now, but every time I encounter the disparity in treatment between the Main Houses and the support Houses, it churns my stomach with disgust!

That old decrepit fool acted as if he were doing me a favor, even though the commission was sent to all the Houses? Shameless bastard!”

“But if you want, we can still form an alliance. It would certainly be beneficial,” Mandipha said, pulling Kemiro’s hand away from her nose.

However, Kemiro shook his head, saying, “I appreciate the offer. However, this alliance isn’t the best choice at the moment. Remember that I will be requesting the Right to Conquest. Forming an alliance would be great, but in the long run, it'll be a disadvantage for me.”

“What am I thinking? Of course, an alliance wouldn’t be beneficial for him right now.” Mandipha bit her lower lip, realizing Kemiro was right.

Noticing hints of frustration that Mandipha tries to hide, Kemiro comments, “You should also avoid insinuating any special treatment for my favor to your team members. On the contrary, you should encourage them to test me if there are signs of dissatisfaction with our engagement.”

Agited, Mandipha says, “Why? That would only bring you more trouble. We are very competitive, so if I, as the Priestess, endorse such behavior, they won’t hesitate to challenge you!”.

“HA HA HA! Even better. In the long run, it will be beneficial, so you don’t need to worry. Changing the subject, there’s something else I’d like to confirm.”

Mandipha felt conflicted by Kemiro’s decision but chose not to question it.

“If you’re confident, I won’t say anything anymore. What’s the topic?”

“You mentioned that you have expectations about me having more wives. Could you explain what you mean by that?”

“Yes. I know that many of the Pillar Houses, including the Boronéa House, have a monogamous culture. However, in our culture, the larger a family and the higher the Quality of its members, the greater its influence. So don’t think I’ll accept any woman you’re interested in. As a direct descendant of the Hauveron House and Goddess Maranshipha’s Priestess, my requirements for a prospective wife are high. Or are you against such an arrangement?”

Smiling, Kemiro responds, “No, on the contrary. I have someone I’d like to recommend. A member of my team, Amira Telffira. Do you know her?”

Recalling her memories, Mandipha replies, “She is one of the Red Moon Tower’s descendant, right? If I’m not mistaken, it’s a house composed solely of Witches and Sorcerers.” Hesitant, she asks, “Don’t tell me you had a relationship with her before I announced our engagement.”

“No. Nothing like that. The truth is, she is one of the individuals who knows about my Heritage.”

“Is that why you’re recommending her?” Mandipha asked.

Kemiro shook his head, saying, “No. Unfortunately, I can’t say much about her because we're both under a Pact of the Soul. This involves the reason why I was able to recruit her for my team. But I can guarantee that she has a Quality as a Witch that rivals mine.”

Shocked, Mandiphas reflects, “What? Is he serious about this? Honestly, Kemiro’s Quality as a Ma’Ji is superior to mine! Is he implying there’s someone who matches him? By Hein’Ra!

But for him to praise her so much, does he have feelings for her?”

“Kemiro, do you have feelings for Amira?”

“Yes.” Mandipha is taken aback by Kemiro’s blunt response. But he continues, “She was the first person to recognize my Quality.”

Pointing to his eyes, he adds, “However, I highly respect her skills and understanding of Ma’Jia and Hein’Ra, among other factors.”

Noticing the implication, Mandipha reflects, “Does she also has Akrava? It seems her oath isn’t as strict as mine; otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to reveal information in such an ambiguous way. But, just to be safe, I’ll keep this to myself.”

Nodding, Mandipha says, “I understand. If you’re so adamant about recommending her, I have no reason to refuse. However, do you have confidence you can win her over?”

“I can’t be certain. However, I know the possibility is far from zero.”

Tilting her head to the side, Mandipha asked curiously, “You’re being ambiguous. What’s the reason for this conclusion?”

“Sorry. It has to do with our Pact,” Kemiro said, scratching his cheek awkwardly.

Observing Kemiro silently for a moment, Mandipha says, “I understand. So be it. I’ll trust you. When you discuss the matter with her and receive a positive response, please introduce us so I can have a conversation with her, okay?”

“Yes. I will certainly do that.”

Kemiro reflects, “Perfect! This harem idea couldn’t work out better. If I manage to incorporate Amira’s skills into my artifact crafting process, I’ll reach new highs of craftsmanship!”

Satisfied with the development, Kemiro glances at his watch, commenting, “If you don’t have any more topics to discuss, we’ve been here for several hours; your attendants must be worried.”

“I can’t deny that possibility,” Mandipha said, leaning toward Kemiro. “For now, I’m more than satisfied with our progress.”

Kemiro stood up, leaving Mandipha hanging. Extending his hand to her, he says, “I, for once, can affirm that I’m receiving the blessings of Hein’Ra.”

Mandipha wanted to say something, but reluctantly she gives up, simply accepting Kemiro’s hand, smiling as she says, “Who’s using sweet words now?”

To Mandipha’s surprise, before she could even rise, Kemiro pulled her into an embrace, wrapping his left arm around her waist and guiding her right hand to his neck.

Gazing into her eyes, he whispers, “Sweet, but truthful.”

He then pressed his lips against hers without reservation. Without hesitation, following her instincts, Mandipha responded just as openly, wrapping her arms around Kemiro’s neck.

Satisfied with her response, Kemiro embraced her more tenderly, pressing their bodies closer together. Mandipha’s ample breasts pressed against him serve only to energize Kemiro. Keeping his embrace with his left arm, he moves his right hand to Mandipha’s nape, gently caressing the soft hair at her neck.

The sighs and sweet moans that Mandipha emitted serve as evidence to Kemiro that she doesn’t want him to stop. He treats her with even more tenderness, causing Mandipha to feel as though she’s melting, her voice becoming even sweeter.

However, Kemiro felt nothing but emptiness, reflecting, “I can’t accept this! Why? Even embracing such a nice woman, why do I feel nothing? What’s wrong with me?”

“Mmmm! Kem… Kemiro! Mmm!”

Lost in his thoughts, Kemiro ignores her calls, kissing her neck.

But he’s forced to stop when Mandipha hugged him tightly, with strength he had never expected.

She brought her lips close to his ear, saying in a gentle tone, “It’s okay. You needn’t to worry. Together, we’ll manage your situation. I’ve received, and I accept your feelings.”

Kemiro felt his body tremble, hugging her tighter, saying, “I’m sorry.”

Upon hearing this, Mandipha held Kemiro’s face, guiding it so they were facing each other. Looking deeply into his eyes, she says, “You don’t have to apologize. You haven’t done anything wrong. But I don’t want you to force yourself to act this way. I need you to prepare to be victorious in your Right of Conquest.” She lightly kisses his lips, saying, “I said it before, and I’ll say it again. If you win this challenge, I will be yours, and you will be mine. Then, we can resolve your condition, no matter what it takes.”

Kemiro is overwhelmed by a multitude of emotions, but as he leaned in, touching their foreheads together, he declared, “Yes. I will achieve victory!”

◆◇

In the room leading to the space where Kemiro and Mandipha were, Algipha, Alber, Almer, and Mandipha’s attendants, along with Safix and Aine, were waiting outside.

Irritably, Algipha comments, “Are you really sure there’s no other way to open this door, Safix?”

Unperturbed by Algipha’s aggressive tone, Safix responded calmly, “For the ninth time, Miss Algipha. Only Lord Kemiro and Lady Azarthine can access this door. You’ve been waiting here for over an hour; please, why don’t you wait in our reception room where you’ll be more comfortable?”

“I refuse. What could he want to discuss that requires such secrecy?”

Since Mandipha's birth, Algipha has been overprotective. She had always acted as a “wall” to protect Mandipha, even from other members of their House.

Algipha reflects, “Mandipha has always been like that! Behind her reserved attitude, she’s completely captivated by anything that catches her attention, ignoring everyone around her to satisfy her curiosity.

Even though she's a central figure in our family, she has never lost this side of her. Well, it only makes her more endearing. But I wish she had more awareness of how her actions affect those around her.

How can she willingly go to an unknown place with Kemiro? A place where I cannot reach her if necessary!”

Noticing the intensity of her feelings, knowing Algipha, Alber comments, “Calm down, Algipha. First of all, you don’t need to worry so much. Mandipha would not follow Kemiro if she didn’t believe he was trustworthy. Second, continuing your inquisition will only seem like you’re questioning Kemiro’s morals.”

“That’s not my intention.” Noticing Alber’s reprimand, Algipha understood that he was scolding her for a reason.

As she glanced sideways, she noticed Safix watching her with a sharp gaze. Even though Safix didn’t display any Ma’Jia, Algipha’s instincts scream that there was danger in the individual before her.

But this only excites Algipha, as she rarely encountered someone who made her feel this way. Unfortunately, before she could test Safix, Aine’s voice echoed through the room, “They’re back!”

Their attention turned to the door, which shimmered like a water mirror as Kemiro walked through it. Everyone is surprised seeing how Kemiro carefully guided Mandipha by hand while she had closed eyes.

“We’ve arrived, Mandipha. You can open your eyes now.”

“I don’t think I’m going to get used to this passage anytime soon,” Mandipha said with a faint tone.

When she opened her eyes, she noticed everyone watching them.

“Oh! Have you all been waiting this whole time?”

No one responded, only observing the close manner in which they were acting.

Trembling as she looked at them holding hands, Algipha was the first to speak, “Ma- Man- Mandipha, what happened? Why is your hair loose?”

Mandipha finally noticed, running her hand through her hair with a surprised expression. Before she could answer, Kemiro gently embraced her waist, kissing her on the cheek, causing her to blush. Smiling, he says, “Nothing much; we were just getting to know each other better.”

“Oh! Kemiro.” Mandipha says, bringing both hands to her face while wripping her long tail around Kemiro’s waist.

Everyone had different reactions. Aine blushed, covering her face but leaving gaps between her fingers. Almer looked at Kemiro with reverence. Alber had a complicated expression. Safix simply sighed, shaking her head.

“Ke- Ke- Ke- Ke…” Algipha trembled, struggling to form coherent words.

To everyone’s surprise, Algipha unleashes her Ma’Jia, leaping toward Kemiro as she transformed into her humanoid beast form, which, unlike Mandipha’s, had golden fur.

With a crazed expression, she screamed, “KEMIROOOO, WHAT’S THE COLOR OF YOUR BLOOOOOD?”

Once again, the servants working in the residence above were startled by the tremors and loud voices emanating from the mansion’s underground.