Harem System In A fantasy World

Duke Dawncrest had enough influence to shape the official version of events however he wanted.

To the public, he had not destroyed the home of an innocent academy student out of anger. He had destroyed the suspected base of a dangerous heretic who had escaped justice.

For as long as that narrative was still being woven, he would most likely be allowed to get away with almost anything connected to him.

Unbeknownst to Elion, however, public perception had already begun to shift.

"What happened to the possessions inside?" Mira asked.

She left quite a few of her belongings inside the house, and it would be quite tragic to know that she had just lost everything that she left.

She didn’t particularly care about her material possessions much, but she only had so much money to spare.

She had obviously long since stopped receiving her monthly stipend allowance from her father, and she didn’t know exactly how much coin and resources Elion had access to, and how much he could spare for her and the others.

But she took it as her personal task to manage the family’s affairs going forward, including finances and resources.

If it came down to it, she would start pinching every penny she had on her person.

’I should probably speak to Elion about this soon.’

"I cannot say for sure; anything valuable was probably seized before the building was destroyed," Marilyn replied. "The official report claims that all recovered objects are being held as evidence."

Elion released a quiet laugh.

"Evidence that will mysteriously disappear once no one is paying attention."

"That is a possibility."

"More like a certainty," Mira muttered.

Marilyn rested her hands upon the desk.

"The alliance is willing to help you challenge the seizure and destruction of the property. We have already begun collecting statements and records showing that the manor was legally purchased and that there was no evidence of heretical activity connected to it."

Elion raised a brow.

"You already started?"

"Master Smith ordered it as soon as we heard what happened."

"He certainly is eager to keep me satisfied."

"As I told you, he believes you will become extremely valuable to the alliance."

Elion smiled faintly.

"At least he is honest about treating this as an investment."

"He is a noble," Marilyn replied. "Even when he helps someone, he prefers to know what he will gain in return."

"That is fair."

Marilyn watched him for a moment.

"We can also arrange a residence for you here in Silvergrove while the dispute is being handled."

"That will not be necessary."

"You already have somewhere to stay?"

"Something like that."

She looked as though she wanted him to elaborate, but after considering his previous answers, she decided not to waste her breath.

"Very well. Still, I would advise you not to return to Grimholt openly for the time being."

Mira frowned.

"Why should he be the one hiding when the duke is the person in the wrong?"

"Because being right will not stop several dozen soldiers and mages from surrounding him," Marilyn answered calmly.

Zenith tilted her head.

"Several dozen?"

Marilyn glanced towards her.

"Yes."

"That does not sound like very many."

The older woman stared at her for a moment, wondering what she meant by that before slowly looking towards Elion.

"Duke Dawncrest is unlikely to stop searching. Destroying your manor was probably intended to provoke you into revealing yourself."

"Then he will be disappointed."

"You do not plan to respond?"

"I did not say that."

Something about his smile made Maya shift uncomfortably.

Marilyn’s gaze sharpened.

"Elion, whatever you are planning, I strongly advise you not to attack a duke without considering the consequences."

"I am not planning to attack him."

[Falsehood detected.]

The words appeared within Elion’s sight.

He ignored them.

Marilyn continued staring at him.

"Why do I find that difficult to believe?"

"Because you have a suspicious nature."

"I have survived this long precisely because of that suspicious nature."

Elion chuckled.

"Do not worry. I have no intention of doing anything reckless."

Mira gave him a flat look

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because your definition of reckless is concerning," Mira replied.

"I am capable of being patient."

"For how long?"

"A reasonable amount of time."

"That is not an answer."

Elion chose not to respond.

The truth was that Duke Dawncrest had already crossed a line, but Elion did not intend to rush directly into Haven and begin tearing apart a ducal estate.

He needed information first.

He needed to know the duke’s strength, the power of the people protecting him, and how much influence he possessed within the kingdom.

More importantly, he needed to understand why the man was so determined to kill him.

William’s involvement explained part of it, but destroying an entire manor and placing a large bounty on his head seemed excessive even for a father protecting his foolish son’s reputation.

There might be something else behind it.

"I would like a copy of everything the alliance has gathered regarding Duke Dawncrest," Elion said.

Marilyn’s expression became cautious.

"For what purpose?"

"To understand the person trying to kill me."

"And nothing more?"

"Of course, who do you take me for?"

She considered his request before nodding.

"I can arrange that, though some of the information may require contribution points; information is a valuable resource after all."

"Take them from my future allowance."

"You have not earned any contribution points yet."

"Then consider it another investment."

Marilyn stared at him before releasing a quiet laugh.

"You are learning quickly."

"I have always been a fast learner."

"I will have Maya prepare what we can provide without violating alliance restrictions."

Maya nodded.

"I will have it ready before he leaves."

"Thank you," Elion said.

Marilyn leaned back in her chair.

"There is one more thing."

Elion’s eyes narrowed again.

"More bad news?"

"Not necessarily."

"That does not sound reassuring."

"Duke Dawncrest has not only been searching for you. He has also been making inquiries about the people associated with you."

Elion’s expression darkened considerably.

"What kind of inquiries?"

"Your academy companions, known friends, business connections, and anyone who may have helped you leave Grimholt."

"What about his summons to appear before the court in Haven?" Elion asked. "Should he not be more concerned about being judged himself?"

"A summons does not strip him of his authority," Marilyn explained. "He can still issue instructions while awaiting judgment."

She glanced towards Zenith and Aria.

"If there are people close to you who are not currently by your side, make certain they are safe."

"I will keep that in mind," Elion said with a nod.

Those closest to him were almost always by his side.

Celeste was safe with her family, while he no longer had any connection to Mira’s family, seeing as both parties had cut ties with one another.

Esme and Ophelia could probably take care of themselves, although he was beginning to grow concerned by how long they had been gone.

As for the other succubi, he found it difficult to worry too deeply about people he had yet to meet, but for Esme and Ophelia’s sake, he hoped they were safe.

That only left Aria’s family.

He did not know how much Dawncrest knew about his connection to her, but Elion would regret bringing unnecessary trouble to the Moon family.

He could only hope that Aria’s clan had enough influence to fend off a Ducal house if it came to that, but if things really went that far, then he would seriously consider sending Zenith on a tactful purge mission.

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