Chapter 44 - Camellia Part 1

Everything happened in 6 seconds.

From the moment Marc and Mersa entered the Throne Room to the instant Mersa was assimilated into the thought of her belonging to Marc, along with others, only six seconds had passed.

Kaya played her hand masterfully. She was the 'Madam of the House,' after all. Kaya's ability to manipulate and tempt others to achieve her desired results was simply incredible. All for his sake. Everything she had—her power, achievements, and happiness—was thanks to him. Therefore, Kaya was wholly devoted to her one and only Shujin-sama.

From the beginning, she aimed to be introduced as Marc's lover. That immediately elevated her status in front of the innocent Mersa. Once Kaya was established as the lover in charge of the ultimate position, what was left for Mersa? Just the position of a 'normal' girl with a 'normal' relationship with her Vor-chan. However, this was done outside his Soul Realm, and negative emotions can quickly darken a soul as pure as Mersa's. That’s why she quickly asked Marc to hurry and bring her in.

Kaya understood Marc's ability to comfort his girls too well... His cheating habits were advanced. She did not need to 'instruct' or 'advise' him on this matter at all.

The plan was set up and moved forward swiftly. The other girls were immediately included in it. Kaya predicted that Mersa would not want to let go of Marc's hand—and that’s where Calla came in. Her ability to trip at any occasion outside battle was indispensable. In one swift move, she separated Marc from Mersa and showed her an image of him embracing another girl.

The consecutive hits to Mersa's position did not stop at all. Without room to breathe, the innocent girl was immediately informed that her dear Vor-chan had several lovers. By instinct, the number advantage was intimidating to the individual. Strength in numbers.

Induce despair. Show her what helplessness is.

[--Kaya--: Mersa-chan, you know? You can become Vor-chan's lover...]

Add a bait.

[--Kaya--: Do you want to be Vor-chan's lover? It's possible.]

Add hope. Show her a little ray of hope...

Then mercilessly crush it.

[--Kaya--: However, you can’t have Vor-chan...]

Once that little ray of hope is taken away, the prey will fall into true hopelessness. True despair. Once that is done, they will look for anything to change the situation. They will be desperate to find another ray of hope.

Once you lose something, you learn to value it.

Then give it to them again, but not in full. Something comparable, but with lower value. Once they have tasted that previous moment of despair, they will be willing to accept it.

[--Kaya--: But... you can become Vor-chan's.]

That’s right. You cannot have him for yourself. He cannot be yours alone. However... you can get a little of that... A little of the warmth that you desire with your whole heart. Will you grab it now? Maybe in another sentence, it will be denied once again?

[--Mersa--: I-I’ll become Vor-chan's!]

Caught.

The other three were once again shown Kaya's fearsome proficiency. Would someone normally accept something like this so easily? Nope, not with an innocent soul like Mersa. In a normal situation, she would definitely feel betrayed, feel anger, and feel that the world was against her! She would try to reject an outrageous situation like this. She would close herself off. Yes, however, her desire to be with her Vor-chan would eventually win, and she would come to an understanding. After a while, she would come to an agreement and accept.

Here, there was no transition period.

Under the 'guidance' of the serpent, she willingly accepted the 'outrageous' terms without much thought, or rather, she was allowed to accept the terms.

Without a doubt, Anastasia 'Kaya' Orochi was in charge here. Even the usually rebellious and scheming Lily acted meekly in front of her.

Under the pretext of 'girls' talk,' they moved to a group of cushions several tens of meters away. If he wanted to, Marc was totally capable of overhearing it, but he valued their privacy. In the meantime, he moved on to plunder the kingdom of cakes left unprotected before him. Lily's sweet-making ability was truly something else. From time to time, he could hear Mersa’s sudden outbursts like: “Vor-chan is over 40 thousand years old?!” or “S-seven lovers?!” or the one that made Mersa’s blush level burst past 500 and continue all the way through to level 600—“N-N-N-Night t-t-time?!”.

In the end, he didn’t have a chance for any explanations; everything was done by the girls.

[--Kaya--: There are three rules you need to comply with. First: In no way should you attempt to monopolize Lord Marcdrak. It’s alright to compete for Shujin-sama’s attention, but you’re strictly not allowed to try to separate him from another linked girl.]

Mersa nodded; 'link' and everything else had already been explained to her.

[--Kaya--: Second: Equality and Link-Sequence importance. We all agreed to share Marcdrak’s love equally. In case of a potential conflict, it is resolved by Link-Sequence. For example, the queue for Shujin-sama’s nighttime visit is mostly decided by the order in which links were made.]

Mersa nodded furiously, her blush level again reaching new heights: 677!

[--Mersa--: I-I'm eighth, right?]

A small hint of discomfort was shown in her words.

[--Calla--: That’s right, but that number doesn’t mean anything at all. Our Lord Marcdrak doesn’t have a habit of favoring one of his links above others, so don’t worry.]

Mersa looked at the beautiful black-haired girl. She didn’t talk much, but when she did, Mersa somehow felt a straightforward sincerity in her words.

[--Lily--: Hehe, I'd rather worry about something else. Outside, you're number one and only one. Marc is a beast when it comes to the deed. Hehe, he can get really rough.]

A crimson shade immediately came over the innocent girl; she stole a quick glance at the young man sitting on the Red Throne... H-H-He could get r-rough? Level 700 achieved!

Seeing that everything was moving smoothly, Kaya continued.

[--Kaya--: Third: No children.]

The atmosphere instantly turned serious.

[--Kaya--: Marcdrak is the Adamantine Dragon. He is capable of enduring any blow and easily annihilating any enemy. However, he is quite a fragile man. He will crumble once something he dearly loves dies... Links can't be formed with male beings. If his son were to die... Also, if he were to have a daughter, things would get seriously complicated... That’s all. Remember those three. You have the last chance to back away now. What is your choice?]

[--Mersa--: I-I’ll become Vo... Marc’s.]

After that last resolute sentence, the playful attitude immediately returned.

[--Kaya--: Hehe, Mersa-chan~ Just remember to treat other links kindly, also... You will have Marc to yourself for a while outside~]

[--Lily--: Hehe, all nights are yours~]

Mersa once again blushed wildly. The innocent her was so cute that even Calla could not help but tease her.

[--Calla--: If you want, this onee-san can give you a few pointers~ There are words that m'lord simply cannot resist at all~]

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