Building a Harem in a Noble House-Chapter 91: I’ll Survive

I woke up that morning feeling a knot of anticipation twisting in my stomach, like the kind you get before a big exam or a first date, but dialed up because this was the day we’d potentially meet Meredith!

The sun was just starting to creep over the jagged rooftops of the city, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges that filtered through the curtains of my room in the manor. I could hear the distant sounds of the household stirring: the soft thud of footsteps in the halls, the clatter of pots in the kitchen, and Lyra’s voice already chattering away somewhere below. She was probably buzzing with energy, unable to contain herself, while Isobel was no doubt orchestrating the whole setup with her usual precision.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. No time for lingering. This was official business, our first real crack at playing the part of a Noble House. I took my morning bath and changed into my outfit for the day: a worn tunic that had seen its share of scrapes, sturdy pants tucked into boots that were scuffed but reliable. Nothing flashy. We weren’t trying to overdo it. Something about approachability and vulnerability or something.

Down in the main hall, the air smelled of fresh bread and herbs from breakfast, but no one was eating yet. Lyra was there, fidgeting with the hem of her cloak, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Her hair was pulled back in a loose braid, a few strands escaping to frame her face.

"You know, Lloyd, today’s the first day we get to use the Throne Room. Come on!" she said, her words tumbling out fast as she latched onto my arm and started dragging me down the corridor.

I chuckled, letting her pull me along. "Can I eat breakfast first?"

"Eat later! Recruits are gonna be coming soon, and I don’t need you being bloated in our regal chamber."

Despite my protest, I was feeling it too. It was childish, but I mean... it was a Throne Room. A Throne Room! Up to this point, the title "Lord May" felt symbolic. Today, it was real! My inner child was dead to the point where I couldn’t appreciate that for being as cool as it was.

The Throne Room’s doors loomed ahead of us, heavy oak reinforced with iron bands, carved with the ancient emblem of the House. Isobel was already inside when we pushed them open, the hinges creaking softly in the vast space. The room looked just as regal as it had the first day we’d seen it; towering ceilings arched like the ribs of some ancient beast, walls draped with banners bearing our House emblem. The stone floor gleamed under the light pouring in from the narrow windows high up, whose light caught the two imposing seats of dark, polished wood beneath them.

Isobel stood in the center, a vision in her regalia. The armor was something out of a saga: fitted plates of burnished steel that followed the lines of her body, etched with fine patterns that spoke of craftsmanship, and trimmed with luxurious white fur along the collar, cuffs, and hem. It made her look both regal and ready for battle, the fur softening the edges just enough to remind you she was human under it all. Her clones were there too, four of them scattered around the perimeter, identically clad and moving with eerie synchronicity. One adjusted a banner, another checked the side doors—security details handled without a word.

"I’m starting to feel overdressed," Isobel joked, her voice calm and commanding as she turned. She gestured toward the thrones with a gloved hand. "Seats are yours. We’ve got everything prepped, but it’s going to be a full day."

Lyra didn’t need telling twice. She bounded over and dropped into her throne with a satisfied sigh, running her fingers along the smooth wood of the armrests. "Oh man, this makes it feel real. I could sit here all day!" Her eyes were bright, that giddy spark turning into full-blown joy as she wiggled to get comfortable.

"Don’t speak too soon," Isobel said. "I’ve heard endless complaints from Father about how uncomfortable the seats get after an hour."

"Well, I have more natural cushion than him. Give your warnings to Lloyd." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

I followed at a more measured pace, easing into my own seat. Despite Isobel’s words, the throne was surprisingly ergonomic. I crossed my arms and let out a slow breath as I sat back in the seat. "I’ll survive. I’ve survived worse things than an uncomfortable chair."

Isobel positioned herself at the foot of the thrones, right in the center of the raised dais, her stance wide and authoritative. The fur on her armor caught the light, giving her an almost ethereal glow.

"Good, because you’ll be there a while. I’ll have some of my clones masquerade as security while a proper clone will handle first interviews. Everyone who passes will be led here, where we’ll conduct final interviews before the combat trials."

"Sounds good," I replied, glancing at the massive doors that led to the hallway.

We were setting up early, hours before the posted tryout time, to iron out any kinks. The manor felt hushed, expectant, like it was holding its breath. No crowds yet, just the three of us–or five, counting the clones Isobel was instructing–and the weight of what we were trying to pull off.

The silence was broken by Lyra, who leaned toward me from her throne, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper even though Isobel could easily hear her if she tried. "What if Meredith shows up? "

Even though Isobel gave a small glance over her shoulder, there was a bit more hidden in Lyra’s question that she may not have picked up on. Namely, my resolve to recruit her whenever I saw her. I decided to answer her question in a way that wouldn’t piss Isobel off–

"At least play along," Isobel sighed. "I’m doing this for the sake of the House. If you’re going to undermine everything I suggest, what purpose do I serve?"

I blinked. Of course, she knew what my intentions were. This was Isobel. I stepped down from the throne, pulling her into a hug before giving her a quick kiss.

"Don’t try to seduce me, you..." she pouted, though a faint smile tugged at her lips as her cheeks went rosy.

"If Meredith shows up, she’ll go through the process just like everyone else."