The palace shook as Dominus laughed into his ear. A quick glance up confirmed he was the only one who could hear him.

“One of my mothers must have told a terribly funny joke for Father to be laughing so hard this early in the morning,” Olive looked between the two of them, seeing their concern, she made a further attempt to explain.

“It’s quite normal, I assure you. Fear not, Father has held the palace together through far worse.”

The only joke around here is me agreeing to live under that monster’s thumb.

Jiran sighed, which was immediately misunderstood by both girls as they each adopted a scowl directed toward him.

I better get this straightened out before the situation gets any more out of control.

“Olive, can you explain your reasons for wanting me to court Mayalyn and you at the same time?”

“Absolutely, Jiran. The most important reason is that Mayalyn is a princess,” Olive’s tone was firm as she explained herself in full princess mode.

What?! Since when? Why didn’t she tell me?

Jiran’s scrutiny of the blue-haired girl revealed no clues other than her light embarrassment, which could have been the result of anything.

Olive continued.

“She is a royal representative of her people, whom she refers to simply as, The People. I fully believe that someday we will unite our two countries. In preparation for that day, we must form a strong union between the empire and the people.”

“It would be a detriment to our future negotiations if Mayalyn is made to be a second wife. Furthermore, you are not royalty, Jiran. Therefore you do not represent the empire. Marrying me solves that problem.

“From an entirely political perspective, this is the best way to create a strong union between all our peoples,” Olive paused after explaining her primary reasons.

That makes a disturbing amount of sense. I feel like I should be concerned when Olive starts to make sense.

She then continued in her normal, friendly voice that sounded like soft velvet brushing against Jiran’s ear.

“Political reasons aside, neither of us has any desire to be a secondary wife. However, we both wish to include you in our lives. Your feelings towards us are proof that you desire us both. There are a few other minor reasons but they are not worth mentioning at this time.”

Olive leaned back slightly in her chair indicating she was done. Mayalyn leaned forward, speaking anxiously.

“Jiran, I-I-I Aki lu Jiran! Want matani lu, we Court me to you,” Her whole body shook with nervous energy.

Jiran’s heart melted seeing her sincere feelings displayed so openly for the first time.

Well, what do I do now? I’d be an idiot to say yes. I’d also be an idiot to say no.

No, Jiran. Don’t be distracted by the hormones!

Think. What would Samris say? Ugh, he probably would have seen this coming days ago and would be chastising me right now for walking into this so unprepared.

What’s my reason for saying no? First of all, Mayalyn is still under my protection. The same reason I haven’t pursued her till now still stands. I won't take advantage of her like that.

“Mayalyn still requires my protection, it would not be appropriate for me to court her while she relies on me so heavily.”

Olive showed her surprise with wide-open eyes before she began to giggle uncontrollably. Her hand came up to cover her mouth as she bent at the waist. Between gasping breaths of mirth, she responded.

“Are spouses not always under the protection of whichever is the higher tier? To say that a woman must not pursue a man unless they are equal in all things is a foolishness I had not thought you would subscribe to, Jiran.”

“Besides, Mayalyn is no longer under your protection. She is under my father’s protection. Not even you could bring her harm while she is here in the palace.”

Jiran felt foolish after she so easily dismantled his argument. With his own cheeks heating up, he once more furiously searched for a reason to deny them.

“Jiran, this is merely a courtship. A trial period to determine our compatibility. As problems arise, we shall deal with them. If we find the situation untenable, then we can end it at any time. Is it truly so repulsive for you to consider us both? Do you not wish us to be a part of your life?”

What the hell is with this side of Olive? She’s like a completely different person.

Great, now Mayalyn looks like she's about to cry.

I’m being an ass. This is what she wants. When did I start not wanting to give her what she wants?

“You’re right, Olive, Mayalyn. I do want you both in my life and I want you both to be happy. If this is what you want, I’ll do it.”

Both girls jumped up and high-fived while Jiran felt a heavy palm rest on his shoulder. Dominus’s voice entered his ear again.

“I’ve got five of them now, you know, if you need any advice. The most important thing I’ve learned is to stay out of their way and give them what they want before they feel the need to take it from you. Good luck!” His voice faded as the two girls looked at him with greedy eyes.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Double crap.

A knock on the door saved him from whatever they had been about to demand of him next. Jiran beat a hasty retreat without looking back.

Toduerr bowed when Jiran opened the door. Three women and two men in maid uniforms stood behind him.

“Good morning, Young Master Jiran. These are the staff that have been assigned to you for the duration of your stay.”

They all bowed in unison, repeating his greeting.

“Good morning, Toduerr. Just to be clear, none of them are going to have an issue with Mayalyn?”

“Absolutely not, young master. I know you do not mean ill by your words. However, the implication that any of the palace staff would harm or besmirch someone his highness has chosen to protect, is a grave insult to our professionalism.”

Oops, I’m just stepping in it left and right today.

I need to get out of here and get a workout in. Sophia should be ready for me in about an hour. Doesn’t hurt to be early with that one.

“My apologies, I spoke before thinking. Thank you all for taking care of us.”

The five maids rose from their bows and filed into the mansion to begin their duties while Toduerr said his goodbyes and left.

Jiran ducked his head back into the foyer just to double-check that nobody freaked out when they saw her ears and tail. Olive caught a glimpse of him and headed his way with a serious expression.

Should have run while I had the chance.

“Jiran, Mayalyn expressed interest in seeing my lab. Would you like to accompany us before classes begin?”

“I’m meeting Sophia in The Garden in an hour.”

“Oh, fantastic,” Olive responded while clapping her hands in excitement.

“Come with us, we won’t be long in the lab and then I’ll join you and Sophia.”

Oh, escape, a vanishing dream.

Jiran couldn’t help but notice Olive lightly swaying on her feet as she spoke.

She looks exhausted. I wonder why she pushes herself so hard.

Jiran slowly reached out his hand and placed it on her cheek. Olive looked surprised by his touch but did not pull away or try to stop him.

He focused on the image he needed.

Brain function requires neurons to communicate with each other. Sleep wipes clear the connections between neurons and regenerates them, allowing clear pathways for new memories to form.

The wave of destruction that swept through her brain from his hand cleared out the damaged and decayed pathways before the regenerative wave washed through and rebuilt all that had been cleaned.

Olive drooped and then shot up straight as a new light entered her bright blue eyes.

“Wow! That was… incredible. I feel amazing. Like I’ve slept for a week.”

“You still need real sleep. That will help you get through the day, but it’s no replacement for the real thing. Promise me you will sleep tonight,” Jiran leaned in close, a light threat in his tone.

Olive gulped and nodded. A small creepy smile on her face.

She is so weird.

Mayalyn came rushing down the stairs. She wore a sturdy shirt and breeches with a thick apron.

Olive took the lead. She set a quick pace to a small shed not far from their mansion. They passed by the building housing Niila, Miila, and their parents. Jiran was happy to see them all peacefully sleeping together in a giant bed on the top floor.

When they entered the unremarkable shed, Jiran was shocked to see smooth paneled walling that wouldn’t look out of place in a futuristic spaceship.

“Father built this for me when I reached the fourth tier. He told me if I couldn’t catch you with my fists, I had better be able to catch you with my brain,” Olive didn’t show the slightest hint of embarrassment at her choice of words.

So weird. Who just talks openly about stalking someone for seasons on end?

Down three flights of stairs and through a set of double doors, they passed a barrier that tickled Jiran’s skin. One last set of double doors and they arrived at the lab.

An expansive area with dozens of side rooms spread out before them. Every surface was spotless white. The air had a distinct lack of fragrance as if there were no dust or dirt or mold in the entire facility.

Must have been that barrier we passed through. Was that like a disinfecting air shower leading into a clean room? Cool! I wouldn’t have to waste any mana cleaning the air before working.

Olive gave them a brief tour. She pointed out several of her half-finished projects without any detailed explanations. Jiran appreciated her brevity, as they were quickly running out of time. She then led Mayalyn into a fully stocked forging room.

Jiran saw hundreds of tools that he would be unable to name and just as many different types of ores. It was clear the room had never seen use as the forge itself was spotless without a single hint of soot.

Mayalyn immediately tore through the room oohing and aahing at each surface, tool, and material. Jiran and Olive shared a brief smile at seeing the girl so passionate.

“Feel free to use anything down here at any time, Mayalyn. I would like you to think of this place as yours.”

“Have fun, Mayalyn,” Jiran waved, not waiting for a response. He was used to how absorbed the girl got when she was playing with a single new tool, let alone an entire lab full of them.

She probably won’t stop drooling until she runs out of liquids in her body.

Back outside, Olive took to the air and Jiran followed.

“Thanks again for whatever you did back there, Jiran. I haven’t felt this good in days. It’s been hard to sleep lately.”

“You’re welcome, Olive. All I did was refresh the pathways between the neurons in your brain. Nothing a little sleep wouldn’t do.”

She adopted a thoughtful expression as she repeated the unfamiliar words.

“What are neurons? What do they have to do with the brain?”

“Neurons are where we store memories. Thoughts are merely complicated interactions between different memories. If the pathways between memories are clogged, then it’s hard to learn new things and concentrate.”

“Wait, are you saying that memories are housed in the brain?! Are you certain of this?”

“Yes, I’m certain.”

“That is fascinating! Scholars have long attempted to understand what role the brain plays in our bodies. How do you know so much about it?”

“I, ah, can’t say. Sorry, Olive.

“I don’t want to lie to you. So I’ll just say, that I can’t say.”

“I appreciate your honesty, Jiran. Hopefully, someday you will come to trust me.

(Possibly change to thank for trusting her with his knowledge at all)

“No. I will make you trust me enough to tell me. Eventually, you will understand that I have always had your best interests in my heart.”

They arrived at The Garden soon after Olive’s declaration. Sophia was already there waiting for them.

When he saw the small woman looking at them with scorn in her eyes, Jiran knew they were about to seriously regret not arriving just a few minutes earlier.

Is it too much to ask to have just one normal woman in my life?