Chapter 19 : 3 girls
Lust for everything between heaven and earth.
Ethan smiled lightly at this thought.
No matter how much changed, his core remained the same—benevolent, giving.
But if he could give freely without expecting anything in return… then why couldn't he take what he wanted without waiting to be given it?
He leaned back, exhaling slowly.
'Oh well, all that aside, I'll be counting on you more, system.'
And then thought crept in. 'And what happened with Mei… can that happen with others too?'
[If the women are worthy.]
[And if you are willing to pay the price.]
Ethan frowned. 'I didn't pay any price last time, did I?'
[That was a first-time benefit.]
He clicked his tongue. 'Tch. Knew it.'
'What price?'
[Karmic points, Host. That's the only currency. The cost depends on the magnitude of your wish.]
Ethan exhaled sharply. 'So it's just like the other stuff you told me about—using karmic points for resources, bloodlines… except now, it applies to talent too. Even true names?'
[Correct.]
He nodded, filing the information away.
His system…is more than it seems.
His gaze drifted downward. Julie was still curled up on his lap, her deep red hair spilling across his legs like liquid fire.
For a second, he just watched her. Peaceful. Uncharacteristically soft. A contrast to the madness she was capable of when awake.
Yanderes are truly fascinating.
With a small sigh, he brushed her cheek with his knuckles. "Well, it pains me to wake you, Sleeping Beauty, but we've got an audience waiting for us."
A single nudge.
Julie's crimson eyes snapped open instantly, her pupils adjusting to the dim lighting. She sat up slowly, blinking away sleep.
Ethan smirked. "Let's go announce our soon-to-be marriage to our parents."
Julie froze for a second. Then, ever so slowly, a wide smile spread across her lips.
It wasn't a dream.
That thought echoed in her mind, flooding her with warmth.
She slipped her fingers into his without hesitation.
Together, they stepped outside.
…
The atmosphere in the hall was tense
—four parents engaged in a staring contest. No one willing to talk to the other.
But the moment Ethan and Julie entered, the energy shifted.
Jade's expression was unreadable.
Eric, however, broke into an immediate grin at the sight of their joined hands. He let out a low chuckle, eyes twinkling with approval.
Ethan didn't waste time. "Julie and I have talked. We've decided to marry—not just for the family, but for ourselves. I've grown quite fond of her."
Julie, without missing a beat, ducked her head shyly, squeezing his hand slightly.
Ethan nearly choked on his own breath.
'Why the hell are you acting shy? You're one of the craziest one here.'
Eric erupted into laughter. "Good, good! Very good!" He clapped his hands together, his joy completely unfiltered.
He wasn't just happy—he was relieved.
Because he knew.
Knew that Ethan wasn't just any man. There was something more to him. Something unspoken. Something powerful.
And that meant his daughter had made the perfect choice and that his bloodline will prevail again.
That all he cares about. His bloodline.
Jade, however, stepped forward, her brows slightly furrowed. "But what happens now? Will Julie stay here or come with us?"
Eric, still riding his high, answered immediately. "Obviously, she'll stay here. They need time to bond."
Iris' lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded. "She'll stay. She needs to learn more about us."
Jade's gaze sharpened.
"But my daughter is… inexperienced in such things. I propose staying here as well—to guide her. That way, we can avoid any unnecessary problems."
Her voice was warm. Maternal.
Too perfect.
Ethan's fingers twitched slightly.
Jade truly is not ordinary.
Not because of her strength. Not because of her position.
But because she knew exactly how to play a role.
To Eric, Iris, and Lionnel, she seemed like nothing more than a concerned mother.
But Ethan and Julie?
They knew better.
Eric turned to Lionnel. "That's true. I'd like to avoid any problems. Can she stay?"
Lionnel and Iris immediately frowned. Letting Julie stay was already a risk. But Jade? Absolutely not.
Just as they were about to refuse—
Jade struck.
"I will sign a mana contract—whatever conditions you set—as long as I can walk freely. I swear I will do no harm. I am only here to support my daughter."
Silence.
Ethan tilted his head slightly, watching the show.
His face didn't betray any feelings.
Neutral.
After some back and forth, the decision was made.
Jade would stay.
The moment it was settled, Ethan turned to Julie. "Let's go. I have to inform some people."
He paused. "And make some things clear."
Julie nodded, and they retreated to his room.
…
Inside Ethan's chambers, the air was thick.
Mei sat with one leg crossed over the other, her expression unreadable, but her eyes flickered toward Ellie.
Ellie, stiff and silent, kept her gaze straight.
Mei, always perceptive, smiled gently. "Don't worry, Sister Ellie. Master hasn't forgotten about you. He'll accept you just like he did me."
Ellie's fingers twitched.
Something about Mei's words made her stomach twist.
Accept me?
Like she was waiting for approval.
Like she was beneath her.
She swallowed back the bitterness rising in her throat.
Before, she had been the one closest to Ethan. The one who stood beside him the longest. She had assumed that meant something.
But today had proved otherwise.
Someone newer, someone stronger, someone more… daring—had already surpassed her.
And Mei spoke as if it was natural. As if it was right.
Ellie forced herself to breathe. She knew she was being unreasonable. Knew that emotions like these weren't productive.
But knowing didn't make it easier.
"…I understand." she said finally, her voice measured.
She is now in a position higher than her so, she will act accordingly.
Mei tilted her head slightly. "Do you?"
Ellie's jaw tightened.
Mei's smile didn't waver. "I only meant that if you want to stand beside him, you'll have to take the steps yourself. Master isn't someone who waits."
Ellie already knew that.
But having it pointed out by Mei—by someone who had already taken those steps—stung.
Before Ellie could respond, the door opened.
Ethan stepped in, Julie following close behind.
Instantly, the atmosphere shifted.
Ellie and Mei's gazes snapped to Julie.
Julie's gaze met theirs.
And then—she smiled.
To an outsider, it was a pleasant expression. Warm. Harmless.
But to Ellie and Mei?
It was a challenge.
A slow, deliberate provocation.
Mei's fingers curled slightly.
Ellie's throat burned.
Julie didn't say anything.
She didn't need to.
Her presence alone—her ease, the quiet confidence in her posture—made something in Ellie bristle.
This girl was new. She hadn't been with Ethan for long.
And yet, she was already standing beside him like she belonged.
Like she knew she belonged.
Ellie clenched her fists.
Mei watched in silence, her previous playfulness gone.
The room wasn't tense enough to snap. Not yet.
But the foundation had been set.
This wasn't camaraderie.
Not yet.
Right now?
They were enemies.
Or just rivals.
—End of Chapter 19—