---
Outside the Room
Dian strolled through the halls, a smile tugging at his lips. And why not? This time, he'd received something truly rewarding...
---
[Ding!]
[Quest Update: The Blooming Betrayal – 100% Completed]
[Side Quest Unlocked: Road to Recovery – Cure Queen Emily]
[Rewards Upon Completion: +3 Level-Up Cards | Royal Affection ×2 | Unknown Royal Skill Scroll]
[Status – Completed]
[Distributing rewards…]
---
"Hmm... "
A strange warmth bloomed in his chest, spreading gradually through every limb. As the sensation faded, the screen flickered and another popped up:
---
[Distribution Completed!]
Rewards –
• +3 Level-Up Cards
• Emily's Affection – 40%
• Olivia's Affection – 30%
• Royal Skill Scroll
---
Before Dian could digest that, another prompt appeared:
---
[Do you want to open the Royal Skill Scroll now?]
—Yes / No
---
,
"Hm? Yes. Open it now," Dian said casually.
With a soft flicker of light, the screen glowed, displaying the scroll's content.
---
[Skill – Nature's Order]
[Effect – Increases mana recovery rate by 30%. If in a place surrounded by trees or vegetation, recovery increases to 50%.]
---
"What!?" Dian gasped, halting mid-step.
This wasn't just rare—it was legendary. Increasing mana recovery was akin to speeding up physical healing after exhausting battles. And in this world, nothing increased mana recovery like this.
This skill... it belonged only to the royal bloodline of Elves.
And now?
"I knew it. Gianna is my lady luck," Dian whispered with a wide grin.
He returned to the previous screen, eyes scanning it again.
"Hm? What about these Advancement Cards?" he asked aloud.
The system answered promptly, "Host, Advancement Cards help you level up your mage class. They are usually awarded through high-difficulty quests."
Dian's steps stopped again. His gaze flicked to the top-right of the hovering blue screen: Advancement Cards – 4.
"I already have four... Why not use them now?" he asked, clearly excited.
"No," the system said flatly, crushing his enthusiasm.
Dian frowned. "Huh? Why not?"
"Right now, Host, you can still increase your class and stage through natural training and experience. It will be difficult, but with your elemental affinity, very achievable. However, once your class ascends further, even minor stage progression will become extremely challenging."
Dian nodded slowly. "I see... So I should save them for when progress hits a wall."
"Exactly."
"That's actually some good advice," Dian said. "Now, open the status screen."
"As you wish, Host."
---
[Status Window]
Name: Dian Skyster
Age: 16
Titles: Elemental King, Villain
• Elemental King – Increases control over all elements by 50%
•Villain – New Effect: Steals 1% of luck from 'Chosen Ones' and adds it to Host's luck.
Stage: Superior Mage (2nd Stage)
Attributes:
• Strength – 158/300
• Agility – 160/300
• Defense – 159/300
• Stamina – 215/300
• Mana – 266/300
• Luck – 147 (Normal Max: 100)
Skills:
Lust Incarnate, Elemental Zone, Bizarre King, Stamina Flow, Impregnation, Spear of Light, Eyes of Perception, Nature's Order (New)
L.P. Balance: 550
Advancement Cards: 4
---
With a satisfied nod, Dian continued down the hall—until a sweet, feminine voice called softly from behind.
"Young Lord…"
His smile widened. He turned.
Standing there was Sara, the new head maid. Well, not so new anymore.
Dressed in her crisp white-and-black uniform, her pink hair cascaded gracefully down her back. Her large, pink eyes shimmered with innocence—and something more. But damn... her figure could rival even Suzine's, Dian thought.
Snapping out of his brief reverie, he asked, "Yes, Sara? What is it?"
Sara's breath hitched, a soft pink hue rising to her cheeks. "I-it's Lady Emily… S-she's completely awake now…" she stammered.
Dian chuckled at her flustered expression. "Alright. I'll head there now."
He turned back toward his chambers, Sara trailing behind him, her eyes repeatedly stealing glances his way.
Dian noticed—but said nothing. Not yet.
---
After a few minutes, Dian stopped before a heavy door. With a gentle push, it creaked open.
Inside, everyone turned toward him. Emily, now awake, lay propped on her bed.
Dian stepped in, calm and poised. His eyes found hers immediately.
He didn't bow. Instead, he smiled.
"Your Grace, are you feeling alright?"
Emily didn't speak. She couldn't.
Her breath caught in her throat, her cheeks turned pink, and her gaze stayed locked on Dian's handsome face—and his soft, crimson lips.
From the side, Emma scowled.
"Mother! What are you doing?!"
Emily snapped out of her trance. "H-huh?! W-what?" she flustered.
Dian leaned a little closer, his voice tender. "I asked if you're feeling better, Your Grace."
Emily's blush deepened. She couldn't tear her eyes away from him.
Even the others—Gianna, Suzine, Olivia, and Sara—noticed the rising blush on her cheeks.
"What the hell…" Emma muttered under her breath. "Is this the same woman who once ruled a kingdom?!"
Dian sensed the heat of Emma's glare and turned slightly, catching her furious eyes.
What's wrong with her? Is even asking if someone's okay an issue now? he mused.
"I-I'm alright…" Emily's soft voice finally answered.
She continued, "But first, I want to thank you, truly."
She tried to bow.
"Please, Your Grace," Dian gently held her shoulders. "I was simply at the right place, at the right time."
His gaze turned to Gianna. "And I knew she would be heartbroken if anything happened to any of you."
His voice was like warm honey—sweet and genuine.
Gianna blushed faintly, her heart fluttering.
But Emily—
Thump-thump
Her face flushed deeper. Her heart raced, for the first time in her life.
"E-Emily…" she whispered, barely audible. "Y-you can call me Emily."
"What the—!" Emma shouted, then stormed out without looking back.
Everyone else froze. They couldn't believe what they'd just seen.
"Mother… it can't be…" Gianna murmured.
Suzine and Olivia were too stunned to speak.
But Emily… her gaze never left Dian.
Even Dian blinked in mild surprise, then regained composure.
Well… she's mine anyway. This shouldn't be a problem, should it?
A chime rang in his mind.
"At least try to hide that smile of yours, Host." The system teased.
Unbothered, Dian replied softly, "Okay, Emily."
"My name is Dian. Dian Skyster, as you already know."
His smile made her heart flutter anew.
A soft smile formed on Emily's lips—different from any she'd shown before. Intimate. Real.
"Hmm…"
---
Author's Note:
Hey readers 💓
Thank you so much for reading! If you're enjoying The Reaper's Harem, please consider leaving a review, comment, or even just a Power Stone. Your support means the world and helps me continue Dian's journey stronger than ever.
If you notice any contradictions or plot misalignments across the chapters, please tell me. It will really help improve the quality of the story! 💓💓
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