Benimaru and the others arrived at that moment, accompanied by the unfortunate presence of the Beastketeer, Alvis. Her intimidating aura had inadvertently caused Momiji to misinterpret our intentions, believing that we were quietly pressing the tengu tribe.
I turned my gaze toward Geld, who oversaw the construction of the tengu's new capital. "What is Frey's stance on this matter?" I inquired. Among my allies, Geld was the one most familiar with Frey's demands and temperament.
"Yes, my Lord," he began, bowing slightly. "Frey-sama is quite pleased with the designs you—Atem-sama—have authorized. She even communicates smoothly with Mildo-san, despite his reticent nature, and they have held detailed discussions regarding the construction."
I allowed a brief nod. "So she has adapted to our plans… then she is likely no longer fixated on the divine tree."
"Indeed, Lord Atem. In fact, Frey-sama's attention has shifted…" Geld hesitated.
"What has she shifted her focus to?" I pressed, voice firm.
"Yes, my Lord… Milim-sama has been absent for a while. Frey-sama, who was responsible for her guidance, lost track of her for a moment and she—well—wandered off, no one knows where."
I suppressed a knowing smile. Of course, I already knew her whereabouts, but it was prudent to maintain discretion. Some matters were best left unprovoked.
"Ah… then Frey-sama's current focus is the search for Demon Lord Milim-sama," Geld concluded.
I observed the towering skyline of the new capital, its skyscrapers piercing the clouds. It was no surprise that Frey's attention had been captured entirely by the ingenuity and scale of this city. By comparison, the divine tree and its surrounding lands had become trivial. The real challenge for her—and for the tengu—was Milim herself.
Momiji absorbed our conversation fully. The gap between her expectations and reality left her speechless, her pride and suspicion momentarily suspended. She had misjudged us, thinking we were quietly encroaching, when in truth our attention was elsewhere.
"I understand now," Momiji said softly, collapsing slightly from relief and exhaustion. "It seems I was worrying too much, as Mother always warned."
Her reaction was instructive. Misunderstandings, once allowed to fester, could overwhelm even the strongest minds. With clarity restored, the meeting proceeded efficiently. A young tengu warrior confirmed the terms of our agreement. Initially, I had assumed he was merely Momiji's guard, but he proved competent as a civil official as well.
The discussion regarding the tunnel was deferred. The tengu insisted that construction would only proceed if safety could be guaranteed—a reasonable stipulation, which I accepted without hesitation. Other logistical matters, including consultation with the Sarion executives, would follow once the train development concluded. Their request was not out of hostility but caution.
Finally, with all misunderstandings resolved, a sense of cooperation settled over the room. Mutual support was now possible without fear or suspicion.
"Is that all?" I asked, standing with measured authority.
"Yes, Lord Atem. We are grateful for your understanding and participation in this productive meeting," the young warrior replied, bowing deeply. Momiji's hostility had evaporated, and the pact had been solidified. Yet one matter remained unresolved—the relationship between Hakurou and Momiji, and the potential marriage between Benimaru and her.
Last night's discussions had reached no conclusion, and the tension in today's session had been palpable. But now, with misjudgments clarified, the next steps belonged to those directly involved.
At that moment, the young tengu warrior presented a sealed envelope.
"There is one more item. This contains a letter from our leader, Kaede-sama, addressed to Your Majesty, Atem-sama," he said respectfully, handing the letter into my care. Rigurd passed it to Shuna for opening. She began reading aloud.
The letter commenced with formal greetings and humble phrasing, gradually transitioning into a more casual tone. Shuna's expression shifted as she read, revealing growing confusion.
"—Even though she's difficult and has misunderstood you, I entrust my daughter to your care. That child even boasted about making Benimaru-dono fall in love with her. She means no harm—"
I raised an eyebrow. Was this truly addressed to me? The tone suggested levity, but the content carried weight. Momiji suddenly leapt forward, seizing the letter from Shuna's hands.
Her reaction was impolite but understandable. I allowed it, observing quietly. If roles were reversed, I could not guarantee similar restraint.
This was a matter transcending reputation, touching upon pride, emotion, and personal bonds.
"S-So there are two letters! Mother, that's so reckless!" Momiji cried, burying her face in her hands.
Ah… Kaede's missive to Hakurou had been included alongside my own. The implications were clear. I simply observed, restraining my involvement.
At that moment, Hakurou approached, a wry smile upon his face. He took the letter from Momiji, scanning it thoroughly.
"I see now. '—Although that child possesses great strength, her technique is still immature. I hope my senior and the father of this child, "Kenki" HAKUROU-dono, will train her properly—To my beloved husband, Kaede—'" Hakurou chuckled heartily. "She is still in love with me… Indeed, living longer has its merits."
"Y-You… are my father?" Momiji whispered.
"Indeed. I am your father, HAKUROU," he confirmed calmly.
Tears streamed down Momiji's face as she embraced him. The reunion between father and daughter was heartfelt, their bond undeniable. Suspicion toward us dissipated completely.
"Momiji, I am strict when it comes to training," Hakurou continued, returning to his usual authoritative tone.
"I understand!" she responded resolutely.
"That's good. Overcome every challenge, and make Young Master fall in love with you."
"Yes!" Momiji's voice rang with determination.
I allowed myself a small nod of approval, silently moved. Yet the conversation began to veer into more domestic matters, Hakurou temporarily forgetting his usual composure in favor of doting fatherhood.
"Oi, HAKUROU—" Benimaru's protest went unheard, drowned in the joyful chaos.
At that precise moment, Shuna interjected quietly, holding another note. "There is also this—"
All eyes fell upon her. She looked toward Benimaru.
"What is it?" he asked, clearly unsettled.
Shuna rolled her eyes and announced the contents in a clear imitation of Alvis's tone:
"Benimaru-sama, I have resolved my decision. I wish to triumph over Momiji-sama and become your wife. If fortune does not favor me, I will still pursue the position of concubine. I will not give up. I await your determination."
The room fell into stunned silence. The executives and honor guards alike were frozen, caught off-guard by such an audacious declaration.
Benimaru stood silently, arms crossed, his usual calm and commanding presence barely concealing the tension that now radiated from him. Even the strongest warrior could falter when faced with matters of the heart—and I, Atem, could not help but notice a rare weakness in him.
He was the battlefield's paragon of power, yet here, in this domestic and chaotic scenario, he was rendered speechless.
My lips twitched with suppressed amusement. "I suppose even the mightiest of men can be confounded… by love," I murmured, more to myself than anyone else.
Benimaru's face was an unreadable mask, though the faintest flicker of panic betrayed him. I let the observation linger; there was no shame in learning—even from trivial matters.
Meanwhile, whispers began circulating among the assembled executives.
"As expected from Benimaru-dono, he's quite admired. Even my sister's subordinate harbors feelings for him, but she struggles against Alvis-dono and Momiji-dono," someone murmured.
"Touka, right? And Saika, too… both enamored with him, yet powerless against those two."
"It seems they've abandoned hope for Souei-san's attention," another voice added.
I observed quietly, my presence commanding the room even in this lighthearted discourse. Then Gobta's exuberance punctured the murmurs:
"Does that mean Benimaru's going to have a harem?"
"Perhaps i should find me some companions too..."
I raised an eyebrow. Even I could sense the magnitude of the situation from his exclamation. Alvis, the strong, reliable senior sister type, and Momiji, the cute yet prideful little sister figure—both adored Benimaru. And there were others, still quietly enamored. It was, indeed, a sort of harem scenario, though unintentional.
Benimaru himself, however, looked troubled. His gaze flicked toward me briefly, as if seeking counsel.
"It may appear enviable, but in truth," I intoned, my voice resonant and commanding, "it is no light burden to bear admiration. The hearts of others are not toys, and he who holds such attention must act with responsibility and integrity."
Souei chimed in, voice measured and precise. "Even if many pursue him, Benimaru's concerns remain. He values Shuna-san's opinion above all, and is mindful of propriety."
Gabil nodded, jealousy and frustration mingling on his face. "That makes sense. It's not just about having admirers, it's about how to manage them."
Geld, ever the practical observer, added, "Benimaru-dono embodies strength and honor. Alvis-dono is formidable as the head of the Beastketeers, and Momiji-dono carries the dignity of her lineage. Both are worthy companions, and their admiration is earned. Following his example, we may all aspire to such esteem."
His words carried the weight of reason, though whether he truly endorsed a harem or merely admired Benimaru's virtue was uncertain.
Gabil, ever frustrated by circumstance, interjected, "But it's no use for me. Those dwarven herbalists—Touka and the others—they won't even consider me. And all the subordinates who admire me are… men."
"Perhaps you've not yet encountered the right person," Geld replied, calm and measured.
Gabil's gaze darkened. "That may be true, but even among human women, I face rejection. They claim they cannot accept my form…"
I studied the young man thoughtfully. Despite his appearance and potential, it seemed the obstacle lay not in power or capability, but in self-doubt and inaction.
Souei, ever precise and insightful, interjected with a cold, yet logical analysis: "The path to gaining affection is seldom complex. Initiative, courage, and understanding are key. Complaints alone change nothing."
"W-What do you mean?" Gabil stammered.
"A female knight, misled by a misunderstanding, developed strong feelings for me," Souei stated flatly, his tone almost weary.
"Are you serious? What did you do?" a chorus of curious voices responded, including my own.
Souei's demeanor remained composed, though his aura radiated subtle authority. "I acted according to principle… though the details are trivial. Suffice to say, attention, clarity, and honesty are more persuasive than mere longing."
I observed silently, a faint aura of authority rippling from me. The executives and warriors around us were drawn to my presence, aware that my attention, though quiet, was absolute.
It was then that a sharp cough cut through the murmuring crowd. A surge of commanding aura followed, a reminder that while we discussed matters of the heart, the world of Eterna remained one of power, authority, and consequence.
"Ahem!"
We had been whispering just moments ago, lost in idle chatter, when the mood abruptly snapped back into seriousness. A shiver ran down my spine as I realized the danger of lingering too long in jest. Internally, I muttered: "Oh snap…"
I attempted to shift back into a less conspicuous form, planning to quietly extricate myself, but then—white, slim hands closed around me, holding me firmly in place.
"Atem-sama, you do enjoy jesting, don't you?" Shuna's voice cut sharply through the tension. "But let us set aside frivolities and discuss my brother's… situation."
Ah, yes. I had drifted onto a tangent. One wrong word now, and Shuna's wrath could be…catastrophic. I straightened, my posture radiating authority, and prepared to steer the discussion back on track.
Even so, I knew a decisive answer would not come easily.
"Benimaru," I said, my tone firm, commanding attention across the room. "What is your stance?"
His gaze was steady, yet betraying his inner conflict. "It… is far too soon to discuss in detail. One spouse… should suffice."
He was right. To suddenly be confronted with the notion of an engagement would unsettle anyone—even a warrior of his caliber. I could understand that. In our era, in Eterna, we lived by choice and freedom; the old ways of forced matches had long since fallen aside.
Benimaru continued, his voice resolute: "As Greater Majins, we do not bear children with ease. Some may seek multiple partners for lineage or competition—but I… I will have none of it. I will not take concubines."
Momiji's eyes glittered as she processed his declaration.
"So… you will not have a harem," she said softly.
Indeed. Polygamy was foreign to our nation unless circumstances dictated otherwise. Widows, political necessity—only then. Otherwise, it was unthinkable.
I exhaled, thinking the matter settled—but trouble was far from done.
"I understand. Then I shall accept Alvis-san's challenge! The one who will win Benimaru-sama's heart… will be me!" Momiji announced, her resolve blazing.
This… was not how relationships were earned. Yet I could see the determination burning in her eyes. Benimaru, predictably, remained silent, likely resigned to the chaos unfolding before him.
I fixed my gaze on Momiji, my tone calm yet authoritative: "Very well. But understand this: duel or clash of strength alone will achieve nothing. Effort, sincerity, and clarity of heart are what matter. If your affections are not reciprocated… you must be prepared to step back."
Momiji nodded, eyes shining. "I understand. Then I shall do exactly as you say."
Shuna, watching, allowed a faint, knowing smile to play across her features. An ominous tension tickled at the back of my mind.
"I shall not lose to you, Shuna-sama!" Momiji shouted, stepping forward, spirit ablaze.
"Nor I to you, Shion," Shuna replied, exchanging a grin with her companion.
Chaos and competition swirled around Benimaru. I, Atem, had managed to extricate myself, though the small reprieve was fleeting.
Alvis, who had long remained a vigilant observer, had finally begun to act. Her aim was clear: to claim Benimaru's heart. Momiji, unyielding, advanced to oppose her, the first sparks of a fierce rivalry igniting.
One by one, others who had admired Benimaru could no longer remain silent. They joined the fray, the atmosphere charged with tension, rivalry, and unspoken desire.
It became undeniable: the contest for Benimaru's affections had escalated into a battle of unparalleled intensity.
From this day onward, a new—and bizarre—custom emerged within the Eterna Federation: to win the heart of one you admired, one must display their strength, courage, and resolve in a tangible contest.
Thus began the Battle for Free Love—a contest of hearts and wills, overseen by my presence, Atem, whose authority could quell chaos yet did nothing to halt the passions that raged before me.
The first move had been made. The war for affection, respect, and victory was underway.