In the morning before Jax met up with Nyxian, he had visited Brannic and Merriweather.
He not only gave his pitch, but also gave them a demonstration in how his Transmutation worked.
They were shocked.
Brannic stated, "You can add 10 times the amount of power in weapons and armor with this."
"By my stars. This will enchant anything." Merriweather exclaimed
Jax stated confidently, "And what makes it even more unique. Once done on a piece of armor or weapon, it can be upgraded in the future. To add even more unique features and powers as new materials become available."
"By the gods. You can create God Slayer weapons with this skill."
"So, think about my proposal. No rush. But let me know."
The girls arrived laughing.
The restaurant smelled better than ever.
Bunny inhaled deeply."Every time I come here, it smells even better."
Nyxian smirked."Jax owns another one across town now too. That one is almost as amazing in just a day."
Three heads snapped toward him.
Jax lifted his mug in a casual salute.
Llandra blinked. "You bought another restaurant?"
"Partial ownership," Jax corrected lightly. "But yes."
The table buzzed.
They asked about Brannic. About Merriweather. About Grathok.
Jax answered calmly, honestly. Negotiations were promising. The dragon head auction was nearing its end. He hoped to have an offer either tonight or tomorrow morning.
The girls exchanged glances—excited, disbelieving.
They trusted him.
That realization hit Jax harder than expected.
This was his moment.
This is his big ask.
Can he join their group?
Will they think it awkward that he has kissed all of them. They don't know that yet amongst each other as far as he knows.
Will they be mad?
Will they hate him?
Be brave. Be confident.
In his head. "The last few days have been amazing and the best days that I can remember. I've never been happier. The life of an adventurer can be hard and lonely. but I'd like to Propose a Deal...Let me join The Vixens and Together we can help build the greatest Team in the World. With my upcoming wealth, I can buy all supplies, and build new armor and weapons. I know that I'm inexperienced in this land, but I am a quick study. And it turns out I'm pretty strong and skilled. So I think I can be an asset to you. Will you have me?
He sat back, fingers tightening slightly around his mug.
Be brave.
"The last few days," he began carefully, "have been the best days I can remember. I've never been happier."
"Oh, same!" Bunny said instantly. "This has been amazing!"
Zee nodded enthusiastically.
Nyxian watched him closely.
Jax cleared his throat and tried again.
"The last few days," he began carefully, "have meant more to me than I expected. Adventuring can be lonely," he continued. "And you four—together—you're incredible."
Bunny smiled. "We've always had each other."
"Yes," Jax said quickly. "And that's what makes you special."
He took a breath.
He was getting flustered now.
They could see it.
They see his nervousness washing over him. He words begin to tangle.
"An adventurer can be lonely and you guys have been amazing and the best few days of my life. That is why I'd like to Propose-"
"Yes," Nyxian said immediately.
The table froze.
Jax blinked. "to—what?"
"I accept," Nyxian repeated calmly.
Bunny gasped. "Wait—what are we accepting?"
"His marriage proposal," Nyxian said matter-of-factly.
Bunny shot upright. "WHAT?! Then I accept too!"
Zee's eyes widened. "Me too!"
Jax's brain short-circuited.
Llandra tilted her head thoughtfully, eyes locked on Jax.
"I accept as well."
Silence.
Jax stared at them.
"…Are you all saying you want to marry me?"
Nyxian shrugged. "Seems obvious."
"But—there are four of you," Jax said weakly. "And we've known each other for less than a week."
"I know of no laws forbidding it. In fact, many nobles and royals do it," Llandra replied calmly.
"And I wouldn't be jealous," Nyxian added. "Not with them."
Bunny nodded eagerly. "Me neither!"
Zee smiled shyly. "I agree."
Jax's mouth opened.
Nothing came out.
His thoughts spilled instead.
"I think there has been a misunderstanding."
"So," Nyxian said carefully, "you don't want to marry the four of us?"
"No. Well I mean, yeah. Maybe."
Panic sets in.
"That's not how things work," he muttered. "You don't get engaged after a week."
He rambles in a complete run on sentence next. "You date someone and then after a while, you hook up, someone leaves a toothbrush over, then you find yourself staying over night after night and then find yourself living together, then you make the step to give them a key, then you propose and afterwards you plan a wedding a year or 2 later unless someone is knocked up and then it expedites everything, but things are all backwards....." (he continues to talk to himself but his voice is so quiet and fast the others can't hear him anymore).
He stopped.
They were watching him.
Concerned.
Llandra's voice softened."Are you saying you don't want this?"
The table held its breath.
Jax looked at them.
Really looked.
Four women who had trusted him. Believed in him. Accepted him without conditions.
"…It's not that I don't want to," he said quietly. "I just didn't think you would."
Nyxian smiled faintly. "You sell yourself short."
Llandra inclined her head."I would be honored to be your wife."
Zee nodded. "So would I."
Bunny reached for his hand. "Me too."
Nyxian leaned back, smirking."And it helps that we've already seen you naked."
The table froze again.
Jax exhaled—then laughed.
Slowly, he straightened.
"If you'll accept me into your party," he said clearly, "then I would be honored to be your husband."
He realized, suddenly, that he wasn't being cornered.
He was being chosen.
He met each of their eyes.
"Are we really doing this?" Jax asked completely coherent and sincere. He looks around the table at each of them.
And at that moment burst in Brannic and Merriweather. She hadn't heard the lines leading up to the last one, but heard it.
"What are we doing?"
Bunny shouted. "We are all getting married!"
Brannic looked at all four girls and then at Jax. "All of you? To him?"
They all nodded and confirmed.
"Well Hell Jax, you Devil Dog." He reached over to grab his shoulders in congratulations. "I guess this is a night of unions then. Merriweather and I have decided to accept your offer. We will merge stores and you will be a 20% partner. We will use your dragon parts to create the weapons and armor for you and the Vixens here. The rest we will sell and share profits with you. And will will set aside 10% of our sales for improvements to Solmere."
"The Vixens are getting married? Oh my goodness I'm so excited for you!"
Jax looked up. He's kind of embarrassed, but kind of excited. But nervous best describes him. "I'm not real sure. Am I able to join your group?"
"Oh Jaxy," Bunny said. "Of course. We aren't going to not accept our future husband in the group."
Llandra agreed. "You are a member of our party now."
And just then 5 system notification screens popped up.
Jax says, "You guys are in for quite a treat. My system gives a team bonus that is quite unbelievable," thinking of the Immortality Group Bonus that he saw during his character creation.
YOU HAVE UNLOCKED A NEW SYSTEM FEATURE
HAREM STAT & SKILL INCREASES
NEW FEATURE UNLOCKED:
iPoints
• iPoints are gained through intimacy, trust, and shared experiences
• iPoints are granted to ALL bonded members
• iPoints stack — they are not divided
• Unique bonds unlock unique skills
NOTICE:
Future growth paths have permanently diverged.
"What the F- did I choose" Jax thought.