In an instant, I narrow my eyes.
''What nonsense are you spewing?''
''I told you to be this great lady's girlfriend! Did you not hear it?''
A smug grin blooms on Alia's face as she confidently declares. Even Neveah, who is usually hyper-focused on her work, can't help but stare at her in confusion.
On the other hand, I am a bit annoyed at her attitude.
''Reason?'' I curtly question. ''If you're just joking around, don't bla for being rciless.''
''Of course, there's a good reason.'' Alia snorts. ''Now that your identity is exposed, people have started to scrutinize your ti working as my maid. They said you were spying on us.''
''So what? I hardly care about my reputation. Not at this point.''
''Don't be so short-sighted!''
Folding her arms imposingly, the noble girl elaborates, ''This isn't about reputation. If we announced that you and I are dating, that would elevate my position within the political world imnsely, as I would be the only one who could contact and negotiate with you publicly.''
''Did you forget the emperor exists? And why do we have to communicate publicly anyway?'' I retort.
''The emperor will soon abdicate. You said it yourself. By the ti that raven princess takes the crown, she will be overwheld by state affairs. Having soone like , who has both the capabilities and status to handle these matters, would be a godsend, correct?''
''...So you want to seize the chance and gain power for yourself. How cunning.''
At my words, Alia shrugs knowingly, her blue eyes full of ambition.
''Still, I don't understand why we need to be lovers. Don't you care about your own reputation, too? If you just want to help, there are other ways.''
''Tut, tut, tut. A normal friendship won't cut it, naive lady.'' Her eyes curve into crescents. ''I've been the all-seeing, all-knowing Miko for months. I know how the people work. A love story is infinitely more impactful and easier to sympathize with. Moreover, it will be a reasonable conclusion when people think of our story.''
''Not 'our,' but Chloe and I.''
''Yes, yes. Whatever you say. So? Will you take the deal or not?''
''...''
As I fall into deep thought, Alia suddenly nuzzles at , hugging my arm. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novelꜰire
''...What are you doing?''
''Seduction.'' She replies with a slightly reddened face and a shaky smile. ''Once this great lady has decided to do sothing, she will see it through to the end!''
''That's so dedication.'' I nearly laugh in disbelief.
What happened to this cheeky brat all of a sudden...?
''Besides...''
''Hm?''
Feeling a strange premonition, I brace myself and look down. Alia's face is burning red, her eyes darting left and right. As if caught up in a panic, she stamrs, ''D-Didn't you steal my first kiss? Take responsibility, idiot.''
''When did that happen??'' I blurt out.
''I... I have the mory of you kissing that Chloe girl, okay?! Even if that wasn't , it was my body, so...''
At this point, Neveah suddenly interjects, ''Because the soul swap wasn't exhaustive, both of them can recall the mories of one another during that period.''
''So you're saying that this is because of your inability?!''
''Not at all. I planned to switch you guys back eventually, so I didn't go all out. Who could have thought that you guys would find a way to do it?''
A sense of trouble sends my mind into a frenzy.
Alia becoming my fake girlfriend... that's fine in itself since it's, well, fake, but if she starts developing feelings for , that is definitely trouble. There are already too many people now. I really can't decide.
''Being popular also has its disadvantages, hm?'' Neveah teases.
''Be quiet, will you?''
In the end, I reluctantly accept Alia's proposal on the condition that she has to convince the other girls. The reason I give the pass is partly for Nydia, who will take on the role of an empress very soon, and, indeed, having a helper to handle political matters won't hurt.
Expectedly, those fiery won initially reject the idea vehently. So even nominate themselves as replacents for Alia, naly Luxia and Claire. Yet, their past interactions with the maid version of aren't as intimate as Alia's.
Luxia argues that her position as a foreign saintess allows her to move more freely, while Claire uses her heroine status to try for an advantage. Of course, given Claire's clean reputation, being involved in such a relationship with is not ideal.
Amidst the fight, Sierra suddenly chis in enthusiastically as if she has found an amusing activity to pass the ti. Scarlett remains a bit timid, although she seems sowhat restless.
''Heh, what a bunch of weaklings.''
anwhile, Chloe proudly stays out of the conflict, calling it 'ridiculous.'
''Even without a fake relationship, I will legitimately beco your girlfriend!'' She declares.
Two days later, we gather in Zircon both to prepare for the next expedition and to finalize the fake girlfriend position. As the girls sit facing one another, palpable tension hangs in the air.
'''' ... ''''
They only glare at their opponents, as bickerings are below them now.
''Um...'' Ariel, scratching her cheek awkwardly, speaks up. ''If you guys can't decide who should take on the role... how about working together?''
''...What?'' I instintively react.
''I an, more people an they can handle more work, right?''
That's... true. Still, establishing a romantic relationship, even if it's not real, with several people all of a sudden...
The girls, much like , hesitate. Just then, a sigh is heard, and it is coming from none other than Chloe, ''I agree with that solution.'' She says. ''If you're going to do it, do it in a way that yields the most results. We can't afford to fool around with stupid morals at tis like this.''
''Chloe...''
''And you lot, too.'' She points at each and every one of the girls. ''Prove your worth for by helping Aurora. That way, our competition won't be so boring anymore.''
Simultaneously building her montum while igniting their spirit... as expected, Chloe is clever.
''I look forward to seeing your despair once I snatch your 'lover' away, heheheh...''
...Although her motives can be a bit shady.
Once the matter is settled, we imdiately inform the emperor to spread the news. Unsurprisingly, it causes huge ripples in the public's mind. The people's perception of becos even more jumbled, while the forces rush to the girls, hoping they can be the bridge for a peace deal.
Of course, that won't happen for a long ti.
Nonetheless, being enemies with the empire ans that I Zircon would be treated just like before—as a den of monsters, free for adventurers and warriors to conquer.
Thankfully, after nurous expeditions, our mbers have beco stronger, able to protect the integrity of our territory.
And just when things stabilize a bit, a piece of news reaches —Ravenous Moon has resurged.
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