HPDBC Case 301: Entanglement.
Case 301: Entanglement.
Case 301: Entanglement.
Reality is often different from what one might expect.
For example, when you watch some type of rom-com shows that take place in high school, there will be all sorts of romantic situations, dramas, and eventually climaxes—those are expected. But when it comes to real-life high schools, all that you hear in class is, 'Hey, did you study for the math quiz?'
And your response will be like, 'Oh, shit. There's a quiz??'
Okay, I digress. The point is, you can't expect fiction to be a reflection of real life.
That point applies to this situation as well. Media might portray a polyamorous love story, especially one that leans toward harem, as a fierce competition, with all sorts of battles from the love interests to secure the protagonist, but in reality, people adapt.
That's right. Humans are creatures that can adapt.
Not only that, they are also quite apathetic and self-serving—more than what they might tell you.
Once those love interests realize that they can all share a partner, most of the competition will die down. Of course, there are cases where strong-willed individuals might not be okay with that, whether due to a moral contradiction or a lack of physical or emotional relief, but based on my experience, it's generally fine.
Now, that might sound good, but I'm sure they'll start leaving if they don't receive sufficient love from the harem owner. The only reason I'm able to hold a harem of six is because of my proficiency in bed... and I guess I do make sure to spend time with them regularly.
What I'm getting to is that a lot of the responsibilities fall onto the harem owner.
And that's not something that Hanako, an absolute novice who hasn't had any experience or prior knowledge on this topic, can navigate through easily.
She doesn't even know you can date two people at once.
Wait, isn't that kinda strange? She did a threesome already, so why not?
Anyway, this is like being spawn-camped.
''So, will you say that you are interested, Miss Hanako?''
''Um...''
Faced with the tough question, Hanako hesitates. On the one hand, she finds Tina's offer reasonable and honestly exciting, but on the other hand, she wants to protect her integrity as a woman who doesn't fool around that much—if she still has any integrity, that is.
But ultimately, agreeing to something like this without consulting her potential life partners doesn't make much sense. It's different from letting Anna watch, that's for sure.
''I-I'm sorry. Can I have some time to discuss it with my partners?''
''Of course. But don't take too long.''
Fortunately, Tina seems to understand that well and doesn't press the poor girl.
That night, at Hanako's house.
Perhaps seeing her friend so clearly bothered by something, Aris speaks up, ''Is there something wrong?'' She asks, itching closer to the girl.
''Ah... um... yeah, I guess,'' Hanako replies. ''It's related to the king and the queen.''
Narrowing her eyes, the goddess grumbles, ''Did they threaten you?''
''No, no, that's not it. It's just... they told me some peculiar things...''
''You could say that, yeah.''
''Then... don't.''
For a moment, as Hanako—no, as I stare into the goddess's simmering eyes, those that are like the molten galaxies and bottled within those irises, a floating, enlightening sense fills my head.
The whole world seems to fade away, and only a lone woman remains in my field of view.
Below those mesmerizing eyes, her plump, peachy pink lips slowly move,
''Accept all of them, Hanako.''
''...!''
''If you so believe in your fate, and if you want the stars to guide your way, become a lovable girlfriend to your partners, a dutiful mother to their children, and... a person whose existence can never be replaced in their hearts.''
''B-But, the nuns...''
''The doctrine does not prohibit nuns to marry, and neither does it prohibit polyamorous relationships.''
''The prime minister... no, but the king and the queen...!''
''As long as it is consensual, there is nothing wrong with romancing married women.''
''T-That...''
Finding nothing to retort, I clench my fists and let reality sink in.
That's right.
The possibility has been there in my head right from the start, but I was too much of a coward to acknowledge it. Taking all of their hands... sounds difficult. I wasn't sure if I would be able to take care of them properly. I was scared of neglecting them.
Thinking back, wasn't I too arrogant?
Who said I would be able to convince them to share me?
I don't know. I just thought I could do that. But now...
''I... I think I'll go for it.''
With a renewed determination, I confidently say to Aris.
The goddess, now brimming with some sort of delight and a mix of relief, holds my face gently.
''I'm sure it'll be a good choice for you, my dear Hanako.''
''Um.''
''And... if you so choose fate, please take me with you, too.''
Before I realize it, her lips have already overlapped mine.