Demonic Dragon: Harem System

Strax sat on the edge of the bed in the massive bedroom Scarlet had assigned him. Despite all the luxury and comfort, he felt more like a gladiator preparing for the Colosseum than a husband getting ready for dinner. With his wives in the same room, the atmosphere was... intense.

Cassandra sat in front of a full-length mirror, meticulously adjusting the details of her dark blue dress. She glanced at Strax, frowning. "Are you seriously going to wear that?"

Strax looked down at his casual attire and shrugged. "What's wrong with it? It's comfortable."

Belatrix, standing in the corner adjusting her tight, elegantly embroidered red dress, laughed. "Comfortable? We're going to Elizabeth Tepes' dinner, and you think comfort is enough?!"

Scarlet joined the conversation as she strode through the room with authority. Her high-collared black dress adorned with ruby accents highlighted her dominant aura. "I suggest you change into something else. Knowing your personality, you'll get annoyed at the stares and try to kill anyone who looks too long. And we both know you can't. Plus, you can't handle provocations." Scarlet smirked.

Strax raised an eyebrow, challenging her. "What's wrong with provoking back? I thought that was one of my talents."

Daniela, lounging on a nearby sofa with a glass of blood in hand, interrupted. "Oh, Strax, darling, you're talented at many things, but when it comes to etiquette... let's just say you need lessons." She took a sip, clearly savoring the moment.

Scarlet sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "The point is, this isn't just a simple gathering. That witch wants to humiliate us—me. I won't allow my family to appear inferior. And you, Strax, are part of our image."

Strax smirked. "So, you want me to impress?"

Cassandra, ever practical, responded, "We want you not to cause a disaster."

As Scarlet instructed the maid to fetch more suitable attire for Strax, the rivalries between the daughters began to surface.

"I don't see why all this is such a big deal," Belatrix said, crossing her arms. "Elizabeth is all talk. When it comes to action, she's no match for Mom."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "And that's precisely why she uses social tactics. If Mom doesn't dominate completely, Elizabeth will exploit any mistake to try to take our position."

"It seems you like strategizing a lot," Daniela said casually, examining her nails. "Maybe you should worry less about what Elizabeth thinks and more about standing out as an individual."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes at her. "And maybe you should stop acting like you're the favorite."

Daniela gave a provocative smile. "Oh, sweetie, I don't need to act. I am."

Before the tension could escalate, Scarlet intervened with a sharp glare. "Enough, all of you. We are a family, and we will present ourselves as one. Or I'll kill all three of you."

At that moment, Aria arrived with a set of clothes for Strax. It was an elegant ensemble: a black coat embroidered with gold accents, tailored trousers, and a high-collared shirt.

Strax eyed the outfit and frowned. "Seriously? This looks like something a spoiled noble would wear."

Aria replied flatly, "Perhaps because that's exactly what you need to appear to be tonight."

The wives chuckled softly as Strax reluctantly took the clothes, clearly displeased. "Aren't any of you going to help me?" he asked, glancing at them.

Belatrix was the first to respond. "Oh no, darling. You're on your own for this one."

Cassandra smirked maliciously. "Consider it training for social combat."

Daniela, however, rose gracefully and walked over to him, carefully adjusting his tie. "Let me help you. After all, you need to at least look presentable standing next to me."

Strax rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "You just want to stake your claim, don't you?"

Daniela shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "Always."

Once Strax was properly dressed, he looked at himself in the mirror, adjusting his collar. "Well, I don't look too bad."

"Too bad?" Scarlet said, stepping toward him and brushing her fingers over his coat to smooth out any creases. "You look magnificent. Now, all that's left is for you to act like someone worthy of the title of my husband."

Strax raised his hands in mock surrender. "I'll behave… up to a point."

Cassandra and Belatrix, now ready, joined the others in the grand hall where the carriage awaited.

Before stepping out, Scarlet turned to Strax. "Remember, trust nothing Elizabeth says. Every word is a veiled attack."

Strax gave her a carefree smile. "Ah, Scarlet, don't worry. I know her game well enough. After all, you trained me expertly."

As they entered the carriage, the tension between the wives eased slightly, replaced by a quiet anticipation. The dinner at Tepes Castle would be more than a mere gathering—it was the prelude to something far greater, and everyone knew it.
Find adventures at empire

Still, Strax couldn't help a wry thought as he glanced at his wives. At least if the dinner is a disaster, I'll have a fantastic show waiting at home.

[On the Human Continent]

The biting wind howled through the snow-covered mountains of the northern continent. The ice beneath Kryssia's feet glimmered like a mirror, reflecting the dark flames that danced around Xenovia. The two women faced each other at the edge of a cliff, their imposing presences dominating the desolate landscape.

Kryssia stood tall, her slender frame clad in crystalline armor forged from pure ice. Her snow-white hair billowed in the wind, and her piercing blue eyes glowed with resolve. In contrast, Xenovia, her long, equally white hair seeming to embrace the light around her, radiated an aura of black fire. Her tight battle dress shimmered with ancient runes that pulsed in rhythm with her power.

"You seem distracted, Kryssia," Xenovia teased, a mischievous smile curving her lips. "What's wrong? Worried about the news of Elizabeth Tepes?"

Kryssia narrowed her eyes, raising a spear of ice that seemed forged from winter itself. "Elizabeth has reached the Emperor stage. That's not something to be taken lightly."

Xenovia laughed, a low, melodic sound that echoed through the air. "You're overreacting. Elizabeth may have achieved that stage, but that doesn't make her invincible. Remember, Kryssia, power without control is just chaos."

Kryssia shook her head, clearly irritated. "You underestimate her. Elizabeth has always been ambitious, and now that she's reached the Emperor stage, she won't stop at anything to cement her position."

Xenovia tilted her head, a dangerous glint in her violet eyes. "Are you talking about her… challenging that crazy vampire?"

"She already challenged her. Our informants… said they're going to fight in a few hours," Kryssia replied, hurling her ice spear directly at Xenovia.

The spear cut through the air, but Xenovia raised her hand, and a burst of black fire disintegrated it before it could strike. The ice melted into a steaming puddle at her feet. Xenovia smiled, advancing slowly toward Kryssia.

"So, why are we here, fighting, Kryssia?" Xenovia asked, her voice soft but laced with intent. "Do you want to test your strength against me, or are you just trying to distract yourself?"

Kryssia clenched her fists, summoning dozens of ice spikes that floated around her like a deadly swarm. "You're the only friend I have here."

Xenovia blushed faintly at the admission, not expecting such words—especially from someone as unpredictable as Kryssia.

"A friend, huh?" Xenovia murmured, trying to maintain her indifferent posture. Her sword, wrapped in black fire, trembled slightly in her hands, betraying her reaction. "I never thought you were the sentimental type, Kryssia."

Kryssia held her ground, though her expression revealed a hint of vulnerability. "I'm not sentimental. I'm just stating the truth. Everyone on this continent only cares about power, influence, or their ambitions. You're the only one who… doesn't try to manipulate me or use me as a tool."

Xenovia blinked, surprised. As much as she wanted to respond with her usual teasing, Kryssia's words stirred something deep inside her. "You really are insane," Xenovia replied, hiding her discomfort behind a teasing smile. "But I suppose that's part of your charm."

Kryssia slowly lowered her arms, the ice spikes around her gradually melting. The silence between them grew, broken only by the howling wind over the mountains. Xenovia also relaxed her stance, her black flame whip dissipating into a shadowy mist.

"I only have you as a friend here," Kryssia repeated, as if trying to ensure Xenovia understood.

Xenovia sighed, crossing her arms and looking away. "And you think telling me that in the middle of a fight is a good idea? Are you trying to disarm me emotionally?"

"It's not like you needed to be disarmed," Kryssia retorted, a small smile forming on her lips. "If I really wanted to beat you, I'd have done it already."

"Arrogant," Xenovia replied, though her voice lacked its usual venom. She stepped closer, stopping a few paces away from Kryssia, and extended her hand. "Fine, Kryssia. You're my friend. And as your friend, you're not planning to kill my brother, are you?" Xenovia smiled slyly.

"You little—" Kryssia raised her spear, summoning a wall of ice spears as massive as a fortress wall.

"Stop provoking me!" Kryssia shouted, hurling thousands of ice lances toward Xenovia.