"Drink this," Alice said to him.
Taking the cup from her, he inhaled the fragrant steam and felt the warmth seep into his fingers. The aroma was inviting, and he took a sip, savoring the taste. "This is fantastic," he commented, his eyes locking onto Alice's.
She smiled, a mixture of fondness and nostalgia in her gaze. "It's a drink called 'Celestial Elixir'," she explained. "Lu Bela brought it. She said it was a popular drink back when she used to live here, thousands of years ago."
"Even back then, they were handy with names." Rudy nodded, intrigued by the history behind the drink. "It's amazing how some things can withstand the test of time," he mused.
As he continued to sip the celestial elixir, his thoughts turned to the other members of his harem. He turned his attention back to Alice. "Speaking of the others, where are the girls?" he asked, curiosity coloring his voice.
Alice's lips curled into a gentle smile. "Rias and Jane were already with you. I haven't seen Niti, though." She answered, her eyes holding a knowing twinkle.
Curiosity tugged at him once again, and he looked at Alice. "And what about the others?" he inquired.
Alice's smile softened, and she leaned back in her chair. "Their rooms are ready," she replied. "They all went to make their final adjustments and personal touches."
His curiosity piqued, Rudy nodded. "That's good to hear," he remarked. "It's nice to know that everyone is settling in comfortably."
Alice's gaze held a hint of something deeper as she met his eyes. "And what about you, Rudy? How are you feeling about all of this? This new life." She asked, her voice soft.
He paused, considering her question. "I feel... grateful," he admitted, his gaze sincere. "Having all of them here, sharing space with me, it means a lot. And knowing that you're here too... It makes everything feel even more special. I will convince mom too."
Alice's smile deepened, a warmth radiating from her. "I'm not living in the castle like the others, though."
"..."
As Rudy and Alice continued to enjoy their conversation, the topic shifted to more practical matters. Alice looked at Rudy with a playful glint in her eyes. "So, when are you planning to take me home?" she asked, a hint of mischief in her tone.
Rudy chuckled, his gaze meeting hers. "Well, I actually have plans to go out with Maria later," he replied. "But don't worry, I'll take you home right after we come back."
Alice nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. "Sounds like a plan," she said. "I don't mind staying here for a while longer."
Rudy's smile was warm as he reassured her. "You're welcome to stay the night if you'd like," he offered. "I'll talk to George about it."
Alice's smile wavered slightly, and she let out a soft sigh. "I appreciate that, Rudy," she began, her voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and concern. "But I don't think he would let me stay at a boy's place overnight."
Rudy chuckled softly, understanding her perspective. "You have a point," he admitted. "But maybe I can convince him. After all, we're not just 'any boy and girl.' We're friends, and you're a part of my harem."
Alice's expression softened, and she met his gaze. "Thank you, Rudy," she said sincerely. "I truly appreciate your efforts. It's just... you know how protective fathers can be."
Rudy nodded, his own smile gentle. "I understand, Alice," he replied. "But I promise I'll do my best to talk to him."
Alice got up from her chair and smoothly settled herself onto Rudy's lap. She nestled against him comfortably, her proximity sending a gentle warmth through his body. With a teasing glint in her eyes, she posed a question that caught him off guard.
"Are you going to go out with Maria naked?" Alice inquired, her tone playfully mischievous.
Rudy couldn't help but chuckle at her remark. "Well, that would definitely be a memorable outing," he quipped, his eyes dancing with amusement.
"I was surprised to see you naked, but it seemed as though you were oblivious to it."
Alice's gaze shifted to him once more, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. In response, Rudy's fingers snapped, and in an instant, a casual and comfortable set of clothing materialized around his body. His nakedness was swiftly replaced by a laid-back outfit.
Alice looked at him with a raised eyebrow, her lips curling into an amused smile. "How about now?" he asked, a hint of mischief in his voice.
Alice's laughter rang out as she shook her head in mock exasperation. "Much better," she replied, her amusement evident. "I suppose going out with clothes on is generally the preferred choice."
Rudy and Alice stood up from their seats, their hands naturally finding each other's, fingers intertwining in a comfortable and familiar way. The connection between them was effortless, a testament to the bonds that had formed within their harem.
They walked side by side, their footsteps echoing softly through the hallways of the castle. The air was filled with a sense of companionship and shared moments as they made their way toward Maria's room.
As they reached Maria's open door, they found her engrossed in giving instructions to an UnderBlade worker about the precise positioning of her vanity table. Rudy knocked on the frame of the door, drawing Maria's attention away from her task.
She turned toward the door, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Rudy and Alice standing there. With an excited gasp, she rushed over to them, enveloping Rudy in a tight hug that conveyed her genuine affection.
"Rudy! Alice! You're here!" Maria exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Rudy returned her hug warmly, a fond smile gracing his lips. "Of course we are, Maria. Your room looks amazing," he complimented.
Maria's joy seemed to grow even more contagious as she beamed at Rudy's approval. "I'm so glad you like it!" she exclaimed.
Rudy's gaze shifted slightly, and he cleared his throat gently. "Actually, I am here to take you out," he informed her.
Maria's eyes widened with delight, her expression a mix of surprise and anticipation. "Really? Where are we going?" she asked eagerly.
Rudy's grin widened. "It's a surprise, but be ready in fifteen minutes," he replied, his tone full of anticipation.
Maria nodded enthusiastically, her excitement bubbling over. "Absolutely! I'll be ready in no time!"
After that, Alice went to check the preparation of her room, while Rudy teleported to Alice's house, knowing well that George wasn't there.
He entered George's locked room and faced the closet.
"I am always right and hate to be wrong, but this time… I hope I am wrong…" he muttered as he moved his hands towards the closet.
