Chapter 7 here. I was planning on releasing this yesterday but I had some... unexpected problems and couldn't. There's also the fact that this chapter was a little harder to write than I thought. Finding a way to show Diablo growing more mature, making Lamnites accept without sounding so profit-craving and avoiding making this an r18 story. Also, next chapter will be some kind of interlude. Like, Diablo departing and his wives wishing him a safe travel. I didn't had in my mind to make this before but... I just felt like I should.

I realised that my chapters are growing more and more, like the number of words grows with each passing chapter, not sure if I should be worried or not.

I deeply apologize to all Rem and Shera's fans but... how can I say? They are the main heroines, they are already by far, the ones who interact with Diablo the most, so I've been giving priority to characters that are not in the same situation, like, all the others. I mean, that was the idea behind this fanfic to begin with. But enough talk, let's move on to the chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything

Chapter 7 - Lamnites

"How unusual. For you to visit me, Diablo."

"I guess so."

Unlike the other times, Diablo couldn't just call the other party to his room. This time, his opponent was Lamnites, the feudal lord of Zircon Tower that was currently stationed in Faltra city since Zircon Tower was evacuated. Even so, she had an important position, suddenly calling her to his room would be bring not-so-far-from-the-truth rumours that he definitely did not need. Instead, he came to her office as Diablo, the hero who saved the city from the Great Demon King Modinalaam, with the pretext of talking about the previous battle and the enemy forces. Unfortunately, she saw right through it and instead, secretly took him to her room. While it was convenient for him that they had a more private space to talk, her... eagerness still left him feeling nervous about how far he would go with her.

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about? Even coming to see me, in my room, all by yourself, when I just happen to have some free time on my hands. Have you finally decided to continue our little 'talk'?"

The 'talk' in question, is referring to the time Lamnites visited his room at night and tried to 'pay for his services' with her body. Lamnites wasn't just using a flirting tone to speak to Diablo, she was also used her crossed arms to lift her enormous breasts while licking her lips. Diablo flinched for a second, almost letting it show on his face. Though he was aware that Lamnites was like this, the difference in experience was still too much. He came during the day to, at least, lower the chances of crossing the line, to Lamnites however, it didn't seem to make much difference whenever it was day or night. But denying in embarrassment was not an option now, he had to go through the fire to reach his goal.

"...In a way I did."

"Oh? Does that mean-"

"Before you start jumping to conclusions, let me finish explaining. It's not as simple as it looks."

"Come on, Diablo. We are both adults here and I already told you can always come to me. You don't to make excuses, you just have to tell me what you want I will give it to you."

Lamnites suddenly approached Diablo and pressed herself on him. Diablo could feel soft sensations on his chest and if he looked down he would see her breasts shape distorting on his chest. Using all of his willpower, Diablo pushed Lamnites away, putting his hands on her shoulders.

"I told you to wait until I finish explaining. Leave that for later."

"Later, huh? I will be looking forward to it. Anyways, you look so serious, so what is this about?"

"You are right. I did choose to come here when you not busy and I came alone for a private meeting, without interruptions. But it's not exactly for the reason you are imagining. Not for now at least."

"I can't really understand it. It really will be better if you finish your talk first."

(That's what I've been saying the entire time!)

Despite his inner frustrations, Diablo kept a composed face. Since he came here looking for her cooperation, he couldn't really snap at her for so little, plus, he already predicted that she would be one of the most difficult ones. Mostly because she had a lot of 'qualities' that he lacked, she was a mature woman with experience(in many ways), she almost always had profit in mind, she did not feel fear or insecurity in going after what she desired.

"Listen well. The current situation is..."

A wild explanation appears!

"Oho. I see. So you started your own harem and you wanted me to take part in it."

"...Leaving aside your wording, yes. I do wish for your cooperation."

"I was just teasing you for a bit. So, are there any kind of downsides? Any side effects?"

"Well..."

(I didn't give it much thought but… I guess having to put up with sharing the husband may be not be the only downside. Now that I think about it, the forums before said that the marriage system would be like a 'vow of eternal love', the only way to undo the marriage was to delete your character together with all of your items and possessions. If I assume this to be literal and apply it to this world… Wouldn't that mean that all the girls are pretty much stuck with me for life?! Why didn't I think of it before?! I was so worried about marrying multiple girls and their reactions that I overlooked such an important detail?! How am I gonna tell them that (most likely) they will never have a second chance, that there's no divorce from this?!)

"Diablo? What's wrong? You suddenly got silent and started making a scary face."

"Eh? Ah, no. It's nothing."

"Could it be...there is a really serious side effect to this?"

"That is…. well, I guess it depends on you, whatever this is a side effect or not."

Before Diablo could lock himself into a pit of self-deprecation, he remembered his interactions with his wives. They didn't agree to marry him with half-hearted feelings, they all resolved themselves. Would it really make a difference if he had said that there is no divorce beforehand? Maybe they would take more time to give him a reply, but he was confident that their answers would not change. They all showed how they loved, respected and trusted him. Even if he was a NEET in his previous world, he could not deny their feelings. Being able to think of this with confidence was proof that Diablo too was growing.

(Yes...Instead of thinking that I chained our fates together, I will take this as a sign that our bonds will last for our entire lives!)

"What do you mean by 'it depends'? And why have your expressions changed so much in the past few seconds? It was normal then it became disturbed and then it changed into a determined one. You are making no sense just thinking so intently without sharing these thoughts with person right in front of you, you know."

"...Forget about my face. I was just lost in thought for a moment there, I'm alright now."

"You still need to answer my question too."

"*sigh* This ritual is a special type, even among other rituals in my world. If you do accept, we will be connected by it for the rest of our lives. It's also impossible to null it. It's...a 'contract of eternal love'."

"...Judging by your choice of words it must be really literal, huh? To put it simply, if we go through with it, I will never be able to have relationships with anyone else?"

"...Yes, that's about it."

"Nothing aside from that?"

"Aside from having to put up with other wives..."

"And what were the 'ups' in this contract again?"

"Your stats will receive a boost. In your case, I think you would be able to at least fight against that fucker- I mean, Vanaknes's wives on equal terms."

"That is certainly appealing. I really would like to avoid losing more battles. The invasions on Zircon Tower and Faltra city… recently I've only been relying on you."

"That's natural."

"And you said something about calling for help?"

"Yes. Though it can only be used once a day, you will be able to teleport me to your location. I believe it will use all of your strength though. Truly a last resort."

"I see."

"..."

"What?"

"And? Your answer?"

"I'm not so sure. Getting stronger and having connections with you is a must in these chaotic times but I never really considered getting married before."

"..."

"But that's not what I should be thinking about is it?"

"Well..."

"Your other brides must be the girls who were with you before right? Then, they must have already decided to spend their lives with you and love only you. But what about me? I am the feudal lord of Zircon Tower, I can't just say that I will suddenly get married and prioritize this over my city and my citizens that I was responsible for all these years. Oh, but don't get me wrong. If it's you, I think we could have worked something out, even if it wasn't marriage, Diablo."

"I'm not really asking you to prioritize me over everything."

"Hm? Then what is it that you wish from me?"

"Your will."

"!"

"I understand that you have to care for your city and its citizens. I'm not asking you to abandon them. What I wish for, is an equal relationship between me and the brides. I will lend you my power and you will lend me yours. If it's something important to you, I won't just stand by and see it getting destroyed. I will fight for all of you(brides) and what you care about, after all, I am the Demon King. Nothing is out of my reach. But… if you refuse or accept, I want it to be your own will, not anyone else. I'm different from these Demon king wannabes that only had the destruction of the Races on their tiny brains and couldn't rule over their subordinates without showing off their power like children."

"...Fu..."

"Lamnites?"

"Fufufu! I think I understand how you got so many wives. When you are the one speaking, it feels really reassuring. It makes me want to trust you and leave everything to you. So unlike me."

"Then?"

"I accept it. That proposal of yours."

"...I give you my thanks."

"You did manage to touch some of my heartstrings, after all. Nobody ever did that before."

"Hm? What is it? I couldn't quite get it since you were mumbling."

"No, it's nothing. More importantly, let's move on with this ritual."

"Oh, before that, let me make it very clear. The ritual is NOT about 'spending the night together', it's only about the kiss. And I already promised Shera and Rem that they would be the first ones, so I will not be 'keeping you company' after the ritual, is that clear?"

"...You didn't had to say it so seriously. Still, are you sure? I'm pretty sure I can give a lot of quality time though. It's really unfair that you are denying me while saying I will only be able to 'do it' with you."

"Like I said, I'm not going to order you around. I just… want you to wait a little longer. After I'm done with all the rituals, I will come back to this city and I will fulfill my promises. After that, I will give what you(and some of the other wives) are wishing for."

"...You better hurry up then. My schedule is really busy now that I'm cooperating with Galford to protect the city. Soon enough, it will be difficult to get a break for an entire night."

"An entire night?"

"But of course. Since you will be my only partner for the rest of my life, I will have you take responsibility for all partners I could have in the future."

"Ugh…!"

"Ah, but don't worry. Judging by what I saw that night(the night she tried to seduce him), you will be fine. Actually, I'm afraid I might not be enough for you. Maybe I will need to work together with my fellow brides."

"...Let's worry about that later, okay? For now focus on the ritual."

"Yes, yes. I got it."

Diablo stood from his chair and walked to Lamnites, who did the same. Normally, they would both be sitting on the large bed in the room, like in their previous meeting. But since Diablo knew he needed caution with Lamnites 'attacks', he sat on the chair as soon as he entered the room.

Diablo reached out for Lamnites's sides, as if to embrace her, while she reached for his face, gently holding it in her hands. Unlike all the other girls(Krem 'switch on' being the exception), Lamnites was truly a carnivore that could devour him if he wasn't careful. Diablo could understand what she was thinking though. She was trying to test him in a way, if he could resist her temptation and keep his promise with Rem and Shera. Diablo decided to think of this as a challenge for him, as a man. He pulled Lamnites so close that their noses were touching and they could feel each other's breaths. Seeing him more daring than last time, Lamnites sent a fearless smile and decided to give him the first move since she was the one 'attacking' last time. She silently closed her eyes and parted her lips slightly, waiting for Diablo to make his move. Seeing this, Diablo understood her intentions and pressed forward.

He then felt her soft lips touching his, with her tongue following suit. His memories of their last kiss, together with the experience he got from kissing the other girls, made the fight(kiss) more fair. He wasn't just being led by the flow like last time, he was actively using his own tongue in this kiss, surprising Lamnites. Their tongues entwining like snakes, making wet sounds through the silent room. This was, by far, the most intense kiss Diablo ever exchanged with someone, not only their mouths, their entire bodies were part of it. They were hugging each other as close as they could. Speaking of bodies…

(...*sanity suddenly coming back*...Wait a second…...I feel something strange…...Is it my clothes-! Wait a second! Why are you undressing me, Lamnites?!)

"Mn..! Puwah! W-wait a second! What are doing?! I told the ritual is only about the kiss!"

"Nnn…! *deep breath* What am I doing, you ask? Moving to the main event of course."

"But I said-"

"The promise right? Though I was testing you for a bit, you surpassed my expectations and I got too carried away. Since we were both clearly enjoying it, I just moved on."

"...moved on, you say?"

(...Not like I can deny it though. I barely managed to hold back too.)

"Well, in the end, you managed to keep your promise so it's all right, isn't it? Though I wouldn't mind if you broke your promise."

"You are only one who would though."

"Haha. I guess….Are you sure you don't want to continue? My services are-"

"Unnecessary. For now at least."

"*sigh* Ok. I promise I will behave until you fulfill your promises. But you still have to compensate me."

"Compensate?"

"Yeah, you know..."

Lamnites moved closer to him again and kissed his cheek. Diablo almost jumped but managed to keep the reaction to just moving his head backwards.

"What the?! I told-"

"I know. I also just made a promise to you, right? But like I said before, I'm expecting you make up for all the others I won't form relations with, so I want you to at least continue until I'm satisfied. I already gave my word and since you promised… there's no need to worry, right?"

Lamnites's lips curled into a mischievous smile. Diablo was left perplexed by Lamnites words. And even more by the fact that she didn't wait for his response. She moved on her own and covered his lips with her own. The intense tongue kissing started once again, just this time, she was really just kissing, not moving the rest of her body like before. Diablo then understood that she really meant everything she said. She wasn't going to tempt him anymore and was going to limit it to just kissing, except she was going to keep up the kiss until she was satisfied.

(...Do I have any choice in this? No, maybe it was my own fault, huh? Even though I was preparing for trouble, I was still too relaxed. Since all the others were 'easy' to convince, I was completely unprepared for this. I should use this to learn and avoid making the same mistakes.)

Diablo interrupted the kiss for a moment to say…

"...hah…. I still have work to do and so do you, that's why... Try to hold back at least a little and keep this short."

"...! Fufu! I will try, but I will enjoy it as much as possible."

The talk ended and the kisses continued. Needless to say, it took a long time until Diablo was finally able to leave the room.