My Xianxia Harem Life

Riley glanced at the two princesses before offering them a warm, reassuring smile.

”Greetings, princesses. Please, speak freely. I am an open person and welcome any discussion with everyone,” he said, his voice calm yet authoritative.

The moment he spoke, Princess Anya was the first to seize the opportunity.

She stepped forward gracefully, her flowing gown shimmering under the soft glow of the grand hall’s lanterns.

Her demeanor was gentle, refined, and filled with a quiet elegance that reflected her noble upbringing.

”My people and I are deeply grateful for your presence in our lands, Saint Riley. You have brought stability and hope to our kingdom in ways we could have never imagined. Our only wish is for your continued prosperity and good health for thousands of years to come,” she said with a sincere bow, her golden locks cascading over her shoulders.

Riley chuckled softly, the corners of his lips lifting into an amused smile.

”Thank you, Princess Anya. A life that long and health that strong would certainly be something I’d enjoy,” he replied, his tone lighthearted yet appreciative.

He then shifted his gaze toward Princess Elsa, studying her intently. Both women were undeniably beautiful, but their temperaments contrasted starkly.

Anya radiated a quiet, soothing presence—like a gentle breeze on a summer’s day—while Elsa exuded confidence and determination, her gaze sharp and unwavering.

Unlike Anya, who carried herself with soft grace, Elsa took a bold step forward, her silver-white hair gleaming under the candlelight. There was no hesitation in her voice, no doubt in her eyes.

”We share the same wish for you, Saint Riley,” Elsa began, her voice firm yet respectful.

”It is a blessing to have you here, bringing peace to our lands. War does nothing but sow pain and suffering, leaving only broken homes and shattered dreams in its wake. Our people have suffered enough. But with you here, I know a new era is upon us—an era of stability and prosperity.”

She paused for a moment, her gaze locked onto Riley’s as if ensuring he understood the depth of her words before she continued.

”But knowing that you are a powerful cultivator, I am certain that much of your time will be devoted to your path—advancing to higher realms, refining your strength, and reaching heights no one has ever seen before.”

She took a deep breath, then dropped to one knee, her voice filled with unwavering conviction.

”This is why I wish to assist you in governing the Mason Empire. Please grant me this duty, Saint Riley. Allow me to shoulder the burden of administration, to bring wealth and prosperity to the people. I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to this cause, ensuring that your empire flourishes for the next hundred years and beyond.”

A hush fell over the hall. The weight of her words hung in the air, thick with anticipation.

Riley studied her carefully, his expression unreadable. The sight of a princess—someone of royal blood—kneeling before him in such an earnest plea was a rare one.

The other nobles and attendants in the room watched with bated breath, awaiting his response.

”A helping hand? That would be most welcome,” Riley said with a calm nod.

”To be honest, my friends and I won’t be staying here for long. You could say this is just a vacation for us. In the end, the wellbeing of this empire will rest in your hands.”

He paused, allowing his words to settle as his gaze swept over the gathered nobles and officials. Some looked surprised, while others exchanged uncertain glances.

The weight of leadership was not something easily shouldered, and his statement made it clear that he had no intention of staying to guide them.

The truth was, Riley had no deep connection to this land. Aside from the two princesses—Anya and Elsa—he barely knew anyone here.

He was merely an outsider, a traveler who had stepped into the affairs of an empire teetering between war and peace.

It had never been his plan to govern, and it never would be.

After a few moments of silence, he continued, his voice steady.

”As for governance, there’s no need for concern. I already have the perfect candidate in mind, someone who will ensure stability and prosperity for this land. I will introduce them to you all in due time.”

His words hung in the air, the uncertainty in the room slowly giving way to cautious hope. Who could this candidate be?

Whispers rippled through the gathered nobles, but Riley did not elaborate further. Instead, his lips curved into a small smile as he shifted the tone of the evening.

”But for now,” he said, raising a hand, ”let’s set aside our worries and enjoy this rare moment of peace.”

At his signal, servants rushed forward, their movements swift and practiced.

Large platters of steaming food were brought out—succulent roasted meats, fragrant rice dishes, and an array of colorful fruits arranged like art on silver trays.

Goblets of the finest liquor were poured, the rich aroma filling the air as golden liquid shimmered under the candlelight.

The once-tense gathering began to change. The stiffness in the nobles’ postures softened, their wary expressions easing as the banquet began in earnest.

Conversations picked up, laughter bubbling through the air like a long-lost melody.

For the first time in a long while, the weight of war, politics, and uncertainty seemed to lift from their shoulders.

Riley leaned back slightly, watching the scene unfold. This was what he had wanted.

War was a cruel and unforgiving force, leaving behind wounds that went deeper than the battlefield.

He had seen firsthand the pain it caused, the scars it left not only on lands but on hearts. If he could offer even a single evening of peace and joy, then he would.

It was the least he could do for them.

He took a sip of his drink, savoring the warmth that spread through his chest.

For now, he would let them have this night. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight was meant for something else—something simpler.

A brief, fleeting moment of respite in a world that rarely offered it.

”Hahhh… the ambitious fool got slapped in the face. Serves her right,” Princess Anya said with a smirk, watching her adversary’s failed maneuver with evident satisfaction.

She leaned back in her seat, sipping from her goblet with a look of pure amusement.

”She and her people deserved this the most.”

After all, it had been the Kaido Empire that started the war in the first place. Their greed had driven them to conquer, believing they could claim victory with sheer ambition alone.

But the tides of fate had turned against them, and now Elsa, their ever-calculating princess, found herself scrambling to salvage what remained of her aspirations.

Anya’s uncle, a seasoned diplomat with years of political experience, let out a low chuckle but shook his head in warning.

”Don’t be so sure, Princess,” he murmured, his gaze never leaving Elsa. ”If I know her, this little setback won’t be enough to keep her down for long.”

Anya followed his gaze and found Elsa seated beside Riley, her demeanor soft and graceful, exuding an air of quiet charm.

She was smiling, speaking in gentle tones, her posture attentive but never overbearing.

Elsa was playing her role perfectly—subtle, sweet, yet undeniably seductive in the way she interacted with Riley.

Anya frowned slightly, tapping her fingers against the rim of her cup. She had to admit, Elsa knew exactly how to test boundaries, how to seize an opportunity when it presented itself.

Every movement, every word, was carefully crafted to appeal to Riley’s favor. She wasn’t groveling, nor was she too forward, but she had mastered the delicate balance of admiration and sincerity.

Anya’s smirk faded as she exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing.

”I suppose I should make my move as well.”

Without hesitation, she rose from her seat, her regal presence commanding attention even without a word.

The silk of her gown shimmered under the flickering candlelight as she made her way toward the main table, her posture elegant yet purposeful.

She wouldn’t allow Elsa to monopolize Riley so easily.

At that moment, Elsa leaned in slightly, her fingers grazing the edge of Riley’s goblet as she refilled it with practiced ease.

The rich aroma of the wine mingled with the subtle fragrance she wore, an intoxicating combination meant to leave an impression.

”Please have some more wine, Saint Riley,” she murmured, her voice smooth as silk, her eyes alight with something unreadable.

From the side, she could have been mistaken for a devoted handmaiden rather than a princess. But Anya knew better.

Elsa wasn’t simply serving him out of respect—this was a calculated move, an attempt to deepen the bond between them.

She had no doubt that Elsa had ambitions beyond mere diplomacy.

Anya wasn’t about to let her take the lead without a fight.

With a soft, knowing smile, Anya stepped forward, her voice carrying a warm yet commanding presence.

”Saint Riley, I do hope Elsa isn’t monopolizing all your attention,” she said smoothly, her golden eyes glinting with amusement as she slid into the seat across from him.

”Surely, as guests in your presence, we must all share in the honor of your company.”

The subtle challenge in her words was unmistakable.

Elsa’s fingers froze momentarily around the goblet before she smiled, as poised as ever.

Riley, unaware of the silent battle unfolding before him, simply chuckled and took a sip of his wine, his gaze flickering between the two princesses.

The game had only just begun.