Yuval's face turned dark with cold sweat as he bit his tongue, choking on nothing because the system hit the nail right where it hurt.
He averted his gaze, his lips creasing tensely as he replied awkwardly in a stutter.
"W-what are you on about? It's definitely not that, ha-ha-ha."
Shit! It's definitely that! But I can't admit it because this isn't something the real Yuval would do, hence I'll end up being punished.
I don't want women secured from my abuse of power. Nor do I want ones who bear nothing but hatred for me.
They even refuse to serve me, ugh~! Can't fuck any to my will.
Since I cannot admit the real reason I'm annulling my marriage with them, I have a better way. A way that will save me from the system's penalty all while getting what I want.
I just pray it isn't able to read my mind. Yuval cast the system a side long eye.
Yuval leaned back into the throne, resting comfortably with his head tilted and resting on one hand.
"What are you on about?" He asked, his tone cold and piercing. "If there should be any reason I'm annulling my ties with them, it would be 'cause I'm tired of them."
"Nothing else," he emphasized, his voice steady with feigned prideful confidence.
The system stared silently at Yuval, observing quietly, while Yuval maintained his cold, confident demeanor.
Yeah, I'll be dead if it can read my mind.
A moment later, the large door to the throne room squeaked open. And his wives, the women he had seen earlier started walking in.
They carried themselves with such grace and carefulness. And as they entered, their sweet scents permeated the whole room.
Everywhere was filled with fragrances of all kinds.
"Are these all of them?" Yuval asked the system.
Tsk! You only answer questions that are relevant to you.
Nearing Yuval, the women gathered up, and bowed in unison in his presence to offer their greetings. Altogether, they were about 17.
Yuval stiffened up his expression, turning it more rigid and cold as he stared at them from the throne, seated comfortably.
He gazed at them with cold eyes as if they bear no place in his heart. As if they were mere subjects like every other person in the palace.
In return, they cast their gazes low, their heads dipped and unable to meet eyes with Yuval or maintain eye contact.
"I've come to a decision today," Yuval began in a voice heavy with authority. "A decision to free you all who wish to be free from my grasp."
This raised their heads and gazes, surprise etched clearly on their expressions but they maintained their silence.
"I've had my fill of you all," Yuval said and paused.
What fill? He was too busy being impotent!
"Hmm-mmn!" He cleared his throat before continuing. "I've had enough of you all in my palace and have no more use for any of you. So, I've decided to annul whatever relationship exists between us."
"Now, any who wish to leave should move to the left and gather there," he instructed.
Without delay, some of them started moving to the left. Even some that were a bit reluctant, inched slowly to the left.
Although Yuval had clearly told them he was finally freeing them, not all of them moved to the left as he instructed.
Only a total of eight out of seventeen wished to be freed, while the rest remained firm on their spots.
Met with this sight, Yuval's brow twitched in confusion and disbelief.
"I've clearly allowed them their freedom, why then are some of them not joining the rest who wish to be freed?" Yuval asked the system in a whisper, totally confused.
Yuval's gaze softened, his eyes filled with pity as he gazed at them.
So, he's not only ruined himself, but the innocents as well.
With a long sigh, Yuval continued.
"Those who've decided to leave can do so anytime they want. Get the necessary supplies and money, and start your journey back home. While those who have decided to stay," he paused briefly.
"You can still leave now. I'm not holding anyone back. If not, you're free to return to your quarters."
After a moment of them exchanging awkward glances amongst themselves, they bowed and left.
Yuval let out a long sigh, slouching down the throne sluggishly.
Ugh~ I'm already beat without doing much. This body isn't the best it could be. Already tired from doing so little.
The day pretty much ended quickly. After Yuval had his bath with a set of new maids' assistance, he retired to his chambers.
Uhnn~~! Now I just have to worry about the royal visit that is due tomorrow, he sighed on his bed, sprawled and stretching.
As he gazed up at nothing, lying on his bed, he craved the warmth of a woman.
I could use some body warmth. Sigh
Yuval scratched the skin between his brows as he sat up on his bed. He called out to one of the guards outside his chambers and ordered him to go tell his wives he needed company, anyone to serve him for the night.
He made sure to specifically emphasize that they were not obliged and should only come if they're willing.
After the guard passed on the message, he notified Yuval and went back to his post.
Yuval sighed and lay back on his bed, waiting patiently for any of his wives.
But minutes turned into hours, yet no one came through the door. None of his wives came to assist him for the night.
Hagh~! So none were willing.
Disappointed but accepting his fate, Yuval drifted to sleep in no time, a bit fatigued from the day's work he wasn't used to.
As he slept soundly, a figure crept into his chamber, casting a looming shadow across his bed.
Yuval sensed the presence, causing him to snap awake immediately.
"Another assassin attack?!"