Chapter 254: Accepting the Harem?
"Heh? So that's what happened." Nathan nodded while sipping the soup.
"Yes. You don't mind, right?"
"Of course not." Nathan shook his head. "It seems I have made you suffer these days."
"I don't mind the rumor. Everything will be dispelled anyway." Selena shook her head.
They were eating in their room, fully aware that the cafeteria was the last place they should visit, since a lot of people would be there to mock her.
"Besides, staying with you is my choice."
Nathan smiled. "Thank you."
"Actually, there's something I'd like to ask?"
"What's wrong? If there's anything I can help, feel free to tell me."
"No. I just want to ask a question." Selena shook her head. "I have been observing you for the past few days, but it looks like you are distancing yourself from Serafina.
"How do I say this… It doesn't look like how you usually act." Selena tilted her head in confusion.
"Oh my. What is this?" A grin appeared on Nathan's face. "You are finally accepting it? You're not jealous anymore?"
Selena's eyebrows twitched. "Be serious."
Nathan chuckled before making a calm expression. "If you were the pope, would you send Sera to this place for that kind of reason?"
Selena immediately noticed what he was trying to say. "No. Even though Sera is like that, the pope should be wise enough to know that is not her decision.
"And the pope's reputation is extremely good. He is also just and wise. Instead of sending her away, the pope would most likely give her a lecture.
"After all, it's nothing wrong to give that lecture to the person who has just reinstated her position as a saintess."
"Right?" Nathan raised one finger. "In that case, why would the pope send her here?"
Selena fell into deep thought. "If I have to guess, to monitor you."
"Exactly." Nathan nodded.
"You are currently the only summoner who can summon beasts in this world. That alone will increase your importance. The Holy Kingdom is the figurehead that leads the resistance against the aliens. So he knows that your existence might bring a change in the battle for better or worse.
"But this whole time, the Frexia Academy has been helping you. The principal and the vice principal won't let anyone try to poach you or anything… until the tropical island.
"The pope finally finds a justification to send one of his agents to monitor you. All that 'anger' stuff is just a facade to hide the real reason."
Nathan raised one more finger. "How about the reason he wants to monitor me?"
"It's probably to see your personality, strength, and potential."
"You have figured it out already." Nathan chuckled.
"The reason you are rejecting her is to send a message that while you are lustful, you have your principles. Those who you take in are people you hold dear.
"That's why you're trying to push her away, because we've just become a couple. You want to show that you treat relationships very seriously.
"This will assure the pope in one way or another. Then, your strength. That should be no problem since Sera has seen that battle. I guess defeating Rudeus is enough, considering Rudeus has been the top scorer in our class this whole time.
"Last but not least, potential. First of all, he has confirmed your potential by bringing races that have never been introduced to this world like that Valkyrie or Lilitu or Jiangshi. There might be more in the future.
"If that's the case, she will be an example of that possibility. Among the saints and saintesses, Serafina is the most flexible. With your relationship with her, it's only right to send her here.
"And there's one more potential that the pope is considering. He wants to see your potential in battle because there's more than strength in battle."
Nathan confirmed it with a nod. "I guess I don't have to tell you anything else. You've got everything right. As expected of—!" Nathan wanted to give her a hug.
However, Selena stopped him by putting her hand on his face.
"Bad manners. I will spoil you later as thanks, but not right now. Eat first and don't forget your table manners. This is a bad habit!" Selena pouted.
"Ahahaha." Nathan chuckled. "Do I need to answer your question anymore?"
"No. I've figured it out." Selena shook her head.
Little did she know, there was one more reason he did this. The normal Selena might murder him if he proceeded like a beast.
That was why he was slowly introducing Sera by first rejecting her and gradually moving to pull her closer and closer. This way, Selena's jealousy didn't rise high enough to kill Sera.
Once he let Serafina in, there would be others to follow. Nathan was smiling inwardly, as everything had gone according to plan. He was pumping his fist inwardly, thinking, 'I will fix her.'
Nathan then shifted the topic, so she didn't think much about it. "What about the Summoners War? If you want to slap him hard, are you going to send Yin Zhen? Well, the slap will be much harder if you send Sasha."
Selena shook her head, looking at their bedroom, which was closed right now. Inside was Risa swallowing cores to get as much Ena as she could.
"As much as I want to send Sasha, I don't think it's possible to win. I feel bad for Sasha, but you should know quality and potential reflect the amount of Ena absorbed by a familiar.
"I can give Sasha the cores and strengthen her, but I will probably require at least three to four times the amount I need to raise Risa's strength. It will increase even further after Risa evolves even more.
"Of course, I will try to compensate Sasha in the future by giving her cores and probably a chance to evolve, but right now, I have to prioritize people who can be prioritized." Although her heart was heavy, this was the most rational decision she could ever make.
Selena said, "And by doing this, it will mean the Ashton family knows my countess has evolved. They will probably think I've spent numerous resources to evolve her, so I don't think they will suspect your blood for the time being. And don't worry about that family. I will take care of them myself."
"Alright. If you need anything, feel free to tell me about it."