"I know just the right thing! Yuan, you can have my daughter! And if Rose isn't enough for you to repay the debt, I can also add Julie and our little Ava! And if you don't want to make them your wives, they can become your concubines!" Madam Layla said it with a smile a moment later, causing others to frown at her.
"Ha...!"
Yuan's two mothers, Anna and Grace, his elder sister Lily, and his beloveds, Emma and Xi Meili, widened their eyes in surprise. They couldn't believe what they were hearing. How could a mother offer her children to someone they had only known for a few days so casually? They were baffled by Madam Layla's audacity.
'What a cunning woman... She will use her daughters to repay the favor. Not only will she repay the debt, but she will also gain a powerful son-in-law in return. She will hit two targets with a single arrow!'
'I know she was dangerous and was plotting something behind our back for my dear...' Anna thought, recognizing the manipulation behind Madam Layla's words.
'What? Is Madam seriously thinking about giving Rose, Julie, and young Miss Ava to Sir Yuan? Isn't it a bit inappropriate? They only met him a few days ago.' Ivy looked at Madam Layla with wide eyes, seemingly surprised by her words.
Yuan looked at Madam Layla with a baffled expression, but before he could respond, Madam Layla looked at Rose and asked her, "What do you think, Rose? Are you willing to become Yuan's wife or even his concubine? I know that you liked him, and I also know that you probably won't find someone like him again."
"Wait a moment... "
And as Yuan opened his mouth, Rose silently stole a glance at him and bashfully nodded her head with a bright, rosy face.
"I am willing," Rose mumbled in a low but clear voice, her eyes avoiding direct contact with Yuan.
'Looks like my instincts were right; this girl really has fallen for this handsome boy despite him being much younger than her, but I'm happy that she has finally found someone for herself...' Madam Layla smiled after hearing her daughter Rose's answer.
A moment later, Madam Layla shifted her gaze to Ava, her question directed at her youngest daughter. "And how about you, Ava? Are you willing to become Yuan's wife as well?"
Ava's eyes widened in surprise at her mother's words. She hadn't expected such a proposition. Her mind raced, and conflicting emotions filled her heart. After a moment of hesitation, she looked at Yuan, her voice trembling slightly as she responded.
"I... I'm not sure, Mother. It's all so sudden..." Ava's words trailed off, uncertainty evident in her voice.
Madam Layla's smile faltered for a brief moment before she regained her composure. She reached out to gently hold Ava's hand, her voice filled with reassurance.
"Ava, my dear, think about it carefully. Yuan is a good man, strong and caring. He has shown his dedication to our village, and I believe he will treat you well. Take your time to decide."
Ava blushed, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red as she listened to her mother's words. It had only been a short while since she had met Yuan, but unknowingly, she had also fallen in love with him.
"I-I also...I'm willing to be with Mr. Yuan," Ava mumbled in a low voice, her words barely audible, her face burning with embarrassment.
Madam Layla nodded, her delight evident. "Good, I expect nothing less from my daughter!"
Meanwhile, Grace, Ava's sister, stared at Yuan with a mysterious smile playing on her lips.
'As expected of my darling, he is too handsome for a girl to resist his charms... hehe!' Grace thought to herself.
"It seems that we're getting new sisters soon..." Lily mumbled in a low voice.
"Agreed... "The others nodded.
In that moment, the door to the living hall opened, and the rest of the Monore family entered.
"Mother, are you alright? Did a monster sneak inside while I was gone?" James Monroe, Ava's brother, looked at his mother with concern. He had no clue about the situation he had just walked into.
"Mother!" Julie, another sister, rushed towards the sofa, her expression tinged with worry.
Instead of assuring them that she was fine and no monster had invaded the manor, Madam Layla looked at Julie and spoke. "Julie, I have already heard about the situation from Rose. I'm thinking about giving your hand, along with your other sister's, to Mr. Yuan for saving our village. Your two sisters have already agreed to become his wives, if not concubines."
Unlike on Earth, in this world, it was quite common for strong males to have multiple partners. This was why Rose and Ava had agreed to become Yuan's wives, despite knowing that he already had multiple partners. They had also noticed that his wives were very friendly with one another, which was a rare occurrence in most harems. Therefore, they didn't hesitate to make their decision.
Julie's eyes widened in surprise at her mother's words. She looked at Ava and Rose, who stood nearby, their expressions filled with determination and acceptance.
"Mother, I... I understand," Julie said, her voice filled with a mix of hesitation and resolve. "If it is for the village and if Ava and Rose have already made their choice, then I will... I will also agree to become one of Mr. Yuan's wives."
Madam Layla smiled, her heart filled with pride for her daughters. "Thank you, Julie. You've made a noble choice, and I'm proud of all of you."
James, on the other hand, stood there dumbfounded, his mind struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events. "Wait, what? Giving their hands to Yuan? Are you serious, Mother?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief.
Madam Layla turned her gaze towards her son, a hint of determination in her eyes. "Yes, James. I have thought long and hard about this decision. Yuan and his wives have proven their strength and dedication to our village. They risked their lives to protect us, and it is only right that we show our gratitude in a meaningful way."
A few moments later, Julie approached Rose and spoke with a mix of apology and determination. "I'm sorry, elder sister. I know that you already have feelings for Yuan, but the truth is, I have also fallen in love with him the moment I laid my eyes on his handsome face..."
"Oh, Julie... It's alright. I don't blame you for falling in love with the same person. And above all, it's not your fault that you have feelings for Yuan... It's just that he is too handsome for any of us to resist..." Rose looked at Julie, a perplexed feeling in her heart. She reached out and placed a comforting hand on Julie's shoulder.
As they continued their conversation, Yuan cleared his throat loudly, drawing their attention. He spoke, trying to make sense of the situation. "Excuse me. I'm flattered by your feelings, but isn't this moving a bit too fast? We barely know each other, and I already have five wives."
Madam Layla interjected, dismissing Yuan's concerns. "It's alright, Yuan! If you want to marry them in a few years, they can wait for you! I can assure you that they have never been in a relationship before, just like my idiot son here. They are still maidens."
"That's not what I'm trying to say—" Yuan began, but Julie cut him off with a disheartened expression.
"Are we not good enough for you, Mr. Yuan?" Julie asked, her voice filled with disappointment.
"Eh? I never said that..." Yuan shook his head quickly, feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
Ava stepped forward, speaking up in support of her sisters. "If Mr. Yuan doesn't feel comfortable with us now, we're willing to wait until you're ready to accept us, however long that might take... Even if it's only as your concubines."
Yuan was left speechless. Why did they want to be with him so much? He knew he was handsome and had his charms, but this was beyond his expectations.
'Rose is one thing, and I quite like her myself, but what's with these two? Have they really fallen in love with me?' Yuan pondered inwardly.
While Yuan was lost in thought, his mother Anna placed her hand on his shoulder, offering her guidance. "Dear, you shouldn't keep a lady waiting like this, you know? They seem to really like you, and I don't mind you accepting them as your wives as well. Just remember to love us equally."
Yuan looked at Anna, surprised by her suggestion to accept the Monroe sisters as his wives. He glanced at Grace, Emma, Lily, and Xi Meili, who all nodded in agreement.
A few moments passed, and Yuan took a deep breath, his gaze shifting to Rose, Ava, and Julie, who patiently awaited his answer.
"Thank you, Rose, Ava, and Julie," Yuan replied softly, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "Your willingness to be with me means a lot. Let's take the time to get to know each other better. We can let our feelings for one another develop naturally."
"D-Does that mean Mr. Yuan is willing to accept us as your wives?" Julie asked, excitement lacing her voice.
Yuan smiled at them, his eyes filled with kindness and understanding. He nodded his head, confirming his decision.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel