When the Serial Killer Next Door Gained Harem System

Chapter 153: Starting

To my left, I could see the tables where I’d been sitting only a few minutes earlier. To my right, a narrow wooden staircase descended to the road below.

I hurried down the stairs, with Duskima stumbling after me because I still hadn’t let go of her wrist. Once we reached the road, I guided her around the back of the stable and leaned against the wall, taking a careful breath.

"Shit..."

I peeked around the corner.

A guard stood near the stairs, scanning the area with one hand resting on his sword. After a moment, he scratched the back of his head, slid the blade back into its sheath, and sighed.

"Hm. Must’ve imagined it."

He turned around and walked back toward the stable.

I let out a quiet breath of relief. That was far too close.

"What are you even doing?" Duskima snapped, yanking her hand free. "Are you stupid?"

"Look, Lady Duskima, I’m sorry," I said. "I can’t afford to waste my time here. I genuinely hope you find someone who catches your interest tonight, but I have to go. Take care."

She narrowed her eyes. "You’re refusing me. Again?"

"I’m not refusing you," I replied as I backed toward the road. "I’m simply not acknowledging the invitation."

An irritated smile spread across her face. "Oh, you..."

Leaving her behind, I walked farther down the road and tried to gather my thoughts.

What was I supposed to do now?

I glanced toward the stable entrance and almost laughed. The drunken men from earlier were trying to spy inside. One stood against the wall while another balanced on his shoulders, stretching to peek through the small openings near the roof.

A guard marched over and immediately started shouting at them.

I lowered my head, quietly removed the cloth wraps from my hands, and slipped away before anyone paid attention to me.

Away from the crowd stood a large tree, its branches swaying gently in the evening breeze. Beneath it, a young couple sat shoulder to shoulder, completely absorbed in each other as they exchanged quiet kisses.

Farther ahead, rows of decorated tables filled the lawn, and a small group of musicians performed on a wooden platform. I recognized the flute, but the rest of the instruments were unfamiliar to me. Their melodies blended together into something soft and elegant that fit the atmosphere perfectly.

The singer stepped forward and raised his voice.

"My love was farther than the sea, Yet every wave returned to me.

The stars forgot my lonely name, But your warm smile remained the same.

Should kingdoms fall and rivers dry, My heart would seek you ’til I die."

The nearby guests applauded politely.

"What a beautiful poem, my love," the young man beneath the tree said as he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend.

She smiled brightly at him. "I wish you’d write something like that for me, my love."

"I will," he replied with complete confidence. "Just give me a little time, my love. I’ll write you the finest poem in the kingdom, my love."

"I’ll be waiting, my love."

My love. My love. My love.

I rolled my eyes and looked away.

If only they were Cadence and his fiancée. It would’ve made my job a whole lot easier. Not that I intended to stab the man in front of his future wife, but at least I’d finally know where the bastard was.

A small tent stood in one corner of the courtyard.

Curious, I wandered over. As I got closer, I could see two silhouettes moving behind the canvas. One figure was clearly straddling the other, the shadows shifting with each movement.

A guard standing outside noticed me approaching and grinned.

"Here to entertain yourself, young lad?"

"No," I replied, rubbing the back of my head. "I was just walking around. Is this... what I think it is?"

The guard chuckled. "It is. Fifty gold gets you half an hour."

"Fifty gold... for half an hour?" I muttered. "Holy shit."

He pointed toward another corner of the courtyard.

Several women sat around a group of decorated tables, dressed in revealing outfits that made it obvious why they were there. A few noticed me looking and smiled, while others gave playful little waves.

"Damn," I muttered. "Let’s hope Cadence’s fiancée doesn’t catch her future husband looking over here."

The guard laughed.

"We’ll pack everything up before the ceremony begins. That was Mr. Merygold’s order. He wants the guests to enjoy themselves beforehand, but once the wedding starts, this place goes back to looking respectable. If you can believe it, these are maids. They agreed to do this."

"Fair enough."

I glanced toward the mansion.

"When does the ceremony actually begin? More importantly, where’s the lucky couple?"

The guard shrugged.

"Who knows? They’re probably in their rooms. The young master is most likely making sure everything is perfect, while the bride is probably still getting her hair and dress ready."

"Their rooms, huh?"

The guard nodded.

"That’s my guess."

"Got it. Thanks."

"If you change your mind," the guard said with a grin, "come back before the ceremony starts."

Before he could finish, a loud roar came from inside the tent.

"YES! CUMMING!"

A few seconds later, the canvas flap was shoved open. A dark-skinned woman stepped out, completely naked, her voluptuous body glistening with sweat. Her heavy, full breasts swayed heavily with each step, dark nipples still stiff and shiny. Thick ropes of white cum oozed slowly from her swollen pussy, trickling down her inner thighs in messy strands.

Her round ass was covered in red fingermarks and handprints, clear evidence of how hard she’d been slapped and gripped. She looked calm, almost serene, but her breathing was ragged, panting breaths that made her breasts rise and fall. A faint, satisfied smile played on her lips as she wiped sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, her legs still slightly shaky.

She didn’t bother covering herself. She just stood there for a moment, letting the cool air hit her cum-smeared body, before walking off like it was the most normal thing in the world.

I let out a slow breath, gave the guard a small nod, and turned away. "Well..." I muttered to myself. "Another dead end."

I made my way back toward the table where I had been sitting earlier, weaving through the guests as conversations and laughter filled the courtyard once again.

Before I reached it, the large double doors leading back into the mansion opened.

The first person to step outside was General Tornhawk, his posture as rigid as ever. His sharp eyes swept across the courtyard before he took two measured steps aside.

A heartbeat later, the Queen emerged.

The chatter died almost instantly.

Nobles, merchants, servants, musicians, and even the women entertaining guests all turned toward her. The women from the tent hurried over from their corner, wrapping towels around themselves before lowering their heads respectfully.

The Queen looked as composed as ever.

Her long crimson hair, still slightly damp from the bath she had taken earlier, had been tied neatly into a high ponytail that rested down her back. She wore a fresh gown befitting her station, and despite the journey here, she looked completely unbothered by the evening.

General Tornhawk raised his voice. "Her Majesty, Queen Mia."

Everyone bowed.

The Queen let her gaze drift across the gathered guests before offering a small, graceful smile.

"Please, raise your heads."

The guests slowly straightened.

"I thank you all for accepting the Merygold family’s invitation. Tonight is not a celebration of the Crown, but of two families becoming one. Enjoy the evening, honor the bride and groom, and may the gods bless the union they are about to forge."

A respectful murmur spread through the courtyard.

"Long live the Queen."

"Long live Her Majesty."

The Queen acknowledged them with a single nod before continuing into the mansion, General Tornhawk falling into step beside her while the royal guards followed close behind.

The courtyard remained silent for only a moment. Then the conversations returned all at once.

"I can’t believe we actually saw the Queen."

"She’s even more beautiful than the rumors say."

"I heard she came straight from the capital."

"I’ve never been this close to royalty before."

I simply shook my head and continued toward my table.

Once I reached it, I pulled out the chair, sat down, grabbed another cookie from the platter, and settled in to wait.

Guess I was going to wait, no choice...

ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎

About half an hour later, the atmosphere in the back courtyard began to change.

Maids hurried from table to table, refilling empty goblets with fresh wine and replacing empty platters with steaming dishes from the kitchens. Every few moments another servant would emerge from the mansion carrying trays stacked high with roasted meats, pastries, fruit, and fresh bread.

Near the corner of the courtyard, I noticed one of the maids speaking quietly with the guard who had been watching over the entertainment tent. Once she finished, the guard nodded and relayed the message to the women waiting nearby.

Without complaint, they immediately began dismantling the tent, folding the canvas and carrying away the wooden poles with practiced efficiency.

I leaned back slightly.

Was it finally starting?