RISE OF EROS

Meanwhile, the carriage carrying Helga and Layla passed through the gates of Cannes Palace. The full moon bathed the complex in a silver glow, making the marble towers shine like gems.

The two solemn-faced vampires knew this meeting would be no ordinary one. Candice, Helena, Carolina, Aki, and Zany, the wives of Andrew's harem, had insisted on speaking to them personally.

Helga and Layla exchanged glances, sharing a silent bond that only years together could forge. Arriving at the main entrance, they were greeted by Candice, whose regal bearing was unmistakable. Her smile held a mix of warmth and calculation.@@novelbin@@

"Welcome to Cannes Palace," Candice said, extending a hand. Helga and Layla shook it respectfully. "It's a pleasure to be here," Helga replied, her tone polite but restrained. Layla nodded, her dark eyes flashing with curiosity.

As usual, the meeting took place in the office. In the center, a round table was set with cups of steaming tea and an assortment of pastries. Helena, always energetic, was the first to speak.

"We have not come here just to make small talk," she said, looking at them with an intensity that contrasted with her usual joviality. "There is something we all want to know," she added. Helga bowed her head gracefully, while Layla narrowed her eyes cautiously. "Please be clear," Helga said. Carolina, always eloquent and direct, took the floor.

"We want to know what your true feelings are towards Andrew." The statement fell like thunder in the room. Layla lowered her gaze, her calm façade showing a crack. Helga, more experienced in the ways of diplomacy, maintained her composure, although her lips tightened.

"Why are you asking us this question?" Helga inquired. Zany, in her usual casual yet sharp tone, replied, "Because it is obvious to us. What we want to confirm is if it is also obvious to you."

Helga was the first to speak. She closed her eyes, taking a moment to find the right words. When she opened them again, her gaze held a mix of vulnerability and determination.

"Andrew… he is unique. He showed us a kindness we did not expect and treated us as equals in a world that rarely does so. Yes, my feelings for him have grown beyond what I thought possible," Helga said.

Layla, visibly affected by her sister's words, finally broke her silence. Her voice trembled but did not waver, "I did not want to admit it, not even to myself. But… he has a light we cannot ignore. Yes, I love him."

The hall fell silent for a moment. The vampires' frankness had surprised even the women of the harem, though they already suspected the truth. Helena was the first to break the silence. Her smile was warm, but her gaze was filled with curiosity.

"So why haven't you said anything before?" Helena asked. Then, Helga and Layla exchanged glances before Helga answered. "Because we don't know if there's a place for us in his life. Andrew already has all of you, women who clearly love and understand him. We don't want to be a burden or cause trouble."

Aki, who had been watching silently, finally spoke up. Her tone was firm but empathetic, "Andrew isn't one to reject someone for fear of complications. If you have feelings for him, you have a duty to be honest, both with him and with yourselves."

Layla frowned as if Aki's words had struck a chord. "But what if by confessing it we ruin what he already has with you?" she said. Candice, the unofficial leader of the group, answered with a serenity that only experience could provide.

"That's not your problem. It's Andrew's to decide how to handle it." Our role is to support him and be honest with our own feelings." With emotions running high, the conversation became more intimate.

The vampires shared stories about how Andrew had changed their perspective on the world and their relationship with humans. Candice and the others, in turn, talked about how Andrew had changed their lives, creating a space where they all felt valued and loved.

Slowly, Helga and Layla began to relax. Although they still harbored doubts, they realized that they were not alone in their concerns. Helena, always cheerful, raised her teacup with a bright smile.

"Well, I think it's time to celebrate. We have two more candidates for the harem!" she said, smiling. The others laughed, even Helga and Layla, although with a touch of shyness. As the night progressed, the conversation drifted to lighter topics, but the decision to speak to Andrew remained a cloud hanging over the meeting.

Candice, as always, took the role of guide. "When Andrew returns from Cannaris, talk to him. Be honest, like you were with us today. I'm sure he'll know how to respond," Helena suddenly said.

Helga and Layla nodded, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness. As they left Cannes Palace under the moonlight, they knew the real test was yet to come, but for the first time in a long time, they felt like they weren't facing it alone.

Meanwhile, in the imperial castle of Cannaris, Andrew looked at Arturios, unaware of the girls' conversation. He had just declared that he had no intention of mending relations with them.

Andrew had helped the empire too much and it had only harmed him, so he had no intention of mending things. It was a childish thought, but Andrew had his pride.

Arturios looked at Andrew seriously and asked, "So, are we enemies?" The question made the atmosphere heavy, but Andrew didn't hesitate and answered, "I don't intend to be your enemy. "Everyone just walks their own path."

Everyone understood Andrew's words, but none of them liked it. It was as if Andrew was looking down on them, and although they were objectively the ones to blame, they wouldn't admit it, and they even believed that Andrew was being irrational.

At that moment Arthur spoke again, "Then, you can go." Even though Augustus is the emperor, Andrew didn't even bother to look at him and left when Arthur gave him the chance.

Once he had left, Minister Elrod couldn't help but ask, "Lord Arthur, why do you allow that brat to be so presumptuous?" Although the others didn't say anything, they all had similar thoughts. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

Even Augustus felt that Arthur hadn't acted well, but he didn't reprimand him, because he is his master and can't expose him in front of everyone. Arthur didn't take the minister's words the wrong way.

He simply looked at him and replied, "Because, he's not someone you want as an enemy." These words were like a bomb in the office. Augustus even jumped and asked, "What do you mean?"

Then, Arturios began to explain to them what was going on. He had asked Demon to investigate Andrew, so he knew about his relationship with Zaros, Elidyr, and other elites. They didn't know the details, but the fact that they had those connections was an indication that it would be dangerous to have Andrew as an enemy.