As the sun began to rise in the morning, Alaric found himself seated at the dining table, enjoying a slice of bread while his thoughts raced over how he would approach his mother.
In spite of the fact that Lyra Steele was never an easy lady to persuade, Alaric was not going to back down anytime soon. It was necessary for his Harem God System to receive a higher level, and the next stage in his strategy was to bring Kara into the home.
'Mother loves me,' Alaric thought, 'but she's also not going to just give in because I ask. I have to make her see that Kara is an asset.'
Exactly at that moment, Lyra entered the room, graceful as she always was. She had a mane of long blonde hair that fell down her back, and when her blue eyes met Alaric's, they sparkled with a keen intellect.
Despite the fact that it was early in the morning, she was dressed really well in a flowing morning gown.
"Good morning, son," she greeted him warmly, though there was always an air of authority in her voice. "You're up early."
Alaric smiled, pushing his plate aside. "Good morning, Mother. I wanted to talk to you about something important."
Lyra raised an eyebrow, sitting down gracefully across from him. "Oh? Important? And what might that be, darling?"
Taking a deep breath, Alaric leaned forward, trying to sound as mature as possible. "It's about Kara, the girl I met in the market yesterday."
Lyra's face didn't change, but he could tell she was immediately on guard. "Kara… yes, you mentioned her before. What about her?"
Alaric nodded eagerly. "Mother, I think she'd be a great help around the house. She's hard-working, she really needs the job, and I think we could use someone like her."
Lyra leaned back in her chair, watching him carefully. "Alaric, you're very young. I don't want you getting ahead of yourself just because you think you've found someone who could help. Hiring new staff is my responsibility, not yours. Besides, you've barely known this girl for a day."
"I know, I know!" Alaric said quickly. "But she's not just some random girl. She's smart and capable, and I just have a feeling about her. Please, Mother, just meet her. Talk to her yourself, and then decide."
Lyra sighed softly, her gaze softening slightly as she looked at him. "I don't want to disappoint you, Alaric. But you're still a child, and I have to think of the household's needs. I can't just hire someone because you want me to."
Alaric experienced a brief moment of irritation, but he managed to push it away. The game required him to play it carefully.
"I understand that," he said, keeping his voice calm. "But I have noticed how we have a shortage of maids in the house and sometimes you have to do the work. I don't want to see you overwork yourself like that. It is for this reason that I tried to find someone who could do that share of work."
As Lyra contemplated the things that he had spoken, she gave him a long look while softly tapping her fingers on the table nearby. The last thing she did was sigh once more and give a little nod.
"Very well," she said. "I'll meet this Kara and decide for myself if she's suitable. But no promises, son. If I don't think she's a good fit, then that's the end of it."
A smile broke out on Alaric's face. "Thank you, Mother! That's all I ask."
In the later hours of that morning, Lyra made a request to one of the maids and communicated to Kara that she should come to the estate. Alaric watched the servant go from the shadows, his enthusiasm hardly restrained as he saw the servant leave. This was the moment that would determine the outcome of nothing else.
'Kara just needs to be herself,' he thought, 'and Mother will see how perfect she is for this.'
After an hour, Kara finally arrived at the Steele estate, her expression displaying a mix of apprehension and resolve.
Lyra was waiting for her in a tiny sitting room, where she was seated beautifully in an armchair, her posture impeccable.
She was escorted into that room when she arrived.
Kara was hesitant for a little period of time, but when Lyra made a motion for her to sit, she complied with the request while keeping her hands securely gripped in her lap.
"Good morning, Kara," Lyra said smoothly, her voice polite but firm. "I understand that my son has taken quite an interest in you."
Kara blushed slightly, bowing her head. "Yes, my lady. Sir Alaric was very kind to me."
Lyra's eyes narrowed slightly, though her expression remained composed. "I see. However, I need to be sure that you're not merely taking advantage of his kindness. I take the hiring of new staff very seriously, especially when my son is involved."
Kara's heart raced, but she kept her composure. "I understand, my lady. I'm just very grateful for this opportunity."
"Tell me about your skills," Lyra continued, her voice sharp. "What experience do you have that makes you think you're suitable for work here?"
Kara took a deep breath. "I've worked in several homes before, mostly doing cleaning, cooking, and taking care of basic household duties. I've learned how to manage things efficiently and how to keep everything organized."
"And you're capable of handling more formal tasks, such as serving at dinners or events?"
"Yes, my lady. I've served at formal gatherings before, and I know how to be discreet and respectful at all times."
Lyra leaned back slightly, studying her. "And your family? What is their situation?"
"My parents are… not well off, my lady. My father is a laborer, and my mother has been sick for some time. I've been doing my best to support them."
Lyra nodded, her expression softening ever so slightly. "And you're not here to deceive my son? You're not trying to manipulate him for your own gain?"
Kara's eyes widened. "No, my lady! I would never… I'm just… I'm just grateful for the chance to work and help my family."
Lyra watched her closely for a long moment, then slowly nodded. "You seem genuine, Kara. I'm willing to give you a chance, but understand that if I see any sign that you're not fulfilling your duties, or that you're influencing my son inappropriately, you will be dismissed immediately. Is that clear?"
Kara nodded eagerly. "Yes, my lady. I promise I'll work hard."
Lyra stood up gracefully. "Good. You'll start tomorrow. Bring your belongings, and you'll be given a room in the servants' quarters."
Kara hesitated for a moment before speaking. "My lady… what about my parents? Can they come with me? They have nowhere else to go, and I don't want to leave them behind."
Lyra considered this for a moment, her fingers tapping lightly on the arm of her chair. "Your parents can come, but they will be given a room in the servant quarters. As long as they follow the rules and do not cause any problems, they may stay."
Kara's eyes filled with gratitude, and she bowed her head deeply. "Thank you, my lady. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Lyra gave her a brief nod. "You may go now. The servants will help you with the arrangements."
Kara's pulse was thumping with excitement as she came from the room where she had been seated. Having accomplished her goal, she had been able to get a place within the Steele home. The entire thing was made possible by Alaric.
As she made her way down the corridor, she noticed that he was standing at the end of the passageway, waiting for her. Kara's expression brightened at the sight of him.
She raced forward without giving it any thought, encircling him with her arms and squeezing him into her chest in a deep hug of gratitude.
"Alaric!" she exclaimed, her voice full of joy. "Thank you so much! I don't know how I'll ever repay you!"
Despite the fact that his face was buried between her huge breasts, Alaric smiled to himself.
'This is definitely worth the effort,' he thought, enjoying the warmth of her embrace. His Harem God System quietly chimed in the background.
[+50 experience points.]
"I'm happy for you, Kara," Alaric whispered, his voice slightly muffled. "You'll do great here. I know it."
Kara pulled back slightly, looking down at him with genuine affection. "You're such a sweet boy, Alaric. I'll make sure to take good care of you too."
Alaric smiled up at her, his mind already planning his next steps. With Kara now officially part of the household, he could continue building his experience, and every physical interaction with her would bring him closer to leveling up.
Over the next few days, Kara settled into her new role at the Steele estate.
She worked hard, impressing both Lyra and the other servants with her dedication and efficiency. But for Alaric, every moment he spent with her was more than just work—it was progress.
Each time Kara ruffled his hair or playfully teased him, he could feel the system responding.
[+10 experience points.]
Whenever she hugged him or pressed him close, the points rolled in even faster.
[+30 experience points.]
Alaric enjoyed the sense of progress, knowing that each encounter got him closer to his objective. And Kara, who had no idea what was going on, kept showing him how much she loved him and was thankful for the chance he had given her.