Goddess's Yuri harem: Chosing the Empress is hard
Chapter 36: The place of Origin - Part 1

Chapter 36: 36: The place of Origin - Part 1

The morning sunlight filtered through the grand windows of Auriel’s chambers, painting the room in golden hues.

The goddess sat at the edge of her bed, brushing her hair absently as her mind wandered back to the events of the previous day.

She felt groggy, despite having slept through the night without interruption. Her dreams had been restless, filled with flashes of swirling images she couldn’t quite grasp, leaving her with an odd, lingering unease.

Carol, on the other hand, stood by the window, her arms crossed and her expression as stormy as ever.

She had stayed up most of the night, her sharp eyes scanning the halls for any sign of trouble. The tension in her shoulders spoke volumes about her frustration.

A knock at the door interrupted their thoughts, and without waiting for an invitation, the Duchess swept inside, her smile as radiant and infuriating as ever.

She was dressed in an elegant crimson gown that complemented her confidence, and her presence seemed to command the room immediately.

"Good morning, Goddess Auriel, and to you as well, Lady Carol. I trust you both slept well?"

She greeted with a melodic tone, her eyes lingering on Auriel’s tired face.

Auriel forced a polite smile, despite feeling far from rested.

"Yes, thank you. The accommodations were more than adequate."

Her voice was soft, and she avoided meeting the Duchess’s gaze directly.

Carol, however, didn’t bother with niceties.

"Let’s not waste time with pleasantries, Duchess. We’re here for the tablet. Show it to us so we can get this over with."

She said sharply, stepping forward.

The Duchess’s smile widened, a hint of mischief sparkling in her eyes.

"Oh, Lady Carol, there’s no need to rush. The tablet isn’t going anywhere. But before we delve into its mysteries, I believe it would be beneficial for the goddess to understand the lands it comes from. After all, the history of the tablet is deeply tied to the region. A tour of the Grand Duchy would provide invaluable context"

She gestured gracefully toward the window.

Carol’s jaw tightened, her irritation evident.

"Cut the act, Duchess. You’re stalling. What game are you trying to play?"

The Duchess tilted her head, her expression one of feigned innocence.

"Stalling? Manipulating? I don’t understand what you mean. I merely want the goddess to fully appreciate the significance of the artifact. Is that so wrong?"

Carol’s temper flared, and she took a step closer, her fists clenched.

"Don’t play dumb with me! You’re deliberately dragging this out to manipulate her into doing whatever it is you want. I won’t let you—"

"Enough!"

Auriel’s voice cut through the rising tension like a blade, firm and commanding. Both women turned to her, their expressions shifting from anger to respect.

Auriel stood, her posture graceful yet authoritative, her eyes steady as they moved between Carol and the Duchess.

"I appreciate your concerns, Carol, and I understand your caution. But I also understand the Duchess’s reasoning. If the tablet is truly connected to the gods, then its history and context matter. Let us not turn this into a conflict when we can handle it with patience and understanding."

The Duchess bowed her head slightly, her smile softening.

"As always, the goddess speaks with wisdom beyond measure. I only wish to provide you with all the information you need, Goddess Auriel."

Carol exhaled sharply, clearly biting back further arguments.

"Fine! But I’ll be watching."

She muttered, stepping back.

Auriel turned to the Duchess, her tone calm but firm.

"If we are to tour the lands, I would prefer it to be efficient. Show me what you believe is important, but do not waste my time. I will not be delayed indefinitely."

The Duchess placed a hand over her heart, bowing slightly.

"Of course, my lady. I assure you, every moment will be worth your while."

Auriel nodded, though she could feel Carol’s simmering frustration beside her. Despite the tension, she felt a small sense of relief that the situation hadn’t spiraled further out of control.

The Duchess gestured toward the door, her tone bright and inviting.

"Shall we, then? The carriage is waiting, and I’ve arranged for a guide to show you some of the most significant locations tied to the tablet’s history."

Auriel followed, her mind heavy with conflicting thoughts. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the Duchess’s actions than met the eye, but she also knew she couldn’t risk alienating a potential ally. For now, she would play along, but she vowed to remain vigilant.

Carol walked slightly behind Auriel, her sharp eyes darting around as if searching for hidden traps. She didn’t trust the Duchess, and she made no effort to hide it. But despite her anger, she respected Auriel’s decision enough to hold her tongue—for now.

As they exited the room, Auriel silently hoped that this excursion would provide the answers she sought. But deep down, she couldn’t ignore the gnawing feeling that this was only the beginning of the Duchess’s elaborate game.

______

Sitting in the same carriage with Duchess Amara made Auriel nervous. She felt goosebumps run down her spine when she noticed the look she was receiving from the duchess.

The older female wasn’t even trying to hide the desire in her eyes.

She wasn’t the only one who noticed it. Carol, sitting beside the goddess, saw the look as well and shifted around until she partially shielded Auriel.

Somehow, Carol looked more nervous than Auriel at that moment.

"Please, don’t be so on guard around me, Goddess Auriel, Priestess Carol. I promise I won’t eat the goddess... unless she wants me to. But that’s a matter for when we get home. I don’t like to share my partners when I’m with them."

Duchess Amara’s words caused Auriel’s face to turn scarlet. Even Carol looked utterly speechless at what she had just heard.

But the duchess either didn’t care that she had made a sexual innuendo, or she was bold enough to flaunt her lack of concern. Even the maid accompanying the duchess didn’t bat an eye when she heard such a remark.

"Ah, looks like we’re finally here. Shall we head down now? I’m sure you’re eager to see this place as much as I am. I shall take you to where we found the stone tablet."

The carriage finally stopped, and the duchess stepped down first. She extended her hand toward Auriel, waiting for her to take it. Auriel hesitated for a full second, unsure whether she could trust the duchess or not.

After about 30 seconds of staring, the duchess didn’t take the hint and kept her smile steady as she held her hand out patiently.

Even Auriel had to admit that the duchess was persistent. She was about to give in and take the duchess’s hand when Carol acted faster, placing her own hand in the duchess’s instead.

Surprise flashed across Duchess Amara’s eyes, and gasps echoed from those around them. Carol, however, kept a neutral expression and spoke in a deadpan voice.

"Duchess Amara, thank you for helping me out. I appreciate that you held out your hand to assist a child like me."

Carol’s words sounded polite, even filled with gratitude, but they were laced with mockery. She was challenging the duchess to respond.

But Carol underestimated Duchess Amara. Before she realized it, the duchess had locked her arms around Carol and lifted her off the ground like a young child, gently helping her down from the carriage.

"Oh my! I never realized how much you’d enjoy playing like this, Priestess Carol. Had I known, I would’ve invited you to be my play partner long ago. But oh well, better late than never. So, what kind of dress—"

Carol snapped out of her daze and quickly stepped back, giving the duchess a disgusted look.

"What is wrong with you? Do you have some kind of fetish or something? Goddess Auriel, maybe we should declare Duchess Amara unfit after all. I don’t think she’s quite right in the head."

Carol complained as she huddled over herself, wrapping her arms around her frame as if to protect herself. But the duchess wasn’t fazed.

If anything, she looked even happier with the outcome. Turning her gaze to Auriel, she spoke with a wide smile.

"Goddess Auriel, please, give me your hand next. Let me help you down safely as well. I give you my word that I have no ulterior motives in assisting you."

The duchess assured Auriel, but Auriel didn’t even spare her a glance. Her eyes were fixed on the ruined building before her.

Something about it struck her as odd, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was.

Auriel stepped past the duchess without a word, her focus drawn entirely to the crumbling structure ahead. It emanated an aura that made her heart race and her palms sweat. Carol hurried to catch up, her expression wary.

The duchess trailed behind, her sly smile unwavering as she watched them.