Gon's Harem System
Chapter 155: Unexpected journey

Chapter 155: Unexpected journey

Gon lay stretched out on his bed, the tension from his latest conquest still fading from his limbs.

Lyssia had been intense, her sharp tongue and sharper glares giving way to something else entirely.

The air in his room hung heavy, he let out a slow breath, staring at the ceiling.

The lust system’s message flickered in his mind, "180/200 conquests completed. One more for Level 2."

He was close, so close, to that next step.

His body already felt stronger as a Body Initiate, Level 2 would push him further, just in time for the tournament in two days.

He shifted, resting an arm behind his head.

No rush, though.

He wasn’t about to scramble after women like some starved animal.

Elsa or Ana would show up tonight, his maids always did, one way or another.

Elsa with her quiet glances, Ana with her bold smirks.

One of them would be enough to tip him over the edge, unlock the next level, send him into the tournament ready to dominate.

He’d done it before with Milo at his side, this time he’d be even better.

No sweat.

His thoughts wandered.

It still felt strange, having this kind of power after so long without.

Growing up, he’d been the duke’s disappointment, the only son with no mana, a noble in title but not in strength.

The old man had written him off, Gon had felt it every day.

Now, with the system and that first tournament win under his belt, things were different.

He was different.

Conquering women to level up wasn’t exactly noble, it worked.

And he wasn’t complaining.

He closed his eyes, debating which maid he’d pick later.

Ana might push him, make it a challenge.

Elsa would be simpler, softer.

Didn’t matter, the system just needed the act, he’d get his reward.

Two days was plenty of time.

He could rest now, let his body recover, wait for the night to roll in.

The tournament could wait a little longer.

A firm knock broke the silence.

Gon frowned, sitting up as the door opened.

Rolf, one of the duke’s guards, stepped inside, broad shoulders, scarred face, that no-nonsense look he always wore.

"My lord," he said, voice clipped. "The Duke wants you. You’re to accompany him to a meeting. Be at the stables in twenty."

Gon froze, halfway off the bed.

"The Duke? My father?" He squinted at Rolf, half-expecting a mistake. "You sure?"

"His Grace was specific," Rolf replied, unmoved. "Duke Ardyn said you. Get ready."

The guard turned and left, leaving Gon staring at the empty doorway.

He slid to his feet, grabbing a tunic from the chair as his mind spun.

The duke hadn’t asked him along for anything in years, not since that last trip, when the truth about his mana hit hard.

He could still see it, the healers shaking their heads, the duke’s jaw tightening as he realized nothing could fix his son.

After that, Gon was sidelined, left to fester in the estate while his father handled business alone.

Until now.

He pulled the tunic on, smoothing it down.

Why now?

The tournament win must’ve caught the old man’s eye, proof Gon wasn’t useless anymore.

He smirked faintly.

Fine.

He’d go, see what this meeting was about, still have time to level up tonight.

Elsa or Ana would be waiting when he got back.

Whatever the duke wanted, Gon would handle it, and then some.

Gon tugged at the collar of his tunic as the carriage jolted along the cobblestone road, his father’s presence beside him a rare weight.

Duke Ardyn sat stiff-backed, staring out the window, his silence louder than any lecture.

The summons still echoed in Gon’s head, accompany him to a meeting, after years of being ignored.

His hands flexed, restless.

This wasn’t just a ride-along.

It was a chance to prove himself, to show the duke he wasn’t the useless son anymore, not just on the battlefield, but here, in the world of deals and handshakes.

The tournament win with Milo had turned heads, now he’d make his father see it too.

The carriage slowed, pulling up to an estate with high walls and a polished gate.

House Veyris, the crest above the entrance declared, sharp angles and a coiled serpent.

Gon’s stomach tightened, he kept his face blank.

The duke stepped out first, his boots hitting the gravel with purpose, Gon followed, smoothing his expression.

A man emerged from the grand doors to greet them, Lord Veyris, broad-shouldered and silver-haired, his smile tight but polite.

"Duke Ardyn," he said, clasping hands. "Welcome. And your son, I presume?"

His eyes flicked to Gon, lingering a beat too long, like he was sizing up a horse at market.

"Gon," the duke said curtly, nodding for him to keep up as they were ushered inside.

The hall was all wealth and show, marble floors, tapestries of battles long past, a fire crackling in a massive hearth.

Lord Veyris played the host well, offering wine and gesturing to plush chairs.

"Sit, please. We’ve much to discuss, trade routes, border tariffs. The usual."

His tone was smooth, Gon caught the edge beneath it.

The duke settled in, already talking numbers, Gon took a seat, keeping his ears open.

He wasn’t here to sip wine and nod, this was his shot to listen, learn, maybe even speak if the moment came.

Then it hit him.

Veyris.

The name clicked like a lock snapping shut.

He’d seen that crest before, on a shield, in the dust of the first tournament.

Ethan Veyris, the smug mage who’d strutted into the ring like he owned it, tossing taunts until Gon knocked him flat.

Underestimated him, figured the duke’s former mana-less son was an easy mark.

Milo had laughed his head off when Ethan hit the ground, Gon had walked away with the win.

This was his house.

The realization sparked something in Gon’s chest, part pride, part wariness.

He scanned the room, half-expecting Ethan to slink out from behind a curtain, it was just the two lords for now.

Lord Veyris leaned forward, pouring more wine, his voice droning about grain shipments.

Gon tuned it out, his mind racing.

If Ethan was here, this visit just got interesting.

The guy had a grudge, Gon could still picture his red-faced glare after the fight.