QT: I hijacked a harem system and now I'm ruining every plot(GL)-Chapter 246: Holiday

Chapter 246: Holiday
Chapter 246
Nima
I wake up panicked, heart pounding like I’m late for something. My hands fumble for my notes before I even realize—
Wait.
I freeze, sitting upright in the dim, quiet room.
Exams are over.
I blink dumbly at the neat stack of books on the desk, untouched since yesterday. The panic drains out of me all at once, leaving only the strange hollow calm that follows weeks of running at full speed.
I turn, the sheets sliding down my shoulders, and there she is.
Daphne.
Sprawled on her back, one arm thrown over her head, the other hand resting possessively where I’d been curled against her chest. Fast asleep, utterly unbothered, her tail twitching lazily even in dreams.
For a long moment, I just stare.
She’s... unfair. Too attractive. The strong line of her jaw, the faint smirk even in her sleep, her lashes casting long shadows over her cheekbones. She looks carved out of something sharp and dangerous—yet softer, more peaceful like this.
My chest feels too tight.
Before I can stop myself, I lift a hand. My fingertip brushes her temple, then traces the slope of her cheek, the curve of her lips. Her skin is warm, smooth. She exhales faintly, lips parting, and my finger trembles as if I’ve touched fire.
What an interesting Longear I am, daring to play with a predator like this.
I stifle a laugh at myself, muffled against my own hand. If she were awake, she’d tease me mercilessly.
Careful, Nima. You’re the rabbit reaching out to stroke the panther’s fangs.
And yet... I can’t help it.
Her lips look too inviting.
I drop my hand quickly, rolling back onto my side before temptation takes me any further. My heart’s already racing.
There’s a week-long holiday before class resumes. A week without exams, without lectures, without the suffocating weight of study.
A week with her.
The thought makes my ears burn. Even though I’ve seen her every day, I haven’t actually
seen
her. Not really. Not spent time with her outside stolen moments between studies and exhaustion.
Her arms shift suddenly in sleep, reaching for me. She engulfs me without waking, pulling me tight against her chest like I’m her pillow.
The steady beat of her heart fills my ears, calling me into peaceful sleep.
***
Felix
I should be resting. Gods know I earned it after exams. But instead, here I am—
yet
again
—standing under another set of chandeliers at another noble function.
"Control your expression, Your Highness," a voice murmurs at my side.
I immediately fix my face into a polite, charming smile.
"Miss Edith," I say smoothly, though my jaw is tight, "how much longer must I endure this?"
Her arm slips around my bicep, guiding me through the crowd as though she’s the one wearing the crown.
"Endure, Your Highness," she replies sweetly, though her green eyes gleam sharp. "You’ve been isolated from high society too long. These are sacrifices that need to be made."
"With good reason," I mutter through my smile. "I’m not yet ready for this."
She doesn’t flinch. "Don’t worry. Follow my lead."
And I do.
As much as I complain, I can’t deny it—Edith makes this easier. With her steering me through conversation after conversation, the oppressive weight I’d feared begins to loosen. These aren’t faceless names on parchment anymore. Nobles are men with tired eyes and glasses of wine, women with perfumed laughter and subtle daggers in their words. Not as terrifying as I thought.
Not at all.
***
Edith
The third day of the week-long break.
I decide it’s time to step back. To loosen my hand on the reins and let the lion cub test his footing.
And of course, he doesn’t stumble.
Across the room, Felix Leonhart is laughing easily among a circle of young lords, his posture regal, his smile natural. A prince who belongs.
That’s it, little lion. Grow into the big, bad lion I need you to be.
Slipping out unseen, I let the clamor of the hall fade behind me. Outside, the air is cooler, crisper. A carriage waits where it always does.
I step in.
"Daughter," a cold voice greets me.
"Father," I answer, settling across from him.
We never waste time on pleasantries.
"I left for the capital at once," he says. "Is what you claimed true?"
"Yes, Father."
A thoughtful hum. Then: "If only my sons were half as sharp as you. I thought our family would have to wait another generation. But this..." He exhales slowly, calculating. "...this is different."
I smile faintly. "Two years before he graduates. More than enough time to mold him. But we need a foothold in the capital."
"That will be difficult," he says at once, tapping his fingers against the armrest in thought. "This is their domain. And the Snowfrosts—word is they’ve already begun tying themselves to royalty. They move as if the crown is theirs by right."
I lean forward. "Leave the Snowfrost girl to me. What you must do is build strength outside their web. Stretch our claws before they notice."
He studies me through the gloom. Then nods once, deliberate. "It isn’t impossible. But two years is too short. The moment they sense our intent, the great houses will band together. You know how they treat us— outsiders from the east."
A slow smile curves my lips. "And what if I told you the duchess herself will lend me her support?"
A pause. Then the sound of quiet amusement in his voice. "That changes everything."
I stand, brushing imaginary dust from my skirts. "I should go. He’ll be looking for me soon. I’ll send word, Father."
The carriage rocks as I step back into the night.
"And might I ask who that was?" a voice calls after me as I step back into the corridor.
The little lion
I don’t even bother to glance at him; instead, I pause mid-stride, tilt my head just enough to let my smile ghost over my shoulder.
"Should you really be leaving your Highness?" I murmur, dipping in a slight bow that’s half-mockery, half-courtesy.
His golden eyes narrow faintly. "Excuse me?"
"It was another one of your future in-laws," I say airily, straightening and continuing down the hall.
There’s a small beat of silence behind me. Then: "What?" His footfalls stumble once before resuming, quickening to keep up.
I let my tail flick lazily behind me, brushing the soft fur across the side of his neck as he draws level with me. The motion is casual, teasing, but it makes him shiver.
"You heard me," I say, glancing at him from under my lashes before striding past, the faintest smirk curving my lips.
Behind me, I can hear the slight catch in his breath, the way his steps falter again as my words sink in.
Really it is too easy.