My Eccentric Harem

The final days leading up to Albedo's decision were charged with tension. Though she hadn't explicitly voiced her feelings, Aoyama could sense her struggle. Her usual sharp wit was softened, her responses more introspective, and she spent more time in quiet contemplation. Aqua, sensing the shift, had toned down her teasing and gave Albedo the space she needed.

But the moment they'd been waiting for arrived sooner than expected.

---

One evening, Aoyama was sitting at the kitchen table, reviewing his notes, when the familiar glow of the Harem System appeared. Albedo, who had just stepped out of her room, froze as the shimmering interface filled the room.

---

Affection Level: 100/100

Albedo's Decision Required: Stay or Return

---

Aoyama's chest tightened as he glanced at Albedo. She stared at the screen, her golden eyes wide with a mix of emotions—shock, confusion, and something deeper. Aqua, who had been lounging on the couch, sat up, her usual smirk replaced by a serious expression.

"It's time," Aqua said softly.

Albedo's gaze shifted to Aoyama, her expression unreadable. "Is this... permanent?"

Aoyama nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Yeah. If you choose to stay, you'll lose your connection to Ainz and your role in your world. You'll be human."

"And if I leave?" Albedo asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"You go back to your world, to Ainz, and to the life you had before," Aoyama said quietly. "It's your choice, Albedo. I won't... I won't hold it against you, whatever you decide."

The room fell silent as Albedo turned back to the glowing interface. Her hands clenched at her sides, her wings trembling slightly as she wrestled with the decision.

"I've spent my entire existence devoted to him," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "Everything I am, everything I believed in, was tied to him. But now..."

Her gaze flicked back to Aoyama, and her golden eyes softened. "Now I've seen that there's more to life than blind devotion. That I can choose my own path."

Aoyama's breath caught as Albedo stepped forward, her hand hovering over the interface. After a moment of hesitation, she pressed her hand to the glowing screen.

---

Decision: Stay

Next Spin Unlocked

---

The interface dimmed, and the glow faded. Albedo let out a shaky breath, her wings folding neatly behind her as she turned to face Aoyama.

"I've made my choice," she said softly. "I'm staying."

Aoyama felt a rush of relief and warmth flood his chest. "Albedo... are you sure?"

"Yes," she said firmly, her golden eyes meeting his. "For the first time, I am."

Before he could respond, Aqua let out a dramatic sigh from the couch. "Well, looks like we're stuck with you, then."

Albedo shot her a sharp look, though there was no real malice in it. "You'll survive."

Aoyama chuckled, shaking his head. "You two are impossible."

---

Later that night, as Aoyama sat alone in the living room, the system reappeared.

---

Next Spin Unlocked

---

The glowing Spin button hovered in the air, waiting for his command. Aoyama stared at it for a long moment, his mind racing. But just as before, he waved the interface away.

"Not now," he murmured. "Let's figure this out first."

---

The next morning, Albedo was unusually quiet during breakfast. Aqua, sensing the mood, decided to break the tension.

"So, Albedo," she said, smirking. "How does it feel to be human?"

"I am... adjusting," Albedo replied, her tone measured.

"Well, get used to it," Aqua said cheerfully. "Welcome to the world of mortals. It's not so bad once you embrace the chaos."

Aoyama chuckled, glancing at Albedo. "She's right. It's not so bad."

Albedo's lips twitched into a faint smile. "We'll see."

---

As the day went on, Albedo began to settle into her new reality. She spent more time with Aqua and Aoyama, joining in their conversations and even laughing at some of Aqua's more ridiculous jokes. Though she still carried herself with her usual elegance, there was a lightness to her presence that hadn't been there before.

That evening, as they sat on the balcony watching the sunset, Albedo turned to Aoyama.

"Thank you," she said softly. "For giving me the courage to choose."

Aoyama smiled, his chest tightening. "I didn't do anything. That was all you."

"No," Albedo said, her golden eyes shining. "It wasn't."

---

As the night fell and the city lights flickered below, Aoyama felt a sense of peace settle over him. The system might have brought them together, but the bonds they had built were real.

And for the first time, he was excited to see where their journey would take them next.

To Be Continued...