My Eccentric Harem

The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains, and Aoyama stirred from his futon to the faint sound of laughter. He blinked and sat up, peering into the small living room. Mantis and Aqua were seated on the floor, a pile of cards between them, while Albedo stood off to the side with her arms crossed, watching with a mix of disdain and curiosity.

"I win again!" Aqua exclaimed, slapping her cards onto the table triumphantly.

Mantis clapped her hands, her antennae twitching with delight. "You're very good at this, Aqua. I admire your confidence!"

"Of course I am," Aqua said, puffing out her chest. "A goddess like me is naturally superior at everything."

Albedo scoffed. "Superior? I doubt your inflated ego would survive a real challenge."

"Care to back that up, Albedo?" Aqua retorted, tossing the cards aside and standing to face her.

"Enough, you two," Aoyama interrupted, stepping into the room. "It's too early for this."

Mantis turned to him with a serene smile. "Good morning, Aoyama. Did you sleep well?"

"About as well as I could with you three under the same roof," he said, though his tone lacked its usual edge. "What's going on here?"

"Aqua was teaching me a card game," Mantis explained. "It was very… enlightening."

"Let me guess," Aoyama said, glancing at Aqua. "She used the opportunity to show off?"

"You know me so well," Aqua replied with a grin.

---

An Unexpected Outing

After breakfast, Mantis approached Aoyama with an unexpected request. "Could we go to the market today? I want to see more of this world."

Aoyama blinked. "The market? Sure, I guess. Do you need anything?"

"Not really," Mantis said. "I just want to experience it."

Aqua smirked from her spot on the couch. "Taking her out on a date already? Didn't take you long, Aoyama."

"It's not a date," Aoyama said quickly, his face reddening. "It's… just showing her around."

Albedo arched an eyebrow. "You seem unusually eager to please her."

"It's called being a decent person," Aoyama muttered, grabbing his jacket. "Let's go, Mantis."

---

The market was bustling with activity, the air filled with the scents of freshly baked bread, sizzling street food, and the chatter of vendors. Mantis's wide-eyed wonder at everything—from the colorful displays of produce to the intricate trinkets sold by street vendors—was infectious.

"What is this?" Mantis asked, holding up a small wooden figurine of a bird.

"It's a carving," Aoyama explained. "People make them by hand. You like it?"

Mantis nodded, her antennae twitching. "It feels… joyful. Can I get it?"

Aoyama smiled. "Sure."

As they wandered through the market, Aoyama couldn't help but notice how Mantis's presence seemed to draw people in. Her genuine interest and gentle demeanor made her a natural at connecting with others. Even the grumpiest vendors softened under her warm gaze.

"You're amazing with people," Aoyama said as they sat down for a quick snack.

Mantis tilted her head. "I don't do anything special. I just… feel their emotions and try to make them feel better."

"That's more than most people can say," Aoyama said, smiling. "It's a gift."

Mantis looked down at her hands, her expression thoughtful. "I've always thought of it as just who I am. But… thank you."

---

Harem System Update

Later that evening, the familiar glow of the system appeared as Aoyama relaxed on the futon. Curious, he opened Mantis's profile.

---

Name: Mantis

Harem Affection Level: 60/100

---

"Sixty already?" Aoyama murmured, his eyes widening. "She's catching up fast."

"Let me guess," Aqua said, peeking over his shoulder. "Her affection level shot up after your little market date."

"It wasn't a date," Aoyama insisted.

"Whatever you say," Aqua said with a smirk.

---

A Quiet Moment

That night, Mantis found Aoyama sitting on the balcony, gazing at the city lights. She approached quietly, her footsteps barely audible.

"May I join you?" she asked.

"Of course," Aoyama said, motioning to the spot next to him.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the cool breeze ruffling their hair. Finally, Mantis spoke.

"I've been thinking," she said softly. "This world is so different from what I'm used to. But… I feel at home here."

Aoyama glanced at her, surprised. "Really?"

Mantis nodded. "Because of you. You've made me feel welcome, even when I didn't know what to expect."

Aoyama felt his chest tighten. "I'm glad you feel that way. It's been… nice having you here too."

Mantis smiled, her antennae glowing faintly. "Thank you, Aoyama. For everything."

---

Harem System Update

Before heading to bed, Aoyama checked the system one last time.

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Name: Mantis

Harem Affection Level: 75/100

---

"Seventy-five," Aoyama murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips. "She's something special."

As he closed the system, he couldn't help but feel a growing warmth in his chest. His chaotic life was starting to feel a little more… complete.

---

To Be Continued...