Demonic Witches Harem: Having Descendants Make Me Overpowered!
Chapter 168 - 168: A New Life

Lilac raised her wine glass, swirling the deep crimson liquid gently as a playful smile touched her lips.

"So, what exactly are we discussing now?" she asked, her gaze flicking between the two.

"Nothing too heavy," Claude replied with a grin.

"I just wanted to introduce the two of you properly. Since I'll be named Prince Consort next month, it's better for you both to get to know each other, don't you think? After all, Emmalise will be part of my harem."

"That's true," Emmalise added, sipping her wine.

"I also wanted to see the kingdom I'll soon call my second home. And honestly? It's charming. Not as developed as Cortinvar, of course, but it feels warm, peaceful. The people love this land."

Hearing that made both Claude and Lilac straighten with pride. Building Elysium into a thriving realm had taken relentless effort from Claude and their council.

Once poor and isolated, their kingdom now glowed with life—and it showed.

"Well then," Lilac said, resting her hand elegantly on her lap, "welcome to Elysium, Queen Emmalise."

"You may be a queen in your own right, but in this kingdom, I'm the one who manages the harem."

Emmalise raised a brow, clearly intrigued.

"And because of that," Lilac continued smoothly, "there are a few expectations. You'll be required to attend my class at least once a week. We also host a monthly hunting event and hold afternoon tea three times a week."

"Your class?" Emmalise asked, tilting her head with interest.

She had always been a leader—of armies, of councils, of her people. The idea of yielding, even a little, and learning from another woman… was strangely thrilling.

"It's a magic class," Lilac explained. "We focus on mana control, expanding our mana pool, learning new spells, cultivation techniques, the works."

"It's important that all of Claude's concubines keep improving. The stronger our mana, the stronger our children will be."

At that, Emmalise's eyes widened slightly. A soft blush colored her cheeks. "Children, huh…" she murmured, the thought lingering in her mind.

The image of bearing a child—Claude's child—sent a ripple of warmth through her. For the first time in years, she felt like a young girl again, daydreaming of family and future.

Lilac noticed the blush and smirked slightly, leaning closer. "You're not the only one who's excited by the thought."

Emmalise's face turned an even deeper shade of red, while Claude chuckled at the interaction. Clearing her throat, Emmalise composed herself.

"Though, my child will be considered an heir to the Cortinvar throne, as per our agreement."

Lilac's smile sharpened, though her tone remained smooth. "I don't mind. If anything, it's a good thing. My daughter rival's to get to the throne will be decreasing."

Emmalise blinked and turned to Claude, surprised. "You allow your children to compete for the throne? From my experience, that kind of succession leads to nothing but bloodshed."

Claude leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "It goes to the one who proves their worth—who makes the greatest contribution to this kingdom."

"Oh," Emmalise replied, an uneasy smile tugging at her lips. "For a moment, I imagined a barbaric tournament where they're all thrown into an arena until only one stands."

"We do have an event like that," Lilac said casually, cutting a slice of the smoked beef and popping it into her mouth.

"But it's not to the death. Just… bloody." She chewed calmly, as if talking about the weather.

Emmalise stared at them, bewildered. Were they not the least bit concerned about their children's safety?

'It must be a cultural thing…' she thought, nodding slightly to herself as she tried to understand their customs.

Lilac leaned back into the sofa, brushing a hand through her long purple hair. "Still, it's a bit of a shame that my daughter's gift isn't suited for combat."

"Aquila's gift is terrifying in its own way," Claude added.

"She can charm a crowd with a word and bend the will of kings. That's more powerful than most swords."

The room slowly quieted as the night wore on. The fireplace crackled gently, casting warm flickers of gold against the velvet curtains and the glinting wine glasses.

Eventually, Lilac shifted and stretched, then laid her head on Claude's lap with a satisfied sigh, letting the world go quiet around her.

"I suppose you're not going anywhere tonight either," Claude murmured, glancing at Emmalise with a small smile.

Emmalise only chuckled softly, sipping the last of her wine. "No. I suppose I'll stay a little longer."

---

With the morning sun come, Lilac accompanied Emmalise through the palace halls, guiding her to the garden where introductions awaited.

Today, she would meet the high-ranking concubines and the royal children of Elysium.

The gathering was relaxed yet dignified. Each woman greeted Emmalise with surprising warmth, their smiles genuine, their curiosity polite but kind.

The air was crisp but cheerful, and laughter from the children playing tag in the garden carried like a song on the wind.

"They're all so adorable," Emmalise remarked, her eyes following a small girl who had the same dark hair and striking eyes as Claude.

She crouched slightly, reaching out to gently pinch the child's rosy cheek.

The toddler pouted and swatted her hand with a grumble. "Nooo…"

Emmalise chuckled. "So cute."

"That's Carina," Lilac said with a smile. "She's got Claude's fire in her blood and his stubbornness too."

They all settled at a round marble table beneath a pergola wrapped in enchanted winter blossoms. Tea was served, along with warm bread and honeyed fruits.

While the children ran about with reckless joy, one boy remained beside his mother, quietly flipping through a grimoire.

"How old is she? About a year?" Emmalise asked, sipping her tea.

Aubree, seated beside her, looked slightly embarrassed. "Ah, no. She's just three months."

Emmalise blinked. "Three—? Then what about Antares?"

"Seven months," Sophie chimed in with a gentle smile.

Emmalise frowned in confusion. "That doesn't make sense. They look like toddlers."

Lilac leaned in, resting her chin on her palm. "Claude's children don't grow like normal humans or daemons. Their development is… accelerated."

"They grow faster, learn faster—but only until they reach about eighteen. After that, everything stabilizes."

"That's… going to be a problem," Emmalise muttered, brows furrowed.

Lilac caught the concern in her tone and placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "You're worried about the Cortinvar council, aren't you?"

Emmalise nodded. "They'll watch my child like hawks. If the baby grows too quickly, they'll accuse them of being a monster, or worse—claim I've been cursed."

Lilac's voice was soft but certain. "Then use a body double. Once the growth stabilizes, no one will be able to tell the difference."

Relief washed over Emmalise's face. "I see… I was worried they'd reach old age before I do."

That earned a round of laughter from the concubines.

From a distance, Claude stood at the edge of the balcony, overlooking the peaceful garden below.

His eyes rested on the scene of serenity—concubines laughing over tea, children playing without care, and Emmalise easing into the warmth of her new life.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmph... Maybe it's because they're all older than me. Maturity sure makes a difference."

"Excuse me, Your Majesty?" Vulture asked, clearly having missed what his master said.

Claude glanced over his shoulder. "I was just admiring how peaceful my harem is. No one trying to claw each other's throats out. It's a miracle."

"Ah... I see," Vulture replied stiffly.

"Anyway," Claude turned to face him, hands behind his back. "How's your wife doing?"

Vulture's gaze shifted awkwardly to the side, avoiding eye contact. "Uhh... normal?"

Claude narrowed his eyes. "Vulture."

The man sighed in defeat. "I left her alone in the house you arranged for us. But don't worry! I visit after patrol... when I can."

Claude folded his arms. "And exactly how often is 'when I can'?"

"You know... three times a week?" Vulture said, scratching the back of his neck like a child caught lying.

Claude let out a long sigh of disappointment, rubbing his temple. "What is wrong with you and forming connections with living beings?"

"I-I don't know, Your Majesty!" Vulture blurted, flustered for the first time in ages. "She keeps trying to touch me and I just—I freeze up!"

Claude blinked at him. "It's normal! That's what husbands and wives do. Mating! Intimacy! Bonding! You know—basic relationship stuff!"

Vulture's shoulders slumped, his face a mix of confusion and dread. "I... I don't know how to do that. Not in this form."

Claude stared. "Are you serious?"

Vulture looked down, ashamed. "In my kind, once we mate, the female raises the offspring alone. The male leaves."

"Well, surprise!" Claude threw his arms up. "You married a daemon. And in this kingdom, we don't just vanish after sex. We raise our families together."

Claude gave him a firm slap on the shoulder. "I'm telling Lilac to assign one of the concubine patrons to teach you how things work around here."

"W-Wait—what?! Please, Your Majesty, don't do that!" Vulture begged, scrambling after him as Claude began walking away.

Claude didn't stop. "Too late! I want a baby by next year, Vulture! I'm already preparing to be a grandpa!" He waved over a passing servant like he was ordering dinner.

Vulture's face turned ghostly pale. "B-But... I'm not ready..."

"Well, get ready!" Claude called without turning back.

And with that, the Sovereign of Elysium left his poor subordinate to the mercy of maternal instincts and concubine tutors, completely unbothered—while Vulture could only groan in despair and follow like a man marching to his doom.