But soon enough, the expressions of the beauties became understanding despite their own feelings.
After a long round table discussion that lasted for a few hours, the harem council then came to a consensus that the four of them would not be bestowed the title of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth wife as they were in line first and the four of them had no choice but to accept it, neither did they want to oppose the decision as they were now a part of it.
However, the harem council again decided that Shea would get priority over a title since she has his child, which, again, they had no choice but to accept.
But this wasn't the most important part of the discussion.
Evelynn stood up from her seat that was directly beside Davis.
"After a long session of discussing wants while also respecting everyone's decision and opinion, I would like to make it clear that the titles of our sisters own, despite the order of the marriage that may vary depending on how his time allows him to maneuver, would not change from here on out."
The harem council collectively nodded. It was a sight that Davis craved as he saw the beauties work together even without him commanding them that he felt like he had to give it to Evelynn and Isabella for working this out together.
And as expected, Isabella stood up with a scroll in her hand.
"After the eighth wife, Niera Alstreim, comes the ninth wife, Tina Roxley."
"Tenth wife, Iesha Frostrain"
"Eleventh wife, Lea Weiss"
"Twelfth wife, Nadia"
"Thirteenth wife, Tanya Frostblight"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Fourteenth wife, Dalila Leehan"
"Fifteenth wife, Ellia"
"Sixteenth wife, Zestria Domitian"
"Seventeenth wife, Bylai Zlatan"
Isabella read the list without breaking character before panning her gaze around.
"I have to imply that these titles themselves don't give you any power or status other than a sense of belonging. The only title that matters is the title of the first wife for order amidst the harem but other than that, feel free to point out the first wife or my mistakes anytime you want. We won't get offended, and neither should you. Understand?"
"Yes~"
A resounding agreement resounded inside the hall, causing Davis to reach a state of eargasm.
Surprisingly, Zestria and Bylai had no problem being the last ones as they recognized that the way they fell in love with him was quite awkward to everyone else, even the four who got drugged.
Ellia was also not mad at being placed fifteenth despite being one of the first to be with him since she was his personal maid.
As for her reason, she simply said her place in the harem doesn't matter as long as she is an integral part of it, causing numerous gazes to flicker with doubt and respect as the ones who experienced respect knew she was simply speaking the truth as Ellia paid no heed to titles from the bottom of her heart as she went around helping everyone while treating them with respect.
As for Tina Roxley, her title was the most controversial, not because they disapproved of her but because she herself denied the ninth place. After all, the ninth place, or the number nine, held a significant meaning in the cultivation world as it is the beginning and also the end.
She was not willing to have it, but the top beauties said she should be the one to have it because of her unique situation with Davis, although it wasn't discussed in detail.
Other than them, Iesha and Lea were given respect for their seniority in time and age, while Nadia simply wanted the twelfth position because she liked that number due to being a part of the Twelve Paragon Magical Beasts.
Regardless, this list was something everyone present agreed upon, so none of them had any issues, at least on the surface, but even if they had, it was not changeable, so they had to accept and learn to live with it.
With the discussion coming to an end, Davis gestured for the two of them to sit as he smiled.
"I know I'm quite shameless to want to have you all despite having little time to share, but I promise once we are in peace with the world, we have all the time to create a vast family surrounded by hearty waves of laughter and smiling faces filled with a sense of security."
"Indeed. Patience is romance." Mingzhi closed her eyes, "We are not spoiled women who are hooked on instant gratification, but that doesn't mean you can willfully ignore us."
"I don't willfully ignore people, much less my women."
"And that's why we understand."
She smiled as she opened her eyes, winking at him, which caused Davis to know that she was helping him. He couldn't help but shake his head inwardly as he saw the others nod as though they were fully approving, not even knowing that Mingzhi's way of thinking influenced them, not that she hadn't told any lies as far as he knew.
However, his expression couldn't help but turn suddenly cold as he looked at a white-robed woman as he gestured at Shea and the others.
"Ellia, I introduced them again specifically for you since you have been away, but do you have something to hide from me?"
"…"
Ellia's expression froze while the expressions of the others sank.
A few people were standing near the corners, and one of them was a beautiful blonde-haired, purple-eyed woman whose body shuddered ever so lightly.
Davis sat like he was about to pounce on the table but moving back, he reclined on his seat and closed his eyes.
"A few days ago, I asked what was going on with Clara from all of you, but none of you opened your mouth. Ellia wasn't present, and neither was Clara, but now that they're both here, I want to know the truth of the matter."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"…"
Utter silence remained in the hall. Even the ones who weren't aware of anything could sense the invisible pressure that kept them silent as they keenly watched what was going on.
"Clara, come here."
After ten whole seconds of silence, Davis opened his eyes and gestured, causing Clara to come closer before she came to a stop when she appeared beside him.
Davis also stood up. He turned towards his little sister and lightly smiled as he patted her shoulder.
"Clara. Will you lie to your big brother?"
"No."
Clara's response was quick, but her expression wasn't indifferent or a light smile as she seemed nervous, which Davis hadn't seen for a long time, causing him to narrow his brows.
"Then tell me what really happened during my tribulation."
"Davis, you-"
"I stabbed Ellia's dantian and caused her cultivation to regress a level."
Ellia had just stood up when suddenly Clara came out with it, her fists clenched and body shivering as she had her head lowered.
"…"
Davis's expression was… expressionless. His head didn't move, but his gaze went back and forth between Ellia and Clara while the gazes of the others were full of concern. What they tried so hard to hide was revealed by Clara. They didn't blame her or anything but feared what he would have to do now.
Would he punish his little sister or let her go?