"Nii-sama you know I will never leave you, but please don't make me choose between you and them. I am a bad person, I am selfish, needy, and unruly. Being with them makes me feel happy."
Geo, Lars, and Aurum who heard her declarations for the first time grew ecstatic. Being the people who investigated Tsugumi's past, they knew her extremely well. The woman while beyond powerful longed to be acknowledged and loved.
Her tragic past made them pity her at first. But the wounds they all shared allowed them to understand each other. And bit by bit each man fell head over heels for Tsugumi.
Hiro who had an inkling of such matters rubbed his eyes in annoyance. His wives all started to giggle which did not fit the tense mood. Vanessa came forward and held Tsugumi's hands as she smiled.
"Tsugumi-chan, I am so happy for you. You deserve to be happy; your brother also wants that for you as well. He may not show it, but he thinks about you a lot. Its LOVE! I know it, now we just have to plan for the wedding!"
Another blue-haired wife walked forward as her stern voice told everyone the thing they forgot. "Tsugumi, while I support your decision to find happiness; My sisters and I cannot lose the duel in a week. Much is at stake for us."
Lars who grew antsy spoke in seriousness. "I acknowledge that Lady Raylene. But to us. What is on the line could not be any higher."
"What you want matters not, Larua. You fight for happiness. We fight for survival. As much as I adore Tsugumi. This is a fight I will never lose." Jei then strutted in between the San-Baka and Tsugumi.
Geo stood up and made a gentleman's bow. "Thank you for the warning Lady Jade. But I am not doing this for happiness. Tsugumi makes me feel alive. I do not wish to separate from her and no one will force me to do so."
Vanessa then walked towards Geo; her heterochromia eyes both shone like jewels as she spoke with authority. "You say such things, yet you cannot grant Tsugumi's request? For your own selfishness, you threaten to give my sister much heartache Renacida."
"Lady Vanessa, any man would desire his woman to only belong to him. Sharing is harder for us than it is for women." Aurum at this point similarly walked forward and stood in front of Nessa. His domineering frame started to exert Calibers as he did so.
"We also think of ourselves, as men who do not like being emasculated. Forcing a relationship on such grounds naturally not be beneficial for both parties."
At his rebuttal, Lene took point and got in Aurum's face. "You speak like you have an issue with those who share Standar. If such is your will, then prove it through battle. Battle harems are not built on only love but force!
"What I see are cowards. You fear being ill-treated due to better men being present. Prove your worth then! I will not allow spineless weaklings to be the ones who guard my sister's back!"
"My Ladies, you are all being unreasonable. Men have always had more wives than the other way around. I adore Lady Tsugumi, but I am not willing to share her." Uncharacteristically Lars rebutted with an emotional voice.
"That was before the battle harem system. Arcus harems grant women the ability to birth triplets at the minimum. In terms of baby production. Arcus and Gladius harems are equal.
"I agree with Lene. You boys talk too much. If you want Tsugumi, then fight for her. If you can't beat us then you don't deserve her!" Jei joined her sisters in a united front against the San-Baka.
As she heard the exchanges Tsugumi's heart grew full from happiness. In front of her were three men who wanted her, and three sisters who placed her best interests above anyone else's.
Tsugumi felt guilty, she longed to be surrounded by a bevy of handsome men. But knew that it would place the men in contempt if she forced such circumstances on them.
Yet her sisters-in-law cared not for what the men would feel but only focused on what made her happy. When they chatted she told them she liked all three and that her heart hurt when she considered only choosing one.
That fleeting comment was enough for her brother's wives to become at odds with the ones trying to court her. Such were the bonds of family. Especially the one she belonged to now.
Gone were the days she remained alone. Now the people in front of her cherished her so much they would rather come to blows than see her cry. Such affection made her tears fall uncontrollably.
'Is it alright for me to feel such happiness? After everything I did, do I deserve such people in my life? They are all so wonderful, I must have saved the world in my past life or something.'
Due to her musing Tsugumi failed to see a man stand beside her. He didn't say anything he just listened to what the ones in front tried to convey. The sword saint normally considered her brother a muscle-headed brute. Yet today he remained silent.
In worry, she called out to her beloved Nii-sama, the person who made their entire group come together. "Nii-sama, why aren't you saying anything?"
"I…I am conflicted." Answered the man before her. Knowing his thoughts must be erratic she waited.
"This match is due to a disagreement with my wives, so I want them to lose. But if when they do you gain a family of your own I…I also want that for you. Yet I wish you to remain with me too; doing so will give you much hardship.
"Having them as husbands would increase your safety. If my wives win on the other hand they will only increase the danger they will be in. There is no easy answer to this."
"Nii-sama, may I ask a question?" at her inquiry Hiro silently nodded his head. Tsugumi then fiddled with her fingers and asked.
"How do you deal with the guilt of having a harem? These people lay down their pride to give you 100% of their heart. Yet we have the arrogance to not reciprocate and ask that they permit us to cheat with another."
Hiro then answered with a firm voice "By being someone who deserves their affection. If normal people can only love with 100% of their heart we need 300%. To those of much is given, much is also required."
The man then faced his adopted sister who had the same white hair as he did and patted her head. "Love them enough for 100%. Protect them, cherish them, and ensure they never regret their decision. Never betray them and place limits on yourself. That is what I plan to do."
Tsugumi who digested the wisdom of her brother asked in return. "Nii-sama let me join the battle. I want to show my mettle in marrying my hubbies. I know you will never fight against my Onee-samas, but you cannot join as it will tip the balance too much if you do."
The woman seemed to have found her mettle as she said with full conviction. "My harem and I will fight against your battle Harem Heavenly Sword. If I win you will allow me to marry then."
"What happens when you lose?" asked her brother.
"I won't. Even without your support. I will fight for my happiness."
