Becoming the Wasteland Overlord With My Harem System!-Chapter 253: The Chosen One

After the sudden gathering, several hours passed, deep into the night.

Just because they knew the debt collectors had found them didn’t mean the competition for the first queen position was postponed.

"And so, tonight, which one will you choose as the best one, Sir Axel?" Beatrix’s question was critical.

Axel was tasked with deciding the "winner" of the contest. He needed to select the one he believed was the best candidate for the first queen position among the three.

Initially, he wasn’t on board with the idea—even now, he felt the same way. But the situation had changed since then.

If he delayed choosing the first queen, his marriage would be delayed further. The longer he waited, the riskier it became for them all. He needed to secure five wives quickly, fulfill the remaining requirements, and then upgrade the Harem Settlement System.

To ensure everything proceeded smoothly, Axel needed to make a decision. He faced a heavy task that would inevitably earn him some grudges later on.

"Then, tonight, I choose..." Axel paused, scanning the three girls’ faces.

Fenrir appeared confident, as if she never doubted she would be chosen. Ria was her usual self, not looking nervous at all, her wide smile unwavering. Eve was the only one who seemed as if her life depended on this moment, trembling like a puppy left out in the cold.

Axel closed his eyes, nodding.

His decision was made.

"I choose Eve," he said.

"...!"

Eve’s eyes widened in shock at Axel’s decision. Not only was Eve confused, but even Fenrir and Ria also appeared perplexed by his choice. Overwhelmed, she couldn’t help but ask, "W-Why me, my King?"

"What? Are you dissatisfied?" Axel replied with a smile. "I thought I judged quite objectively. If you don’t want it, I can choose between the other two—"

"N-No! I want to!" Eve quickly interjected. "I was just... I didn’t expect to be selected after everything I did today..."

Axel smiled and shook his head.

"Right now, you are a maid. Your task is to follow my commands and act as much like a maid as possible. You must not lower my name while interacting with the residents and maintain dignity at all times."

He raised a finger, emphasizing his point.

"Now, based on that, do you still doubt why I chose you?"

Eve was essentially the only one wearing her maid clothes properly. The other two focused either on ease of movement or visual appeal. While those factors are important, since they are supposed to be "maids," Eve earned the highest points.

Then there were their subsequent actions.

Ria seemed to be playing around, as usual. Fenrir would attempt to seduce him at any opportunity. Only Eve stepped back, striving to uphold her position as much as possible.

Among the three, at that moment, Eve was the perfect "maid."

Of course, Axel was certain that this alone wouldn’t qualify her to be queen directly. Beatrix wouldn’t orchestrate such a "game" if the outcome were that straightforward.

Nevertheless, his decision was made.

"Great! Then you two, let’s disband for tonight!" Beatrix declared, ushering Fenrir and Ria out the door. "Well then, Sir Axel. Have a good night!"

They hurried away as if trying to escape, not giving Eve a moment to gather her thoughts.

Once they had left and locked the door behind them, Axel smiled at Eve and asked, "So, shall we head to bed now?"

"Y-Yes..."

Eve blushed, nodding her head and instinctively pulling her chin to her chest.

She was obviously nervous being alone with Axel, without Maria or Cherry for support. Seeing her like this made him gently pat her head, attempting to comfort her, even if just a little.

"No need to be so tense. You earned this night," Axel reassured her. "You can ask anything of me tonight. Whatever it is, I’ll do my best to accommodate."

Eve peeked up at him like a small, adorable creature. "R-Really...?"

Axel nodded, holding back his urge to embrace the cute being before him.

"Then..."

...

Moments later, the two found themselves nestled under the covers of Axel’s bed.

The bed was spacious enough to accommodate ten people, making their two bodies seem rather solitary in its expanse.

Right in the center, Eve lay, hugging Axel from the front.

In response, he embraced her gently. Not too tight, but not too loose—just the right amount of pressure, as if he wanted her to feel safe and protected.

"Just like this..." Eve whispered, her eyes fluttering shut.

Rather than taking advantage of the situation, Eve simply requested that Axel "cuddle her until they fall asleep." This request surprised him, as he had anticipated a more heated encounter. Yet, as he held her close, he found that it didn’t feel so bad after all.

’What a sweet request,’ Axel thought. ’But is this truly all she desires?’

Of course, his doubts were justified.

After all, Eve had her first experience just two nights ago. It wouldn’t be unusual for her to still be preoccupied with it and desire to fulfill her cravings once more. However... 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

’Sir Axel’s chest... So wide... and warm...!’

The little princess was already overwhelmed by stimuli as is.

She could feel his manly arms wrapped around her. His burly fingers holding her back, pulling her tight against his hard, muscular body. A change that’s basically all thanks to the increase in his stats.

’I feel so... at ease.’ She thought, closing her eyes with a thin smile.

Seeing Eve’s melting face, Axel began to enjoy the moment as well. He could feel her warmth, her body temperature higher than his. Her supple skin, soft form, and the delightful scent emanating from her hair enveloped him.

’Is that... the shampoo they’re currently developing?’ Axel pondered casually. ’Or is it a branded one from the store?’

His sense of touch was filled with Eve’s warmth, while his hearing was filled with the sound of her gentle breathing. The scent from her hair, possibly mixed with the pheromones she released, filled his nostrils. The sight of the small princess nestling within his embrace captivated his eyes.

"..."

Axel smiled.

Though he couldn’t pinpoint the reason, he felt at ease. Relaxed.

His eyes slowly closed, lulled by Eve’s rhythmic breathing.

And just like that... the two of them fell asleep.