Harem Startup : The Demon Billionaire is on Vacation-Chapter 387: Inspire

Chapter 387 – Inspire

Sira leaned back. "Sounds like a Celestial Game."

Lux nodded. "Exactly. And then... there’s the mortal world."

Sira blinked. "What about it?"

Lux set his cup down gently.

"I saw something weird," he said softly. "A mortal company. Run by a guy with no magic. No noble backing. No infernal deal. But he fights. For his employees. For his dream. He builds. And they follow him not out of fear... but belief."

Sira stared at him for a second too long. Then tilted her head.

"...That’s hot," she said.

Lux gave her a dry look. "You’d say that if I described a lizard eating ice cream."

"Only if the lizard looked like you."

He sighed, but the ghost of a smile touched his lips anyway.

"Point is," he said, "I forgot mortals could do that. Inspire."

Sira took a sip, studying him now. "And you want that?"

"I don’t know," he said honestly. "Maybe. I’m used to being needed. Desired. Feared. Worshiped, sometimes. But believed in?"

He shrugged. "That’s new."

Sira let the silence stretch a little before finally smirking again. "You’re evolving."

Lux chuckled under his breath. "I’m investing."

"And your portfolio looks delicious," she quipped, glancing toward the hallway. "I hope Ariel’s ready for dinner. She’s got potential."

Lux nodded once. Slowly.

"She’s part of the team now," he said. "And I protect what’s mine."

Sira’s lips curved, wine glass balanced perfectly between her fingers. "Sounds like you," she said, voice dipped in that lazy Pride drawl. "Possessive."

"Thanks," Lux replied smoothly, sipping his tea.

Sira arched a brow. "That wasn’t a compliment."

"It was to me," Lux said, and the smug little smile he gave her made her roll her eyes.

"Oh, right," Sira said, changing gears without missing a beat. "I already explained about Ariel to Rava, too." She swirled her wine, crimson liquid catching the light above the table. "She said she also has one or two things she’d like to say."

Lux hummed, filing that away. Of course Rava would notice something others wouldn’t—Kraken blood was notorious for sniffing out secrets buried beneath waves.

Before he could reply, Lyra appeared—quiet as a shadow, graceful as her puppet-threads that trailed faintly behind her. She bowed low. "My lord. Shall I announce the dinner is ready?"

"Yes," Lux said, calm as ever. "Announce to the others. Tell them I’ve waited long enough." His gaze flicked toward the hallway. "And for Lullaby—just check if she’s awake. If she’s still sleeping, ask if she wants to join us or eat in her room."

Lyra inclined her head. "I understand."

At her gesture, the faint shimmer of magic spread across the floor. From it, translucent puppets rose, faceless but efficient. They dispersed instantly, their silent footfalls carrying his message throughout the mansion.

Sira leaned on one elbow, watching the show. "Still creepy," she muttered.

"Still efficient," Lux corrected.

One by one, they came.

Mira was first—sharp heels clicking against the marble, silk skirts trailing like a statement in motion. She walked in like she owned the room, though her eyes—those clever, calculating dragon eyes—slid to Lux the second she entered. She dipped her chin just slightly. Respectful, but not submissive. Never submissive.

Then Rava arrived, tentacle coiled casually around the stem of her goblet as she helped herself to a drink without waiting for anyone’s permission. Her gown shimmered like the ocean itself, damp strands of hair glistening as if she’d just emerged from a storm. She smirked at Lux, her sharp teeth flashing.

Naomi came last among the three, her steps quieter but her presence no less commanding. She’d changed into something sleek and simple, but her gaze was all fire. She sat beside Lux without hesitation, brushing her fingers briefly against his under the table—a small act, invisible to the others, but loud to him.

Lyra returned then, bowing again. "My lord. Lady Lullaby is still asleep."

Lux nodded once. "Then let her sleep. Just make sure there’s enough food set aside for her later."

"As you wish." Lyra vanished as smoothly as she came.

And then—

The air shifted.

Because here she came.

Ariel.

The girl who only hours ago had seemed so fragile, so broken, like a seashell washed up and discarded. Now she stepped into the dining room hesitantly, but not hollow. Her steps still held a trace of shyness, her shoulders curled inward—but her eyes found Lux instantly.

And something changed.

Her lips curved upward, just slightly. She jogged a little, the kind of half-run one makes when nervous but eager. By the time she reached the table, her aura—once trembling—looked steadier.

Sira leaned back, her smirk returning. "Looks like Lullaby’s magic worked, huh?"

Lux’s eyes softened, though his voice stayed smooth. "Seems so."

Ariel took the empty seat, cheeks pink but smile small and real.

Across the table, Rava’s sharp eyes flicked to her. Mira adjusted her posture, folding her hands gracefully. Naomi tilted her head, studying the girl in silence.

Mira broke it first. "So," she said lightly. "She’s the one you mentioned before?"

"Yes," Lux said. His voice was calm, but there was weight in it. Claim. "Ladies—this is Ariel. And Ariel, this is Rava, Naomi, and Mira."

Ariel swallowed, then managed, "Nice to meet you all." Her voice was soft, but not breaking.

"Nice dress," Rava said with a shark’s grin, eyes darting down then up again. "Bit plain, though."

Mira smirked. "Ignore her. She’s just trying to scare you."

Naomi gave the girl a softer smile. "It’s fine, Ariel. We don’t bite."

Sira arched a brow. "Speak for yourself."

Lux cleared his throat once, and silence fell. "Eat first," he said firmly. "We’ll talk about her later."

And right on cue, the food came.

Plates of roasted lamb, bowls of saffron rice, glazed vegetables that shimmered with a faint magical sheen. Steam carried the scent of garlic butter and fresh herbs across the table, mingling with the darker perfume of bloodwine and spiced teas. Servants moved in practiced silence, filling glasses, placing dishes, disappearing just as quickly.

Lux leaned back in his chair, surveying the table, his women, the quiet girl now seated among them.

Ariel’s eyes flicked to him again, catching his gaze, and he gave her the smallest nod.

Welcome.