Chase barely had a moment to relax before a familiar, soft voice reached his ears.
"Chase~ I want to be in your lap~" Chione said, her usually indifferent face showing the barest hint of pleading puppy-dog eyes. It was subtle, but Chase knew her well enough to recognize when she wanted something. He sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips, and pulled her onto his lap without hesitation.
However, before he could even get comfortable, a disgruntled huff came from his side.
"Hmph! Chase, you don't care about me anymore. Maybe I don't want you to have a harem anymore." Artemis crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks out in a pout that was half-serious, half-playful.
Chase blinked, stunned by the sudden declaration. Athena, sitting nearby, had an equally shocked expression. "Artemis, you don't mean that," she said, her tone a mix of surprise and concern.
