In an instant, I narrow my eyes.
''What nonsense are you spewing?''
''I told you to be this great lady's girlfriend! Did you not hear it?''
A smug grin blooms on Amelia's face as she confidently declares. Even Neveah, who is usually hyper-focused on her work, can't help but stare at her in confusion.
On the other hand, I am a bit annoyed at her attitude.
''Reason?'' I curtly question. ''If you're just joking around, don't blame me for being merciless.''
''Of course, there's a good reason.'' Amelia snorts. ''Now that your identity is exposed, people have started to scrutinize your time working as my maid. They said you were spying on us.''
''So what? I hardly care about my reputation. Not at this point.''
''Don't be so short-sighted!''
Folding her arms imposingly, the noble girl elaborates, ''This isn't about reputation. If we announced that you and I are dating, that would elevate my position within the political world immensely, as I would be the only one who could contact and negotiate with you publicly.''
''Did you forget the emperor exists? And why do we have to communicate publicly anyway?'' I retort.
''The emperor will soon abdicate. You said it yourself. By the time that raven princess takes the crown, she will be overwhelmed by state affairs. Having someone like me, who has both the capabilities and status to handle these matters, would be a godsend, correct?''
''...So you want to seize the chance and gain power for yourself. How cunning.''
At my words, Amelia shrugs knowingly, her blue eyes full of ambition.
''Still, I don't understand why we need to be lovers. Don't you care about your own reputation, too? If you just want to help, there are other ways.''
''Tut, tut, tut. A normal friendship won't cut it, naive lady.'' Her eyes curve into crescents. ''I've been the all-seeing, all-knowing Miko for months. I know how the people work. A love story is infinitely more impactful and easier to sympathize with. Moreover, it will be a reasonable conclusion when people think of our story.''
''Not 'our,' but Chloe and I.''
''Yes, yes. Whatever you say. So? Will you take the deal or not?''
''...''
As I fall into deep thought, Amelia suddenly nuzzles at me, hugging my arm.
''When did that happen??'' I blurt out.
''I... I have the memory of you kissing that Chloe girl, okay?! Even if that wasn't me, it was my body, so...''
At this point, Neveah suddenly interjects, ''Because the soul swap wasn't exhaustive, both of them can recall the memories of one another during that period.''
''So you're saying that this is because of your inability?!''
''Not at all. I planned to switch you guys back eventually, so I didn't go all out. Who could have thought that you guys would find a way to do it?''
A sense of trouble sends my mind into a frenzy.
Amelia becoming my fake girlfriend... that's fine in itself since it's, well, fake, but if she starts developing feelings for me, that is definitely trouble. There are already too many people now. I really can't decide.
''Being popular also has its disadvantages, hm?'' Neveah teases.
''Be quiet, will you?''
In the end, I reluctantly accept Amelia's proposal on the condition that she has to convince the other girls. The reason I give the pass is partly for Nydia, who will take on the role of an empress very soon, and, indeed, having a helper to handle political matters won't hurt.
Expectedly, those fiery women initially reject the idea vehemently. Some even nominate themselves as replacements for Amelia, namely Luxia and Claire. Yet, their past interactions with the maid version of me aren't as intimate as Amelia's.
Luxia argues that her position as a foreign saintess allows her to move more freely, while Claire uses her heroine status to try for an advantage. Of course, given Claire's clean reputation, being involved in such a relationship with me is not ideal.
Amidst the fight, Sierra suddenly chimes in enthusiastically as if she has found an amusing activity to pass the time. Scarlett remains a bit timid, although she seems somewhat restless.
''Heh, what a bunch of weaklings.''
Meanwhile, Chloe proudly stays out of the conflict, calling it 'ridiculous.'
''Even without a fake relationship, I will legitimately become your girlfriend!'' She declares.
Two days later, we gather in Zircon both to prepare for the next expedition and to finalize the fake girlfriend position. As the girls sit facing one another, palpable tension hangs in the air.
'''' ... ''''
They only glare at their opponents, as bickerings are below them now.
''Um...'' Ariel, scratching her cheek awkwardly, speaks up. ''If you guys can't decide who should take on the role... how about working together?''
''...What?'' I instintively react.
''I mean, more people mean they can handle more work, right?''
That's... true. Still, establishing a romantic relationship, even if it's not real, with several people all of a sudden...
The girls, much like me, hesitate. Just then, a sigh is heard, and it is coming from none other than Chloe, ''I agree with that solution.'' She says. ''If you're going to do it, do it in a way that yields the most results. We can't afford to fool around with stupid morals at times like this.''
''Chloe...''
''And you lot, too.'' She points at each and every one of the girls. ''Prove your worth for me by helping Aurora. That way, our competition won't be so boring anymore.''
Simultaneously building her momentum while igniting their spirit... as expected, Chloe is clever.
''I look forward to seeing your despair once I snatch your 'lover' away, heheheh...''
...Although her motives can be a bit shady.
Once the matter is settled, we immediately inform the emperor to spread the news. Unsurprisingly, it causes huge ripples in the public's mind. The people's perception of me becomes even more jumbled, while the forces rush to the girls, hoping they can be the bridge for a peace deal.
Of course, that won't happen for a long time.
Nonetheless, being enemies with the empire means that I Zircon would be treated just like before—as a den of monsters, free for adventurers and warriors to conquer.
Thankfully, after numerous expeditions, our members have become stronger, able to protect the integrity of our territory.
And just when things stabilize a bit, a piece of news reaches me—Ravenous Moon has resurged.