My Eccentric Harem

Albedo's slow transformation was a puzzle Aoyama couldn't stop piecing together. She remained proud and haughty, but those brief moments of vulnerability—when she let her guard down—made him realize there was more to her than her cold exterior.

But her loyalty to Ainz and her disdain for humans remained the biggest obstacles.

---

One evening, Aqua was away attending an art club meeting, leaving Aoyama and Albedo alone in the apartment. The silence was thick, interrupted only by the occasional clink of Albedo's teacup as she sipped from it. Aoyama decided to break the awkwardness.

"So," he began, leaning against the kitchen counter, "what's it like working at the supermarket?"

Albedo set her cup down and gave him a withering glare. "Insufferable."

"That bad, huh?" Aoyama said, trying not to smirk. "Come on, there must be something you like about it."

Albedo tilted her head, as if genuinely considering his question. "I suppose... there's a strange satisfaction in organizing the shelves. It's methodical. Predictable."

"Not the answer I expected, but I'll take it," Aoyama said. "What about the customers?"

Albedo's expression darkened. "Humans are... frustrating. Rude. Oblivious. It takes all my restraint not to deal with them in ways I would prefer."

"Well, you haven't burned the place down yet, so I'd call that progress," Aoyama teased.

Albedo narrowed her eyes, though there was a faint flicker of amusement in them. "You're remarkably bold for someone so insignificant."

"Thanks," Aoyama said, grinning. "I'll take that as a compliment."

---

Later that night, Aoyama found Albedo sitting on the balcony, gazing at the moon. He hesitated for a moment before stepping outside to join her.

"Do you miss him?" he asked quietly.

Albedo didn't look at him, but her grip on the railing tightened. "Every moment."

Aoyama nodded, leaning against the railing beside her. "I get it. Missing someone... it's hard."

"You don't understand," Albedo said sharply. "Lord Ainz isn't just someone to me. He is my everything. My reason for existing."

"And now you're here," Aoyama said softly. "In a world where he isn't."

Albedo closed her eyes, her expression pained. "It's... unbearable."

Aoyama felt a pang in his chest. "You're not alone, you know. I mean, I'm not him—obviously—but... I'm here. If that means anything."

Albedo opened her eyes, her gaze flickering toward him. For a moment, her usual disdain was gone, replaced by something softer. "You're a strange human, Aoyama."

He chuckled. "I get that a lot."

---

The next morning, Albedo surprised him by offering to help with breakfast. Though her perfectionist tendencies made the process slower than necessary, Aoyama couldn't deny the effort she was putting in.

As they sat down to eat, Aqua returned, her arms full of art supplies. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of Albedo setting the table.

"What's this?" Aqua teased. "Albedo, actually helping? Are we in an alternate universe?"

"Don't push your luck," Albedo snapped, though her tone lacked its usual venom.

Aoyama smirked. "I think she's warming up to us."

"In your dreams," Albedo muttered, but she didn't deny it outright.

---

That night, the system updated again.

---

Name: Albedo

Affection Level: 0/100

---

"Zero," Aoyama murmured, staring at the screen. "We're finally out of the negatives."

Aqua peeked over his shoulder, grinning. "Look at you, Mr. Charmer."

"It's not like that," Aoyama said quickly, his cheeks reddening. "She's... complicated."

"That's one way to put it," Aqua said, her grin widening. "But hey, progress is progress."

---

The next day, Aoyama found himself roped into helping Albedo at the supermarket. She had grudgingly accepted his offer after much coaxing, though her pride made her reluctant to admit she needed help.

"Try not to embarrass me," Albedo said as they worked side by side stocking shelves.

"Shouldn't I be saying that to you?" Aoyama replied, smirking.

Albedo rolled her eyes but didn't respond. As the day went on, Aoyama noticed how her interactions with customers, though still icy, were slightly less hostile. She even managed a stiff nod of acknowledgment when an elderly woman thanked her for helping with her groceries.

"You're getting better at this," Aoyama said as they walked home.

"I'm tolerating it," Albedo corrected, though there was a faint hint of pride in her voice.

Aoyama chuckled. "I'll take it."

---

That evening, Albedo sat on the couch, flipping through a book while Aqua and Aoyama bickered over what to watch on TV. For the first time, Aoyama realized that their strange little arrangement almost felt... normal.

He glanced at Albedo, who caught his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Nothing," Aoyama said, smiling faintly. "Just... glad you're here."

Albedo blinked, her expression softening for just a moment before she turned back to her book. "You're a fool, Aoyama."

"Yeah," he said, his smile widening. "But maybe that's what makes this work."

To Be Continued...