Harem Overlord: I ALWAYS Finish Quick!

The next day (49 days until the wedding)...

As the hours passed, Ryan didn't have much to prepare for his dinner date, so he explored the facility and talked with Yoko.

As they swapped stories about their various adventures, Ryan started to feel the pang in his chest grow as he told stories about his times with Aliza.

The years he had spent with her were the best in his life, and although his last months on Ravier had been exciting, the fun he had experienced with Aliza would always remain the fondest of memories.

'That's why I have to get stronger,' Ryan remembered his first goal when coming to Ravier.

'If Aliza is somehow connected to this world, then strength is the one thing I need to find her.'

Although Ryan wanted nothing more than to reunite with his beloved lover and mentor, he couldn't now as he tried to court a Dragon Empress.

As Ryan packed up his prepared food, Yoko started her usual chatter.

[Master do you think after we take over this world, I could have some of these lizards to eat?]

[Although they act repulsive, with a bit of spice, their lizard bodies would taste well barbequed.]

Ryan thought about the Dragon Empress's dragon form he had seen yesterday being roasted over a fire pit like a pig and couldn't help but be interested.

[No,] Ryan couldn't bring himself to eat another intelligent species.

[Torture is fine, but eating another intelligent species is a no.]

Yoko scoffed. [You call these lizards intelligent?]

[Master, please, I've seen more intelligence out of feces than any of these lizards.]

Laughing, Ryan shook his head. [Still, it's a no for now.]

[I will do as Master commands,] Yoko said, pouting.

"I feel like a father already," Ryan grumbled.

"What was that?" a voice came from Ryan's entrance, making Ryan turn.

"Hello, Lady Gwen," Ryan said. "It's a pleasure to such a lovely lady on a-"

"Stop," Lady Gwen interrupted Ryan, holding up her hand.

"I'm not in the mood for your sweet talk. Are you ready? Have you decided what you'll be doing for your date?"

Ryan nodded.

"I'll be having a picnic on the beach," Ryan said, holding up his picnic basket.

"Oh?" Gwen raised her eyebrows.

"Good, alright then." Gwen clapped her hands as a smile came to her face.

"Then follow me."

"Oh, by the way, call Her Majesty Page."

===

At the appointed time of the date, Ryan appeared at Page's bedroom door. His jet black hair was slicked back, his shirt open, revealing his muscular chest, and in his arms lay a bouquet of fragrant flowers he had picked from her well-tended garden.

Yoko scoffed. [Why are you bringing her those ugly weeds?]

When the door opened, he gasped. "You look lovely this evening, Page. I hope you are ready for our date."

"Just a moment, Page said, I need to get my shoes."

Ryan said, "No need, this date doesn't require shoes, as he handed her the flowers."

Yoko grinned. [Why don't you just have her leave her clothes as well?]

Page buried her head in the flowers and looked up in surprise. "Are these from my garden?"

Ryan's face broke out in a grin. "Good guess. I picked them for you this afternoon."

Page looked at him, joy on her face. "You really are amazing, Ryan. These are my favorite. I spend quite a bit of time making them perfect."

Ryan gazed into her eyes, "Not as perfect as you."

Yoko gagged. [I'm going to throw up.]

Page blushed. "Let me put these in water. I'll just be a moment."

In a flash, she was back. Ryan held out his hand and said, "I have a surprise for you."

Page giggled, "What is it, Ryan? I'm intrigued."

Ryan squeezed her hand. "Just trust me, Page. It's a special surprise."

Page almost whispered, "Alright, I trust you."

Ryan lead the Empress down to the beach, holding her hand and guiding her through the sand.

"Are we having a beach date, Ryan? Is this why we don't need shoes."

"Smart and beautiful," Ryan responded with a chuckle. "Will wonders never cease?"

[Good one.] Yoko snorted. [But now you need to take her down a notch. Can't have the lizard thinking she's too can, can we?]

Page playfully smacked him on the arm.

Ryan grabbed her hand again as they continued walking along the shoreline.

Ryan kicking at rocks, and Page squealing and darting away when the water came too close.

As they rounded the bend, Page saw a beautiful private cove set up for their romantic date.

The beach cove was secluded and quiet, with the sound of waves softly crashing against the shore.

A large blanket spread out on the sand, surrounded by flickering candles and strewn with rose petals.

A basket sat on blanket, filled with delicious cheeses, breads, fruits, and a bottle of wine.

The cove was illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun, casting a warm light on everything. The air was filled with the scent of salt water and the gentle breeze blowing through the trees.

Page drew in a breath, "Oh, Ryan. This is beautiful. How did you manage this?"

Ryan leaned close to her, making sure to use a gentle and soothing tone to calm and reassure her, "I wanted to do something special for you, Page. I wanted to create a moment for us to remember."

Yoko whined. [Ugh… Forget the moment. Get to the sex already]

Page tilted her head and brushed her hair to one side, "This is perfect, Ryan. Thank you."

Ryan gestured to the soft, inviting blanket, "Shall we sit and enjoy the meal?"

Page clapped her hands and turned to him with a girlish smile, "Yes, let's."

Ryan opened the bottle of wine, filled two crystal goblets, and handed one to Page.

Ryan held his glass up and gazed into Page's eyes, "Here's to the start of something beautiful, to the attraction that brought us together and the hope that keeps us looking forward. Let's cherish every moment, every laugh, and every kiss. Let's make memories that will last a lifetime and build a love that will only continue to grow stronger. Cheers to us and to the journey that lies ahead."

Page blushed with happiness. She took a sip of wine and turned to look at the sunset glowing over the water. "Ryan, this is wonderful. You know, I appreciate the simple things in life, like this beautiful cove. It's much more meaningful to me than the other over-the-top, gaudy dates."

Ryan softly said, "I'm glad you like it, Page. I wanted to create something special for you that is just for us, creating memories that will last a lifetime."

[You've got to be kidding me. Master, stop with the cheesy lines and just eat the cheese in the basket instead.]

Page gushed, "You have succeeded, Ryan. I will always remember this evening. It's not about the expense or grandeur. It's about the thought and effort you put into creating this moment for me. I couldn't ask for more."

Using a tender and affectionate tone to hopefully express love, Ryan said, "I am so happy that you enjoyed it, Page. I will always make sure to make special moments for us to remember."

'Was he laying it on too thick?' [Yes! YES!] Yoko screamed.

Page, sounding playful and flirtatious, teased, "I look forward to it, Ryan. You are a wonderful man. I will be lucky to have you by my side if I choose you."

She took a few more sips of wine and looked down at Ryan, who was now lying flat on his back, arms behind his head, and the bottom of the wine glass buried securely in the sand, "Ryan, I am curious to know more about you. Where are you from, and how did you get so strong?"

In a low and melodic tone, Ryan said, with a hint of vulnerability, "Page, let's not focus on me. You are the most important thing in my life. You are my everything. I would do anything for you; all that is important for me is serving and making you happy."

[Yuck! Yuck! Gross Master, disgusting!]

Page smiled and played with Ryan's hair, "I appreciate your loyalty, Ryan. But I also want to know more about you as a person. I want to understand you more."

Ryan sat up again, firmly held Page's stare, and then softened his eyes, "I understand, Page. But please understand that my past is insignificant compared to my love for you and my duty to serve you and your kingdom. All that matters is our present and future together."

Page smiled with understanding, "I understand, Ryan. But I hope you will feel comfortable enough to share your past with me one day."

Ryan leaned over and whispered, brushing his lips to her ear, "Of course, Your Majesty. I will always be open to sharing my thoughts and feelings with you. It is my honor to be by your side. And I am always here to serve you."

Ryan murmured, "I'm so happy to be here with you, experiencing this beautiful moment."

Yoko yawned. [Happy? Master, you're only when you're inside a woman, not sweet talking her.]

Page whispered back and gave him a kiss on his cheek, "Me too, this is truly magical"

[Nice, a kiss! Now start to kiss him lower…]

As the sun set, the sky turned a brilliant orange and pink, casting a warm glow on the cove.

'Now's the time to seal the deal.'

[I'm about to fall asleep. This is taking way too long.]

Ryan held Page's hand, "Page, I am humbled by your kind words. I am honored to have won the competition and to hopefully serve you in your harem. My strength is nothing compared to your wisdom and leadership."

Page squeezed his hand. "Beautiful Ryan. Your strength is admirable and will be a valuable asset to my kingdom."

Ryan looking humble, leaned over and kissed Page. "Thank you, Page. I am honored to serve you and our kingdom."

Kissing her neck, Ryan murmured, "Why don't we go and serve the kingdom in the water?"

"You didn't tell me to wear my swimsuit," Page said.

"Exactly!" Ryan responded with a grin as he began to unbutton his top.