"What does... war mean in this circumstance, princess? I think violence over this issue is a little... overboard, and a competition is only going..." Seria queries, with a wry smile, flexing.

"...to render us pointless as a party. I am aware. Time is also of the essence, and in fact, we have shown to have good cohesion." Aria answers. She can be really quite glib when she wants to be. "Not to mention... I allowed things to progress like this. I did not... but... ah... excuses are pointless." Aria sighs.

"Um... do we just talk about it, then? Communication is... very critical in parties with mixed gender mercenaries... this kind of thing..." Kiku answers, swiping away the blood from her head and looking serious.

"Kali question. Not understand at all. Girls meant to share strong men unless girl very stronger than others? What is problem?"

"That thought is the problem!! You perveerrtt..." Rishya is still not helping.

"Kali is pervert. So is little Yuuzu. So is others. Wants man inside, no?"

The entire table faceplants.

Kali is direct, isn't she?

I swear I hear Violet off cackling somewhere. That bitch.

Ah... but I suppose the sexual tension was already peaking. I've even resolved myself to not be a wuss any longer. When a man and girls share life and death situations all the time. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened. What to do...

My mind is racing.

"Hahhh... that we all seek... sexual relations... with an older man is not... not... (gulp)... un... unusual... w-when he... helps us and is... a weirdo lolicon pervert..." Aria is still trying to be a chairman of a meeting despite writhing like a snake and blushing furiously.

"Gahhhhh! Even Aria! What is wrong with me... boohoo... I just wanted... to... to... not... like this... I wanted a cuter first lov... gaahhh!" Rishya rubs her hair furiously and rages, then mimics Kiku in slamming her head into the table.

"Fufufu... how bemusing... I suppose we must all agree to disagree. Perhaps the Veranian culture may have the right of it in this situation after all. Did your own father have many wives, Kali?"

Kali tilts her head.

"No. Kali's mother a sub leader priestess. Master of fists. Very strong Meenaora. Beat up challengers to father and Kali. Happened many times. Father very desirable like Elijah."

"So, we are back to war again, yes?" Kaede replies.

Kali shakes her head.

"Actually? Very strange now Kali thinks. All other fathers shared alot when desirable. Good for clan. One husband only possible when girl much stronger. And then must promise to elders to have many children. Not normal."

A natural matriarchal polygamist culture, huh? I guess that's why Kali was the one to bring up sharing. It's kinda fascinating that Kali's own mother was the weird one. I guess my own sensibilities suggest monogamy is normal... but one has to wonder if it's really right in all situations. The opposite clearly works for some.

Just what is normal?

Narrow mindedness and ignorance is nearly always one of the main drives of human conflict, behind greed, pride and envy, I suppose.

Possessiveness is the enemy here. I'd like to have all the girls. But they'd like exclusive rights.

I'm stating the blindingly obvious now.

But a war here isn't the way. We need to focus on Cultivator. We need...

"A non-aggression pact!" I shout.

All of the girls stare at me.

"This is the only option, right? Not sharing as such... a distribution of resources. Time where each of you has turns at strict control?"

I gulp again. Actually...

"Um... is that really different from sharing?" Kiku worries.

"Fufufu... the boy is somehow comparing us to some kind of city-state republic. But history teaches us it is an effective means, in theory, where domination cannot be established. It gives the illusion of temporary control."

"Like... the Republic of Jevenir?" Aria looks frustrated.

Seria nods.

"Though not three years at a time, I imagine. Let us say... four days, instead... where each of us is the sole lover. During this period, the others may not complain or intervene."

"Giving a month-long cycle?" Aria clarifies.

Seria nods.

"That's a little... hah... but yes, I suppose it is better than a free for all." Aria sighs.

"Um... how do we determine turn order?" Kiku queries.

"That must remain up to me. As long as I promise to see you all each month." I say, trying to take control to an extent.

"Mmmm... that is not... a terrible idea, boy. Perhaps a system where you favour us based on our... contributions? We could not assign turns ourselves without conflict, but we could accept the alternative, I believe. It would also give us a goal to work towards and allows you to focus."

Seria sweeps her gaze across the others. Rishya is making chewing motions with her jaw, and Aria has a grimace. Kiku and Kaede are looking at each other quizzically. Kali is nodding with her eyes closed. It seems like there is no overt objection.

I guess this is a landmark day.

Today is the formation of 'The Treaty of Fair Elijah Distribution.'

How very insane.