Lust System: Harem Of Beautiful Women Chapter 5: Just A Bit Of Beauty

"Show at least a modicum of decency; even when hitting a stray dog or cat, you'd offer some compensation."

Daniel retorted with a casual wave, "I already stated that insignificant injuries are irrelevant, so why bring up a measly thousand dollars?"

"Exactly, you handled this with such poise," Ruth chimed in, offering a warm smile.

Luis, being the target of their behavior, felt his expression darken. Daniel, maintaining his disparaging tone, lectured him, "Luis, try to find some ambition and quit loitering around pointlessly. Do you possess any idea how difficult it was for me to secure you work? I had to wine and dine people just to make it happen."

"Indeed, rather than offering proper gratitude to your brother-in-law, you only excel at causing headaches for us," Ruth added, joining the chorus of criticism.

"Fine, settle down, let us let it rest now," Nancy said, stepping in as a mediator, though her tone remained laced with mockery. "Luis, you are entirely on your own without any support. Our household asked for nothing and allowed you to remain as our live-in son-in-law. We do not demand grand ambitions, but for goodness' sake, try not to shame us, do you understand?"

"Understood, Sister!"

After weathering so many verbal volleys, one further insult barely registered. Luis gave a shallow nod.

Lily emerged with a platter of sliced fruit, and Nancy abruptly pulled her away. As the elder sister, she likely intended to deliver another lecture, acting the part of a surrogate mother.

"Prepare tea for your brother-in-law. Observe how concerned he is for your well-being, even visiting you personally. You truly lack any sense of appreciation," Ruth grumbled.

Luis silently prepared the tea, inwardly cursing the utter shamelessness of a man who visits empty-handed.

Daniel was merely a playboy, the true good-for-nothing parasite of their family. His father served as a school principal, while his mother held a department head position at a major hospital. Born into luxury, he drifted between odd jobs, squandered money recklessly, and was the definitive image of a pampered rich brat. Having pursued Nancy with extravagant gestures, their wedding was rumored to be lavish. Arthur and Ruth certainly believed their daughter had married into a high-status life.

Social prestige was a powerful force. Even though Daniel lived as a shiftless wastrel, his family connections lent him an air of respectability, causing his in-laws to fawn over him.

After finishing a single cup, Daniel became restless. "Mom, let me take a look at your hand!"

Ruth extended her arm, muttering, "What is there to inspect? They are aged, wrinkled, and weathered."

"Nonsense, Mother's hands are softer than a young maiden's, as smooth as fine silk," Daniel replied. He flirtatiously grasped her hand, stroking it while addding, "It is truly a pity you do not wear jewelry on such elegant hands, Mom."

Ruth sighed with dramatic flair, "Only a few broken, dated trinkets. It would be degrading to wear them. I simply lack the funds for something newer right now."

"Mother, I noticed a gorgeous bracelet recently, though it was already reserved," Daniel continued, fondling his mother-in-law's hand with a sycophantic grin. "Mass-produced items from generic shops are beneath you. Once the high-end boutique owned by my associate has custom pieces again, I will personally select something exquisite for your collection."

"Truly?" Ruth beamed, though she quickly attempted to feign modesty. "You just tied the knot and have your own financial obligations. Raising a family is costly, so do not waste your resources."

"Expenditures on you, Mother, are never a waste," Daniel replied, caressing her hand with even more fervor. Ruth giggled like a giddy schoolgirl in the presence of Luis, acting as if they were a pair of illicit lovers, entirely disregarding his existence.

"Ding... Fundamental functionality unlocked correctly, now being rendered."

"Ding... Exclusive to individuals within your social circle; functions are null against total strangers."

Luis stared in utter disbelief, rubbing his eyelids to ensure he wasn't suffering from hallucinations. Above Daniel's head, a line of text materialized: Favorability 0, Contempt, Disdain. Above Ruth's head appeared: Favorability 20% (Inferior to a stranger; feels deep-seated condescension toward him.)

Footsteps echoed from the staircase, prompting the two to pull away instantly. Observing the indistinct chatter of the sisters, Luis glanced over. Their own heads displayed similar notifications. Nancy’s read: Favorability 50% (Views him as hired help; equivalent to a stranger.) Lily’s face flushed; her text read: Favorability 75% (A stagnant but secure marriage, rooted in first love and prolonged history; unexciting sexual partner.)

Abruptly, the text vanished, and a wave of exhaustion washed over Luis. "Rendering modes consume spiritual energy. The display stays hidden by default, triggering only when favorability metrics fluctuate." Luis concluded this was acceptable. Otherwise, constantly deciphering floating digits over people's heads would likely drive him to insanity.

"Mother, what are you discussing?" As the eldest, Nancy was worldly and silver-tongued, succeeding not just in charming Ruth, but reportedly winning over her own in-laws as well.

Daniel and Nancy maintained they visited solely for Luis, yet they departed without offering a single thing after consuming the family's food. Ruth eventually left to engage in a game of cards. Silence reclaimed the house. Lily finally felt at ease and nestled against her husband, whispering, "Honey, Daniel mentioned that accounting roles at Tiger Real Estate offer excellent pay once the probation ends, and his uncle is a high-ranking executive who could assist us."

"A damn accountant's position is being sold to me like a treasure." Recalling the way Ruth brightened while Daniel toyed with her hand, Luis felt a surge of bitterness. "He is the one wasting his time, yet he feels entitled to lecture me?"

"Always posturing and making hollow promises, and Mother is naive enough to fall for it."

"Just disregard her, dear. She has always been this way," Lily said, snuggling closer and whispering, "Perhaps we should broach the subject of moving out again to rent our own space." Her eyes glimmered with the anticipation of a private life for the two of them.

"Abandon the idea. She will only berate us for squandering funds." Luis understood Ruth's hypocrisy perfectly. Moreover, given the system's objectives, remaining in close proximity was the logical path forward. Only an idiot would choose to move out now.

"I am accustomed to it, but I feel terrible for you," Lily said, caressing his face. Luis felt a dazed sensation. Her body felt soft and supple, lacking the frail frame she had once possessed. After adjusting to the day, seeing her lovely features and catching the faint hint of her scent, Luis's desire ignited. He gazed at her with singular focus. Lily timidly lowered her head, "What is it? Is there something on my features?"

"Simply a reflection of pure beauty." Luis lifted her chin softly and pressed his lips to hers.