How to Handle a Yandere Harem - Zetro Translation

Elizabeth found herself standing in the courtyard of an unfamiliar school, the sun casting a warm glow over the meticulously maintained grounds. Students bustled around them, laughter and chatter filling the air with a deceptive sense of normalcy. Beside her, Monika observed the scene with a serene expression, hands clasped behind her back.

“Welcome to where it all began,” Monika said softly, her gaze distant yet intent.

Elizabeth glanced around skeptically. “And what exactly am I supposed to see here?”

“A glimpse into Akuma’s past,” Monika replied. “A world where he once lived, loved, and lost.”

They began to walk along a cobblestone path lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Petals fluttered gently in the breeze, creating a picturesque scene that felt almost too perfect.

“Akuma was happy here,” Monika continued. “He had two girlfriends who adored him. But I was always on the outside, unable to reach him no matter how hard I tried.”

“Sounds frustrating,” Elizabeth remarked dryly. “But I’m failing to see how this concerns me.”

Monika looked at her with a faint smile. “We share a common struggle. Both of us fighting for someone who is constantly just out of reach.”

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t struggle. I take what I want.”

“Do you?” Monika’s tone was teasing. “From what I hear, you’re not the only one vying for Adriel’s attention. Seda and Emma are quite… formidable.”

A flicker of annoyance crossed Elizabeth’s face. “They are insignificant obstacles.”

Monika chuckled softly. “Is that why you begged Seda for mercy during your little trial? Afraid of what she might do if you didn’t grovel?”

Elizabeth’s expression hardened. “Careful, Monika. You’re treading on thin ice.”

“Am I?” Monika tilted her head innocently. “It’s just that I find it amusing how the mighty Elizabeth quivers before Seda. You talk big about taking what you want, yet you submit so easily.”

“I tolerate Seda because it’s convenient,” Elizabeth snapped. “Don’t mistake strategy for weakness.”

“Strategy?” Monika mocked. “Accepting a punishment to avoid her wrath doesn’t sound strategic. It sounds like fear.”

“Believe what you want,” Elizabeth retorted. “I don’t need to explain myself to you.”

They stopped beside a fountain where a distorted image of Akuma and his girlfriends appeared, laughing and carefree. Monika watched them with a wistful expression.

“I tried everything to connect with him,” she said. “But every time, I was blocked, ignored, cast aside. Just like how Seda and Emma keep you from truly reaching Adriel.”

Elizabeth smirked. “The difference is, I will succeed where you failed.”

“Bold claim,” Monika replied. “But actions speak louder than words. So far, all I’ve seen is a girl too afraid to stand up to her so-called rivals.”

“Enough,” Elizabeth said coldly. “Your attempts to unsettle me are pathetic.”

A subtle glitch rippled through the scene—the students flickered, colors momentarily fading before snapping back. Elizabeth caught it and raised an eyebrow.

“Your little illusion is starting to crack,” she observed. “Can’t even maintain a simple facade.”

Monika’s smile tightened. “Pay no mind to that. The memories are… old.”

“Or maybe you’re not as powerful as you pretend to be,” Elizabeth challenged.

Monika’s eyes flashed with irritation. “You might want to watch that sharp tongue of yours, especially since you’re so accustomed to holding your tongue around Seda.”

Elizabeth stepped closer, a dangerous glint in her eyes. “I doubt you understand anything about me.”

“Oh, but I do,” Monika whispered. “I know how it feels to be overshadowed. To pretend to be strong while secretly fearing someone else’s power.”

“I fear no one,” Elizabeth hissed.

“Really?” Monika taunted. “Then why did you accept that pitiful punishment? Why not stand up to Seda and Emma? Unless, of course, you’re scared.”

Elizabeth’s fists clenched. “I didn’t come here to discuss my affairs.”

“Perhaps not,” Monika conceded. “But it’s important you see the parallels. We could help each other. Remove those who stand in our way.”

“I don’t need your help,” Elizabeth snapped. “And I certainly don’t need you.”

“Such a shame,” Monika sighed dramatically. “I was hoping you’d be smarter than that.”

Another, more pronounced glitch caused the entire environment to waver. The sky darkened briefly, and the students froze mid-motion.

“Your desperation is showing,” Elizabeth taunted. “Isn’t it time to take off that good girl mask?”

Monika’s facade melted away. Her eyes hardened, and a sly smile curved her lips. “So, you’ve seen through it.”

“From the moment you tried to play me,” Elizabeth replied coldly. “I don’t take kindly to manipulation.”

The world around them began to distort—the school buildings twisted, the ground cracked, and the sky fractured like shattered glass.

“Very well,” Monika said, her voice echoing unnaturally. “Time to tell you the truth.”

They stood now in a void, a swirling abyss of shadows and flickering lights. Monika’s true aura emerged—dark, potent, and unrestrained.

“You and I are not so different,” she declared. “Both willing to do whatever it takes to get what we want.”

“Perhaps,” Elizabeth conceded, her demeanor unshaken. “But I don’t need alliances, especially not with someone who hides behind illusions.”

Monika laughed softly. “Confidence is admirable, but arrogance can be your downfall.”

“Only if I underestimate my opponent,” Elizabeth retorted. “And you, Monika, are not worth the concern.”

Monika’s expression darkened. “You’re bold, I’ll give you that. But don’t forget how you cowered before Seda. How you begged for leniency like a frightened child.”

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. “Mention Seda one more time, and you’ll regret it.”

“Hit a nerve, did I?” Monika smirked. “It’s so easy to see through your bravado. Deep down, you’re terrified of her power.”

“I fear no one,” Elizabeth repeated, her voice icy.

“Then prove it,” Monika challenged. “Embrace the freedom I’m offering. Together, we can eliminate Seda and Emma.”

“I’ve had enough of your games,” Elizabeth declared. “I have no interest in your petty schemes.”

She turned as if to leave, but Monika’s voice stopped her. “You can’t escape this place unless I allow it.”

Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder. “Is that so?”

With a confident smirk, she snapped her fingers, attempting to unravel the illusion. But nothing happened. The void remained, swirling ominously.

Monika chuckled darkly. “Did you really think it would be that easy?”

Elizabeth’s expression faltered for a fraction of a second. “What have you done?”

“I’ve woven this world specifically for you,” Monika explained. “Your powers are useless here.”

“Impossible,” Elizabeth muttered, trying again to summon her abilities. The void mocked her efforts, absorbing her energy without effect.

“You see,” Monika continued, “while you were busy underestimating me, I was binding you deeper into my web.”

Elizabeth’s gaze sharpened. “Release me at once.”

“Why would I do that?” Monika teased. “We’re just starting to have fun.”

“Don’t toy with me,” Elizabeth warned.

Monika stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with malice. “Or what? You’ll glare me to death? Face it, Elizabeth, you’re at my mercy.”

“Enjoy this while it lasts,” Elizabeth snapped. “I will find a way out, and when I do—”

“You’ll what?” Monika interrupted. “Run back to Seda and Emma? Beg them to protect you?”

Elizabeth lunged at her, but the space between them stretched infinitely, keeping Monika just out of reach.

“Temper, temper,” Monika chided. “It’s unbecoming.”

“Why are you doing this?” Elizabeth demanded, frustration seeping into her voice.

“Because you need to see the truth,” Monika replied. “You’re not as strong as you think. And until you accept my offer, you’ll remain here.”

“I’d rather rot,” Elizabeth spat.

Monika sighed dramatically. “Always so stubborn. Very well, have it your way.”

She snapped her fingers, and the void around them swirled violently. Elizabeth felt herself being pulled into a vortex, her senses overwhelmed by a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds.

◆　◇　◆

Elizabeth awoke to the sound of a school bell ringing in the distance. The scent of chalk and aged paper filled her nostrils. She blinked rapidly, her vision adjusting to the dim light filtering through worn blinds.

She was seated at a wooden desk, graffiti etched into its surface. Around her, the murmur of students chatting and shuffling filled the air.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” a cheerful voice chimed beside her.

Elizabeth turned to see Monika, looking impossibly young, smiling brightly. Her hair was tied in a simple ponytail, and she wore a school uniform identical to Elizabeth’s.

“Class is about to start,” Monika said, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.

Elizabeth’s heart raced as she looked down at herself. The uniform, the desk, the youthful hands—she was fourteen again.

“What is this?” Elizabeth whispered, panic creeping into her voice.

Monika giggled. “First-day nerves? Don’t worry, high school isn’t so bad.”

Elizabeth stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. The other students turned to look at her, faces blurry and indistinct.

“Where am I?” she demanded, her voice edged with fear and anger.

Monika tilted her head innocently. “Home, of course.”

Elizabeth’s mind raced. She remembered the confrontation, the void, Monika’s last words.

“You think you can trap me in this illusion?” Elizabeth snarled.

Monika’s smile widened. “It’s not just an illusion, dear. It’s a new reality. One where you can start over.”

“I don’t need a new reality,” Elizabeth hissed. “Release me at once.”

“Now, why would I do that?” Monika replied sweetly. “You still haven’t agreed to my offer.”