Meetings and conditions

"=To think we'd run into each other like this. Quite the fateful meeting, no?="

"='Fateful' isn't the word on my tongue, but I suppose it fits.="

Seraphina chuckled, her gaze flickering over Lucas with casual curiosity before settling on his sister, poised a few steps away. For an instant, the two pairs of sapphire eyes locked in a fleeting, silent clash of wills. The green-haired elf then turned to the only man in the corridor.

Before she spoke whatever thoughts rose in her mind, however, Lucas intercepted, "=She wants to take you to the training arena we have to show you some magic. Without your retainers, just the three of us.="

"=...I assume she **** you to translate?=" her brow raised, although Lucas could feel the faint edge forming on Seraphina's tongue.

The white-haired Stormrider shrugged. "=Not exactly. We came to an agreement.="

"???"

"=Well, let's get going. I'll tell you the crux of it in the meantime.="

-30 minutes ago-

"I came here with a request."

Ophelia's words hung in the air between them. Lucas eyed her with a glint of suspicion, causing the silver-haired woman to straighten in her position as though trying to assess her position in the conversation.

"A request?" he repeated, the word dancing on his tongue languidly. A frown entered his face. Something about how the busty woman said it told him there was more to her than a mere order. Seeing her glance sideways as though checking if they were alone, Lucas stepped to the side, letting her enter.

As Ophelia stepped inside the room, Lucas immediately drew attention to her wobbling chest. Every single movement she made caused her massive breasts to swing and jiggle, making them impossible to ignore. The same went for her sashaying hips, every step making her bubble butt bounce. The dress she wore did not hide her figure well despite its efforts. His heart beat with uncertainty. His hand clenched briefly by his side, but his mind instinctively replayed the soft and inviting warmth it'd felt when it clasped around one of his sister's mammaries. A strange sensation of anticipation rose in his chest.

However, as the curtain of silver hair swirled, exposing Ophelia's turning face, Lucas's mind snapped out of pondering. He closed the door.

"What request are you talking about?" he inquired.

"I'll be blunt," Ophelia started with a faint sigh. "Come with me to meet Princess Seraphina."

"...what?"

"I don't know Mins, and you're the only person available."

Lucas’s gaze lingered on his sister, her usually commanding posture marred by an almost imperceptible unease. There was clearly more she had on her mind, the words left unspoken as she continued, "I know you don't want Mother to know of all that. I'll make sure she doesn't. We'll take Princess to the arena and--"

"I refuse."

"?!" Ophelia's face turned perplexed. Her body visibly tensed up, the sudden motion causing her curves to shimmy gently.

"What?" Lucas squinted at her reaction. "You didn't expect I'll just sheepishly accept, did you? Don't think you can just foist it on me. I'm your brother, not your servant."

The silver-haired woman appeared stupefied, her body nearly frozen as she scanned him with her icy-blue eyes. Her fist clenched a little. Lucas didn't need to sense mana to know that his sister was instinctively preparing a spell. "I came here with an earnest request, and you won't even hear it?"

"Why should I?" Lucas took a step forward, his eyes not leaving Ophelia's. He immediately noticed that she tensed up further. "So you have an excuse to beat me up again? Or maybe so you can **** me later, huh?"

Ophelia visibly recoiled as if struck. Her confident veneer cracked for the faintest of breaths, revealing something that looked to the man like... regret? He wasn't sure if the shudder of her shoulders could mean that, but somewhere, subconsciously, he could tell his question stirred an emotion he thought long dead in her - remorse.

A few seconds of terse silence persisted. The two siblings looked at one another, gauging each other's faces.

"...what do you want?"

"...come again?" Lucas tilted his head. 'She won't give up, will she?' he realized, seeing that Ophelia's demeanor turned slightly nervous, not to say panicked. 'But there's something odd about her... that's a little strange...'

"What do I have to give you for you to accept?" Ophelia articulated again, her words coming with a deliberate slowness.

He blinked, a feeling of incredulousness washing over him. His sister - the 5th-circle Mage, the genius, the person who turned heads of men and women alike - was willing to agree to his terms...? A surge of vindication bubbled within him at the unexpected shift in their dynamic. It was almost enough to bring a smirk to his lips.

'...no, don't get complacent.' he suddenly berated himself. 'It's not like she'll agree to everything. If I can, I should use this...'

As he focused on her, a few faint thoughts crept in. This situation bore an advantage he would seldom see again, much less from someone like Ophelia.

-Currently-

"=My, I didn't know you had such a sharp side to yourself,=" Seraphina teased, keeping close to Lucas as they trailed behind Ophelia under an arc leading into the arena. Her long dress of dark green color trailed just a step behind her, almost making the man trip on occasion. Its hue was just a shade darker than her hair, making the two blend rather well.

Lucas looked around. The coarse sand shifted beneath their feet with each step, releasing faint whispers of movement. The arid air felt like it would suck all humidity right out of his lungs. Coupling it with the beaming sun made the place look and feel like a Melidan desert. Lucas could faintly see the events of the past days unfolding in front of his eyes. A somewhat unpleasant feeling rose in his spirit before he shook his head.

Focusing on the green-haired elf next to him, he shrugged. "=Sometimes, you have to stand up for yourself, is all.="

"=Though, I do wonder. What did you request of her in return?="

"=Nothing much,=" he replied with a shrug, looking at the curtain of silver hair ahead of them. "=Just for her to be a little nicer to me.="

Seraphina didn't answer. Her gaze landed on Lucas's sister, no particular emotion appearing on her face. Even so, he could tell that she didn't think many niceties toward the woman.

Ophelia came to a halt a few steps ahead of them. Her hair shifted with a glimmer, the slowly lowering side cascading around her form. Her face was shaded, but the brilliant shine of her eyes was unmistakable.

"Brother," she focused on Lucas. "If you please, we may begin," her gaze landed on Seraphina before continuing to speak.

"=What's she saying?=" the green-haired elf asked, nudging Lucas's elbow with her own and prompting him to snap his eyes away from his sister.

"=Some obligatory forms of respect and such. 'I welcome you here', 'I hope you're well', 'I asked you to come to show some magic native to our family', things like that.="

"=So, a lot of the courteous 'yada yada', is it?=" the Liveren Princess sighed. Lucas could feel the layer of resignation under her tone.

"=Yeah, pretty much,=" he nodded, focusing on Ophelia briefly. "=Oh, she's asking us to enter the platforms so she can begin.="

The two quickly made their way sideways, to a small opening in the wall. As they ascended the steps, the elf woman inquired, "=Though, what did she mean by 'magic native to your family'?=" Seraphina raised a brow, perplexity stirring in her sapphire eyes. The way her head tilted let her hair part, giving Lucas a rather obvious glimpse into her cleavage. He cleared his throat, doing his best to not his gaze stray as they picked some seats in the first row.

"=Have you heard of Origin Magic?="

Seraphina's eyes lit up, her pointy ears almost lifting. "=Does she have one?="

"=Yeah. She's the only wielder of it since grandfather Iwo,=" 'Even Father, despite being a rather strong Mage, didn't attain it. I suppose it's no wonder. Origin Magic can't be obtained nilly-willy. Much like one's appearance, it's designated with birthright. Even with power, it can't be simply learned. That's also why it's unique yet consistent with every family line that has obtained one.' he thought silently, seeing that Ophelia began forming magic circles around her.

Two formations brimming with power appeared next to her. A low crackle of electrical energy filled the air as the buxom woman focused on some spot in the distance. With a quick swipe of her hand, she commanded the energy to burst outward. The lightning bolts traveled the distance instantly, marking scorched spots on the hard stone. Black outlines of the impact zones spread outward like a spider's web for a short distance.

"That was the 2nd circle Lightning Spear," Ophelia announced, her voice carried through the air with mana still resonating within her. "Ask her if she wants to see any specific type of magic, Lucas," she continued, focusing on her brother. However, as the contact was maintained for a few seconds, her gaze faltered, her expression turning indescribable. "...please."

Lucas felt his heart beat with renewed power. This feeling of power was palpable. His sister, who'd done nothing but ridicule and hurt him since their father's ****, was now... actually somewhat respectful. That sensation was almost intoxicating.

Turning to Seraphina, he said, "=She's asking if you want to see any specific magic.="

The blue-eyed elf shrugged. "=I doubt she knows Meteor Shower or anything similar, so all is well whatever she decides to show.="

"Princess says she has no preferences," Lucas looked at his sister.

"...I see," Ophelia's response was tinted with a sensible layer of hesitation. Taking a few steps to the side, she formed a few magic circles around her.

"=She looks pissed,=" the green-haired elf commented as the woman in the arena below shot her magic to the side in a few waves. Those ranged from 1st-circle Fireballs to 3rd-circle Chain Lightning, each spell carrying a palpable edge of power fitting for its placement.

"=I'm pretty sure that's just her resting face.="

Seraphina answered with a chortle. The lightheartedness of her talk with the human to her side made her feel... elated. For at least a moment, she forgot about the war her country was going through and about the other mightly unpleasant things that had happened in the past days.

"=I wonder how pissed she'd be if she knew I'll be using this chance to talk with you.="

Lucas chuckled, his amethyst eyes scanning the elf's pose briefly. This was the first time the two saw each other during the day clearly, and he could not help but notice the ethereal beauty that straight-up beamed from her. He already knew elven royalty was on another level, but he couldn't help but feel almost choked.

That sensation, however, came to an abrupt halt.

"I cannot help but feel as though you're ignoring me, brother," Ophelia's voice cut through the air, grabbing Lucas's attention.

He felt a faint shiver run down his spine. "Of course not. We're discussing the magic you're showing, is all," he answered hastily, feeling his sister's stare on him.

She gazed into the distance for a blink. Something visibly stirred on her face, but the emotion was difficult for the man to place. "...I'll show my Origin Magic now, then."

As she received a nod from the white-haired man, Ophelia took a few steps further into the arena. She felt the sand give in under her soles, the sensation of the singular grains entering her shoes sending pangs of vexation down her gullet. She could not help but feel that Lucas was not perfectly honest with her. It felt like he hid something from her, and that suspicion almost appeared confirmed when she saw him speak with the green-haired princess. They looked so casual, so gleeful, so... free. Despite having seen Seraphina Liveren multiple times since she'd arrived with her retinue, the silver-haired woman had never once seen her smile or chuckle, not even when speaking with her own retainers. That made her feel... sour. Inwardly, something stirred in her, a subconscious sensation that made her heart beat weightily. She... also wanted to feel like that.

...

Seraphina was the first of the two to pick up on the change in the air. Her gaze intensified, focusing on the silver-haired woman.

With her back turned to them, Ophelia commanded the mana with deliberate precision. Each motion was a masterstroke of discipline, akin to the practiced fluidity of a swordsman tracing their deadliest form. This was not a third-rate spell that could be taught to anyone. The magic circle formulating behind her was a culmination of their ancestors and their will. Although faint, she could sense as though invisible hands of gods-know-how-many past users of this Origin Magic reached out, each of them helping her just a tiny bit. And with every minuscule piece of mana that fell into place, she felt the power surging. Lightning arced on the magical construct, some of it even bouncing off and reaching her, sending faint tickling sensations down her spine.

And then, it stabilized.

Mana coalesced within the intricate weave of the magic circle, shaping itself into a weapon of raw power. The lightning spear emerged with a brilliance that demanded attention, its pure-white form crackling with veins of electric blue. Every detail, from its razor-sharp head to the charged shaft, seemed to hum with restrained ferocity. The large head alone was longer than her entire elbow, and the pole that it was affixed to was nearly 2 meters long.

The weapon levitated in front of the sigil, just overhead its owner. Small arcs of lightning continuously surged, and the static electricity even made Ophelia's hair shuffle. She shot a hasty look toward her brother and the Liveren Princess before raising her hand. With a shallow exhale, she commanded the power, and the spear obeyed, lowering itself. With a firm grasp, Ophelia grabbed the weapon's handle and spun it with a refined, experienced motion.

"=That... looks quite powerful,=" Seraphina commented, scrutinizing the silver-haired woman.

"=Yeah,=" Lucas nodded. 'I haven't seen her Origin Magic since she'd been a 3rd-circle Mage... the difference in power is undeniable. It's probably only about half her output at best, and yet it is probably ten times stronger than the one I remember.' "=A 5th-circle Mage is a 5th-circle Mage, after all.="

"This is my Origin Magic, Princess. It is called Lightning Dragon Spear," Ophelia said, coming closer slowly. Her gaze lingered on Seraphina before switching to Lucas. Noticing that his lips moved, she continued slowly, "It is a magic attained by our family's progenitor, Raymond Stormrider, more than five centuries ago."

As the explanation continued, Lucas glanced at the elf sitting next to him. Seraphina was duly focused on his sister, observing her every move and scanning the Origin Magic with scrutiny. Something was clearly on her mind but she decided against voicing all her thoughts, instead nodding and saying, "=Splendid, as expected of Origin Magic. Even a same-circle Mage wouldn't handle that easily.="

Lucas nodded, turning to his sister. "She's saying it's impressive."

'Seraphina does have a point, though.' he conceded silently as he heard his sister respond and continued the translation between the two. 'Origin Magic is ridiculously powerful. Its most important trait is that it depends on the user's strength and ignores circle restrictions, making it versatile and adjustable. These facts make it a spell in its own class.'

Several minutes passed before the show came to an end. The hum of magic faded, leaving the arena cloaked in an almost unnatural stillness. Shifting the spear in her hands, Ophelia struck the ground with its back lightly. A loud crackle followed before the weapon diffused into thin air, leaving behind only charged air. With a quick motion, she fixed her hair, letting it flow down her back. Its marginally disheveled look was somewhat out of place with her usually licked-up and almost idealistic look. Large droplets of sweat and her heated-up skin only added to the view. Even her dress was stained in a few spots.

Ophelia’s gaze lingered on the pair descending to the arena, her expression an enigmatic blend of longing and frustration, as though caught between pride and something unspoken. Despite speaking not a word, all three of them could tell that the time they could spend in one spot was drying up.

-A little while later-

Just before entering the manor, the trio split their ways. Exchanging one last look with him, the Liveren Princess gave him a warm smile, the green cascade of her hair wobbling as she nodded.

"=I'll see you during evening, Lucas,=" she spoke softly, coming to a halt just before the door.

"=Haven't had enough of a talk?=" he asked jokingly, also stopping. His eyes briefly looked at Ophelia, who reciprocated the gaze before turning around, making sure nobody would see them. He could tell she wanted to rush him but didn't dare intrude.

"=Don't take all the credit. The food also contributes,=" Seraphina snickered playfully, twirling some hair around a finger. A layer of hesitation crossed her features for a blink. "=...thank you.="

"=Huh?=" his head tilted in confusion. "=What for?="

"=For doing this. You didn't have to come and translate. Especially since sticking your neck out like this is risky...=" her gaze strode sideways. "=Thank you for being my friend.="

"!" Lucas suddenly felt a faint chill go down his spine. Seraphina's words stirred a memory nearly a week old which had a slightly bitter root in his mind.

"=...did something happen?=" the green-haired elf suddenly inquired, noticing the change in his demeanor.

"=It's nothing,=" he shook his head, exhaling shallowly. "=I didn't expect to be called a friend of the Liveren Princess, is all. That's quite the rise in my position.="

Seraphina giggled, her expression softening. "=Take care, Lucas.="

"=You too, Seraphina.="

And then, they turned away from one another. Seraphina entered the manor together with Ophelia while Lucas rushed to the servant's entrance, ensuring to move as close to the wall as he could.

Once he closed the door and began walking down the stairs, he felt a sigh of relief leave his lungs as he trekked toward his room. He traced the stone walls with a hand. Reminding himself of his goodbye with Seraphina, however, a queasy feeling lingered in his abdomen.

'I wonder how Tessa is doing.' he pondered, the images of the redhead maid flashing before his eyes before he shook the thought out. 'No, don't think about that. I'm sure she'll reach out to me sooner rather than later. Worst case scenario, I'll probably pass by her tomorrow on an occasion. Now, however, there's one thing that should happen.'

Suddenly, he noticed a glimmer in the distance. Focusing a little, Lucas recognized Ophelia's voluptuous figure, just barely hidden underneath her dress, as well as the silver cascade of her hair. The way her huge breasts protruded from her torso, just barely contained by the garment, made his heart beat with a little haste.

'There you are.' he thought, anticipation rising in his spirit.

"I've done my part," Ophelia stated, looking her brother over. "Now, what did you say you wanted?"

Lucas breathed in deeply, mentally preparing himself. As he approached, he opened the door to his room. "Come in, let's talk a little."

"???"

The confusion on her face was palpable, the emotion twisting her alluring contours in ways Lucas had never seen before. Still, she complied, her steps deliberate as she entered and turned to face him. The faint sheen of sweat on her skin glimmered under the manalamp, adding a strange glow to her presence.

The silent question was more than obvious.

"Let's sit down," Lucas said, pointing to the table.

His top-heavy sister frowned, visibly puzzled. However, she didn't hesitate, walking over and sitting in a chair. The icy blue of her eyes shimmered in the light from the manalamp on the wall, adding to her quizzical expression.

"You said you'd tell me what you wanted after the meeting," she said, watching him sit across the table. "I'm listening."

Lucas swallowed some dry saliva. Reminding himself of the talk they had not even an hour ago, he thought about what he had said to his sister. A queasy sensation stirred in his spirit, but he quelled it, focusing on her. He could tell impatience filled her mind. While he might've had the upper hand because of his earlier demands and the situation with Seraphina, it wouldn't last. He had one shot at this.

'We won't be bothered for a while. It's now or never.'

His hand lifted slightly. Ophelia's eyes glimmered as she caught the motion, faint curiosity within. However, as she did so, she failed to notice the faint outline of purple surrounding his fingers.

It took less than a second. As Lucas's motion finished, Ophelia stared blankly at his hand. Naught an emotion was etched into her features, making her look almost like a statue. Was it not for her stable breathing and her eyes following his hand until he hid it, he'd have sworn she was stopped in time.

"Ophelia," he started, feeling his heart beat with nervous pangs. "Do you hear me?"

"...yes," she answered, her voice devoid of her usual condemning tone.

Lucas swallowed again, feeling his breathing quicken as a lump of bitterness formed in his throat. Letting his gaze linger on her body for a moment, he did his best to calm down.

Summoning his status, he confirmed that his WP already started draining. He had only about 7 minutes.

His hands clenched.

'There will be time to regret things later.'

Lucas berated himself, focusing on his sister's face. When she was not scoffing at him, he couldn't help but give her a rather beguiling attribute. He could see why she was considered a beauty. She had nothing on Seraphina, but for human standards, she was quite alluring and sexy, and it wasn't just her body speaking. Her face was refined and mature, with finely defined cheeks giving her a somewhat striking appearance that was softened by her plush lips and cutely small ears.

'I need to learn more about this class. Analyze, research, and experiment. Even if it's risky... even if I have to do this.'

It was a decision he had come to after last night. It was the reason why despite still feeling a little repulsed by his class, he lifted his hand. Instinctively trying to point his thoughts toward his sister, he cast another skill.