Nyx gave a slight nod, then leaned back again, her voice returning to its usual teasing warmth.
"Good. Because I'd hate to see my favorite little swordsman turned into a mindless puppet."
Kael leaned closer to Nyx, his voice dropping to a soft whisper.
"I want to see you too," he murmured. Then, after a heartbeat, his lips barely moved as he added, "...Naked."
Nyx blinked, visibly caught off guard. A soft, rosy flush touched her cheeks—rare for someone like her. Her fingers instinctively reached out, pressing gently against his chest.
"Oh… we've grown confident, haven't we?" she said, her voice low and velvety, though slightly breathless.
Kael didn't shy away. He met her gaze with a knowing grin.
"Want to see just how confident I've become?"
Nyx stared at him for a long moment, searching his eyes, her usual control faltering for a second. This was no longer the shy boy she first teased. Something had awakened in him and it thrilled her more than she expected.
"Well, well…" she murmured, biting back a smile. "Tell me, Kael—who have you been messing around with? You wouldn't be acting like this unless someone gave you a little... experience."
Kael glanced around instinctively, making sure no one could hear him.
"Aunty Ellie," he whispered, leaning further closer to Nyx.
Nyx blinked, her expression freezing for a split second before a slow, sultry smirk spread across her face.
"Oh? That sweet, quiet maid?" she asked, amusement lacing her tone. "I didn't expect that."
Kael rubbed the back of his neck, his ears tinged with a light flush. "Yeah… it just happened. I pushed her a little… and she gave in."
Nyx tilted her head, studying him like a proud teacher.
"You seduced her," she said, more as a statement than a question. "Bold of you. But fitting."
Kael looked away for a moment. "It wasn't all planned. But the moment just… spiraled. And then…"
Nyx chuckled softly. "And now look at you," she said, fingers trailing lazily along his arm. "One taste and suddenly you're acting like a proper man."
Kael grinned. "I think I'm starting to understand this path a little better now."
Nyx leaned in this time, her voice low and teasing. "Just be careful. Lust is power, yes—but if you lose yourself in it, even someone like me might not be able to pull you back."
Kael nodded slowly, the weight of her words sinking in… but the fire in his eyes remained.
Just as their conversation lingered in the playful tension, Alaric's voice boomed from outside the room.
"Kael, are you ready?"
Kael stood up quickly, brushing off the faint flush that still clung to his cheeks. "Yes, Father! I'm coming!" he called out.
He turned back to Nyx, who remained sprawled elegantly on the bed.
"Alright, Nyx. I'll be going now," he said, adjusting the collar of his shirt.
Nyx tilted her head, her eyes following him closely like a cat watching its prey. "Sure," she replied with a sly grin. "Have fun… and don't think too much with your lower half."
Her gaze dropped deliberately to his crotch, then flicked back to meet his eyes. Kael's face flushed again, and he cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Okay, okay—I won't," he mumbled, flustered but smiling.
Nyx gave him a wink, her voice softening just a bit. "Be careful, Kael. The world outside doesn't play fair."
With a final nod, Kael stepped out of the room, shutting the door behind him. He moved through the hallway and exited the house, where the morning light hit him full in the face. Alaric stood near the fence gate, dressed neatly in a combo of formal shirt and black pants.
His posture was relaxed, but his presence radiated calm authority. As Kael approached, Alaric gave him a firm nod of approval, his eyes briefly scanning his son from head to toe.
"You look ready," he said.
Kael smiled. "Let's go."
With that, the duo—father and son—began their walk toward the village center. The sun had risen fully now, casting a warm golden glow over the cobbled paths and wooden fences lining the way.
The village center was about a half-hour's walk from Kael's house, giving them time to speak.
After a few minutes of silence, Kael glanced at his father and asked curiously, "Father, who's the strongest person in our village?"
Alaric, who had been walking a few paces ahead, paused for a moment and let Kael catch up. He gave his son a sideways glance before speaking.
"The village head," he said. "He has grown old now, but during his younger days, he came very close to breaking through to the Master Knight realm. Very few ever reach that point."
Kael's eyes widened slightly. "But he didn't make it?"
Alaric shook his head. "No. He stayed at the peak of Elite Knight. Still, even now, there's no one in this village who can stand against him. His strength, experience, and understanding of combat are unmatched."