Chapter 56: MY HAREM SERVES A UNIQUE PURPOSE
After a long moment, when they finally reached the domes of the Grade D chambers, Selene turned with her usual graceful authority. At once, every noble straightened.
"Everyone should return to your chambers and take this time to recover over the weekend," she said, her voice measured and firm. "By Monday, lessons will resume."
A ripple of acknowledgment passed through the group, heads dipping slightly before the students began to disperse. Their footsteps carried them along the stone path, the hushed whispers lingering, trailing behind like smoke as they moved toward their quarters.
Miyu lingered for a breath, her gaze fixed on Eran’s back as he walked ahead... calm, unhurried, unreadable. For that brief moment, the quiet between them spoke louder than words, a secret only they shared.
Then, one by one, the nobles drifted into their chambers, the murmurs fading into silence, until the corridors lay still again
***
When Eran finally lay back in his chamber, the door slipped quietly shut behind him, he exhaled slow and deep. Both arms stretched out across the bed, he let the silence settle over him.
His thoughts drifted almost at once... Miyu’s eyes holding his for that brief moment earlier, the weight of Selene’s words about the duel, the whispers of the nobles. A smirk tugged faintly at his lips.
Perhaps other nobles still saw him as the commoner.
But having Selene and Miyu, the two most feared nobles among his peers.. by his side was enough to keep him two steps ahead.
The system’s faint hum lingered at the edge of his mind, waiting, almost alive... but for now, he let it fade, choosing instead to rest in the silence.
For a moment too long, Eran’s gaze lingered on the ceiling, unblinking, his thoughts pulling him deeper, until a voice cut through.
"Eran."
Selene’s voice.
The door clicked softly as she stepped in, her presence carrying that quiet grace, her eyes finding him with a faint smile.
Eran straightened a little from the bed, his smirk tugging back into place.
"It seems you’re having a rather relaxed moment," she said lightly. "Almost makes me wish I could hop in myself."
Eran let out a low chuckle, tilting his head toward her.
"You know you can always hop in when you need to."
Her smile was warm at his words, lingering on him for a breath longer before she lifted the file in her hand.
"Professor Girzar asked me to bring this."
"Oh, really?" Eran replied, his gaze locking on her, unreadable as always.
Selene stepped closer, her robe brushing lightly against her frame as she crossed the space with quiet elegance. She placed the file down on the edge of his bed, close enough that the faint scent of frost and steel that clung to her reached him.
Tilting her head slightly, her eyes never leaving his, as she spoke.
"Yes, Eran. I mentioned it earlier, the upcoming duels... they’ll be held in a week.
Professor Girzar demanded my presence for this; the file is his request."
Her gaze lingered on him for a heartbeat before she exhaled softly.
"As he explained... this will be the final test. It will decide the position each noble holds within this hierarchy. And for the commoners..." her voice lowered, "...it will strip them of their grade entirely, if they cannot even survive the final duel this time."
Her eyes flicked back to Eran, studying his calm expression, searching for a reaction that never quite came.
"Well, good thing they called me among the jurisdiction," Selene said at last, her tone composed but carrying the faint weight of pride. "I’ll be out for some days with them, working through every detail and arrangement until the final test... the duel. The message just reached me now, so it’s better I told you first, Eran."
As she spoke, her hand lowered, brushing lightly against his arm. The touch lingered, soft but deliberate, drawing his attention without forcing it.
Eran’s gaze held hers for a moment, unreadable as always, though his thoughts moved swiftly beneath the calm surface. So... she’s among the jurisdiction members? One of those who will stand to judge and deliver results on that day. His mind traced the implications, weaving possibilities like threads on a hidden loom. That means I hold another advantage...
Already, his thoughts shifted to Miyu... the other piece on this dangerous board. Both women now represented leverage, each in their own way, each a doorway to tilt the balance when the duel arrived... enough to keep his mask intact.
Slowly, almost unconsciously, Eran’s lips curved into that faint, unreadable smirk, the one that never revealed whether it was amusement or calculation.
Selene leaned closer, her presence brushing the edges of his control, her voice soft, teasing yet searching.
"You always smile, Eran..."
Eran’s eyes never wavered from hers, the curve of his lips deepening just enough to sharpen the mystery in his expression.
"Do I?" he murmured, voice low, almost thoughtful. "Maybe it’s because I find things amusing... and your beauty more perfect when you speak... every word makes me want to smile"
His tone was smooth, laced with faint charm as his lips curved deeper.
A soft chuckle slipped past her lips, low and unguarded, igniting a quiet spark she couldn’t hide.
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze locking onto Eran’s. "It’s all yours, Eran," she whispered, her hand brushed lightly against his arm, the touch as delicate as her smile.
And then...
She rose gracefully, tucking the file back against her arm. She leaned in just slightly, with her voice dropping into a low whisper meant only for him.
"I wish I could hop in for a moment, Eran... but my presence is needed now."
Before he could reply, she leaned closer brushing a soft kiss against his lips. Eran’s hand slipped in one smooth motion, smacking her ass just enough to make her jolt.
A sharp gasp escaped her before laughter burst free, spilling into the quiet chamber. She half-covered her mouth with her free hand, her emerald eyes glimmering with mischief as Eran gave her a knowing smile.
"Oh... before I forget," she said suddenly, straightening her robe, though her laughter still lingered in her tone. "On Monday, Professor Girzar will come to the class to announce the preparations for the duel. And maybe some... stricter rules along the way."She touched her throat with her fingers, letting out a quiet laugh. "Well, you know how strict they can be."
She turned gracefully toward the door, pausing as her hand brushed the handle. Glancing back at him one last time, her gaze held firm with a faint smirk.
"Don’t fall too quickly, Eran. Or else—"
Eran’s gaze locked on her with that same knowing smirk between them, letting the silent answer as she steps out with a soft click.