Vorkath strained to turn his head despite the crushing gravity, his own gravitational magic offering some relief. "Father! I thought you had already left for that nauseating business meeting with those loathsome high elves."
Gravis paid Vorkath no mind. "Everyone, assemble in the main hall for a family meeting. Dress appropriately and make sure to bathe beforehand. I don't want your mother or sisters to be subjected to your filth." His eyes bore into Braxis with a mix of disappointment and disgust.
"Can I ever catch a break with this family?" Braxis grumbled quietly as the gravity was lifted from them all.
As Gravis made to leave, Dante rushed up to him, pleading. "Father! Braxis attacked me, humiliated me, and even knocked me unconscious! That's why we were—"
Gravis cut him off without so much as a glance. "If you're so weak that you were defeated by Braxis, perhaps you got what you deserved. I'll hear no more of this, Dante."
"But he's older than me! It's not fair," Dante whined. Gravis responded with a swift backhand that sent Dante crashing into the wall, scowling at him. "I did warn you," Gravis remarked before departing from the chaotic scene.
"I saw that coming from a mile away," Vorkath sighed. "Well, it seems you're off the hook this time, pathetic worm," he sneered at Braxis.
Ignoring his brother's incessant taunts, Braxis approached Juliane. "Are you alright?" he asked gently, offering her his arm.
Julianne Relationship Status: +2
Julianne Relationship Progress: 17/300
"I'm fine, thank you, Master Braxis," Juliane murmured softly.
"Julianne, would you mind accompanying me to the bath? I could use some help warming it up again," Braxis asked.
Julianne Relationship Status: +1
Julianne Relationship Progress: 18/300
"I'm sorry, Master Braxis, but I'm not able to help. Lord Gravis has given me direct orders to assist in preparing the banquet for the meeting," she replied hesitantly, her heart pounding and her face flushed as she scurried away.
Braxis sighed and made his way to the bath, relieved to find it easily accessible down the hallway.
'I have a few lives to spare... I should have at least used one of them to make a move on Julianne or something...' Braxis mused, regretting the missed opportunity.
The bathing area, perched atop a towering pillar, featured an expansive pool enveloped in steam. This vantage point offered a stunning view of the country by night, with clusters of twinkling lights marking villages and towns below. Above, the sky showcased a dazzling array of stars and planets, their reflections dancing on the pool's surface like an otherworldly tapestry. This celestial panorama captivated Braxis, highlighting the universe's beauty beyond mortal boundaries.
As Braxis undressed, he dipped a foot into the water, delighted by its warmth. "Oh, it's still warm!" he exclaimed, submerging himself with a sigh. The steam enveloped him, creating a serene cocoon, while the gentle glow of celestial bodies cast a calming light. He walked backward, seeking a spot to sit, but was stopped by a soft, plump barrier.
Braxis paused, puzzled by the sensation. He reached behind him, attempting to identify the mysterious 'barrier'. As his hands moved from top to bottom, curiosity turned to realization, and Braxis found himself in a rather compromising situation.
Braxis suddenly realized he was touching a woman behind him. Curiously, she hadn't yet protested, only emitting soft, quiet moans with each gentle squeeze. 'Well, I suppose she's okay with it. I have a few lives to spare. If I die, so be it,' Braxis rationalized, his youthful mind prioritizing an ulterior desire over logic.
"Excuse me, Master Braxis. I know you haven't turned around, but I believe you've felt enough to realize there's another person behind you, or perhaps you've mistaken me for someone else," the woman spoke calmly.
Braxis recognized the voice instantly. 'Evelynne! She's one of Gravis's commanders!' he thought, panic rising.
He quickly backed up and turned around. "I apologize for my rudeness," he said, straining to see through the fog. The potion rendered him unable to use mana to enhance his vision.
"It's quite alright. Mistakes happen. Just remember, this bath is shared by all palace officials, including Gravis himself," she replied.
Her words sent a shiver down Braxis's spine. 'If I'm not cautious in the future, I could accidentally touch a man, or even worse, Gravis's...' He pushed the unsettling thought away.
"There's a slight error in what you just said, Evelynne," Braxis countered nervously.
"My apologies. What might that be?" she asked, puzzled.
"I knew it was you, Evelynne. I've admired you from afar for quite some time and hoped you wouldn't mind my boldness," Braxis admitted with courage.
"How cute, Master Braxis. Unfortunately, I don't reciprocate your feelings. I hope you understand," Evelynne let him down gently.
'Well, I've already prepared myself to use up one of my lives. I might as well continue,' Braxis thought, his mind descending further into recklessness.
"I understand, Evelynne. But there seems to be a minor mistake on that pillar over there. Do you know what it is?" Braxis pointed, causing Evelynne to turn her head and look.
Seizing the opportunity, Braxis closed the distance. As Evelynne turned back, he captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss, his hands returning to her silky ample bosom and squeezing firmly. He rubbed her nipples with his thumbs and squeezed her breasts with force, causing her to moan softly into his mouth.
Evelynne Relationship Status: -10
Evelynne Relationship Progress: 1/300
Evelynne pushed him away. "Master Braxis, you've gone too far. Be prepared to face the consequences," she admonished, a faint smile playing on her lips. Then, she motioned for him to come closer.
Braxis reciprocated the grin, moving towards her closer while blushing, before being abruptly submerged underwater. He briefly resurfaced, catching a glimpse of everything Evelynne had to offer. "Take a good look before I end your pitiful existence, Master Braxis," she taunted, dunking him back under.
"Grggll!" Braxis involuntarily gargled the water.
'This was totally worth one life...' he thought, as his consciousness faded.
Sometime later, Braxis awoke with his eyes still closed. He didn't recognize the situation, but somehow, he survived. He soon realized someone was kissing him while he lay naked.
'I can't believe Julianne is making such a bold move..' Braxis thought.
Braxis wrapped his hands around the person's head, forcefully pushing their head closer to his, deepening the kiss and tangling his tongue with theirs.
The other person abruptly pushed Braxis away with immense force, causing him to slam into a wall, breaking it.
Opening his eyes, Braxis realized the person he was just 'kissing' was Levant!
Levant's Impression: -2
Levant's Impression Progress: -1/300
"What the fuck, Braxis! Next time, I'll just let you die instead of performing CPR! Who drowns in a bath, anyway?" A furious, naked Levant yelled.
Vorkath, who had just entered, witnessed the entire scene. He shrugged and said, "I knew Braxis was into that sort of thing. But you should at least find someone outside the family like I have! Though, mine wasn't male..."
"I, uh... Yeah, I deserve that. I apologize, Levant. I was having a strange dream," Braxis tried to defuse the situation.
Levant's Impression: +2
Levant's Impression Progress: 1/300
"I understand and forgive you. Just... don't come near me for a while," Levant said as he aggressively attempted to clean his mouth, feeling violated.
Braxis, on the other hand, felt the sudden urge to vomit and sprinted out of the area, retreating to his room.