Lysander's castle stood before them, imposing and magnificent under the sun's warm glow. Its white stone walls seemed almost unreal, as if carved from ivory. As they approached, Seun-mi Ho, still shackled, could make out the details of the structure. Pristine gardens surrounded the walls, filled with vibrant exotic flowers and statues of men in elegant poses. But despite its apparent beauty, something about this place felt off — artificial, like a dream too perfect to be real.
Upon passing through the grand entrance, marked by heavy doors adorned with golden floral patterns, Seun-mi was immediately struck by the atmosphere within. The vast hall boasted white marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and deep crimson velvet carpets. However, what surprised him the most wasn't the lavish décor — it was the castle's inhabitants.
Wherever he looked, he saw men — androgynous men dressed in outfits that seemed straight out of an otherworldly dream. Many wore silk lingerie, tight corsets, fishnet stockings, and flowing gowns that trailed elegantly behind them. Some lounged on plush cushions, chatting in small groups, while others moved gracefully through the halls, like dancers on a stage.
Despite having encountered many strange things in the worlds he had traversed, Seun-mi couldn't suppress a chill creeping up his spine at the sight. What kind of place was this? He had never seen anything quite like it.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Lysander murmured with a satisfied smile. He had noticed Seun-mi's expression and seemed delighted by his guest's surprise. "My castle is a sanctuary, a haven for those who, like me, have chosen to live free from the chains of societal norms. Here, everyone can be who they desire to be. There is no judgment, no prejudice — only freedom."
Seun-mi did not respond, but his mind raced. This wasn't just a castle; it was an isolated realm shaped by Lysander's desires. He could sense something deeper, something darker, lurking beneath this façade of freedom and tolerance.
Lysander, ever attentive to his guest, approached with a smile that was both gentle and calculated. "Come, I'll show you to your room. You'll love what we've prepared for you." With a casual wave, he beckoned Seun-mi to follow.
Still bound by magical shackles, Seun-mi was led through the castle's corridors. As they passed, curious glances from the men in lingerie followed him. Some smiled enigmatically, while others stared with interest, as if he were a new addition to their collection. But Seun-mi paid them no mind. His focus remained sharp: he needed to find a weakness, a way to escape this situation.
At last, they stopped before a heavy wooden door inlaid with golden floral patterns. With a theatrical gesture, Lysander pushed it open, revealing a richly decorated room. The enormous bed was draped in black satin sheets, framed by velvet red curtains that cascaded around the windows. But what caught Seun-mi's eye immediately was the outfit laid carefully on the bed.
A black lace lingerie set, complete with fishnet stockings and a tight corset, awaited him like a silent invitation.
"This is what you'll wear tonight," Lysander said lightly, as if the request were the most natural thing in the world. "One of my favorites. I think it will complement your complexion and physique perfectly."
Despite his usual composure, Seun-mi's brow furrowed at the suggestion. He turned slowly to Lysander, his gaze smoldering with restrained anger.
"Is this a joke?" he muttered, his voice low and dangerous.
Lysander chuckled softly, a laugh as light as a child's, as if he found Seun-mi's reaction endearing. "Oh no, not at all, my dear. Here, everyone wears what I ask. And believe me, you'll look stunning. You'll see — eventually, you'll come to enjoy it."
He stepped closer, his fingers lightly brushing the enchanted shackles still binding Seun-mi's wrists. "But before that, I imagine you have questions."
Seun-mi straightened, locking eyes with Lysander. "What is your power?" he asked coldly. He needed to know. It was clear that Lysander wasn't merely an eccentric noble — something deeper, more dangerous, lay behind his confident demeanor. And Seun-mi had to understand what gave him such control over those around him.
Lysander smiled, clearly amused by the inquiry. "Ah, finally, you're curious about my abilities." He raised a hand, conjuring his Interface, a glowing screen floating in mid-air. "You see, my dear, I'm not just charming and elegant. I also possess... very special skills."
Seun-mi squinted as the glowing text of Lysander's statistics appeared:
Lysander's Interface
Name: Lysander
Level: 67
Class: Master of Desires
Skills:
[Sexual Manipulation]
[Heterosexual Transformation]
[Lingerie Enchantment]
[Mental Domination]
[Desire Control]
"My class is unique," Lysander explained with a satisfied grin. "I am a Master of Desires, an extremely rare class. It allows me to manipulate... well, the deepest desires of people. I can also... adjust certain preferences, shall we say."
He paused briefly, letting his words sink into Seun-mi's mind. "People think they know who they are, what they want. But I can show them they're wrong."
A wave of disgust rose in Seun-mi. A manipulator. Someone capable of twisting others' wills, reshaping who they were at the most fundamental level. Now he understood why so many of the men in this castle seemed... altered. Lysander didn't just lure them here — he changed them, molding them to his liking.
"You're probably wondering if this concerns you," Lysander continued with a sly smile. "And the answer is yes. Of course it does. You are special, Seun-mi Ho. A powerful man, someone strong. But even the strongest can be... softened."
He stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with a strange light. "Don't worry. Here, you'll learn to love who you truly are. And I'll help you discover that new version of yourself."
Seun-mi clenched his fists, feeling rage bubble within him. He knew he had to stay calm, but Lysander's words were like needles burrowing into his mind. He had to escape, and quickly.
"I'll never belong to you," Seun-mi whispered, his voice low but filled with unwavering resolve.
Lysander laughed again, light and carefree. "Oh, you all say that at first. But in a few days, you'll be here, dressed in that lovely lingerie, dancing for me, smiling for me, living for me." He gestured toward the black lace outfit on the bed. "Go on, try it on. I'm sure it will fit perfectly."
Seun-mi stood motionless, his eyes fixed on Lysander. He would never bow to this twisted will. But for now, he was trapped. His skills were locked, his strength limited. He needed a way out — fast.
"Take your time," Lysander said, moving toward the door. "I'll be back soon to see how you're settling in. And believe me, Seun-mi Ho — you will love me."
The door closed behind Lysander, leaving Seun-mi alone in the luxurious yet suffocating room. He stared at the black lingerie on the bed, his mind racing. He had to break free, and he knew time was running out.
End of Chapter 19.