In the training ground, Leon's adorable grumbles echoed as he fought on.
"Little brat, can you still continue? If you give up now, I'll be disappointed," Lady Fray's teasing voice carried over the yard.
"Aunt, I'm not done with you yet!" Leon shouted fiercely, swinging his wooden sword with all his might at Lady Fray.
Leon's face was a patchwork of bruises from Lady Fray's relentless sparring. For two grueling hours, he had been no match for the War Goddess, who effortlessly deflected his attacks and sent him sprawling.
With a simple flick of her wrist, Lady Fray knocked Leon back. He flew across the training yard, landing with a thud.
Lady Fray sauntered over to the fallen Leon, her armor gleaming in the afternoon sun. "Today's training is over. Let's go eat," she said with a teasing smile.
Leon lay on the ground, utterly exhausted. "Aunt, can you carry me?" he asked weakly, his voice barely a whisper.
Lady Fray's expression softened. She hoisted him up effortlessly, cradling him in her arms as they headed back toward the mansion. Leon's small body was drenched in sweat, his eyes heavy with fatigue.
As they walked, Leon couldn't help but stare at her beautiful, stern face, filled with admiration and a hint of curiosity.
Lady Fray noticed his gaze and quirked an eyebrow. "What's on your mind, little brat?"
"When I used the Lunar Harmony Vision, I noticed your entire body seemed stressed," Leon said earnestly.
Lady Fray chuckled softly. "I'm a Battle Mage Emperor, Leon. Stress is part of the job."
"But, Aunt," Leon persisted, "I think I can help. How about I give you a massage? With my eyes, I can identify and relieve stress points."
Lady Fray paused, considering his offer. "Alright, but if your massage disappoints me, you'll be in for some serious trouble," she warned, though her eyes twinkled with amusement.
Leon's eyes sparkled with excitment. "Don't worry, Aunt. I've learned a new technique."
Lady Fray shook her head, bemused by his confidence.
But Leon had a different idea in mind. A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes as he decided he would teach his aunt a lesson.
As soon as the food was served, Leon devoured it in seconds, his hunger driven by the intense breakthrough in his martial cultivation and his aunt's grueling training.
After eating his fill, he returned to his mana training and studies.
It was already evening, and Leon was in the library, engrossed in a book. Opposite him, Lady Fray wore an annoyed expression. She despised reading and was also frustrated by her nephew's silence.
Despite her cold and noble demeanor, Lady Fray had a gentle side. She often teased her nephew and loved listening to his stories.
"Hey, little brat," Lady Fray called out softly.
Leon looked up and asked, "What's up, Aunt?"
With an irritated look, Lady Fray asked, "Didn't you mention something about a massage, little brat?"
Leon snapped his book shut. "I nearly forgot! I'll start right now." He moved behind her chair, his small hands already tingling with anticipation.
"Aunt, I'll begin with your head."
"Get on with it," Lady Fray muttered, closing her eyes.
Leon activated his Lunar Harmony Vision. His eyes glowed with a dark silver light, revealing the intricate pathways of mana in Lady Fray's body. He could see areas where mana had coagulated, appearing as red glows.
"Let's try the Celestial Soothing Touch technique," Leon thought. His hands began to glow softly as he channeled mana into them.
He gently pressed one of the red spots on her head. "Ah," Lady Fray moaned softly but didn't pull away.
Leon paused. "Should I stop?"
Lady Fray turned slightly. "Why did you stop?"
"I'll continue then," Leon said, resuming his massage. He worked his small hands over her head, focusing on the areas where mana had coagulated. As he did, Lady Fray's face flushed, and her breathing became uneven.
Leon began using his small hands to gently press his aunt's head, focusing on the areas with a red glow. The red glow indicated spots where mana had coagulated over time.
Leon's Celestial Soothing Touch technique originated from the memories embedded in the jade slip. Its primary function was to disrupt the flow of mana in the places it touched. This disruption could loosen and remove coagulated mana. However, the process of loosening and removing coagulated mana often induced a peculiar sensation.
Leon hesitated, then decided to surprise her. He pressed a particularly stubborn red spot on the back of her neck.
"Ahh!" Lady Fray gasped loudly, her breathing becoming more ragged.
Leon smirked, enjoying his aunt's reaction. He continued to massage her neck, watching as her head tilted back, her mouth opening slightly.
"Aunt, I'm going to finish now," Leon said. He channeled more mana into his hands, giving a final, firm press.
"Ahhh," Lady Fray moaned, collapsing onto the sofa. She panted heavily, her eyes half-closed.
She looked at Leon, her gaze a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. "Why did you stop, little brat?" She was dissatisfied with Leon because he stopped massaging.
"The massage is over, Aunt," Leon said, taken aback by her intensity.
"Already over?" Lady Fray pouted. "But you only massaged my head."
Leon found his aunt very cute and decided to test her limits. "Aunt, it's already lunchtime. Let's pause the massage for now. How about I massage you tonight?" he proposed mischievously.
Initially dissatisfied, Lady Fray calmed down and replied with a teasing smile, "Alright, little brat. I'll let you massage my beautiful body tonight."
Leon was taken aback by her response. He knew his aunt never went back on her word, but he hadn't expected her to be so open about it.
Suspiciously, Leon looked at her and asked, "Aunt, tell me the truth. Why is your body like that?"
Lady Fray looked at his sincere and earnest face and asked, "Do you really want to know?"
Leon nodded seriously. "I really want to know, Aunt. Your body is full of crystallized mana, and it's forming again," he observed through his Lunar Harmony Vision.
Lady Fray smiled sadly and began to explain, "Little brat, when I was young, I was as talented a mage as your mother. But due to an accident, I ingested a mana crystallization fruit that crippled my mage talent. So, I chose the Martial Path to prove myself."
Leon was shocked by his aunt's story and felt a pang of sadness for her. "Aunt, I swear I will definitely find a way to cure you," he said earnestly.
Lady Fray was taken aback by Leon's determination. She gently flicked his forehead and chuckled, "Little brat, talk when you become strong."
Leon frowned slightly and replied, "Aunt, remember, I will definitely defeat you one day."
Lady Fray hugged him affectionately and said, "I know you will, little brat. But until that day comes, I'm going to enjoy playing with you."
"Alright, let's go eat lunch," Leon said, trying to wriggle out of her embrace.
"Sure," Lady Fray agreed, holding him tightly as they walked out of the room.