Playing with Calere's body for a moment, I slowly woke up.
"Sister, it's time for me to head to the academy."
"Already? Well, let me make an announcement to the Jazlyn SS that we're dating."
'Huh? Wait, does that mean it'll become a rumor? Damn… Gopi saw me with Lena too! Crap…'
"Sister, won't people in the SS start whispering about us?"
"Let them whisper. There's no rule against dating within the SS. Or… are you embarrassed to have me as your girlfriend?"
"No! I'm thrilled you're my girlfriend! I want to brag about it to everyone!"
"That's good to hear. Now, get up."
After we washed up, we had a quick breakfast downstairs at the inn before taking a carriage to the academy.
———
As we arrived at the academy, Calere looked at me with wistful eyes.
"Yesterday felt like a dream. Is it already time to part?"
"We're only parting for now. We'll meet again soon. I have to attend my class."
"Can I get a goodbye kiss?"
"A goodbye kiss?"
"I've read about it in romance novels. I've always wanted to try it."
"Of course! Close your eyes."
Calere closed her eyes and leaned in, her lips slightly parted.
'Heh, she's so cute when she does things like this.'
I gently held her shoulders and pressed my lips against hers in a long, lingering kiss. When we finally parted, she touched my cheek softly.
"I'm so happy. Now you're officially my boyfriend, and we'll get married in the future. Be confident."
"I will be a great hero. You be confident too, sister."
"Hehe, is that so? Then I'll try my best to be confident too."
"I'm heading to class now."
"I'll be waiting in the main guard room."
"See you later~"
As I walked toward my mental magic class, I couldn't help but think about the challenges of dating Calere.
'Phew… things just got complicated.'
First, Gopi already knows about my relationship with Lena. If Gopi finds out about me and Calere, or worse, that I slept with her, he won't stay silent. I need to handle this carefully.
As for Jazlyn, I don't think she'll mind me dating Calere. Since Jazlyn and I have martial arts training together, they'll likely become closer. If I can gain Jazlyn's favor, then I'll have Calere completely in my corner, securing the blessing of true love.
Then there's Kasha. She's connected to some dangerous agents, including Calere. Kasha might catch on if I'm not careful. As much as luck has been on my side, I can't rely on it forever. The solution? Deepen my relationship with Kasha and earn her blessing before she realizes anything. If Kasha turns against me, I'll deal with it then.
As for Lena, that situation is still volatile. I haven't earned her blessing yet, which keeps things shaky. The good news is Lena spends most of her time in her dorm, with few friends, so the chance of her hearing any rumors is low. Still, her magic is linked to me. If she uses her powers, people like Jenny and Aris will notice it's me. Especially if she pulls out something flashy like the 'Zeon Fire Golem' in front of a crowd.
'Anyway, I need to win over as many women as possible and secure their blessings.'
That's my goal. No more wasting time—I need to focus on getting closer to them every day.
As I approached the classroom with determination, I saw Gopi coming from the opposite direction.
'Oh! Here's my chance!'
"Gopi hyung! Hey!"
I waved enthusiastically.
"Zeon. On your way to class?"
"Yeah. Where are you headed, hyung?"
"Just to the bathroom."
"Perfect! I need to go too. Let's go together."
"You always find a way to delay class, huh?"
"It's just how it is."
We entered the bathroom, which was empty.
"Gopi, enter a calm state."
Gopi's body relaxed as he fell into a trance, standing limp.
"Do you know Lena?"
"Yes…"
"Explain who Lena is."
"Lena is Zeon's girlfriend…"
"Tell me more about Lena."
"She's like a child…"
It seems Gopi knows a lot about Lena. If he knew too much, like her being the Tower Lord's daughter or a powerful wizard, I'd be in trouble. I need to erase his memory of Lena.
"Recall all your memories of Lena. Can you picture her?"
"Yes…"
"Now, the memory of Lena is fading… It's being erased from your mind… You no longer remember her… Who is Lena?"
"I don't know…"
"Who is Zeon dating?"
"Ugh…"
"Zeon is currently not dating anyone… Zeon is single. Who is Zeon dating?"
"No one…"
"Good. Now, your trust and loyalty to Zeon are growing stronger… You trust him completely… Any doubt causes you to tremble with anxiety… You believe, trust, and follow him without question…"
Gopi's knowledge about Lena was dealt with. Now, it was time to handle Paris.
'Since I've decided to cut ties, I might as well go all the way. My goal is to burst Paris's trust bubble within the SS.'
"You see trust balloons surrounding you, representing your trust in others…"
Clap
"Paris's trust balloon has burst. You no longer trust Paris…"
Clap
"Paris's friendship balloon has burst. Paris is no longer your friend… You two are just strangers…"
Clap
"Paris's friendliness balloon has burst. You don't feel anything positive about Paris anymore…"
'That should be enough to keep Paris in check.'
"When I clap, you will wake up refreshed… You were just dozing off for a moment… You won't remember what happened during that time…"
Clap
Gopi blinked awake and scratched his head with a sheepish smile.
"Heh, I must've dozed off. Was it a rough day yesterday?"
"Yeah, it happens sometimes."
We finished up and left the bathroom, and Gopi gave me a friendly tap on the shoulder.
"I better head to class. Take care, Zeon."
"You too, hyung."
With Gopi taken care of, I continued to my mental magic class with a lighter heart.
'Heheh~ The plan to weaken Jazlyn's SS has just begun.'
———
Classes finally ended.
"Where to now? Should I go see Kasha? Or head to the royal guard room?"
I wanted to make progress with Kasha, but I remembered that Calere would be waiting for me in the SS room.
"Let's catch the fish that's already biting."
Turning on my heel, I made my way to the main guard room.
As soon as I stepped inside, I saw Jazlyn, Gold Badge, and Silver Badge busy with their work.
"Zeon, welcome."
Calere greeted me with a smile, taking my hand and leading me to the sofa. The other guards stared in surprise at how close we were.
"Wow~"
"Oh! What's the deal with you two?"
Calere sat me down, then boldly declared in front of everyone, "I'm dating Zeon. And we're even considering marriage."
Just like that, Calere dropped her bombshell, leaving the others shocked.
"What?! Calere's dating?!"
"Oh man, I had my eye on Zeon too, but Calere swooped in first."
"How long have you two been together?"
Jazlyn, fanning herself, joined the conversation with a teasing smile.
"Calere, is this your first relationship?"
"Yes, Lady Jazlyn. Zeon was the one who confessed. Is it alright for me to date him?"
"Of course. You're my vassal, but I won't interfere with your love life."
"Thank you, my lady."
"I fully support relationships within the SS. It strengthens our unity and ensures no one is lured away by outsiders. Just don't let it distract you from your loyalty to me."
"I promise, I'll stay loyal!"
Jazlyn turned her sharp gaze on me, her expression serious.
"You. Zeon, you have a good eye. Calere is an exceptional woman, too good for you, honestly."
"Yes! I know! I'll become a man worthy of her!"
"Good attitude. But know this: Calere has been my friend since childhood. If you ever betray her, I will use every power at my disposal to destroy you."
The seriousness in Jazlyn's voice sent a chill down my spine. Her warning was no joke. But I had no intention of betraying Calere, and once I got closer to Jazlyn, this threat would become irrelevant.
"I won't forget that!" I shouted, loud and clear.
Jazlyn nodded, satisfied with my response. "Good. Today, I'll test your luck and teach you how to use the Mana Mortar. Let's all head to the Plains of Frenu."
Everyone stood up, preparing to leave. I, however, was confused and turned to Calere.
"Sister, what's going on?"
"An artillery unit is waiting at the Plains of Frenu. Let's go."
"Are we allowed to use an artillery unit?"
"The soldiers train regularly anyway. Jazlyn promised them bonuses for participating, so they're happy to do it."
Being around Jazlyn, I could tell she was used to doing things on a grand scale.
As we left the building, several carriages were already lined up, ready for us. Jazlyn climbed into the most luxurious carriage, and Paris followed closely behind her. I caught a quick glimpse of Paris's face—he looked disapproving, uncomfortable even.
'Heh, Paris, does it hurt that Calere's no longer within your reach? Serves you right!' I thought, barely suppressing a grin.
As if sensing my thoughts, Calere leaned in and gently stroked my head and cheek, her touch soft and warm.
"I need to protect Jazlyn, so I'll ride with her," she said.
"Sister… Are you leaving me?" I asked, looking up at her with sad, puppy-dog eyes.
Calere chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Don't look at me like that. We'll see each other soon."
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