Alaric stepped out of the bath, feeling refreshed and invigorated. As he dried himself off, he noticed a strange sensation in his mind, like a gentle tingling.
Curious, he focused his attention inward, and to his surprise, he saw a series of notifications from the Harem God system.
[Congratulations! Intimate actions with Kara have awarded you 1200 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Extended duration of intimacy with Kara has awarded you 1500 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's moans of pleasure have awarded you 1800 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's orgasm has awarded you 2000 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's intimate touch has awarded you 1300 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's wetness has awarded you 1600 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's trembling body has awarded you 1400 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's body clenching around your finger has awarded you 1700 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's climax has awarded you 1900 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's satisfaction has awarded you 1500 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's post-orgasmic glow has awarded you 1600 Experience Points.]
[Congratulations! Kara's affectionate cuddling has awarded you 1400 Experience Points.]
Alaric's eyes widened as he read through the notifications. He had never received so many experience points from Kara in one session before.
The last time he was home, the points he received from her had been in the tens or twenties at most. But now, he was getting thousands of points from just one intimate encounter with her.
He couldn't help but wonder if there was a time limit to the reduction in experience points from repeated intimacy with the same person. Perhaps after a certain period of time, the system reset, and he would start receiving higher points again.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Alaric got dressed in elegant clothes befitting the young master of the Steele Family. He made his way to his mother's chamber, eager to share his experiences at the Academy with her.
Lyra was waiting for him, a warm smile on her face as he entered the room. "My little one," she greeted him, pulling him into a hug. "I'm so glad you're home. I've missed you terribly."
Alaric hugged her back, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort in her embrace. "I missed you too, Mother," he said, pulling back to look at her. "I have so much to tell you about the Academy."
Lyra's eyes sparkled with interest as she gestured for him to sit down. "I'm all ears, my dear. Tell me everything."
Alaric settled onto the plush couch, his mind racing with all the things he wanted to share. "Well, first of all, I'm the top student in all my classes except for one," he began, a note of pride in his voice. "It's a class about Enchanting and Artifact Creation and in that class, it's my good friend Natasha who's the top student, and I'm second."
Lyra's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That's amazing, Alaric! I knew you were talented, but I didn't expect you to be doing so well so quickly."
Alaric grinned, pleased by her reaction. "That's not all, Mother. I've also made significant progress in my elemental magic. I'm pretty proficient in controlling the Wind and Flame Elemental Spells now, and I'm good enough in unleashing the Water and Ice Elemental Spells. It's quite challenging to control the Lightning Spells, but I'm getting there."
Lyra's eyes widened even further. "That's incredible, Alaric! I'm so proud of you. And what about combat magic? Have you been practicing that as well?"
Alaric nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yes, Mother. I've been working hard on it. In fact, I've become quite skilled in combat magic. It involves using magic to enhance my body and fighting martial arts."
Lyra's jaw dropped; her eyes wide with awe. "Alaric, that's... that's amazing! I had no idea you were progressing so fast in that area. You know, I'm a martial artist too. I'd love to spar with you sometime to see your progress!"
Alaric's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Really, Mother? I'd love that! I've been eager to test my skills against someone with real combat experience."
Lyra chuckled, reaching out to ruffle his hair affectionately. "Of course, my little one. We'll have to set up a time for that. But for now, I want to hear more about your experiences at the Academy. Tell me everything."
With that encouragement, Alaric settled back into the couch, a smile breaking out as he began to recount the highlights of his time at Verdant Dawn Academy.
He shared stories of his classes, his friends, the challenges he faced, and even the small triumphs that made it all worthwhile. Lyra listened with rapt attention, her eyes shining with pride and love for her remarkable son.
~~
By the time Alaric finished recounting his thrilling days at Verdant Dawn Academy, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the soft glow of twilight enveloped the Steele Mansion.
Alaric's heart raced with the anticipation of testing his combat skills against his mother, a seasoned martial artist, but he knew it wasn't the right time for that. The delicious aromas wafting from the dining room beckoned him, promising a meal unlike any other.
"Come on, let's eat dinner now," Lyra said, her voice warm and inviting. She regarded Alaric with a loving gaze, her eyes reflecting the dim candlelight. "Just like lunch today, dinner is also special."
Alaric's eyes widened in awe as he stepped into the dining room, his gaze sweeping across the lavish spread before him. The table was a work of art, adorned with an array of dishes that looked almost too beautiful to eat. Each dish gleamed with vibrant colors and exuded enticing aromas that hinted at their magical origins.
Lyra, dressed in a flowing gown that accentuated her voluptuous figure, seemed to glow with pride as she began the introduction. The fabric clung to her curves in a way that made her look regal yet approachable. "Alaric, these dishes are crafted from the finest magical fishes of our realm, each meticulously prepared to enhance your body, magical power, and spirit."
First, she pointed to a dish of vibrant, sapphire-colored fish, its surface glistening as if it had just emerged from a tranquil lake. "This is Azurefin Delight. Azurefin fish are known for their ability to strengthen one's vitality. They are seasoned with Celestial Mint and Emberroot, which not only enhances the flavor but also fortifies your organs and rejuvenates your entire body."
Alaric could hardly contain his excitement. "It looks incredible, Mother! I can't wait to try it!"
"Wait until you hear about the next one," Lyra continued, her smile widening as she shifted to a platter of golden, shimmering fillets. "Here we have GiltScale Supreme. These GiltScale fish, bathed in Sunblossom Nectar and Moonlit Clover, are revered for their power to amplify magical abilities. This dish will significantly boost your magical reserves and precision."
"Wow, that sounds amazing!" Alaric exclaimed, already imagining the surge of magical energy flowing through him after he consumed it.
Lyra's enthusiasm was infectious as she presented a bowl of ethereal, pearl-like fish. "These are Lumina Pearls. Lumina Pearls are gently cooked in a broth infused with Aether Lavender and Starlight Fenugreek, known for enhancing mental clarity and focus. Consuming this dish will elevate your concentration and spiritual awareness."
Alaric leaned closer, captivated by the delicate details of the dish. "I could definitely use that for my studies!"
"And finally," Lyra gestured dramatically to a dish that seemed to glow with a soft, inner light, "this, my dear, is Radiant Tide. Radiant Tide fish are basted in an elixir made of Spectral Sage and Dawn Petal, perfect for invigorating your entire being. This dish enhances physical prowess and overall vitality."
"Mother, this is incredible," Alaric said, his heart swelling with appreciation. The dinner wasn't merely a meal; it was a carefully curated experience aimed at unlocking his full potential. The blend of magical fishes and herbs promised not only to satisfy his hunger but also to elevate his very essence to new heights.
Lyra beamed at her son's enthusiasm, placing her hand gently on his head. "You should start eating before the food gets cold, my little warrior."
Alaric raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk crossing his lips. "Well, I can always heat it up again. I am pretty talented in Flame Magic, you know."
Lyra chuckled, shaking her head. "Sure, sure. But that would ruin the hard work of these maids. And you wouldn't want to do that, right?" She pointed toward Old Marta, Kara, and a couple of other maids who stood nearby, their faces lit with quiet pride as they admired the meal they had prepared.
Alaric's gaze drifted to Kara, a mischievous smile spreading across his face as memories of their earlier escapades flooded his mind. He recalled the intimate moments they had shared in the bathroom, and he felt a warmth radiate from within. Kara, for her part, quickly averted her eyes, a flush creeping across her cheeks as she recalled the same incident. She was doing her best to maintain her composure, though the remnants of their encounter stirred something deep within her.
"Well, I guess I should dig in!" Alaric declared, pulling out his chair and settling in with a determined look. He eagerly began to fill his plate with the delicious offerings, the vibrant colors and enticing aromas overwhelming his senses.
As he indulged in the first bite of the Azurefin Delight, his eyes lit up. "Mother, this is divine!" he exclaimed, savoring the delicate flavors that danced on his palate.
Lyra watched her son with a soft smile, her heart swelling with affection as she saw him so content. "I'm glad you like it, Alaric," she said, sitting down across from him. "I wanted to make your first night home special."
Suddenly, she leaned forward, a teasing glint in her eyes. "So… when are you going to tell me about that girl, Rosalind, for whom you had me pay the entire eight years' fee for the Academy to the Bennett Family?"
Alaric nearly choked on his food, his cheeks flushing. "Uh, well, she's one of my seniors at the Academy," he managed to say, continuing to chew thoughtfully. "Rosalind is really amazing. She has been earnestly guiding me with magic spells, especially the elemental ones. She even taught me various styles of magic when the professors were reluctant to do so."
Lyra's interest peaked as she listened intently. "That's wonderful! It sounds like she's been a great help to you."
Alaric's expression darkened slightly as he continued, "But, as you must know, Rosalind's family isn't rich, and since she hadn't managed to acquire the scholarship, one of her childhood friends, Jasper Bennett—the heir of the Bennett Family—agreed to pay her Academy fees."
Lyra's brow furrowed as she absorbed his words. "That's quite generous of him. But I sense there's more to this story."
Alaric paused for a moment, placing his utensils down and looking directly into his mother's eyes. His voice turned serious as he explained, "Jasper Bennett is using that generosity as leverage. Since Rosalind and her family owe him a significant amount, he's been forcing her into being intimate with him to repay this debt. He even threatened to take Rosalind's family to court.
Lyra's expression shifted to one of concern and anger. "If the Bennett Family had taken that girl Rosalind and her family to court, it would have been a disaster for them. The courts would definitely judge Rosalind's family as being in the wrong, and they would be completely crushed before they would be forced to submit entirely to the Bennett Family. In fact, not just Rosalind, but the entire family would have been reduced to servitude to repay this debt."
Alaric's gaze was serious as he spoke. "That's why I couldn't just sit by. I had to do something."
Lyra regarded her son with pride, her heart swelling at his bravery and sense of justice. She leaned over and gently patted his head. "You did a good thing saving that girl, my dear child. I am proud of you."
With the topic shifted, Alaric resumed eating, the weight of the conversation lifting slightly as he filled his stomach with the delicious food laid out before him.
After a few minutes of silence filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and muffled munching, Alaric looked up and asked, "Where is Father right now?"
Lyra's expression turned slightly gloomy, her mood shifting as she thought about her husband.
"Victor…?" she began, hesitating. "He's not here at the mansion. Actually, a week ago, someone ambushed three of our caravans and stole a lot of valuables. Victor went to chase down those thieves and apprehend them. He's currently with the local authorities and fulfilling all his formal duties as the Lord of the Steele Family."
Alaric nodded, not particularly surprised by his father's absence.
He felt little emotional connection to Victor Steele, despite being his son. "I see," he said, continuing to eat.
The truth was that Alaric had little regard for Victor.
The only reason he didn't want Victor to die was that his death would create chaos within the Steele Family.
Victor was the one managing their businesses and handling the family's assets. Although Lyra was trying to step into that role since her argument and fights with Victor, she lacked the business acumen needed to keep things running smoothly.
Thus, Victor remained necessary, if only for the time being.
The conversation drifted away from his father, and soon Lyra gently urged Alaric to go and get some rest. "You've had a long day, my little one. It's your first night back here at home from the Academy, and I want you to be well rested. You'll be able to enjoy sleeping on your comfortable bed in your room."
Alaric smiled at her, feeling a warm rush of affection for his mother. "Okay, Mother. Thank you for the wonderful dinner. I really enjoyed it," he replied, his heart full.
Lyra smiled back, the softness of her expression reminding Alaric just how much he missed these moments while away at the Academy. "Sleep well, Alaric. I love you."
"I love you too, Mother," he said, giving her a quick hug before heading toward his room, the familiar halls of Steele Mansion wrapping around him like a comforting embrace.
~~
A/N: Please leave your comments and reviews for the novel if you are liking it. Please support the novel with ps, it would really motivate me for more releases.