032 I HAVE A PLAN
Leo smiled, his lips brushing against her neck as he whispered, "I cast it."
Yun-Yun's body shivered in response, a soft moan escaping her as she felt a sudden surge of pleasure, caught off guard by the kiss.
"The accuracy of your spell is far from adequate," the teacher commented softly.
Just then, the door burst open. Kasshyek rushed in, eyes widening at the sight of Leo, naked and holding the equally bare mage.
"Young Master, what in the—what happened here?" Kasshyek stammered, taking in the scene then chuckled. "I thought there was an assassin, but it seems I was mistaken."
Kasshyek blinked, clearly flustered.
He quickly set down a freshly sewn inner cloak and turned to go, slapping his forehead in exasperation.
Leo picked up the cloak, inspecting it. "Ah, perfect timing."
Yun-Yun, still catching her breath, noticed the fabric. "Did you know about our clan's magic fabrics? Even the conquerors didn't understand their true quality and threw them away as rags. They are treasures at Svad tier."
"I've layered different fabric materials together to create this cloak. It should carry the attributes of all the fabrics combined," Leo said, holding up his creation with pride.
Yun-Yun snatched the cloak from his hands, inspecting it closely. "You can't mix magic clothes from different elements. They won't harmonize. It's impossible."
Leo shrugged, his expression confident.
"Don't worry, I'll make it work," he said with a playful smirk. "Just needs a little more... lust."
As Leo clasped the cloak, a strange energy flowed through his hands. The disparate materials, which shouldn't have been compatible, suddenly began to meld together, merging seamlessly into a single, unified piece of fabric.
It shimmered faintly, radiating the properties of every magical element that had been used in its creation harmoniously.
Yun-Yun's eyes widened in awe. "How did you do this?" she asked, her voice full of wonder when he kissed her again.
Yun-Yun's eyes narrowed playfully, and she raised her hand as if to slap him, but Leo caught her wrist with a sly smile. "To replenish the Lust counter, of course."
"Before I try the cloak on, would you like to boost my Lust a little more", Leo said to her as he pulled her hand to his body.
Yun-Yun complied instantly, her movements smooth and obedient, as though she was a slave commanded by her master.
"Yes, master", she replied playfully.
Though no certificate bound her, the reality of her situation was undeniable—she was his slave now, in body and in spirit, whether it was official or not.
"Who said the slave couldn't be tamed?"
-----
Leo spent his days at Bagnio la Pleasures in the lead-up to his duel with Lillrune, choosing not to return home.
During his stay, he honed his new magic spell with the help of Yun-Yun, his newly acquired slave, while the courtesans helped him replenish his Lust Counters intermittently.
Kasshyek, his loyal attendant, was powerless to convince him to leave, and strangely, Leo's father didn't insist either. They both knew the house was rife with spies, making home potentially more dangerous.
Several days before the duel with Lillrune, Leo's father, Lillye, paid him an unexpected visit to the brothel.
He barged into Leo's private room to find the courtesans feeding him fruit while Yun-Yun sat on his lap, their hands intertwined as they practiced a slow, rhythmic dance.
Lillye frowned, while Kasshyek remained silent, standing off to the side.
"Leave us. My father is here," Leo said, gesturing to the women. They quickly exited the room.
"Why are you here, Father?" Leo asked, his tone calm.
"You dare ask me that? You've been holed up in this brothel, neglecting your magic studies and avoiding home. Did you think I wouldn't come for you?" Lillye's voice was sharp with anger.
But to his surprise, Leo didn't flinch. Instead, he looked amused.
"If you've come here in person, it must be serious," Leo said dismissively, ignoring the scolding. "So, what is it? You didn't come just to ask me go back with you to do the Titanic with Kassim?"
Lillye's frustration faded as he sighed. "Something has come up," he admitted. "The Emperor has ordered us to lead our forces in an expedition against the Eastern Kun Empire."
Leo's eyes narrowed. "The Kun Empire is no small foe. Which idiot decided to invade?"
The Kun Empire wasn't exactly a real empire. It was the name given to a group of powerful city states in the east of the continent. If they band together, it was impossible for the Koresh empire to defeat them.
"I find the expedition strange too. There is just no logic to it", Kasshyek added.
"It's too late to assign blame now. We're already at war," Lillye said grimly. "Though we didn't join the initial campaigns, our forces have destroyed many of their border defenses. The following battles would be vicious."
"The Snow Mountain Sect, among them," Leo noted.
Lillye shot him a sharp look. "How do you know that?" Without waiting for an answer, he continued. "Forget your duel with Lillrune. Leave Gomora City. Find a safe place and stay there until I return from the war."
Leo could sense the unease in his father's voice. "You're worried."
"It's not just a simple battle. This war against the Eastern Kun Empire… It's different. Our soldiers are just the fodders. The real power comes from the mage clans and sects backing both sides. Many of us may not return."
"Then don't fuckin go," Leo said flatly.
"I must. It's my duty," Lillye replied, his voice firm. "But I can't leave without ensuring your safety. I know about the plots against you within the family. Many, including your uncles, want you dead. I'm sorry I couldn't be more effective at protecting you."
"Then send those bloody scheming idiots to the front lines," Leo said, a smirk on his face.
"They're only good for backroom plots. They'd ruin the army if they were sent to fight, many of our soldiers will be ruined if I sent them," Lillye muttered.
"When do you leave?" Leo asked.
"Our soldiers depart the day before your duel with Lillrune. That's why I have to see you now. This might be the last time we speak if I don't return."
Leo thought for a moment before speaking. "I have a plan. But you'll need to trust me."