She appeared nervous, clearly unaccustomed to touching a man so intimately, yet doing her best to act composed. In this society, women usually took the lead in all matters. It was their responsibility to entice the man, catch his attention, and kindle his desire to start his arousal. Yet Adora's guarded posture and a slight tremble in her grip told me she was hardly an expert, and that realization made me unexpectedly protective of her.

At that moment, I couldn't help but think of the very first time in my previous life. I was a wide-eyed freshman, shy and clueless, when a confident senior led me behind the bleachers and revealed a world I never knew existed. I'd been a bundle of nerves, fumbling with the slightest touch, but she guided me with gentle reassurance, coaxing me through the haze of inexperience until I felt like I could take on the world. Of course, I later realized my initial "prowess" was mostly awkward teenage fumbling, but the self-assurance that night left me with changed my life. It gave me the boldness to pursue relationships I might otherwise have shied away from.

Now, with Adora's hesitant warmth emanating from her hand, it struck me that our roles were reversed. She was the uneasy underclassman, and I was the seasoned senior. The first time was important. That initial taste of intimacy could either bestow a person with unshakable confidence or bury them in misgivings they'd carry for years to come. I still carried the mental scars of being repeatedly raped growing up. The eight hundred and eighty-eight arts of pleasure being forcibly drilled into a boy forced into early Dawning by his captures and tormentours. If I could help ensure she walked away from this night feeling more certain of herself, it might be the greatest favor I could grant her.

Leaning back slightly, I studied her expression. Her gaze kept darting toward me, then flicking downwards as if she didn't know what part of me to look at. Or perhaps she worried she'd reveal too much of herself. The atmosphere was fraught with anticipation, like two people standing at the edge of a darkened stage, waiting for the curtain to rise. I could sense a part of her wanting to tug me closer take the lead, but equally afraid of overstepping.

"Are you okay?" I asked softly, trying to dispel some of her tension. My tone was light, but concern hovered beneath it.

She swallowed, glancing down at our interlaced fingers before raising her head. "I'm...yes. I'm fine," she whispered, though the quiver in her voice told me otherwise. "Just...this is my first time." A faint color rose in her cheeks.

Her admission only deepened my resolve. "Don't worry," I said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "We don't have to rush anything."

She offered me a shaky smile. "Thank you. I'm not used to men, or...or any of this, with how hectic my life is, I havn't had many opportunities, the few I did weren't the types I would be interested in," she confessed. "Honestly, I'm not sure what to expect, you being so kind. I've seen vids and read up some, but doing differs from learning."

I shifted slightly on the bench, letting our shoulders brush. Despite the ridiculous outfit I wore and the ongoing symphony of moans filtering through the walls, a strange feeling of calm washed over me. There was a vulnerability in Adora's eyes, a rare softness I doubted she showed many people, and I realized how important it was to tread carefully.

"Kindness doesn't cost me anything," I said, "and you deserve it. Being thrown into a situation like this would rattle anyone."

She managed a breathy laugh, glancing up at the vaulted ceiling as if searching for some cosmic punchline. "It certainly rattled me. One second, I'm expecting a night of polite Yuletide festivities; the next, I'm overhearing my friends'...activities...with a complete stranger, holding his hand." She paused, biting her lip.

"Your friends' stamina is impressive," I quipped, rolling my eyes in the direction of the muffled noise from the other room.

That finally earned me a genuine laugh soft, but unguarded. Adora's features lit up, and for an instant, she didn't look like a lofty noblewoman at all she looked like a young woman relieved to share a moment of honest mirth and intimacy in a world that often demanded too much from her.

She laced her fingers more securely around mine, exhaling as though a weight lifted from her shoulders. She mused, half to herself. "You're...not what I expected."

I tilted my head in curiosity. "Meaning?"

She pursed her lips, weighing her words. "Most men I've met with your looks and—" a faint flush colored her cheeks again "—endowments...they're arrogant. They're used to being pursued, and it goes straight to their heads. But you seem...grounded."

"Let's just say I've had enough experiences, good and bad, to keep me humble," I replied quietly. No need to go into my past with her. "Not every advantage in life comes without a price, you know?"

She nodded, and in that silent exchange, I sensed we understood each other more than either of us had expected when this evening began.

Gently, she lifted our joined hands, gazing at them as though they were a small wonder. The corners of her mouth quirked in a wistful smile. "May I start?"

Squeezing her hand and nodding in confirmation, I felt her heart rate spike. For a few precious seconds, the room seemed to hush around us, the echo of distant moans fading into the background like distant thunder. We were just two people in an unlikely predicament, forging a tentative connection. We intertwine our fingers, and it feels as if two parts of a puzzle have clicked perfectly into place. This simple act, so intimate and meaningful, deepens the bond between us, communicating more than words ever could.

A subtle glow flickered where Adora's fingers began, and I felt the faintest surge of mana trickling into my arm. She gasped, face tilting upwards in hesitant wonder, as though worried I might recoil. Yet the sensation was anything but unpleasant it was soothing warmth, like sunlight breaking through an overcast sky. Unlike Taimi's gentle currents or the searing edge of Bannerlady Tomae's assault, this felt unexpectedly welcoming, almost like crossing paths with an old friend you'd been missing for far too long.

Adora's eyes gleamed, her expression a vivid mixture of awe and relief. Her breathing sped up, as though some deep burden were finally lifting. She seemed torn, wanting to offer more but afraid of overstepping. Her brows furrowed in concern until I spoke quietly, wanting to calm any second thoughts she had.

"No need to worry," I reassured her, voice low and steady. "You're doing great. If you'd like to release more, I can handle it."

She hesitated, biting her lip with uncertainty. But then, steeling her resolve, she let herself relax. The trickle of mana became a steady stream, suffusing both of us in a quiet ripple of energy. Adora gave a small, breathy sigh, fidgeting on the bench, as though trying to process a new and surprisingly pleasant sensation. From her perspective, pouring out mana into a receptive man was akin to slaking an intense thirst or satisfying a long-neglected hunger, comforting and revitalizing sleep, and relaxing massage, all at once all over her body.

For my part, that gentle flow permeated my entire body, like a tingle of pins and needles slowly spreading outward from my arm. It was neither a purely physical thrill nor something purely emotional, but an intriguing combination of both. I found myself smiling, silently hoping she saw it as encouragement, that she understood how much I welcomed this intangible embrace.

Catching my reaction, Adora's expression brightened, her cheeks glowing with renewed confidence. Bolstered by my acceptance, her mana surged, no longer just a gentle trickle but a more substantial current. She had more mana than I'd expected, even for a noble gifted with high-level talent enough to rank her well above what most professional mages achieved. And I could sense that she wanted to give even more, both to please me and to unburden herself.

She trembled slightly, eyes sparkling, as if she were testing the limits of what we both could handle. The sensation washed through me like waves of warmth and subtle euphoria comfortable, yet powerful. Meanwhile, Adora's posture shifted with each pulse of energy she released, and I could almost see the tension ebbing from her shoulders, replaced by the simple relief of finally sharing her mana with someone who welcomed it.

"This feels..." Her voice trailed off in an unsteady whisper, caught between wonder and growing excitement. She paused, struggling to find the right words. Then, her gaze shifted to me, full of gratitude and a hopeful curiosity. "I've never felt so...at ease," she admitted softly, cheeks flushing. "I—thank you."

I matched her smile, hoping it projected the acceptance I wanted her to feel. "No need to thank me," I murmured, giving her hand a slight squeeze. "I'm glad you're comfortable."

Gradually, the flow steadied into a steady, continuous transfer. We sat in this pocket of shared warmth, the outside world and its distractions reduced to distant echoes. Even the muffled noises beyond the door had faded from my mind, overshadowed by the quietly thrilling act of absorbing Adora's energy and returning my own calm presence in exchange.

Eventually, she exhaled in a long, shuddering breath, as though a weight she'd been carrying had finally lifted off her chest. Though a rosy flush lingered on her cheeks, she showed no sign of wanting to stop. If anything, she looked ready to offer more, testing her own reserves to see just how far she could go while still maintaining control.

I let my gaze drift over her face, taking in every nuance of her expression relief, fascination, and that glimmer of subdued happiness. She hadn't asked for more than my acceptance, but through this wordless exchange, I could tell she was savoring each moment of reprieve. It was the kind of solace that both energized and calmed us, a reminder that sharing mana wasn't solely a transaction of power, but also a gentle meeting of spirits.

"Keep going," I murmured quietly, letting the reassurance hang between us like a promise. "You're nowhere near pushing past what I can handle."

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Her lips twitched into a soft grin, and she took a steadying breath before allowing the current of mana to deepen again. In that moment, our hands entwined, we found ourselves in an oasis of calm, a small respite from the unpredictable chaos outside. A space where, for a short while, we could simply be, unburdened by expectations or fears.

I closed my eyes briefly, relishing the bright, soothing warmth pulsing through me. This was a kind of closeness, neither strictly physical nor wholly spiritual, but an engaging blend of both. With each heartbeat, the shared tranquility reshaped the room into a quieter, more intimate corner of the world, just me, Adora, and the gentle hum of mana weaving us together in a moment of fleeting, cherished union.

Adora's eyes sparkled with a new sense of confidence, as though something inside her had awakened. I sensed her desire for greater closeness, so I gently placed my free hand against her waist, guiding her around to sit in my lap, facing me. In this position, she was nearly a head taller, her regal bearing even more evident as she peered down at me. We laced our hands together between us, and in that instant, it felt as if the rest of the world faded to a distant hum. Our gazes locked, the ambient noise and flickering lights receding to the edges of awareness.

She leaned in, her breathing shallow but resolute, letting her mana flow ever more strongly. It enveloped me like a nurturing tide soft, yet powerful as if her very presence were drawing me into a warm embrace. The flush on her cheeks spoke of both excitement and uncertainty. Despite the eagerness in her posture, she hesitated, unwilling to rush what we both knew was an uncharted kind of intimacy.

"You're doing great," I murmured, voice steady. I squeezed her hands to reassure her. "I can handle more truly. It's okay."

Her mana flow responded to my encouragement, intensifying until I felt a tingling heat suffuse my limbs. She let out a soft gasp, arching her shoulders as though relieved to let go of a pent-up pressure. A wetness growing everpresent between her legs was moist against the bare shin of my legs.

I smiled up at her, hoping my expression made it clear I was enjoying this as much as she was. Gratitude flashed across her features; she'd needed someone to confirm she wasn't overstepping. With a quiet nod, she gathered more of her mana, unleashing a flood that filled the air with shimmering warmth. I could tell she possessed a formidable magical capacity far more than most and the look on her face suggested she wanted me to experience all of it.

Her lips parted in a faint, breathless laugh, a blend of surprise and exhilaration. The gush of mana left her shivering with delight, as if a long-standing tension were finally lifting away. For me, each wave of her energy was like a gentle spark gliding up my arm, branching through every cell in my body and lighting me from within.

The closeness drew us together in an almost meditative hush. She pressed closer, exhaling in time with each fresh surge of warmth. I could sense her relief her eagerness for a deeper bond yet a flicker of hesitation still lingered in her eyes. I realized she might be waiting for me to take the next step.

Trusting my instincts, the art of pleasure clear in their instruction, I lifted my chin, giving her a subtle invitation to close the space between us. At first, her pupils widened, as though questioning whether she had read my cue correctly. Then I squeezed her hands once more, silently assuring her this was real.

She leaned down, pressing her lips to mine in a sudden rush of passion. Her inexperience surfaced in her awkward urgency, but her enthusiasm more than made up for any lack of finesse. I responded as calmly as I could, letting her set the pace while offering gentle guidance, tilting my head a fraction, mirroring her rhythm. Her mana swirled in an electrifying eddy, complementing the warmth that already pulsed between us.

A flicker of caution flicked through my mind. My dormant mana core, purposely left untapped to heal, wouldn't stir unless I chose to reignite it. A parting gift or curse from Maeriel, depending on how you looked at it. Keeping me impotent, Keeping me safe. After all, I'd endured in the past, I wasn't sure if or when I'd feel ready to fully reawaken it to move into that final stage of a relationship. But for now, I could immerse myself in the radiant glow Adora offered, without crossing boundaries I wasn't prepared to face.

She pulled back for a heartbeat, cheeks flushed, eyes alight with wonder. "I-I never imagined it could be like this," she whispered, voice trembling in equal parts thrill and disbelief.

"It can be even more," I replied softly, careful to keep my tone gentle. "But only if you want it to be."

Her breath caught in her throat, and she let out a shaky exhale. "Yes," she said, voice firming as she spoke. "Keep going. Please Keep going"

I nodded, my heart pounding, as I released a measured surge of my mana into her. A subtle jolt of energy crackled through the air, as though the charge that had built up between us was now completing a circuit. Our mana intune singing in perfect harmony Resonating. The mana lamps overhead flickered once, casting brief shadows across the walls, then glowed brighter than before.

Adora's eyes went wide, her entire form momentarily outlined in a gentle luminescence. She looked at me with sheer astonishment, like she'd discovered a hidden facet of the universe she never knew existed. "This... this shouldn't be possible," she breathed, voice quavering with pure exhilaration.

Her hair caught the light, appearing more radiant than it had moments ago, almost as if she were wreathed in dawn's first rays. A sense of awe rippled through me every thing about her had become more defined, more real, enhanced in a way that would make an artist weep for the beauty of it all. I understood at that moment who exactly I was seeing. She wasn't named after the princess. She was the princess, Heir Apparent of the Imperial Federation, Beloved by the Whole, Avatar of Aspects. Adora the Chosen of Fate. The power surging through her seemed fit only for someone of immense standing, a fact that only underscored how little I understood about her.

Before I could fully register the implications, Adora seized the initiative once more, leaning in and wrapping me in a deeper, more assured kiss, pulling our hands intertwined above my head. Her previous uncertainty gave way to boldness, as though the raw electric current of our mingled mana had unshackled a side of her she'd long kept hidden. Our energies wove together like strands of silk, each thrum of our hearts fueling the resonance until it felt as if the room itself pulsed with life.

Lost in the haze, neither of us heard the door creak open. It wasn't until a joyful squeal echoed across the suite a sound so gleeful it could only come from someone eager to celebrate rather than condemn that we pulled apart. I glanced over Adora's shoulder and saw a figure silhouetted against the corridor's glow: a breathtaking woman with luminous, near-orange skin and dazzling glowing green eyes, her red hair practically aflame as it caught the light drifting in the air as if she was underwater. She floated into the room as though drawn by the brilliance in the air.

For a brief second, Adora remained oblivious, still cradling my face in her hands. Then she registered the presence behind her and whipped her head around, eyes flying wide. The newcomer, one of Adora's aspected friends whose reunion had trapped us, let out an excited whoop, clearly thrilled at the scene before her. Adora stiffened, the heightened magic of just moments ago settling back into her core in a rush of embarrassed surprise.

I swallowed, trying to clear the sudden dryness in my throat. Whatever was happening, I had the sense that our precarious bubble of privacy had burst and the night was about to take yet another turn we couldn't have anticipated.

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Codex

Notes from Novice Medicant Titled Optimal Mana Matchmaking: Key Points from Medicant Helen Grant's Lecture

Introduction to Mana Matchmaking

* Mana matchmaking: Uses mana profile information to predict compatibility.

* Not solely for romantic applications; it can alert to potential power-level issues during pregnancy and conception.

* Objective: Empower individuals by providing additional data, not restricting choices.

Understanding Mana Compatibility

* Uses mana profile to identify potential compatibility issues.

* Can help predict mana supplement requirements, power levels and mana typing of offspring, inherent mutual interests, ease of arousing, and the likelihood of Resonating.

Common Misconceptions Addressed

* Mana Matchmaking doesn't reduce people to mana profiles.

* It's a tool among many, not a definitive guide to Kindred relationships.

* Does not predict or guarantee love or emotional bonding.

* Resonating doesn't make the couple soulmates or fated as popular believed. It is only an expression of mana constructive interference.

* Some Beastkin have a separate but similar process by Claiming it has the same effect of Resonating.

* Sufficient Power Level will overcome any inherited difficulties in nonoptimal or opposite typings.

Ethical Considerations

* It is important to consider the Mana matchmaking information use, not romantic coupling.

* Need for transparent policies, legislation, and consent to protect men's privacy.

* Potential risks of angering Anthos if ignored.

Conclusion of Lecture

* Mana matchmaking is a tool that should used wisely.

* Emphasis on using science and technology ethically and responsibly.

* Importance of balancing scholastic advancement with personal values and ethics.

Study Tips

* Review diagrams of speculated triple helix and proposed genetics theories for understanding.

* Consider real-world, and historical applications mana matchmaking.

* Prepare questions on privacy and ethics for deeper understanding and classroom discussions.