{at the girls’ bathroom}

“You seem to be very determined to win today, Emilia,” Ileena asked, checking her makeup in front of the mirror.

“Aren’t we all? Everyone is giving their all to win, really,” Emilia commented back, washing her hands in the meantime.

“Yes, but it is unusual to see you being so aggressive... in more than one way,” Ileena said, hinting she might’ve noticed something in Emilia’s behavior today.

“Really? I... I don’t think I am acting any different than I usually do. I just... I just want to spend some time with Narias since I... since Narias was away for so long,” Emilia had to pause to think what to say several times in order to gather her thoughts for some reason.

“You haven’t been coming to the club lately and I’ve heard you haven’t been attending your classes too. Did something happen?” Ileena asked point blank, making Emilia accidentally splash some water on her dress.

“Well, I... I have been feeling unwell a few days ago, so I stayed in my room to rest, but I feel fine now,” Emilia responded, averting her face away from Ileena yet forgetting she was standing in front of the mirror, so Ileena could see Emilia’s face becoming a little pale for some reason.

“I see. In that case, I am glad to see you in good health,” Ileena said, turning to look at her own reflection in the mirror to check her hair next, not that it was messy or anything. “But just so you know, I intend to win. I have missed being with Narias too.”

“Ah, yes, of course. I understand. I’d say I wish you luck, but I really hope that luck would be on my side today,” Emilia tried to sound funny.

“Likewise, Emilia,” but all Ileena showed was a suspicious smile.

{back where Narias was}

“I’ve been very well, thank you for asking,” Louneus answered Narias’ earlier question. Louneus was wearing a black, extravagant suit that you most certainly wouldn’t be able to find in any shop even if looked. His black hair was combed in a sleek way with the few front hair locks dropping down his forehead and he wasn’t wearing any glasses today. If Narias didn’t know better, he would’ve thought Louneus had been wearing makeup too, because no man could’ve looked as charming as the president of the Elite Magicians student club looked right now.

“Greetings, Narias Talrone,” Nalitta, who was standing a step behind Louneus on his left side, greeted him.

Instead of her office type outfit that she usually would wear, Nalitta had a white blouse and a black skirt that extended up to her knees on. She also had black stockings and wore black lady’s shoes on too. Nalitta had her hair done in a low twisted bun style, most probably for practical reasons, but together with her current dress code it made her look very elegant and pretty.

“Good day to you, Nalitta,” Narias greeted her back.

There was another woman accompanying Louneus Vilmanos too and you could easily tell she wasn’t doing any administrative office work from how she looked. She looked to be older than Nalitta was, probably just about to reach her thirties and looked absolutely stunning. She had brown, long hair that was done in side swept curls that were dropping down her left shoulder at the front. She wore a professionally done dazzling makeup, enhancing her honey brown eyes and her voluptuous lips that had dark purple lipstick on them.

The woman was wearing a long, strapless, sexy looking, purple evening dress that would get any man’s eyes glued at her from the moment they’d see her. She also had long, exactly the same color as her dress was, gloves on that were reaching just above her elbows and a closed fan was hanging on the woman’s right arm’s wrist too. No matter how you looked at her, the woman looked sexy and gorgeous in every way. Unfortunately, neither Louneus nor the woman introduced herself, and since Narias didn’t want to sound rude or disrespectful towards either of them, he chose to wait until she was introduced to him first.

“I have heard what happened in the dungeon. That must’ve been such a horrible experience for you. I am so glad you had survived, Narias,” instead of introducing the woman on his right however, Louneus spoke to Narias about the accident in the dungeon. At that exact moment, the woman on his right opened her fan and covered her face with it with only her passionate eyes being visible that were gazing at Narias intently.

Huh? What is he talking about? And what’s with being so casual with me? Narias found Louneus’ words suspicious.

“Ah, thank you. I am glad about it too,” Narias said, glancing at Nalitta and the woman standing on the other side before facing to look at Louneus again.

“What modesty. You should be proud of yourself. After all, not many people can boast about killing a red Crystal Hornhead,” Louneus said, showing his model-like smile. “You know, I would love to learn more about what happened in the dungeon.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t particularly enjoy talking about what happened back then, Mr. Vilmanos,” Narias refused, keeping his polite attitude despite Louneus being so friendly towards him.

“Ah, yes. It must’ve been very scary for you. I do apologize for that. On a side note, have you come here to play some games?” For whatever reason, Louneus was very talkative and very sweet.

What does he want with me? Narias couldn’t shake the feeling that Louneus had ulterior motives, but his questions were too vague for Narias to grasp what Louneus wanted with him.

“Yes, we did,” Narias told him.

“We?” Louneus raised an eyebrow, giving a slow look around. “But I see you being by yourself here, Narias Talrone.”

“That’s because we are taking a break right now. We agreed to meet at this spot and that’s why I am waiting here,” Narias explained himself, not exactly knowing why he did so.

“I see. I do believe it is a wonderful idea to go out with your classmates to have fun sometimes,” Louneus said, showing his charming smile.

Huh? Classmates? Narias didn’t find his smile to be very charming, however.

{at the drinks stand a short moment earlier}

“Bummer, if this keeps up, I’m going to lose,” Flavia complained, waiting to be served the drinks that she ordered.

“For sure. Emilia is on fire today,” Flamiris stated, sounding annoyed.

“Pfff... haha,” Flavia burst out laughing.

“Eh? What’s so funny?” Flamiris glared at her, furrowing her eyebrows.

“You just said that Emilia was on fire. I just thought that was funny,” Flavia explained, still giggling about it.

“Huh? Ah, whatever,” Flamiris didn’t mind Flavia laughing. “In any case, we need to do something or else Emilia or Ileena will win for sure.”

“We? Do you mean we should join forces? But there can be only one winner,” Flavia wondered, tilting her head to the side then looking up to think about something.

“Yeah, but... I wouldn’t mind you... joining us, if you help me win, of course,” the redness on Flamiris’ cheeks matched the redness of her hair when she said that.

Stolen novel; please report.

“What do you mean by... Huuuh? You mean joining you and Narias during the night?!” Flavia was way too loud when she finally got what Flamiris meant.

“Keep it down, will ya’?” Flamiris scolded her, covering Flavia’s mouth with her hand.

“Mmm...” Flavia nodded her head a few times with Flamiris’ hand still being pressed against her mouth.

“Jeez...” only then Flamiris removed it.

“But... but are you sure? Because that would mean... you and me, and Narias...” Flavia’s face was much, much redder than Flamiris’ face was when she spoke earlier.

“Yeah, and? We’re both Narias’s girlfriends... and we always kiss him when the other one is present, so it shouldn’t be a problem for us... to have sex with him when the other one is present too,” Flamiris tried to be cool, but she probably was imagining a few things as she spoke and her face showed it.

“S... sex? Ahm... I... Well... you see...” Flavia started stuttering while poking her index fingers at one another, a sign she was feeling rather uncomfortable right now. “You see... Narias and I... haven’t had sex yet...” Flavia was very quiet when she said that, but Flamiris could still hear her.

“What? You didn’t? But you were his girlfriend longer than I was and you two seem to be very close with each other,” that was news to Flamiris.

“Yes, but... I’m a little anxious about it and Narias never pushed for us to... you know, so...” Flavia was still poking her fingers at one another. “I’m not saying I don’t want to. It’s just that... I don’t know... how to go about it...”

“Humph,” Flamiris pursed her lips, but then an evil grin entered her lips. “I know. How about I help you with that and you help me with something else?”

“Eh? Help you with something else?” Flavia became curious.

“Well...” Flamiris became embarrassed again. “You know... show me... how to do the massage... thingy.”

“Massage thingy? Oh, you mean-“

“Shush,” Flamiris covered Flavia’s mouth again in order to keep her quiet.

“Mmm...” Flavia was nodding her head again.

“Seriously...” Flamiris let out a deep sigh, removing her hand.

“Yes, you have a deal,” Flavia declared the moment Flamiris let her go, extending her hand for a handshake and showing a very wide smile.

“Huh? Heh,” Flamiris took Flavia’s hand, a satisfied grin entering her lips too. “It’s a deal. Now let’s go win ourselves a double date night with Narias.”

“For sure. I’ll just grab the drinks,” Flavia said. They waited a few short minutes until their drinks were prepared and served. Flavia asked for a tray, so it would be easier to carry the drinks and then both of them made their way to where they agreed to meet. A surprise was waiting for them at the meeting spot, however.

“Hey, who’s that?” Flamiris asked, noticing Narias talking to someone before they reached him.

“Oh, crap. That’s Louneus Vilmanos,” Flavia gasped upon seeing him.

“Louneus Vilmanos?” Flamiris grimaced at Flavia, crinkling her nose.

“Yeah. He’s the president of the Elite Magicians student club. He’s bad news for the most part. Better not get on his bad side or it will mean trouble for us and for Narias,” Flavia tried to whisper it to Flamiris.

“He certainly looks like a creep, but I wasn’t talking about him. I was talking about that provocatively sexy looking chick by his side. Why is she staring at Narias like that?” Flamiris scoffed, pointing her finger at the woman standing on Louneus’ right.

“Oh, I don’t know who she is,” Flavia shrugged. “Hey, look, Ileena and Emilia are coming back. Let’s go ask them.”

“I’m afraid I have no more time to spare, but I wish you a pleasant time playing games with your friends, Narias Talrone,” Louneus spoke, getting ready to leave.

“Ahm, ok. I wish you have a pleasant time as well, Mr. Vilmanos,” Narias said, bowing his head respectfully.

“Well then... oh?” Louneus was about to leave, but then turned to look at someone he saw in the distance.

“Yo’, partner, we’re back,” at the same time, Flavia came to where Narias was, Flamiris being with her.

“Oh, hey. Welcome back,” he said, turning to face them and showing a smile. “We just need to wait for Ileena and Emilia now.”

“They’re already coming back,” Flavia said, but Narias couldn’t see them because he had his back turned to them.

“Really? Oh, yeah,” he said after turning around.

“Hi,” Ileena said when she reached them.

“Welcome back, Ileena,” Narias was happy to see her. “And...” he shifted to the side to greet Emilia too, but she wasn’t there. Emilia was stopped by someone on the way before getting to where everyone else was.

“Miss Emilia, what an absolutely pleasant surprise to see you here.” It was Louneus Vilmanos who stopped Emilia from reaching Narias.

“Ah... H... hello, Mr. Vilmanos,” Emilia was caught completely unaware by his presence. She wasn’t looking around while she walked and couldn’t notice him until he had stopped her.

“Please, call me by my first name, Miss Emilia. And mind if I express my amazement of how lovely you look today?” Louneus was too sweet to digest, but his words carried strong assertiveness with them.

“Thank you... for the compliment... Mr. Louneus,” Emilia said, making a small step back.

“I would’ve never expected you enjoyed playing board games, Miss Emilia. I’d be delighted to have you join me to play a few games together,” Louneus invited her, sounding like it was already decided.

“Join... you? But I...” Emilia didn’t know how to respond. She looked quite tense and timid too.

“Welcome back, Emilia,” but Narias saved the day by coming to get her.

“Oh, Narias, hi. Yes, I’m back,” Emilia instantly felt better.

“Excuse me, but it is rather rude to intrude upon someone’s else conversation,” Louneus spoke with a hidden indignation in his voice which could be felt in his tone of voice.

“By the way, Emilia, I forgot to congratulate you on winning the last game,” Narias continued to speak, ignoring what Louneus had just said. “So, congratulations...”

The moment he said congratulations, and to Emilia’s biggest surprise, Narias wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her closer to him and kissed her on the lips before Emilia could say anything back to him. They were surrounded by many people and more than a few eyes were stuck on them, but Narias forced himself to remove all the unnecessary thoughts from his head and think they were only the two of them there, allowing him to give Emilia the most loving kiss ever. Despite becoming surprised by it, Emilia wrapped her arms around Narias neck, letting herself to plunge into the fantasy that Narias and her were the only two people there, helping her relax and enjoy being kissed by the man that she loved.

“Ugh...” Louneus left eyebrow twitched upon seeing it, but he held himself from saying anything.

“No fair. Narias didn’t kiss me when I won a game,” Flavia complained, standing next to Flamiris and Ileena.

“He owes me big time,” Flamiris frowned, crossing her arms in front of her.

“Humph,” Ileena simply smiled to herself.

“W... wow...” Emilia gasped when her lips were finally free.

“Sorry. Are you ok?” Narias asked, feeling a little embarrassed.

“Yes, very,” Emilia smiled happily.

“Oh, I’m really sorry, but I often lose my head and forget where I am when I finally see my girlfriend,” Narias turned to speak to Louneus the next moment. “I am sure you understand, having two girlfriends yourself, Mr. Vilmanos.”

“Ahm... ahem. The ladies with me are not my girlfriends, I’m afraid,” it was a treat to Narias’s eyes to see Louneus looking flustered for once.

“Really? I do apologize for jumping into assumptions like that, Mr. Vilmanos. I don’t know why I thought that such beautiful and gorgeous looking women were your girlfriends,” Narias was enjoying himself, but he tried not to show it. “In any case, I wouldn’t want to waste anymore of your valuable time, Mr. Vilmanos, as you said you had to go earlier. So, together with... Ileena... Flavia... Flamiris... and Emilia here, all four of them being my girlfriends, I would like to take our leave now.” Narias was pointing with his hand politely at each of his girlfriends as he was introducing them. “I wish you the best of luck playing your favorite games today here at the Magic Dome. Now, if you excuse us, Mr. Vilmanos, Miss Nalitta and... oh, I am terribly sorry, but since we weren’t introduced, I do not know your name, miss?”

“Jennifer. Jennifer Coraxera. It is such a pleasure to meet you, mister?” Jennifer, the voluptuous, gorgeous and sexy-looking woman on Louneus’ right spoke after removing the fan from her face, playfully copying Narias’s way to introduce herself. She looked very pleased to have received his attention.

“Narias Talrone,” he said, bowing politely to her. “I wish you to win all of your games today, Miss Jennifer. If you excuse me.” Narias straightened up, offering his arm for Emilia to take after which both of them walked away, being joined by Ileena, Flavia and Flamiris who were waiting for them only a few steps away all this time.

“What a charmer,” Jennifer spoke, touching her cheek with one hand and letting out a quiet giggle after Narias and his girlfriends were gone.

“That is... unforgivable...” Louneus kept it together to not show it, but it was clear he was burning with rage inside.

“I must say I agree with you on this one, Mr. Vilmanos. I would’ve never thought you’d forget to introduce me to someone as eminent as Narias Talrone I had met just now.” Jennifer said, squinting her eyes and adding a conspicuous smile.

“Oh, I do ask for your forgiveness, Miss Coraxera,” Louneus got a hold of himself all of a sudden, his anger evaporating and his assertive, calm demeanor returning to his posture. “I simply did not think someone as Narias Talrone, who comes from a tier four family, would be worth your time.”

“Really? He must be quite accomplished for him to have four such pretty girlfriends, with Emilia Frizz being one of them?” Jennifer spoke in a way as if she didn’t know, or hadn’t heard Louneus saying that Narias had killed a red Crystal Hornhead when they spoke earlier.

“Narias Talrone has passed the official Guide’s exam and has received his certificate only a few weeks ago, Miss Coraxera,” Nalitta informed politely, adding some coals to the fire. She might’ve sympathized with Jennifer not being introduced and that’s why she said it.

“A second-year student becoming an official dungeon Guide? That’s quite an achievement, wouldn’t you say, Mr. Vilmanos?” From how she spoke, even a fox could envy the cunning sweetness of Jennifer’s words.

“Yes, that is a small achievement indeed,” Louneus couldn’t argue with that, but he still tried to downplay it.

“Is it really that small?” Jennifer teased him, a satisfied smile entering her lips.

“I do believe we should get going or else we might be late to the meeting. You wouldn’t want to miss the beginning your favorite game, Miss Coraxera?” Louneus changed the topic, reminding of the reason why they were here.

“That I would hate the most indeed,” Jennifer said, adding a giggle. The three of them turned to leave without Louneus saying anything else.