The garden behind the Rosemire Athenaeum was quieter than usual.
No wind.
Just a hush, like the world itself had paused for a breath — waiting.
I sat under the same tree as always. A book in one hand. The other tapping idly against my chair, like a nobleman playing a slow war drum.
Across from me, she sat.
Nia.
No fanfare. No explosion of trust. Just her presence.
And that was enough.
Scene: The Gentle Spiral
She spoke more today.
Not much.
But more.
Her voice didn't shake as hard. Her words came quicker — like skipping stones instead of falling ones.
"…t-the p-previous arcane models… they… th-they d-didn't account for r-reactive affinity layering…"
I raised a brow. "Layering?"
Her eyes sparked just a little. Almost like confidence.
"…i-i-it's… wh-when you u-use… o-one element… a-as a… c-catalyst f-for a-another… l-like A-Air to… g-guide I-Ice…"
"Ah." I leaned forward. "So you've tested it?"
She froze.
A beat of silence.
"…o-o-once…"
I didn't press.
Didn't need to.
The system whispered in my ear anyway:
[Affection Increase: 63% → 67%]
Tag Update: Trust Layering Detected – Early Signs of Idealization
Emotional Risk: Fragility (High)
Scene: Background Ripples
From beyond the hedged wall, I heard faint voices.
"…another sparring defeat?"
"…heard Raelar pushed too far again."
"…still obsessed with his training."
"…doesn't even know she's drifting."
Good.
Let the hero chase perfection.
Let him polish his blade until he forgets where the battlefield is.
Let him fall behind while I steal the war.
Scene: The Book Exchange
"I finished that essay," I said, sliding a worn leather tome across the table. "The one you mentioned. 'Tectonic Ethos.' Brutal read."
Her eyes widened.
"…y-you r-read it?"
"Some of it," I lied smoothly. "But I was wondering—what would you recommend next?"
She hesitated.
Then, slowly, from the mess of books in her satchel, she pulled out a small, flower-pressed volume with faded gold lettering.
"…i-it's… s-subtle. B-but… g-good…"
She handed it to me like it was something sacred.
I didn't look at the title.
I looked at her.
And accepted it with both hands.
System Prompt: Target Depth Enhanced
New Milestone: "Voluntary Gift Exchange"
Nia's Affection: 67% → 72%
Trait Developed: Emotional Tether – Phase One
Warning: Subject may begin suppressing personal relationships to preserve this one.
I blinked once. Then twice.
"…That was fast."
She tilted her head. "W-what?"
I smiled. "Nothing."
You're starting to care about me more than yourself.
Good.
Let's see how long your hero remembers your name once you forget to say it.
Training Ground
In the training courtyard, Raelar exhaled slowly, lightning flickering between his fingertips as he brought his stance back to neutral.
Another set complete. His pulse steady. Focus sharper than ever.
Around him, students murmured quietly.
"…He's still going?"
"…Didn't he get an offer from Astrails Academy?"
"…Yeah. Full recommendation. Turned it down."
He had.
Astrails Academy — the pride of the Astrails kingdom, where strategy and elemental mastery were honed into weapons of prestige. For many, it was the dream.
But for him, it wasn't the right time.
Not when he still had things to prove here.
Not when he felt like Ascension was where he needed to be.
He adjusted the wrap around his wrist and glanced briefly toward the far walkways.
No sign of Nia.
Again.
He frowned faintly, but said nothing. She was probably studying. She always did.
Still… he was used to seeing her at the edge of the training yard. Not often. Not loudly. Just enough to know she was there.
And lately?
That quiet presence had stopped showing up.
He shook the thought off.
"Stay focused," he muttered under his breath.
And returned to the stance.
Theo's Room
I stood at the mirror, brushing nonexistent dust from my collar.
The book she gave me sat open on the desk.
Unread.
But perfectly positioned.
Just in case she asked.
[System Notice: Target Progress – Nia: 72%]
Passive Loyalty Development: Accelerating
Mission Unlocked: The Hero's Weak Point
Objective: Trigger emotional dependency before Raelar notices.
Bonus Objective: Undermine a future confession before it happens.
Reward: 200 System Points + Temporary Stat Boost (Charisma: +1 Tier)
I exhaled.
"…And the best part? I didn't even lie today."