âWell, yes⌠but because he had the book.â
Valencia glared at him, withholding a fist that was about to swing across his head.
âHow did he get the book?â she muttered.
âHe told me that he stumbled upon it while fighting a monster.â
Valencia groaned, slapping her head. She straightened and sat.
âOkay⌠if I go to the Young Dukeâs place, what do I need to be careful about?â Valencia wondered.
Eldrich smiled and patted her head. She frozeâshe had never felt anyone do that to her.
âWell, what does he want? He was so desperate to find you.â
âHeâŚâ she pouted. âHe thinks Iâm a Guide who matches himâŚâ
Eldrichâs face fell as the words scattered in his head.
âHe really thinks youâre a Guide?â
âYes⌠being Persaiâs daughter means being an S-rank Guide hiding in the systemâŚâ
Eldrich cackled as he covered his face.
âOh, Athesia⌠you created a young duke, a Light Esper, but he couldnât even differentiate a Void Esper and a GuideâŚâ Eldrich chuckled. He took a deep breath before locking eyes with her. âThen Goddess Athesia is on your side right now. You must reside with Young Duke Kael.â
Valencia puffed, squinted, rolled her eyes, and blushed. I must go back to that annoying arrogance. She sighed in frustration.
âFine⌠I will go nowâŚâ she declared.
Eldrich beamed and nodded. As Valencia stood, he stopped her.
âYes?â
âJust remember that a Guide must guide an Esper. And that requires physical touch. But, if you ever need help, my door is always open to you, Miss Luvoise,â he said calmly.
Valencia bit her lower lip, nodding hesitantly. Eldrich placed his hand in front of her.
SNAP.
Valencia almost fell as she looked around.
âWait⌠where am I?â she asked, looking up at the ceiling, then at the back of her head. The bed? âWait⌠that bed looks familiarâŚâ
She walked toward it.
DRIP.
Without her realizing it, the door on the side opened behind her. A foot stepped out.
She gasped, covering her mouth.
âEldrich, you fucking idiot! He teleported me into Young Dukeâs bedroom!â she whispered. Then she turned aroundâ
BAM.
Valencia fell onto the bed, eyes wide and mouth open.
A firm wall?
NoâŚ
Kael.
He looked down at her with a smirk and a towel on his lower half. Water dripped from his hair. He had just finished his bath. He tilted his head and placed his hand on his towel, grinning.
âWhat brings you to my bedroom after leaving so soon?â
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