Chapter 8: The Reason
In a luxurious restaurant near Chaldea Academy.
"So why are you two working so diligently while still attending school?" Morgan gently stirred her caramel coffee with a small silver spoon, her tone elegant and unhurried.
Mainly because I want to impress your daughter, Baobhan Sith.
…Just kidding. Of course, Eikou couldn't possibly say that. He had to respond seriously:
"Mainly to earn a bit of extra income, expand my network, get to know more people, and at the same time strive to improve myself."
It wasn't exactly a lie—that truly was his goal.
"I see…"
Morgan, seated across from him, gave a slight nod of understanding. She seemed rather pleased with his answer.
"I already felt that you had potential. Now that I've taken a closer look, perhaps you're even more exceptional than I imagined."
"You flatter me… Honestly, I'm nothing special, just an ordinary student."
"It's precisely because you're still a student and yet have such foresight—that's what makes it valuable."
Morgan smiled gently, her eyes soft as they looked at him.
The shimmering lights of the street reflected off her fair, delicate face, giving her an otherworldly beauty—in that moment, Eikou even had the illusion that he was gazing upon a holy maiden descended from the heavens.
From any angle, Morgan was truly a great beauty, exuding noble and refined elegance.
…And yet, just at that moment, Eikou suddenly felt something soft brush lightly against his ankle.
He thought it was probably just Gawain or Morgan accidentally kicking his leg, so he didn't pay it much mind.
But then, he immediately realized something was off.
Because that gentle touch didn't pull away—instead, it began to softly and seductively wrap around his ankle, like a spoiled kitten rubbing itself tenderly, sensually brushing against his skin through his pant leg…
That sensation was soft, warm, and strangely smooth…
"???"
Eikou cautiously peeked beneath the tablecloth.
And sure enough—
Morgan's elegant jade legs were entwined around his ankle.
Eikou looked up, his face full of disbelief as he glanced at Morgan — who, across from him, acted as though nothing were happening, calmly stirring her coffee with the silver spoon. Her beautiful blue eyes now shimmered with a gentle allure, her demeanor that of a mature lady exuding quiet sophistication.
"Eikou, if you need money and also wish to improve yourself… would you like to sign a contract with me?" Morgan said softly. "I promise to train you into the most perfect man."
"Oh ho, is Mother-sama thinking of signing a long-term contract with Eikou?" Gawain asked with a smile, completely oblivious to the subtext, and equally unaware of the intense under-the-table storm raging at his feet.
No no no, the contract she wants to sign is… a marriage certificate! Eikou screamed in his head.
Beneath the table, that smooth bare skin still stroked his leg—those slender toes growing bolder by the second, gently sliding up his calf, continuing to tease him without the slightest intent to stop.
Eikou's heart pounded wildly.
"Mn…"
"What's wrong, Sir Eikou?" Gawain turned toward him, puzzled by his strange expression.
"N-No, it's nothing…" Luckily, the tablecloth covered everything, so for now Gawain hadn't noticed anything unusual.
The sensation of bare skin against his own sent Eikou's heart into chaos. Combined with Gawain's oblivious, innocent face—the silent sense of betrayal was nearly suffocating.
Morgan-san, are you seriously planning to "sneak a taste" me right in front of your own son? You're usually so noble and dignified—turns out you're actually a queen who likes to "play" behind the scenes?!
Wait a minute—don't tell me… Gawain is part of the "play" too?!
"Yes, I want to sign a long-term contract with Eikou," Morgan continued calmly. "What do you think?"
As she spoke, she turned and looked directly into Eikou's eyes: "You've surely sensed my sincerity… haven't you?"
Her elegant jade legs once again gently caressed Eikou's thigh.
He couldn't help but look up at her—Morgan was still seated gracefully at the table, taking a sip of her caramel coffee. A layer of soft white foam clung to her plump cherry lips.
She smiled lightly, deliberately licking the foam away with the tip of her tongue, the motion naturally seductive and devastatingly lethal.
Eikou's face instantly turned bright red.
Although he always believed he wasn't the kind of guy who'd be easily led around by women, in front of a beauty of Morgan's level, he truly had no resistance whatsoever.
…So how was he supposed to pursue Baobhan Sith now? He was already being utterly charmed by her mother!
Eikou felt he was on the verge of a complete breakdown.
Ting~
Just as Morgan continued her provocative teasing, Eikou's phone suddenly buzzed with a message.
He picked it up absentmindedly—and immediately froze.
The screen displayed a news headline:
[Sesshouin Kiara – former detainee at the Chaldea Reformation Center – has escaped custody in recent days!]
[This individual is extremely dangerous. She previously spread suspicious doctrines within the center and had a massive following of fanatical and loyal believers. She once incited a large-scale prison riot. Under her command are many dangerous individuals; her words carry tremendous allure and threat. Citizens are advised to avoid going out at night and absolutely never walk alone.]
Fuck, this time it's a real 'Beast'!
It was Sesshouin Kiara—the very woman who once wanted to see his "Tower of Babylon," and ended up in prison because he called the cops on her!
Had she really escaped from the reformation center?!
A cold shiver ran down Eikou's spine, as if Sesshouin Kiara were breathing ice-cold air onto the back of his neck.
Did she… escape just to come find me?
Eikou thought anxiously.
He was the one who put Sesshouin behind bars back then, and now that she was back, the odds of her seeking revenge on him were sky-high.
Am I really going to have to fight Beast III?!
He was just an ordinary human. Even with a bunch of Servant skills, he didn't have a dedicated Noble Phantasm. If Sesshouin really came for revenge, he'd have no means of resistance—unless he lived his entire life never leaving someone's side.
Clearly, he still had to rely on the upcoming exchange party to increase his strength.
"Hiss…"
He sucked in a deep breath.
"What's wrong, Eikou? Your face looks pale," Morgan said calmly, her long, flawless legs still gently rubbing against his.
"…Morgan-san, your proposal is truly tempting. I honestly want to sign this contract with you right now. Becoming your 'long-term employee' would be an honor."
"Oh?"
Morgan's soft foot continued to glide up from his calf to his thigh.
And at that moment, he suddenly grabbed her ankle!
"Ah~!"
Morgan let out a sweet, startled cry and instinctively tried to pull her leg back.
But her ankle was firmly held in place by Eikou—there was no escape.
His Strength stat was B+.
"…It's just a shame that I can't agree right now," he said coolly. "Because I have something important I must accomplish. If, once I'm finished, you still haven't changed your mind—then ask me again, Morgan-san."
As he said this, he pressed his fingers into the center of her sole, pinpointing an acupressure spot, and gave it a gentle squeeze.
I need to interact with Servants! I need to win over Baobhan Sith! I need to equip myself as much as possible!
Until he had the strength to face Sesshouin, he couldn't afford to lose himself in pleasure!
"Yaa~"
Pressed firmly in the center of her foot, Morgan let out an even sweeter, more alluring moan than before.