Chapter 200: The Temptation of Chocolate ❤
He had made a promise with Eta.
The subject of their agreement was the Nightmare he used.
Though this specialized universal CAD was merely a commonplace and convenient weapon in his eyes, Eta had developed a keen interest in this pistol.
She was deeply curious about how all those peculiar magics could be released from this firearm.
What Mahiro hadn't expected was that she would ask to borrow it today.
So before handing it over to Gamma, he did one more thing.
"Est."
"Mahiro, what do you need from me?"
The summoned Est rubbed her drowsy eyes and asked lazily.
Perhaps tired from playing outside, Est had been staying quietly within the engraving to sleep all these days.
If not for Mahiro's active summoning, she might have slept even longer.
But for the attending staff, it was completely different—watching a beautiful girl materialize out of thin air made them look at Mahiro as if he were a deity.
Even Gamma was no exception, casting an excited, sparkling gaze toward him.
As if witnessing a divine miracle.
"I want to ask you—can you replicate this weapon's capabilities?"
That's right, he wanted Est to possess the same abilities as the CAD.
As far as he knew, the spirits from Spirit Sword Dance didn't have fixed forms after forming contracts. This meant swords didn't necessarily have to remain swords—they could transform into blades, spears, or other weapons.
They could change forms according to their contractor's wishes.
So rather than waiting for Est to grow jealous of Nightmare, it would be better to directly have Est take over Nightmare's functions.
Then he could simply toss Nightmare to Eta to play with.
Given Eta's capabilities, reproducing the CAD probably wouldn't be too difficult. This way, they could gain deeper understanding of technological magic while incidentally boosting their combat abilities in other aspects.
"If that is your wish."
Est said seriously, all traces of her earlier sleepiness gone.
She directly transformed into a stream of light gathering in his hand, and moments later, a blue-silver pistol materialized.
This time, she didn't even need an incantation for summoning.
"Est, can you transform into a longsword form while maintaining the CAD's functions?"
[Yes]
As soon as the words were spoken, the pistol reconstructed itself again, taking the form of the Demon King Killing Sacred Sword.
Extremely straightforward.
So straightforward that she didn't even need summoning incantations.
Mahiro: "...
Just how afraid is she of him using other weapons...
Feeling like he had gained another way to handle Est.
Mahiro slightly relaxed his grip, and the Demon King Killing Sacred Sword in his hand instantly dissipated, transforming into particles of light that returned to the engraving on the back of his hand.
"Alright Gamma, please help me bring Night Demon and this matching dagger to Eta."
"Don't mention it, this is my honor, my lord."
Gamma gestured for the Nightmare set to be carefully placed in a treasure box and taken away, then bowed deeply to him.
Gamma understood all too well what Nightmare meant to Mahiro.
All these years, Lord Mahiro had been using that unique pistol weapon, one could say he never went anywhere without it.
Even after Miss Est appeared, the frequency of its use hadn't decreased much.
But I never expected him to so readily entrust such precious weapons to them today.
This trust from Lord Mahiro is truly deeply moving...
"Enough, enough. It's nothing special, Gamma. Let's move on to the second matter."
"Yes, my lord."
Gently wiping the glistening tear from the corner of her eye, Gamma straightened up and continued:
"The other matter is a verbal message from the White Tower in Lawless City."
"You mean from Yukime?"
"Yes."
Gamma nodded: "Lady Yukime sent word saying, 'Everything is prepared. The White Tower awaits your arrival at any time.'"
Upon hearing this message, Mahiro was quite surprised.
He hadn't expected that after several years, Yukime had actually achieved results—he originally thought it would take much longer.
Then again, Yukime's current strength was no longer that of the weak fox who could only rely on schemes as in the original story.
She had become a terrifying powerhouse comparable to Alpha.
In terms of tier ranking, she should be considered T1 in this world, basically having no opponents...
"My lord."
"Hm?"
Just as he was reminiscing about his past with Yukime, Gamma's call brought him back to the present.
"What is it?"
"That... my lord, are you planning to go to Lawless City to confront the legendary Blood-Drinking Queen? If so, please permit your servant's impertinence to immediately summon the Seven Shadows to accompany you."
As she spoke these words, Gamma knelt on one knee like a minister risking death to admonish her ruler, speaking with utmost seriousness.
The Blood-Drinking Queen, Progenitor Vampire, Kingdom-Destroying Vampire Princess, Mistress of the Crimson Tower—all these titles referred to a single vampire named Elisabeth.
It was said Elisabeth had existed for over a thousand years, a terrifying being who had caused the downfall of multiple nations a millennium ago.
After this intelligence reached Shadow Garden, even Alpha couldn't help but show a grave expression upon reading it.
Therefore, Gamma was deeply concerned that if anything were to happen to Lord Mahiro during this process...
"Gamma."
A soft call pulled Gamma back to reality, as if an invisible force compelled her to raise her head.
Yet when she looked at Mahiro, her pupils involuntarily contracted.
"..."
Though he remained in the same posture—leaning on one hand with a gentle smile—his scholarly, amiable demeanor had completely transformed, now radiating an overwhelming aura that could make all things submit.
"Gamma, who do you think I am?"
Mahiro's voice was soft, but the moment his words echoed, everyone in the room immediately dropped to one knee.
"My deepest apologies, my lord, I..."
Gamma felt her chest tighten, then deeply bowed her head, lightly biting her lower lip as tears welled in her eyes.
That's right.
Who is our lord?
He is the strongest person in this world, her savior, her hero!
How could he possibly fear some insignificant vampire princess!
If not for Lord Mahiro, she would likely have become a pile of rotting flesh long ago—abandoned by her family, exiled from her homeland, plunged into the abyss of losing everything, suffering from pain, fear and despair.
Then dying alone in some dark corner, wouldn't she?
The pure white light that enveloped her was the salvation belonging to Shadow Garden, belonging to Alpha, and belonging to her.
That voice, that unforgettable face, was her hero, her savior.
Just like now, a hand gently lifted her chin, and her own reflection appeared in those deep, dark pupils...
"My... my lord... Huh?!"
The next moment, Gamma suddenly felt herself wrapped in warmth, causing her delicate body to stiffen.
She was kissed.
She was actually kissed by Lord Mahiro!
The surrounding attendants couldn't help but widen their eyes and cover their mouths at the sight.
They dared not make a sound, nor could they look away for even a moment, as if they wanted to etch this scene firmly into their memories!
Gamma offered no resistance. Instead, her body gradually relaxed, her eyes slowly closed, and her lips parted slightly as she quietly savored the moment.
Lord Mahiro's kiss... was actually so warm...
What Gamma never expected was that she had so easily obtained what she had longed for most in this life.
Not just her—all of the Seven Shadows shared this desire: to be intimate with Mahiro, to unite with him.
To offer everything they had to their lord!
But they dared not, fearing overstepping, fearing defilement, feeling they were utterly unworthy. After all, Lord Mahiro seemed so distant from them, almost untouchable...
Yet in reality, he was so close...
After a long while, they parted.
"Ah..."
With the loss of that warmth, a small sense of disappointment immediately washed over Gamma's heart. But her entire body had already lost all strength; she couldn't even muster the energy to embrace Mahiro.
She slumped directly to the floor.
Her body trembled faintly, involuntarily.
"My lord, I..."
"Sorry, Gamma. Did I startle you just now?"
"No, that's not it..."
"But thank you for your concern. I understand you were worried about my safety. However, if I let all of you accompany me in haste and you were to get hurt because of it, I would be even more heartbroken."
Mahiro gently wiped away the anxious tears from the corner of the elf girl's eye.
Feeling Mahiro's tenderness, Gamma shook her head desperately, refuting:
"No, my lord! It's because we are too weak, unable to meet your expectations. It's our incompetence that has disappointed you!"
She had thought she would be punished.
Instead, Lord Mahiro had given her a kiss as comfort.
The lord was truly too gentle...
This gentleness only made Gamma feel even more ashamed.
"Alright, Gamma. The floor is cold. Let's get up first."
Mahiro helped her back onto the sofa, then sat back down opposite her. As he ate his dessert and sipped his tea, he said:
"I'll go alone to the Lawless City. You are not to follow."
"No!"
"Huh?!"
It was unclear where Gamma mustered the courage from, but she loudly opposed his proposal.
Yet after shouting, she immediately panicked and hurriedly waved her hands, saying:
"No, that's not what I meant, my lord. What I meant was... no matter what, one of us Seven Shadows must accompany you. This is something neither I nor the others would ever compromise on."
To be honest, this was the first time Gamma—or any of the Seven Shadows—had openly contradicted him.
Watching her flustered yet earnest expression, forceful yet tinged with lingering timidity, Mahiro couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.
"Alright, alright. We'll do as you say. One of you Seven Shadows can come with me. Will that suffice?"
"Thank you for your understanding, my lord."
Gamma bowed deeply once more to express her gratitude.
Though she hadn't been of any help this time, she would never give up.
Someday, she would earn Mahiro's recognition... No matter what, she would never abandon her resolve again!
Little did she know, although Mahiro had agreed to her request, who besides himself knew when he would actually depart?
He planned to set off for the Lawless City tonight and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Mahiro had already made up his mind.
"Miss, this way please."
Just then, the door to the VIP room opened.
It was Claire.
She had finished selecting her clothes and walked in.
But the moment she entered, she saw her teacher slumped on the sofa and, sitting opposite him, a blushing... elf?
For some reason, Claire was reminded of an elf named Alpha.
She had crossed paths with Alpha a few times before, but they weren't acquainted. She only knew that Alpha often stayed by her teacher's side.
"You must be Miss Claire Kagenou, Lord Mahiro's companion, correct?"
Gamma rose from the sofa and gracefully approached Claire, extending her hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Claire. I am Luna, president of the Arcadia Trading Company. Lord Mahiro just mentioned you, saying you carry yourself with remarkable grace. Now that I see you in person, I find not only is your demeanor elegant, but your beauty is equally striking."
"I am his companion. Hello, President Luna. You're very beautiful as well."
Claire blushed and gently shook the offered hand.
It had to be said—Gamma, being a merchant, had not only dispelled Claire's doubts with just a few words but had also flattered her quite effectively.
So much so that Claire was nearly at a loss for words.
The name "Luna" was one Gamma had used in the past and now employed as an alias for public interactions.
"Oh, by the way, Lord Mahiro just placed an order for three boxes of 'Truffle Chocolate' from us. I imagine one of them must be intended for you."
"Chocolate?"
Claire was slightly surprised and blinked in Mahiro's direction.
"Indeed. It's our company's Valentine's Day special—the highest grade of chocolate."
Gamma clapped her hands.
The chestnut-haired shop assistant who had initially escorted Mahiro to the VIP room entered, pushing a cart bearing three exquisitely packaged boxes.
Claire knew a little about chocolate.
It was said to be a token of love, a popular luxury confection among couples.
Unfortunately, it was only sold by the Arcadia Trading Company in the entire royal capital. Combined with its Valentine's Day symbolism, it was in high demand and came with a steep price tag.
It's said that a single piece has been speculated to reach the astronomical price of twenty gold coins!
And this box appears to contain at least ten pieces.
Meaning this box alone is worth at least two hundred gold coins!
That's not even counting the exquisite wooden packaging!
One must remember, her monthly living expenses only amount to three hundred gold coins!
Most crucially, this item is practically priceless and impossible to find on the market!
The teacher must have called in quite a few favors, right?
Claire bypassed Gamma, walked straight up to Mahiro, took his hand, and tried to lead him outside.
"Teacher, the chocolates are too precious—I can't accept them. Besides, I'm sure Rose and Sherry wouldn't want them either!"
She didn't need to guess who the other two boxes were for.
What she didn't notice was Mahiro's equally surprised expression, as he stared somewhat dumbfounded at Gamma.
Was this some kind of fully automatic wingman?
He hadn't even thought about these things, yet Gamma had arranged everything for him!
And Gamma secretly gave him a thumbs-up, urging him on.
Though slightly taken aback, seeing Claire so flustered and embarrassed for the first time felt worth the price of admission.
So, he accepted Gamma's goodwill, reached out to stroke Claire's long hair, and said:
"The price doesn't matter, as long as you like them."
Claire's face instantly turned as red as a little apple. She stammered for a long time, unable to get a word out—completely unlike her usual imposing self.
At the same time, Mahiro asked again:
"President Luna, how much for these three boxes in total?"
"No charge."
Gamma replied with a smile: "The cost of Miss Claire's clothes and the chocolates has already been deducted from your Obsidian Card, Mr. Mahiro, so no additional payment is needed."
"O-Obsidian Card?!"
Claire felt her worldview being shaken once again.
A seemingly ordinary school teacher actually possessed an Obsidian Card—something even the royal family didn't have?!
"Well, as I mentioned before, I'm acquainted with President Luna here."
Mahiro offered an explanation that wasn't really one.
"Yes, Mr. Mahiro and I are very good friends. He's my lifesaver. By the way, why don't you two rest here for a while? No one will disturb you, and you can stay as long as you like. We'll take our leave now."
After saying this, Gamma led the other staff out of the VIP room. Before closing the door, Gamma specifically gave him an encouraging look through the crack.
Even without saying it, Mahiro knew exactly what he was being encouraged to do.
After Gamma and the others left, Claire, sitting on the sofa, became increasingly fidgety. Her fingers dug into the gap between her black-stockinged thighs, and her eyes kept darting around.
"...Teacher, could you come watch my match at the upcoming Bushin Festival in a few days?"
Claire suddenly pulled a ticket from the front of her clothes and handed it to him.
It still carried the warmth of her body and a faint, delicate fragrance.
*Where exactly were you keeping this ticket?While internally complaining, Mahiro shook his head and said, "Sorry, I'm afraid I can't." I'll be traveling far away these next few days."
"Where are you going, Teacher?"
Claire blinked in surprise.
"Lawless City. So I might not be able to witness you winning the championship at this year's Bushin Festival, Claire."
"I see..."
Claire looked slightly disappointed, her crimson eyes dimming a little.
But unusually, she didn't throw her usual tantrum this time. Instead, it seemed like she had made some kind of resolution.
"Sensei, could you take a look at the underwear I carefully selected for me?"
Claire suddenly stood up from the sofa.
Mahiro was caught off guard.
Then he saw Claire gently grasp both sides of her skirt, slowly lifting the curtain.
The porcelain-white legs wrapped in black pantyhose gradually became exposed to the air...
Black lace with ribbons...
It suited Claire's signature color quite well.
"Miss Claire, you're playing with fire here."
Claire didn't speak, just shot him a challenging look with those striking red eyes.
...I really need to teach you a lesson!
"..."
"Hmph... You really are a perverted, sadistic teacher...!"
However, it wasn't just Claire who started acting strangely after receiving chocolate from him—she even took the initiative to let him eat it, setting off that emotional outburst.
Even the usually composed Rose was the same.
She accepted the chocolate with a surprised and astonished expression.
Even going so far as to wrap her arms around his neck in front of all the students, despite being drenched in fragrant sweat, and plant a kiss on him right then and there.
Though it was just on the cheek.
He was curious—was this thing really that powerful?
Little did he know, Gamma had taken promotional campaigns, scarcity marketing, and market monopoly to terrifyingly absurd levels.
Only Sherry showed little reaction upon receiving the chocolate, instead appearing quite curious.
"What exactly is this...?"
Sitting in the research lab, Sherry looked calmly at the brown object in the box, occasionally tilting her head in confusion.
She tried picking up the object that seemed to emit a sweet, rich fragrance, but still couldn't determine what it was.
She only remembered Mahiro-sensei calling it "chocolate."
But what chocolate actually was, she had no idea.
"Sherry, what's wrong?"
"Eek--!"
Lutheran's sudden appearance from behind startled Sherry, nearly making her fall off her chair.
"Vice Chancellor Lutheran..."
"Didn't we agree? You call me Vice Chancellor in public, but when we're alone, you should call me Dad."
"..."
Sherry showed a somewhat troubled smile.
"So, what about that box of chocolate?"
"Well... Mahiro-sensei gave this to me."
"Oh."
Lutheran stroked his mustache, a smile appearing on his slightly aged face.
"It seems Mahiro-sensei really does have feelings for you, Sherry."
"Huh? Why do you say that?"
"Because this is a high-end confection that's been spreading by word of mouth among women recently.
Lately, the Arcadia Trading Company has been promoting something called Valentine's Day, and many people consider chocolate as a token of affection. Moreover, this is the highest grade truffle chocolate. I estimate Mahiro-sensei went through quite some trouble to get it."
"It must have taken quite some effort to buy this box of chocolates for you."
"..."
Sherry murmured softly, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Hehe, it seems Sherry has grown up too. How to respond is up to you now, I won't disturb you anymore."
"Dad!"
"Remember to eat the chocolates properly."
Amid the lighthearted conversation, Vice Dean Lutheran had already left the research lab.
Leaving only Sherry sitting there alone.
"...."
Sherry tentatively picked up a piece with her delicate, jade-like fingers and slowly brought the chocolate, comparable to gold in value, to her cherry-red lips. She took a bite.
"Mmm~ So sweet..."
The rich, smooth flavor of cocoa, mingled with a cloying sweetness, filled her mouth.
A captivating blush of cherry pink instantly spread across Sherry's cheeks, and she let out a faint, hazy sigh.
Her soft, fragrant tongue gently licked the lingering crumbs from her fair, jade-like fingertips.
She loved this taste.
Swinging her legs from the chair, her black-stockinged jade feet in slippers traced a light, cheerful arc in the air.
"It's really... so sweet."