The voice belonged to none other than Sophia, her delicate face expressionless as usual.
Standing beside her was Lucia, who teased him with a playful grin, “So, it turns out that’s the type you’re into, huh?”
Luca felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him. Being caught red-handed by women he knew while ogling other beauties—if he were someone with a thinner skin, he might have died of embarrassment right on the spot.
Fortunately, Luca was not the shy, easily flustered type.
He cleared his throat and acted as if nothing had happened. “What brings you two here?”
Sophia glanced at him but didn’t press the issue, letting it slide without further comment. “We have something to discuss with you.”
“Something to discuss?” Luca was puzzled, wondering what business they had at this time.
He soon got his answer.
“You’re going to Dawn City?” Luca asked in surprise after hearing what they had to say. He hadn’t expected them to be heading to the capital of the Clinton Empire.
“That’s right.” Lucia stretched lazily, her voluptuous figure and seductive curves fully on display, not caring at all that her student was right in front of her.
She continued in a languid tone, “Sophia is about to break through. The resources here can no longer support her progress, so I’m taking her back to the guild headquarters in Dawn City.”
Luca nodded in understanding. It seemed that Sophia was facing the same problem as he was.
Riverfall City was too low-level to sustain their rapid advancement.
In Dawn City, with Sophia’s talent, she would have likely reached Platinum Grade long ago.
Lucia added, “Earlier, Ryan came to talk to me. Red Maple Academy is indeed the best place for you right now. Dean Orf is, without a doubt, the top magic runes instructor in the entire Clinton Empire.”
“However, if you’d prefer to join us and go to Dawn City instead, I can arrange for another Superclass Demonic Rune Mage to teach you everything you need to know about magic runes.”
Sophia chimed in, “The President of the Magic Association in Dawn City is actually our teacher’s father. If you go there, you’ll have access to even more resources and knowledge. Plus, in Dawn City, you wouldn’t have to worry about any retaliation from the Franco family.”
“The President of the Magic Association?” Luca looked at Lucia in astonishment. No wonder so many people treated her with such respect and deference.
The President of an empire’s Magic Association—such a position would require someone of at least Superclass strength.
This revelation filled him with immense relief. After all, it’s always advantageous to have a powerful figure to rely on. The stronger his teacher’s background, the more benefits he could potentially gain.
Seeing Luca’s silence, Lucia moved closer and affectionately wrapped her arms around his, pressing her full, soft chest against his arm.
With a seductive smile, she coaxed, “So, what do you say? Why not join us in Dawn City? I’ll personally show you around, let you experience the grandeur and vibrancy of the imperial capital~”
Feeling the softness and warmth against his arm, Luca’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch slightly.
He discreetly pulled his arm back and shook his head. “Sorry, Teacher. I’ve decided to go to Southwind City.”
Although his teacher’s charms… and her offer… were indeed tempting…
Going to Dawn City would undoubtedly provide him access to greater resources.
Unfortunately, after acquiring “Frostborn” and experiencing the power of Superclass magic runes, Luca found it hard to accept the thought of his future rune mastery being anything less than that level.
Even with Lucia’s influential background, it was unlikely she could provide him with the abundance of Superclass resources needed for such advanced training.
So, going directly to Red Maple Academy made more sense—after all, it housed a genuine Superclass Demonic Rune Mage. free𝑤ebnovel.com
Sophia and Lucia weren’t surprised by his decision.
Orf was one of the top Superclass experts in the entire Clinton Empire. If they were in Luca’s shoes, they’d likely choose Red Maple Academy as well.
Lucia sighed with resignation. “Alright, do what you feel is best. We’ll visit you in Southwind City when we have the time.”
As she spoke, she took out a Storage Ring and handed it over. “Ryan mentioned you’ll be leaving tomorrow. Inside this ring are some tools and materials. If they’re not enough, just write to me. I’ll have the Southwind City branch president deliver whatever you need.”
“Thank you, Teacher.” Warmth filled Luca’s heart, and he expressed his gratitude sincerely.
“‘Thank you’ isn’t just something you say with words. You should use your body to show your gratitude~” Lucia whispered playfully, leaning in close and exhaling softly against Luca’s ear, her voice carrying a teasing, flirtatious lilt. The sensation made Luca’s hand tremble, and he almost dropped the Storage Ring.
“Show… my gratitude with my body?” Luca looked at Lucia in shock. Wasn’t this suggestion a bit too forward?
Lucia burst into laughter, covering her mouth coquettishly. “What are you thinking? I just want you to dance with us. Otherwise, the ball will be over before we get a chance.”
Luca couldn’t help but feel a bit speechless.
If you hadn’t said it in such a suggestive way, how could I have possibly misunderstood?
Shaking his head slightly, he took a couple of steps forward, intending to formally invite Lucia for a dance.
But before he could say a word, Lucia pouted and said, “Aren’t you worried about making your senior sister jealous? You should dance with her first.”
“You’re overthinking things.” Sophia’s tone was direct, expressing her displeasure bluntly.
Luca sighed inwardly, completely at a loss as to what these two were thinking.
He straightened his attire, then turned to Sophia, bowing slightly and extending his hand in an inviting gesture. “Senior Sister, may I have the honor of a dance?”
There was a gentle smile on his face, and his tone was lighthearted yet respectful, exuding a calm and refreshing presence.
Sophia’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat, though she quickly regained her composure.
“Yes, you may.” She extended her long, slender, and fair hand, placing it in Luca’s palm.
Her hand felt cool to the touch, smooth and soft, prompting Luca to instinctively give it a light squeeze.
Hmm, it’s so soft.
Sophia’s cheeks turned an uncharacteristic shade of pink, and she shot him a subtle glare.
Unbothered, Luca simply smiled, then led her towards the dance floor.
Watching this scene, Catherine, who had been approaching, came to a slow halt.
She bit her lip, her gaze complicated as she looked at the pair.
The hall was dimly lit.
Accompanied by the soothing music, couples swirled and twirled across the dance floor.
“I’ll teach you,” Sophia offered. She knew Luca had been an adventurer before, so it was likely that he wasn’t well-versed in social etiquette.
Her suggestion was also a way to prevent him from making a fool of himself.
Hearing her words, Luca smiled softly but didn’t respond verbally. Instead, he gently placed his hand around Sophia’s slender waist.
With the slow rhythm of the music playing, Luca began to guide Sophia in graceful movements. It was clear that he was no stranger to dancing.
“Did you formally learn to dance?” Sophia asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
She hadn’t expected Luca to be this proficient.
“I took a few lessons before,” Luca replied with a smile.
In his previous life, he had attended at least a thousand social gatherings, if not more. Even if he hadn’t known how to dance initially, he had picked it up over time.
Sophia relaxed upon hearing his response and began to follow Luca’s lead, letting her body move in sync with his rhythm.
The pair’s elegant movements soon drew the attention of many. Compared to them, the dancing skills of the others seemed far less polished.
When everyone realized it was the renowned senior and junior pair, the onlookers were even more astonished.
Sophia’s icy temperament was well-known throughout Emerald State. Forget about dancing with a man—she rarely even spoke to one.
What had caused this sudden change in her behavior today?
Even Ryan and Lady Lenna found the scene surprising.
Ever since Sophia had awakened her talent, her demeanor had grown increasingly aloof.
This was the first time they had ever seen her so close to a man.
“Viscount Luca is talented and capable—quite a good match…” Lady Lenna murmured, a pleased smile appearing on her face.
She already had a favorable impression of the young man who had saved her life, and now, seeing him with Sophia, he seemed even more likable.
Ryan chuckled. “Let’s not interfere with the young ones. Let nature take its course.”
When it came to Sophia, he had always respected her choices and preferences. Whatever she decided to do, it would be of her own volition.
As the music quickened in tempo, Luca and Sophia’s movements became more vigorous, and their bodies inevitably brushed against each other. In the dimly lit hall, Luca could clearly see a flush creeping up Sophia’s cheeks.
Her usual cold expression now carried a subtle, captivating charm. The sight made Luca’s heart race unexpectedly.
The dance soon came to an end, and the two of them stopped, standing close to each other.
Sophia’s chest rose and fell gently, her face still tinged with a rosy hue. Tiny beads of sweat adorned her fair forehead, glistening faintly under the soft lighting and adding to her already stunning beauty.
The hall was silent for a moment, and then a thunderous round of applause erupted.
Smiles adorned everyone’s faces as they clapped. Some even shouted enthusiastically, urging the two to dance another round.
Meanwhile, the players who had been watching from the sidelines lamented their fate, grumbling about how such good fortune never seemed to fall their way.
The atmosphere of the banquet grew increasingly lively.
Catherine stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching the scene unfold. A wry smile tugged at her lips, and she let out a soft, self-deprecating chuckle.
Without a word, she quietly turned and exited the banquet hall, disappearing into the shadows.
On the dance floor, Luca slowly released his hand from Sophia’s waist and smiled softly. “So, did I manage to meet your expectations, Senior Sister?”
Sophia bit her lip, saying nothing, but her gaze was a mix of feigned anger and subtle reproach.
Throughout the dance, Luca hadn’t missed a single opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
To the outside observer, his actions might have seemed entirely accidental, but Sophia knew better—Luca had done it all on purpose.
She never imagined that Luca, who usually seemed so earnest and well-behaved, would be bold enough to push his luck with her!
“Why don’t the two of you dance another round? I don’t mind waiting,” Lucia teased as she walked over, a playful grin on her face.
“You can dance with him,” Sophia responded, her cheeks flushing even deeper. Without even looking at Luca, she turned and quickly left the dance floor.
Watching her practically flee, Luca shrugged helplessly.
Those touches were merely reflexes born out of habit, not deliberate moves.
It was a bad habit he had picked up in his previous life, considering that in modern ballroom events, most people weren’t there to simply dance…
As he was mentally berating himself, he suddenly felt a soft, fragrant presence press against him.
The opening notes of the next song began to play.
At some point, Lucia had sidled up beside him.
She leaned in close to his ear, her breath warm against his skin as she giggled softly. “Stop staring. It’s my turn now~”
Luca felt a shiver run down his spine, and the corner of his mouth twitched.
If he’d known this would happen, he would have made his escape with Sophia just now…
The second dance began swiftly.
Unlike Sophia, who was more restrained and graceful, Lucia’s style was far more daring and provocative. Her perfect, voluptuous figure—practically unrivaled in the room—moved with a natural, sultry rhythm.
To make matters worse, Lucia seemed to delight in pressing her body against his intentionally.
Her soft, sensuous curves rubbed against him with every movement, and Luca felt a dangerous heat building in his core, threatening to overwhelm his self-control.
But alas, there was nothing he could do.
After all, a high-level professional like her could crush him with a casual flick of her wrist…
Luca’s mind was in turmoil, frustration building as he tried to keep his composure.