Today, Derek was still dead tired.
But compared to the past two days, he’d made slight progress—he hadn’t completely passed out.
That wasn’t good news though; a clear mind made the pain sharper.
Just as exhaustion overwhelmed him, an energetic figure appeared before him…
“Young Master Derek, please tell me how to awaken magic power?”
Derek, lying on the ground, slowly lifted his head. He gazed up at the hill with its noticeable slope and marveled: such insane growth… Wait, no—had the sun risen in the west? Why was Teresia asking this? Did she misunderstand magic awakening? It wasn’t food…
Sensing his puzzled look, Teresia added, “Sophia said you helped her awaken magic!”
He’d helped Sophia?
Was that true? Had he done it? Why couldn’t he remember?
Maybe Sophia accidentally awakened magic while reading—and since he bought the book, she credited him.
Magic awakening relied on talent and luck. He’d wanted to help Teresia for ages but was powerless.
Seeing Derek stay silent, Teresia pouted. “Young Master Derek, don’t play favorites—helping only Sophia, not me~”
“You really want my help?”
“Of course.”
“Alright… let’s eat.”
Derek didn’t know how to awaken magic, but he was an expert at feeding people.
“Eat? Great!”
At the thought of food, Teresia’s worries vanished instantly.
Yes, eat first.
Forget magic awakening.
Let the Holy See handle the Holy Lady’s awakening.
By the way, why didn’t she help him up? Teresia, marching off to the dining hall like that?
The Holy Maiden ignored him, leaving only a dashing silhouette.
Teresia’s chow-down was ruthless!
…
Days of intense training brought Derek not just pain but gains.
He’d grown used to the magic circulating in his body; his muscles felt firmer.
His stamina improved—he could now walk back alone after training.
But the lingering fatigue refused to fade.
Derek glanced at the dinner on his desk. Bathe first, then eat.
He’d asked Teresia to deliver it and leave immediately.
Otherwise, sharing meals meant less food for him.
With his high daily energy burn, he couldn’t waste dinner feeding Teresia anymore.
He gathered clean clothes into a bath basket, heading for the mansion’s grand bathroom.
But as he stepped forward, exhaustion crashed over him again.
It felt like carrying countless iron blocks—heavy, draining, making him unwilling to move.
Forget it. Rest first.
Derek set down the basket and sat quietly.
His eyelids grew heavy; he instinctively leaned on the desk.
Unconsciously, he fell asleep.
…
Derek’s current mansion wasn’t as lavish as the capital’s ducal residence, but as Duke Wudewen’s asset in Dakelos, its grand bathroom remained opulent.
Opening the door, marble non-slip floors stretched ahead. Exquisite beast statues lined the sides. At the end, a stone lion’s open mouth poured clear hot water into a vast pool, mist swirling beautifully.
An alchemical array engraved at the outlet shielded it from droughts.
But it wasn’t endless.
Magic recharging was needed—Xinzel had already handled it.
Soaking in the pool, one could admire the sky through the glass skylight above.
Unnoticed, dusk fell outside.
The steaming water cooled; the mist faded.
Suddenly, a knock echoed. Teresia’s voice called, “Anyone in there?”
“Sophia, no one’s here. Young Master Derek must’ve bathed already.”
Teresia pulled the door open, scanned the empty room, and eagerly changed the pool water.
Fresh water revived the mist.
Soon, both arrived with bath baskets.
Sophia placed hers near a statue, then sank into the pool. Warmth seeped into her every pore, drawing a soft moan: “Mmm~”
Bathing felt heavenly.
She’d never dreamed of such luxury before—thanks to Young Master Derek.
Imagining his lingering scent here, her cheeks flushed.
She buried half her face in the water. This temperature felt a bit hot…
“Sophia, I’m here!”
A shout cut through the mist. A figure splashed in with a loud boom!
Water droplets soaked Sophia’s face, clinging to her flaxen hair, instantly cooling her flustered heart.
This bath pool’s other “happy companion” always entered like this.
“Whoa! So good!”
Teresia splashed wildly, sighing contentedly.
Watching her, Sophia submerged her lower face, blowing resentful bubbles.
She saw Teresia as an older sister—wonderful, except for her over-the-top energy.
“Sophia, let me scrub your back.”
“Ah?! No thanks!”
“Don’t be shy.”
“No, really—”
Sophia protested, but Teresia wouldn’t relent.
She yanked Sophia close. “No! Stop~”
Two tender bodies collided, churning the water…
“Feel good?”
Teresia rubbed the soapy washcloth hard.
Her hearty meals gave her strength—Sophia had to yield.
“You… go lighter~”
Feeling the pressure, Sophia instinctively pleaded.
“Light means no fun! Gotta push hard for real satisfaction!”
Teresia gripped her tighter, scrubbing fiercely.
“Ah~”
The sudden force made Sophia gasp.
“Told you! Amazing, right?”
Whether from the hot water or Teresia’s roughness, Sophia’s cheeks burned redder.
Her body weakened; she slumped back into the water.
But Teresia caught her in her arms.
Smooth skin met through the foam. Sophia snapped back to awareness.
She could still feel Teresia’s growing curves—their warmth and bounce stirring her.
Sophia pursed her lips silently, ducked her face underwater, and blew tiny bubbles…
