"Honey, just let me explain—it was a misunderstanding!"

Karl panicked. Truly, utterly panicked!!

To his shock, Freya didn’t yell in fury. Instead, her voice dropped to glacial ice:

"There’s nothing to explain. I saw it all."

"But—I didn’t mean to!"

Mia, never one to miss stirring the pot, chimed in with a smirk:

"You were already massaging it. How is that *not* intentional?"

"W-well… it’s just that…"

*The texture felt so good I couldn’t resist kneading it once.*

The words died on Karl’s tongue.

No way he could say that out loud!!! He’d be dead meat for sure.

Freya’s eyes stayed frosty. "So you ‘accidentally’ touched it… and because it felt nice, you just *had* to rub it a little. Right??"

Karl nodded frantically.

*She gets me!*

But Freya’s face darkened further. She fell silent.

"…………………………"

Something was off.

If she knew it was an accident… why did she look *this* upset??

Was this the legendary *"I know everything, I even get it—but I’m still pissed"*??

How was he supposed to fix this?!

Just as Karl’s brain short-circuited, Glot strolled over.

"Your name’s Karl, right??"

Karl snapped to attention, bowing deeply. "Yes, Mister Glot! I’m Karl of Sowani Earl’s Mansion. I’ve long admired your legend—meeting you today is a blessing across three lifetimes!"

Glot’s mood lifted. *Polite kid.*

"No need for flattery. I respect your skill. If possible… I’d be honored to take you as my student."

Karl’s heart soared. *Yes!* Despite the chaos, they’d caught Glot’s eye!

And Glot meant it. Seeing Karl unleash Gold Rank-level power? He knew Karl and Freya had every right to be proud. Even as a former Imperial Royal Mage, Glot couldn’t decipher *how* Karl did it. But prying would be rude—such secrets were a fighter’s trump card. Unless… he became his student. Then "academic discussion" would be perfectly acceptable.

Karl beamed. "Hearing this fulfills my life! Rest assured, my wife and I will definitely—"

"—definitely *not* apply to your school."

"?????"

Karl froze.

*Say that again?!*

How could Freya’s 36.8°C body produce words this icy?!

Glot stood stunned too.

Freya continued smoothly: "Your school’s strength disappoints me deeply. We’ll reconsider. I trust you understand, Mister Glot."

Glot’s jaw tightened. *Weak?!*

But he forced a calm smile. "You two have every right to say that. I won’t pressure you. But know—our doors stay open."

Karl nearly dropped to his knees shouting, *"Master, teach me magic!!"*

Before he could speak, Freya yanked his ear and dragged him out.

Mia covered her mouth, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

*Oh, tonight’s gonna be fun!!!!*

After they left, Glot stomped back to the arena, face flushed.

Eileen soothed him: "Don’t dwell on it. Pride comes with strength—you know that best."

Glot sighed. "I hope Karl convinces her. Such talent shouldn’t slip away." He eyed Eileen. "That Spatial Ring… it matches yours, doesn’t it? Giving it to him means…"

He’d visited the Fey Dominion. Paired rings? Only committed couples wore them. And *this* ring? Losta’s personal token. Meaning Karl was now Eileen’s chosen fiancé.

Eileen shrugged. "Customs don’t bind us here. I lost a bet—that’s all."

Glot warned gently: "Be careful. You’re Losta’s adopted daughter. If you marry a man with a wife… Lord Losta might crush the Fey Spire to dust."

Eileen said nothing. Just glanced down at her chest.

…She was still replaying that touch.

Honestly? Karl’s massage felt… kinda nice……

---

Back home, Karl trailed Freya into their room without a sound.

The door clicked shut. Mia pressed her ear against it, grinning.

Freya stepped into the bedroom. Her gown slid down her smooth skin, pooling on the floor.

Before Karl, she stood in sleek black lace lingerie and semi-sheer black panties.

Karl swallowed slightly—but stayed silent.

Freya sat on the bed, crossed her legs, and locked eyes with him.

"Do you know where you went wrong?"