When Eran finally reached his chamber, he let out a quiet sigh, shutting the door behind him before letting his weight drop onto the bed.

For a moment, he simply lay there, staring at the ceiling, the faintest grin curling across his lips.

His thoughts drifted back to the image of Miyu, flushed and trembling, yet still carrying that same noble pride even when stripped bare before him.

The thought of her face burning crimson, tear-streaked, whispering You've me — replayed in his mind until his chest warmed.

Eran chuckled low under his breath, dragging a hand over his face.

"So this what it feels like to finally break a pride ," he murmured to himself, in an amused state.

His system interface still lingered faintly in the corner of his vision, glowing with his new rank and title.

Eran glanced at it once more, back to the glowing words that burned across his vision;

VEIL OF MURMUR

[Skill Effects: Gains a weight that can make targets reconsider what you say... even when they feel to ignore.

Bonus: Increases chance of emotional reaction (nervousness, or compliance).

Limitation: Does not force obedience. Works subtly, best on distracted or emotionally shaken targets.]

He let out a slow breath, as his fingers drumed lazily against the bed frame.

"Well…" he murmured to himself, "I guess this is different from Whisper of Suggestion."

A low grin curved his lips as he tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling.

"Perhaps this will do a great work," he said under his breath, as the words carried an edge of satisfaction.

His mind spiraled deeper into the possibilities of his newly unlocked rank… what doors it could open.

Now that he had Selene and Miyu to himself, two of the most strict and feared nobles among his Grade D peers... he felt an undeniable surge of pride.

But before he could let the thought carry further, a sharp, sudden knock broke through the quiet, snapping him back to the present.

Knock Knock!

The sound echoed through the chamber, pulling his smirk back into place.

Eran adjusted, sitting upright on the edge of the bed, one elbow propped lazily on his knee.

That smirk tugged wider at his mouth.

No one ever knocked for him, not like this.

Not when every noble here still saw him as the "commoner." No one came to his door unless they had to.

Except for Selene.

Or Miyu.

And just as the thought slid through his head, the soft click of the handle broke the silence.

Selene stepped in with that same calm, measured presence that made the air bend around her.

Every movement she made carried the weight of someone born a high noble admired, feared and respected.

Eran's smirk deepened, a slow, knowing curl of his lips as his golden eyes tracked her every step.

Exactly as he had guessed.

He leaned back on his palms casually, not a hint of tension in his body, letting her close the door behind her without saying a word.

"Selene," he said at last, his voice was slow, almost like he had expected her to come. And just as he thought he was right.

Her emerald eyes shifted to him, "You seem… relaxed," Selene said finally, her voice carrying that usual cool edge as always.

Her steps softened as she moved closer to him, the quiet click of her heels fading when she finally stopped just before the bed. That faint, private smile curved her lips, the kind of smile that was meant only for him.

Without a word, she parted her robes slowly, letting the loose fabric slide down until it barely hung from her shoulders. Then she moved toward the nearest chair and lowered herself onto it with a quiet grace, her body finally relaxing as though she'd been carrying the weight of the entire academy all day.

Eran's gaze lingered as he took in the sight of her... calm, collected Selene, looking almost vulnerable in her quiet state.

"You must be exhausted," he said, his voice low and smooth, carrying a trace of teasing warmth.

Selene tilted her head slightly at him, her emerald eyes softening as she let out a quiet breath.

"It's really been a long day for me," she murmured.

Eran leaned forward on the bed, resting his elbows against his knees, smirk still faint on his lips.

"You don't usually let anyone see you like this out there," he said, his tone carrying the weight of knowing her better than the others did.

Her eyes stayed on him for a long, quiet moment, something unreadable glimmering there before she finally turned her gaze aside, letting her robe slip a little further down.

"Not when I'm with you, beloved," she said softly, almost too softly — and then paused, her words catching as if she realized too late what she had just let slip.

Eran's smirk deepened, and he let out a quiet chuckle that made her cheeks flush crimson.

"You slipped it out again," he teased in amusement.

Her gaze stayed locked on Eran, her lips curving into a knowing smile.

"You know I wouldn't let it slip out there," she said softly, with a voice carrying a quiet certainty.

Her eyes softened just slightly, as though confessing something meant only for him.

"Only when I'm with you."

Eran's smirk eased into something warmer,

"That's fine," he said, low and calm, like he wanted her to know he understood completely.

Selene stood with her usual noble grace, every movement controlled, but this time slower, warmer. She crossed the small space between them and sat at the edge of the bed, close enough that Eran could feel her warmth.

"It's just been an exhausting day for me," her voice was quiet, almost carrying a sigh.

Eran's hand lifted slowly, brushing against the side of her dampened, flushed cheek.. a soft touch that lingered there.

"You really are tired," he murmured, his gaze fixed on her, taking in every detail of her face, every flicker that passed through her emerald eyes.

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