Lester studied the stern, square-faced woman before him — she wore a black robe, yet beneath it gleamed light leather armor that exposed her legs.
Before he could think further, he felt a faint pulse of invisible energy — the ropes binding his arms and neck were cleanly severed. None of the three women in the room had even moved.
Reward and intimidation combined — effective methods, Lester thought.
He didn't understand how it worked, but he understood well enough that obedience was the smarter choice.
On the other side, Meredith wasn't sure what relationship this man had with Lady Rose. Still, even if he had been dragged in on a leash, that didn't excuse her from showing respect.
No one in the Black Rose wished to offend a man who might become Lady Rose's personal aide — everyone knew that much.
"My lord, please follow me."
Meredith pointed at Lester, then at herself.
Lester blinked, uncomprehending.
Turning to Lady Rose — the same woman who had just been leading him like a dog — he watched as she pointed at him, then at Meredith, then mimed taking off clothes and washing. Lester finally nodded in realization.
Imitating the elegant gesture he had seen earlier from the Black Rose mages, he bowed gracefully to Rose.
To Rose's surprise, his etiquette was even more refined — more noble — than that of her own mages.
Smiling, she nodded in approval and turned to leave. Lester followed the square-faced mage toward a small stone tower nearby.
The interior of the tower looked nothing like an apartment from his previous world. It resembled a medieval European layout — only rougher, more functional.
The stairs wound upward in pale stone spirals.
The first floor was simple: a square wooden table and four stools around a coal-fired brazier placed atop fur rugs. On the table sat a brown clay plate with half a loaf of yellow bread.
Meredith was about to lead him downstairs to bathe when Lester suddenly tugged at her sleeve and, with an awkward look, pointed toward the half-loaf of bread.
Seeing the hunger and faint hope in the handsome man's eyes, Meredith jerked back as though shocked, coughed to mask her fluster, and nodded her consent.
Lester thus earned the first bread of his new life through his own effort, easing the unease in his stomach.
---
The next floor below was impressively designed.
The first-floor brazier heated a large square limestone tank, which supplied the bath below with constant warmth. Hidden cleverly among the uneven shadows of the ceiling, the tank's presence became a pleasant surprise rather than an eyesore.
The tank connected to a small rooftop water tower, refilled daily by Black Rose elemental mages drawing from the well — enough to ensure that hot water was always ready for a bath.
In the center of the room lay a circular, pale-blue stone bath paved with river pebbles. An iron valve controlled drainage, sending the used water down through the Immortal Bastion's sewer system, out to the Black Iron River that bordered the Sea of Watchers.
Lester couldn't help but admire the clever design. As Meredith turned the valve, the twin dragon-lizard spouts carved into marble began to spew steaming water.
With Meredith's assistance, he undressed and slid into the bath, warm water enveloping him completely…
---
Meanwhile, Lady Rose sat alone upon her bed, deep in thought on how best to make use of the "ancient relic" Nadalz had captured.
Teaching this intelligent man the Noxian tongue would be simple. The real challenge lay in gaining his trust — in making him serve her willingly, and in coaxing the secrets from his lips.
For her, beyond conspiracy, forbidden magic, and shadowcraft, only secrets and the unknown could stir true desire.
Five centuries of life had taught Rose one thing: the perfect lie is always told with perfect sincerity.
Her forbiddenly crafted doppelgänger body was whole — unbroken, even pure — and from his aura, she could tell the man was vigorous, full of life.
She understood the physical needs of a real, non-illusory body. From every angle, the man met her expectations.
The most harmonious bond between a man and a woman was forged in bed — and indeed, her avatar's body already desired him.
And so, with her having granted him "kindness," all she needed to do was use sincere affection — body and love — to bind him completely. Once tied, he would never escape.
Then, he would fall into her hands — utterly. With a bit of training, he could become her most useful tool. And she could indulge in the pleasures she hadn't tasted for a century, while gaining a handsome "husband" to keep that sweaty, troll-scented oaf Nadalz at bay. Two birds with one spell.
Having made the decision to "sacrifice herself," Rose's deep eyes softened. She rose, stepped to her vanity, and picked up a ruby-inlaid comb.
Her long black hair cascaded down her back. Her gown fell away. With a cleansing spell, she purified her body and slipped into a sheer veil of violet silk.
"This bed," she murmured with a teasing smile, "might be a little too small~"
---
"This is Lady Rose's residence."
Though she knew he wouldn't understand, Meredith felt compelled to explain.
Carrying a cloth bag, she pointed toward the elegantly designed three-story villa along Blackthorn Rose Street. Her legs tingled faintly again, and she forced her gaze away from the man's face.
Lester was now dressed in a dark, high-collared coat with the somber elegance of Noxian fashion. The deep black-purple fabric accentuated his tall, lean frame and masculine poise. Coupled with his naturally striking features and thick black hair…
Meredith swore — if she weren't still committed to learning forbidden magic under the Pale Lady, she would have knocked this magicless man unconscious, fled the Immortal Bastion with him, and found a cave to birth a litter of half-demons.
No, stop thinking that! The more she thought, the more her body burned. Suddenly, forbidden magic felt less important… but what if Lady Rose had placed a magical mark on him? What if she couldn't run?
Suppressing her impulse, Meredith delivered a physical purification — a sharp punch to her own forehead. The heat in her body subsided slightly.
Lester blinked at the square-faced woman who had just punched herself in the head. He instinctively took half a step back but still wore a look of gentle concern.
He had used that same look, in his previous life, on high-class women who fancied themselves untouchable.
For most emotional women, silent concern was far more effective than any words.
"I'm fine…" Meredith muttered, face red.
She opened the unlocked door, shoved the bewildered man inside, and collapsed against the frame — a red mark blooming on her brow.
"This guy," she sighed, half dazed, half laughing, "must be the reincarnation of a pleasure demon…"