The Duke’s Dilemma

In fact, Chris works 24 hours a day. If Mingqian doesn’t rest, Chris won’t rest either.

This girl accompanied him through the most difficult period of his life.

“Cut the act,” Mingqian sighed, gently tapping her head with a scroll. “Get up, there’s something important to discuss.”

Reluctantly, Chris opened her eyes, showing no trace of drowsiness.

She stretched lazily, the fabric of her maid uniform accentuating her curves. Her feet, encased in black stockings, flexed slightly forward. She seemed entirely unconcerned about Mingqian’s presence, her expression conveying a clear message: ‘I won’t get up unless you pull me.’

Mingqian chuckled sadly, sitting beside her.

“Heartless master… what business do you have for your loyal and pitiful maid? If it’s about Aile, I’m not doing it.”

“It’s precisely about Aile.”

Mingqian sat next to her, spreading a thick magic book across his knees.

“I hope you can teach her the techniques of light magic.”

“What?! Master, have you been corrupted by dark magic?! You want me to teach her?!”

“Yes.”

Chris sat up straight, shock evident on her face.

“Y-you said what?! You foolish, foolish master! You know I don’t like her…”

“I know, but I have no one else to rely on.”

Aile must possess the ability to defend herself; she must not be inferior to anyone. The first step in cultivating Aile is nearly complete, and soon she will be ready to graduate. However, to further enhance Aile’s strength, theoretical learning alone is insufficient. Even meditation and devotion can replace some magical training, but the most crucial element is combat. Without the ability to use magic in battle, all theoretical knowledge becomes useless. Additionally, the reason Noyu hides her identity as a witch is that she is not yet the strongest in the world, unable to dominate everyone. The girl who dares to call herself second to none is Chris, known as the ‘Duke’s Mad Dog,’ who has achieved the pinnacle of strength by mastering a single element. She surpasses all other magic users who can wield multiple elements, truly unbeatable in her league, and she is a level 99. It is her presence that makes the Duke’s name renowned throughout the empire. No one in this world has yet achieved the feat of reaching level 100.

“I have reviewed the records; there is no instance of anyone reaching level 100 in this world.”

“But there is also no record of a full-element mage. I believe that if it is Aile, she will certainly achieve it.”

Mingqian sees hope in Aile. She might be able to reach level 100, and afterward, she will undoubtedly be the strongest. At that point, she can live in this world without any worries. This is precisely Mingqian’s goal.

Chris’s face flushed slightly, and occasional whimpers escaped her lips.

“W-what a trickster! To say such things!”

“I’m not agreeing because you have no one else to rely on! It’s just that I happen to be free! Don’t think I’ll like her!”

Chris pushed Mingqian out the door with a huff.

“It’s time to prepare for the next step.”

However, this step requires Aile’s cooperation. Everything done so far has been to pave the way for what comes next.

****

[You begin to seriously contemplate the next plan]

[After you finish the simulation, she must live safely in this world]

[This is your responsibility as both a father and a teacher]

……

……

“Just what should I do…”

Mingqian pondered these thoughts and accidentally bumped into someone. He had been so engrossed in his thoughts that he hadn’t noticed the person in front of him.

“Sorry.”

He looked up, extending his hand to the girl who had fallen to the ground, clutching her forehead.

“Here, are you okay?”

“N-no… ca-ca-ca!”

The girl was about to take Mingqian’s hand when she suddenly shivered, jumping up and disappearing into the crowd.

Mingqian felt a pang of hurt; the girl had cried out in fear upon seeing his face. Was his face that hideous?

“Sigh… I was only trying to help her up.”

“Help her up?”

A cold, clear voice echoed in his ear, causing him to freeze. He stiffly turned around.

Wild Noyu had appeared.

The blue-haired princess approached him, her dark eyes fixed on him.

“You mean, you want to use your hands to touch hers, and then caress her body…”

Noyu glanced at Mingqian’s hands and slowly pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket, carefully wiping his hands.

They hadn’t even touched anyone, and neither his hands nor he were tainted!

“Don’t talk like that’s so lewd!”

“But she was clearly seducing you.”

Mingqian remained silent, instinctively calling for Chris, but Chris wasn’t there today. That striking maid… no, she was likely training Aile.

“Uh, Noyu, let’s go home and talk…”

“Humph, it’s no use, let’s talk right here. It’s just the two of us.”

Before Mingqian could react, Noyu skillfully moved behind him.

“Three times, I gave you three chances.”

Her voice was a low whisper, yet it resonated clearly in Mingqian’s ear.

“First, you returned the gift I carefully chose for you.”

“Second, you gave the things I gave you to that child.”

“Third, you tried to cover my traces with someone else’s touch.”

“You promised me you wouldn’t talk to other women, but you broke your promise.”

“Naughty children deserve punishment.”

He did it. He truly did the things that sparked such a strong reaction from Noyu.

Mingqian was sweating profusely, realizing that if he didn’t run, he would surely face dire consequences.

He turned around, but Noyu tightly grasped him.

“Where are you going?”

“H-home!”

Noyu pressed her finger to her lips, winking at him.

“Yes, let’s go home.”

“I mean, back to my home.”

Noyu tilted her head, as if she hadn’t heard him.

“Or perhaps you prefer to stay here?”

“I, I want to go home!”

Noyu smiled enigmatically.

“Alright, no problem. Feel thirsty? Here, have some water.”

“If I drink this, will you let me go home?”

Mingqian eyed Noyu suspiciously.

Noyu nodded, her finger lightly brushing Mingqian’s face.

“What, you’re afraid? The great Duke, frightened of a weak, helpless girl like me?”

She raised an eyebrow, feigning a look of injury.

“N-no! You, you might have drugged it!” Mingqian backed away, covering his mouth.

“You’re not going to drink it?” Noyu looked up, her eyes flashing dangerously.

“Not drinking? Fine then.”

Noyu tipped the cup, pouring the water into her mouth, and abruptly pulled Mingqian close, pressing her lips firmly against his.

“Mmmmm!!! Mmmmmm!”

Initially, Mingqian resisted Noyu’s advances, but the sensation was too soft, and the girl’s sweet breath filled his nostrils, causing his body to weaken. It was supposed to be a rejection… it was meant to be a rejection!

Yet, he was forced to swallow the water under Noyu’s guidance.

“Pfft!”

Noyu released his lips, licked her lips, and smiled enigmatically.

“Hum, that’s better. You know, this time… I’m going to control you thoroughly.”

“Y-you put something in there!”

“Love, pure love.”

“You’re already filled with my love. Now, no matter how you run, you can’t escape.”

Mingqian’s vision blurred, and a dizzying sensation overcame him, causing him to lose strength. He leaned weakly against Noyu’s body.

“If you want it, you’ll have to take it yourself. That’s what you taught me, remember?”

Without effort, Noyu hoisted Mingqian’s body, stuffing him into the nearby carriage.