Julian returned to his room with slow, deliberate steps. The evening air had begun to cool, and the hum of distant activity in the Averill estate was beginning to fade. Most of the staff had already wrapped up for the day. Yet, in his mind, the day still lingered—particularly the last hour with Isabella.
There was something unnerving about the way she watched him. Calculated, intense… and yet, underneath it all, there had been something else. A hunger. Not overt, but present. Like she was testing waters before diving in.
Julian sat on the edge of his bed and opened his system interface again.
[Daily Quest Completed]
[Coins: 2000]
"Two thousand already, huh…" he muttered. "Not bad for day one."
But what now?
He still didn't know how to earn XP. The system hadn't given him any yet. And aside from Coins and quests, there hadn't been any other notifications since the [Shop] had unlocked.
He scrolled through the categories again. Skills, Items, Weapons, Consumables, Miscellaneous…
Most things were still out of reach. The cheap stuff in the Skills section seemed basic, maybe even weak. But there were a few entries that caught his eye. Something he'd need to look deeper into—when he had time.
For now, rest.
He leaned back, eyes closing for just a moment.
That's when the knock came.
Not on his door. On his mind.
[New Quest Available]
[Side Quest: A Tempting Invitation]
[Objective: Respond to Isabella's summons after hours]
[Reward: ???]
[Penalty: ???]
[Time Limit: 30 minutes]
Julian sat up, blinking at the screen.
"…She's already calling me?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, then stood up.
Whatever this was, it wasn't just about polishing furniture.
***
Later that night…
The halls were quieter now. Dimly lit by soft wall sconces, they gave off an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Julian made his way through them, senses alert.
When he arrived at Isabella's door, he paused for a moment before knocking.
It opened before he could.
She was there, dressed no longer in her uniform, but in a sleek dark robe tied loosely at the waist. Her hair was let down fully this time, cascading past her shoulders, and her makeup was softer, yet somehow more dangerous.
"Julian," she said with that same velvet tone. "Come in."
He stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind him.
Candles lit the room now. The soft scent of jasmine hung thicker in the air. And her eyes—those deep violet eyes—never left him.
"I trust you're not too tired?" she asked, walking toward a low table where two glasses waited beside the decanter he'd noticed earlier.
Julian gave a small smile. "I recover quickly."
"Good." She poured two drinks and handed him one. "Because what I need from you tonight… isn't something most boys would handle well."
Julian took the glass, not drinking from it yet. "You need something from me?"
Isabella stepped closer, the air between them heating instantly. Her robe slipped slightly, just enough to reveal more of her chest.
"I'm a widow, Julian," she said, voice low. "And I've been… without for far too long."
She reached out, letting her fingers brush against his chest.
"And you… with that quiet confidence, the way you move… I knew from the moment I saw you that you'd be different."
Julian's heart thudded. The system hadn't chimed again, hadn't interrupted. Whatever was happening now—it was real.
Isabella leaned in, her breath warm against his ear.
"So tell me, Julian… will you serve me tonight?"
Julian didn't answer right away.
Isabella's words lingered in the air, thick with heat and intent, her presence practically pressing into him. Her fingers remained against his chest, unmoving, as if patiently waiting for him to step across the line she had drawn with nothing but her voice.
He took a slow breath.
He wasn't naive, he knew the power imbalance here. She wasn't just a beautiful woman. She was the Head Maid. His superior. And in this matriarchal society, a woman like her held more influence than most men could dream of.
But…
That didn't mean he couldn't turn the situation to his advantage.
In fact, this is the perfect chance to turn the situation to his advantage.
She's drawn to me. Not because I'm strong, not yet. But because of something else. My charm… my confidence. This is a crack in the wall.
If I can keep her close, maybe even get her on my side, then I'll have more than just favors. I'll have leverage. Influence. Protection.
One step at a time.
He looked into her eyes, his hesitation fading.
"I'll serve," he said simply.
Her smile deepened, not triumphant, but pleased, as if he'd passed a test only she had known existed. She took the glass from his hand and set it aside.
"Good boy," she murmured.
Then, without another word, she walked to a nearby cabinet, pulled open a drawer, and returned with a length of silk rope.
Julian blinked. "Wait—what's that for?"
Her smirk was wicked now. "Did you think I called you here just for gentle company?"
She stepped behind him, and before he could speak again, she leaned in close, her lips grazing the edge of his ear.
"You don't get to move. Not tonight."
She reached for his wrists.
Julian tensed—half from surprise, half from the flood of adrenaline—but he didn't resist.
Because despite everything, this was still a kind of power game.
And he was still playing it.
The silk was cool against his skin as she looped it around his wrists, expertly binding them behind the back of the chair.
"Comfortable?" she asked, voice like honey laced with poison.
Julian didn't answer.
He simply smirked.
This was dangerous.
But that's what made it worth it.