Ch. 10: Lilia (15+)
--<3rd PoV>--
In the afternoon.
Ray's mansion, second floor—Alchemy Laboratory.
The room shimmered in golden sunlight filtering through rune-etched glass, every ray dancing across polished beakers and simmering flasks like silent applause.
The air thrummed with the scent of smoldering herbs and molten crystal. Beakers bubbled softly, their contents shimmering like liquid starlight. Ray stood at the workbench, his jade-green eyes locked on a delicate vial, swirling with a potion that pulsed with raw mana.
His fingers, steady as a surgeon's, adjusted a rune-etched pipette, each drop of etheric resin measured to perfection.
"Lilia, the moonshade—ground, not whole," he said, his voice low, a velvet command that hung in the heated air.
She drifted closer, silver hair glinting, her maid uniform clinging like silk to her curves.
"At once, Ray-sama," she purred, crimson eyes gleaming. Five elemental spirits danced around her like petals on a breeze.
Flaree, the fire spirit, bathed the crucible in a perfect 310-degree flame. Pebbin and Twiggle—earth and nature—carried herbs with silent urgency. They glided across the lab, ferrying vials and ingredients with careful precision, their earthy hum a soft counterpoint to the bubbling glass.
But Fizzel and Droplet, the air and water spirits, were the maestros—Fizzel's cool breeze and Droplet's fine mist wove an invisible shield, banishing sweat from Ray and Lilia's brows. They provided relief from the heat generated by the flames and the tight confines of the lab. Their touch was a whisper of intimacy in the sweltering space.
Hours melted away, their rhythm becoming a symphony of clinking glass and murmured instructions. Lilia's spirits wove seamlessly into Ray's work—Flaree's fire unwavering, Fizzel whisking away stray sparks, Droplet cooling a steaming alembic.
Finally, Ray sealed the last vial of mana amplification potion, its glow steady as a lover's pulse. "Done," he breathed, a faint smile curving his lips.
"Finally! After a week long of working day and night, no more work. Freedom!" Lilia cheered, stretching languidly. Her uniform strained against her chest, her deep cleavage falling directly in Ray's line of sight due to the absence of her usual apron, the motion mesmerizing.
She perched on the workbench, legs parting just enough to let her skirt ride up, revealing sheer, lacy panties that left little to the imagination.
Her breasts strained against her uniform, ready to spill out, the fabric taut—a defiant taunt—as she swayed her legs playfully, silver hair spilling like liquid moonlight.
Her sweat-glistened body was a feast for the eyes, and Ray couldn't ignore it.
She flopped onto the workbench, sprawling with a theatrical sigh, her curves molding to the wood like molten silk. Her skirt inched up, baring a sliver of creamy thigh, and her crimson eyes fluttered, heavy with feigned exhaustion.
"Ray-sama, I'm drained," she whined to herself, pouting, her glossy lips a siren's lure. Her voice carried an undertone of blame, as if saying, 'You have to take responsibility for making me work hard an entire week!'
But Ray didn't respond. He was far too entranced by her devilish figure to notice her whispered complaint.
"Ray-sama?" Lilia finally opened her eyes, staring at him.
"I-I—yes! Ahem! What did you say?" Awakened from his stupor, he replied with a light cough.
For a moment, she didn't understand why he was acting so strangely.
'That's totally unlike him—to act shy and flustered.'
Then she followed his eyes, roaming all over her body as if trying to devour her whole.
Then she realized how improper her way of sitting was, she was about to correct herself when she suddenly realized something.
They were both here, alone, with no one to disturb.
'Isn't this the perfect place to try my luck?'
After all she can see that despite his calm and restrained demeanor, his eyes were fiery—like a beast ready to pounce on its prey.
His gaze sent a shiver down her spine, making her feel hot all over.
She realized then—though he may not show it outwardly, Ray was truly ready to claim her completely.
'Yes! I still have my chance! The childhood friend may be formidable, but I'm not going to lose either.'
Lilia thought, thinking of the childhood friend's ability to steal the first kiss of their love interest during a reunion after nearly half a decade.
But there was a reason they were still just childhood friends. Though she knew her chances were slim, given that girl's proactive nature—she wouldn't give up.
'This is the chance I earned, and I must make full use of it!' Thinking that, her lips curved into a sly smile.
Her legs parted slightly, red eyes locked on him—a silent dare.
"Ray-sama, I'm exhausted," she breathed, her voice honey-sweet. Her face was somewhat flushed, but her eyes were fiery. Her fingers toyed with her skirt, lifting it just a little more.
Ray's breath hitched, eyes darting to her exposed panties before he forced his gaze aside, jaw tightening.
'She's pushing it!'
Her brazen display—those lacy edges, the curve of her thighs and what lay beyond—it was a spell, tugging at his restraint.
As if embarrassed by her own boldness, she seemed to pull back—or so he thought.
But before he could recover, Lilia slipped behind him, pressing her body flush against his back. Her breasts, unbound by any bra, molded to his spine, their firm peaks grazing his skin through his thin shirt, her nipples hard and unmistakable.
She leaned in close, her breath hot against his ear.
"I'm sooo tired, Ray-sama~" Lilia pouted, her voice a soft whine laced with tease.
"Won't you reward your hardworking assistant?" she whispered, voice a velvet caress, her curves shifting to deepen the contact. Her eyes sparkled—daring, inviting.
Ray froze, heat surging through him as he felt the brazen rub of her nipples.
'No underwear? This girl's gone too far!'
His pulse thundered, her naughtiness a spark to his kindling desire. The color of his pupils nearly vanished.
'She needs a lesson!'
A slow breath escaped Ray's lips.
'She's doing this on purpose.'
Something stirred within him—not in his mind, but further south. His restraint, already fraying, finally snapped.
'Fine.' His eyes narrowed, lips curling. 'Let's see how far she'll go.'
He moved. A sudden motion—a blur.
His restraint shattered, and he spun, pouncing with predatory grace, pinning Lilia to the workbench. She lay beneath him, silver hair fanning out, her curves yielding as he loomed, their faces inches apart, his breath a scorching promise against her lips.
"Wha—!?"
Slam.
"R-Ray-sama! Wh-what happened!?" she gasped, cheeks flushing, lips parted in surprise—and something far deeper.
"Nothing," Ray growled, voice low and burning. "I just saw a naughty maid... who needs punishing."
"N-Naughty—? But I—"
Her words were crushed by his lips.
Their first kiss landed like a thunderclap—not a gentle exploration, but a wildfire, fast and hungry.Lilia whimpered, stunned, as Ray's mouth claimed hers with savage finesse. Her lips were soft, pliant, slick with shock—and they yielded under the weight of his desire.
His hand slipped to her chin, angling her for deeper access. His tongue teased the seam of her lips, demanding entrance. She hesitated, then opened—and that was all he needed.
"Mmh...nnngh...Haah~!"
Tongues tangled. Slippery, wet, and electric.
Their breaths mixed—shallow, heated. Lilia let out a breathy moan, hips twitching beneath his.
His hand gripped her hip, thumb slipping under the hem of her skirt, brushing against the silken flesh of her thigh.
"Lilia, are you ready for what comes next?"
"Mn..." Breathlessly, she gave a small nod.
"Yes... Haah...," she gasped, her voice trembling.
"Ray-sama... My body and all belongs to you, after all." She said, her red pupils had already turned heart-shaped.
His mouth returned to hers—slrp—deeper this time.
"Nn... ahh..." Lilia whimpered, her breath hot against his lips.
She squirmed, body quivering under his touch. Her tongue met his again—shy at first, then bolder. Her fingers clutched his shirt, tugging him closer, desperate to anchor herself.
Saliva mingled, slick and saccharine. Each swirl was a pulse of intimacy. Her gasps only fueled his fire.
"Slurp...Slurp... Mmf!!... Slurp! Haaah... Mmf!"
Ray growled against her lips, one hand already sliding down to trace her waist, memorizing the curve of her soft skin through the thin fabric.
His hands roamed—greedy, reverent—tracing her lush waist, the flare of her hips, fingers sinking into her fever-hot skin.
'She's a goddess—plump, soft, perfect, mine.'
Her breasts pressed against his chest, their fullness shifting with each heartbeat, a dizzying tease through the cloth, her hard nipples barely veiled.
Ray's other hand trailed up her side, tracing her curves, savoring the way she gasped under each inch of his touch.
Just as his hand brushed the edge of her panties—
BAM!
The door swung open.
"Ray! You have some so-called guests downst—"
Seraphina's voice halted. Her fiery hair framed her stunned face as her gaze locked onto the scene: Ray towering above a flushed Lilia, skirt hitched, lips swollen red, his hand inches from sin, the air thick with their heat.
A moment of silence.
Deadly.
Seraphina's face went blank. "So, this is what a week of 'Potion-making' looks like..." Her tone was icy.
With a void of emotionless indifference, she said, "Forget it. I'll tell them you're busy. You two can continue with your 'important' work...."
That was all she said, but it was enough to make their hair stand on end.
Slowly, under her abyss like deep golden-red eyes, the door shut with a thunderous crack.
Lilia squeaked, her entire body jolting as she yanked her skirt down. "R-Ray-sama! She… saw-!"
Her cheeks burned crimson, lips still wet and trembling. But in her crimson eyes—beneath the shock—flickered something else.
A spark of thrill.
...
It's been seven days since Ray obtained the Reward he received from the Dimensional Chat Group.
He hadn't expected the beginner gift alone to be so valuable—so absurdly, impossibly life-changing—that it would end up solving the biggest problem of his entire life.
But he had gotten what he wanted. In just a few days, he'd be ready to return to the grind. This time, with the ability to get stronger again—stronger than ever before.
He thought about it, a faint fire burning in his eyes at the thought of potential, of progress—but those thoughts quickly faded into the background as he remembered what he had just done.
"Ha…" With a hand pressed to his forehead, he muttered, "I had all the time in the world and no one to stop me for so long… and still, I just had to pick the one moment where I might get caught. What were the chances—or am I just that unlucky?" he said with a long, tired sigh.
But then again, the soft sensation of Lilia's body, her soul-soothing, melodious moans, and her flushed, trembling face—overwhelmed but needy—reappeared in vivid clarity behind his eyelids.
'If I get the chance, I might still end up doing that again,' he thought to himself, grimacing slightly.
Maybe… this was what it meant to be a scumbag. And every noble was a scumbag, how could he be any different? He was one of them now, wasn't he? At least that's what the predecessor wished.
'Reluctantly, I decided to accept the predecessor's wishes—to be a proper noble. Whatever that meant in this messy world.'
He thought to himself not even realizing that he is talking nonsense to himself, trying to hide his scummy nature.
Walking down the stairs, Ray raised an eyebrow as a carriage bearing the Mage Tower's distinct crest rolled into the estate's courtyard.
A Mage using a carriage with the Tower's seal? That wasn't common.
'Looks like a bigshot is here,' he mused, eyes sharpening.
Sure enough, the one who stepped out to greet him was a middle-aged man with silver-streaked hair and a warm, neighborly smile. Despite his approachable appearance, the red robe with three intricate golden magic circle patterns gave away his identity—a 6th-circle mage. That alone made Ray's brows lift in genuine surprise.
"I didn't expect the Mage Tower to send someone like you, Mr. Colin," Ray said, his voice steady, his gaze narrowing slightly in recognition.
'Even the Lushthron's city lord himself is just a 5th-circle mage. This guy's no lightweight.'
"Haha, I get that a lot," Mr. Colin chuckled, rubbing the back of his head like a friendly uncle unaccustomed to formalities.
"Well, this is probably your last delivery of the year, isn't it? After all, you're about to join Valderia Academy, aren't you? I thought I'd come personally." He said this while sipping the tea served by the shy wind spirit Fizzel, who promptly returned to her mistress, Lilia, now standing quietly behind Ray.
"That, and sorry to trouble you with these, really. Our apprentices still can't even make the most basic potions you concoct without even forming a single circle. And even when they do manage it… well, you know how unprofitable it gets," he laughed loudly. "It's a bit embarrassing, honestly."
'That's true,' Ray mused. 'Even I had trouble controlling mana with precision before. But now… it's second nature. I don't even need to strain my mana circuits anymore.'
"Plus," Colin added, "I wanted to meet the genius Ray Virelios in person. Your name's been buzzing around the Tower's halls."
Ray gave a faint nod, his lips twitching slightly. "So, you came to meet the so-called genius?"
Colin smiled. "Yes, I couldn't resist the curiosity."
"Now that you've met him, what do you think?" Ray asked, eyes calm and unreadable.
"Hahaha, your fame is well deserved, is all I have to say," Colin replied with that same strange laugh of his.
Ray's lips curved wryly. "Let's get to business, then," he said, gesturing toward the warehouse.
With a practiced motion, Ray led him inside and revealed several neatly arranged crates, each marked with carefully drawn sealing sigils.
"300 each of Lesser Fire and Ice Resistance, 400 Lesser Mind Potions, 250 Lesser Body Strengthening Potions, 1,000 Lesser Mana Amplification, and 800 Mid-grade Mana Amplification potions."
Colin's eyes gleamed as he picked up a vial, inspecting it with reverence. "Impeccable," he murmured. Then, he handed over a pouch made of metallic thread and reinforced with tiny runes. "1,252,500 gold. Exact. The Tower appreciates your consistency, Ray."
Ray's gaze flicked to the pouch. A quick Appraisal confirmed the contents in a blink.
'Precise. They're not skimping. Good.'
But his expression hardened slightly as he noticed Colin's empty hands. "The materials I requested?" he asked coolly.
The older mage blinked, then smacked his forehead. "Ah! I'm so sorry—I nearly forgot." He rummaged in his bag, eventually pulling out another pouch with exaggerated care.
"Here they are."
Ray examined the contents carefully. The venom sack of a Green Lightning Drake—an A-rank mutated beast—still shimmered faintly with residual energy. Five Mana Heart Herbs, rare and potent, especially for children under 12 who needed to widen and strengthen their mana veins. A Red Ogre's heart, infamous for supercharging vitality and rumored to leave women swooning over their husbands for weeks. And finally, the frosted core of an Ice Giant—prized for its spiritual clarity benefits… albeit with the side effect of possibly rendering men impotent.
A few other exotic herbs and poisons rounded out the collection nicely.
After carefully counting each object did he relax his furrowed brows.
'After all these things are the most important me right now, even more than money I had secured through all the deals so far.'
"What's the price?" Ray asked, though he already had a guess.
Mr. Colin waved his hand. "On the house—or well, consider them gifts from the Mage Tower. A token of appreciation for your service and for allowing us to sell your potions."
"I still hold the patents, you know. Ten percent off every sale you make comes to me."
"We know. But you gave us exclusive rights without involving the Commerce Guild. That's no small favor. To us, your potions aren't just commercial products—they're research goldmines."
"If you say so… Well, here you go." Ray flicked his wrist, tossing two small vials toward Colin. The older mage fumbled the catch, nearly missing before recovering just in time to prevent a very expensive disaster.
"..." Ray simply stared in silence, unimpressed by how a 6th-circle mage could be this clumsy.
Colin laughed nervously, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple under Ray's cold gaze.
"These are new potions I've made," Ray said, folding his arms. "Lesser and Mid-grade Mana Sensitivity Potions. They help users sense ambient mana more precisely. I've already filed the patent with the Commerce Guild. I'd like to form a contract for these with the Tower as well."
Colin froze.
His hand trembled slightly as he stared at the vials.
"You mean… it can help people learn spells faster? Even form circles more easily?"
"That's the idea. But there's more."
Ray stood up and looked directly into Colin's eyes. "These potions aren't just for mages. Knights can benefit too. I think you understand what that means."
Mr. Colin swallowed, throat dry at the implications. Even imagining the potential applications was enough to make his head spin.
"...I'm afraid I can't make that decision. I'll inform the senior mages immediately."
"I never expected you to," Ray replied coolly. "But I do hope the Tower moves quickly. The Commerce Guild already offered 70% of their cut for an exclusive deal. And I know I can push it even higher." He handed Colin a small pouch identical to the one from earlier.
"There are three of each inside. Try them before making me an offer."
After a few more minutes of light conversation and hollow laughter, Mr. Colin departed in a flurry—nearly forgetting his staff, flustered and hurried.
Not once did he ask what Ray intended to do with those rare and dangerous materials. Not even once.
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To Be Continued:
[Word Count: 2999]
A/N: Do you know what world MC is in, It is AU, original did not have skills and thing, only mages and knights.