A Degenerate's Tale

Saryll was shocked to see Earl quickly complete all the training challenges of the day. They were tough tasks that even more experienced Spirit Mages would find difficult. No- rather than feeling shocked, it felt natural to see her student this skillful. Earl was someone with huge potential because of the environment he grew up in. In this more challenging environment, all his untapped potential was coming out.

"Come on now. I didn't expect this much of a surprise today," Saryll chuckled.

Earl felt exhausted from the training. He performed far better than the usual today and this was not from nowhere. The mind had great effects on the body. After his vow yesterday, he was more motivated than ever to pursue this field of life. Even more than when he was a mere child just discovering magic under the guidance of his mother.

"Teacher," Earl smiled lightly. "How was I?"

"Do you even need to ask? You did great." Saryll said and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

"Earlier this morning... Alea was quite cute."

"Oh?" She lifted an eyebrow and laughed. "You've finally taken my advice?"

"Ah, things just happened naturally."

"My student is growing up to be a lady-killer~"

Earl then started slowly, "But the thing is..."

Noticing his change of voice, Saryll listened curiously. "..?"

"I also want to get closer to you." Without any hesitation, he stated his intentions.

"Hold on. Hold on. I'm-"

"-Which is why for my reward, I want to shadow you."

"Eh?"

"You wouldn't mind if I was your assistant right? It would work well for my future too."

The Elven Queen took a good look at her student's face and contemplated.

"It wouldn't be a problem but... are you sure? I won't be as nice when you're helping with my work you know?"

"I'm sure, I've thought about it. And besides, it would make this time more special between us."

*Bonk*

"What are you saying?" Saryll laughed after lightly tapping on Earl's head.

Earl rubbed at the spot he was hit and showed her a toothy smile. "It's a deal then."

"Watch your words, I'm your boss now."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Ah, that sounds so refreshing." Saryll closed her eyes in bliss.

"Ma'am?"

"Yes?"

"Lap pillow?"

"...Yes."

"Fufufu."

"I will hurt you if you keep laughing like that."

"Yes."

The soft thighs of Saryll wrapped around Earl. Her golden locks moved freely with the wind as if it were a tree branch.

"Even though we agreed on this, it will be up to your mother to decide if it's alright for you to follow me."

"I'm sure she'll work with you."

"I'm sure you realize the standing of your mother. Putting me in a tough spot like this..." Her voice trailed off as she squished his cheeks together.

"Uwauwauwa~" A series of strange sounds came from Earl's mouth as Saryll fondled his cheeks vigorously.

"Oh? Your cheeks are surprisingly soft!"

"Of course, I take care of my appearance well."

"Don't say that so proudly! Your servants do all the work!"

"Is it the same for Your Majesty?"

"Nope! I dress myself."

"Sounds like a job for me."

"What a strange kid you are. How did you end up this way?"

"How exactly am I strange?" He asked curiously.

"Don't make me say it!"

"I won't know what's wrong with me if you don't say it, Teacher."

"Uh... Ahem. You seem quite... interested in me."

At her words, he proudly responded with a loud. "Of course!"

"..." Saryll was taken back. "You're not going to elaborate any further?"

"I thought it was obvious enough." Earl looked away.

The Queen thought she touched a sensitive spot so she lowered her voice.

"I'm not going to know if you don't tell me."

Her gentle voice cued Earl to turn back.

"I'm interested in you as a woman, Teacher."

She did not reply right away. After a few seconds, she said, "I'm sorry... but I'm deeply in love with my husband."

"I know. That's why I have to say it now."

Earl's expression was enough to let her know that he meant no harm. Her heart eased up and her lips lifted up into a smile.

"I see. Putting me in a tough spot again, that's count 2 for today."

"Yes," He smiled back.

After the confession, the lap pillow felt much more warm and intimate. She did not push him away and he did not make any abrupt movements. This was the current boundary the two have set for themselves-. Or rather, this was the boundary the Queen has set for herself. The future of this boundary would be a mystery for now.

In Earl's old world, there was a particular quote: "Opportunities multiply as they are seized." Sun Tzu, Art of War.

Sitting below a tree, Earl watched Saryll's departing figure. Rather than infatuation, what he was feeling was an intense sense of ambition on this particular day.