Chapter 314 A Crucial Conversation

I'm doing well there." Mage Roman suddenly blushed and glanced at Shaoke as she rejected the Cleric's request. Since they had been living in the same room for the past two or three years, they often shared intimate moments unless special circumstances arose, so she didn't want to give up the chance to spend long periods with Shaoke over something trivial.

Mage Roman's refusal didn't surprise the Cleric, though disappointment quickly spread across her face, which made Mage Roman, who had just come to her senses, feel somewhat guilty. She finally promised to stay with the Cleric for a few days each month to help ease her loneliness. This suggestion delighted the Cleric, who expressed her gratitude with a kiss. Shaoke, however, merely leaned sideways on a soft stool, silently watching the flames in the fireplace, listening to the two female spellcasters' conversation without interrupting.

As the three were enjoying their wine and conversation, a golden wall lamp in the Cleric's room suddenly emitted a low, urgent hum. Hearing this, the Cleric nodded apologetically to Shaoke and the others. It meant an unfamiliar guest had arrived outside the mage tower, and she needed to go check.

Shaoke and Mage Roman indicated they didn't mind, so they continued to relax lazily in the Cleric's room while she went to the outer chamber. There, a large magical item allowed the mage tower's owner to see and converse with the visitor.

It was a long time before the Cleric returned, her face unable to conceal her frustration and anger, which quickly caught Shaoke's attention. Mage Roman was the first to comfort her and ask what had happened.

"What's going on? Can you tell me?" Mage Roman gently embraced the Cleric, whispering in her ear. "I think no matter what it is, we'll help you."

The Cleric was silent for a moment before glancing at Shaoke, signaling that it wasn't a good time to speak. Mage Roman then asked Shaoke to leave the room, as the ensuing matter wasn't suitable for a male mage to hear.

Shaoke shrugged helplessly and left. After spending so long in this world, he had grown less mindful of certain gender-related boundaries. Before leaving, however, he told the Cleric he intended to bathe. She readily agreed, feeling she would agree to anything Shaoke asked, especially since it was just for a bath.

We won't elaborate on the female spellcasters' conversation here, as it's a topic for women and not suitable for detailed discussion.

Recalling the original layout, Shaoke quickly found the bathing chamber. The room was large, with thick carpets on the floor and stone walls carved with numerous magical arrays, covered by a heavy red curtain. Beside the huge pool was a small round table with an eternal night magic lamp, its flame a soft pale blue.

The pool was soon filled with water infused with medicinal herbs and elemental water, beneficial for the body. Shaoke lay in the pool and quickly fell asleep, as his recent research on the golden horn had drained his energy. Several magical hours later, Mage Roman came in to wake him, as it was now night, and Lan Wei'er had returned. They needed to hold a small gathering to strengthen their bonds.

Lan Wei'er greeted Shaoke with a warm hug upon seeing him, then continued helping the Cleric prepare dinner. Shaoke contributed the last of his snow bee honey for the Cleric's drinks.

After several toasts, Mage Roman proposed a small dance party. Shaoke would have to put in some work, as he was the only male present and would have to serve as a dance partner for the three female practitioners. He happily accepted the task.

First came Mage Roman, then Lan Wei'er. Lan Wei'er danced differently from her mother, pressing close to Shaoke and whispering about her experiences here, mostly about the children she taught. She was excited to now be the teacher instead of the student.

"Mage Xueye, if you have time, you could come as a guest teacher. Then I could see you every day." Lan Wei'er glanced sneakily at her mother, who was chatting with the Cleric, and whispered her thoughts into Shaoke's ear. "It's been so long since I last saw you." She sounded a bit plaintive.

Shaoke gently stepped back from Lan Wei'er and comforted her, reminding her that she was no longer a clueless child but a Third Tier Mage who needed to live independently, not remain sheltered under her parents' wing.

Unfortunately, Shaoke's comfort didn't satisfy Lan Wei'er, and she was quite displeased with his pulling away. Fortunately, her mother Mage Roman was present, so she didn't go too far. However, as the music ended, she quietly told Shaoke they needed to go elsewhere to talk about something important. As usual, she quickly kissed him on the cheek before leaving, a gesture noticed by Mage Roman and the Cleric, though they paid it no mind.

When dancing with the Cleric, Shaoke sensed her unease. At first, he forgot why, but seeing her flushed cheeks, he realized her body was highly sensitive and she was unaccustomed to intimate contact. Just as he was about to step back, the White-robed Cleric suddenly pressed herself against him like Lan Wei'er had done and whispered a message.

"Mage Xueye, tonight, you and Mage Roman can rest in my room. Mage Roman has already agreed." She turned her head away, embarrassed by what she had just said.

Fortunately, after a brief hesitation, Shaoke agreed, easing her awkwardness. He agreed because Mage Roman had given him a signal.

Dinner finally ended, much to Shaoke's relief. Lan Wei'er left early but signaled to Shaoke that she was waiting outside, leaving him helpless. Once she was gone, the male mage brought this up with Mage Roman.

"I think you should pay more attention to your daughter. I'm worried about her state." After explaining, Shaoke gave his advice seriously to Mage Roman, which drew a soft laugh from her and a blushing smile from the White-robed Cleric.

"Do you think Lan Wei'er is too clingy?" Mage Roman elegantly took a sip of pine nut wine. "She's grown up now. Some things are beyond my control. She can make her own decisions." She paused, lost in thought: "If I recall correctly, you were just a Second Tier Mage when you first arrived at the Bloody Fortress, and the Cleric and I were there around the same time."

"But this is different," Shaoke said anxiously. "I mean, Lan Wei'er is too dependent on me. It's a bad sign for her future life."

"She likes you," the Cleric interjected, seeing Mage Roman still laughing softly. "It's not a child's love for a father, but a woman's love for a man." Remembering something, she picked up her honey-filled cup, holding it in both hands and fiddling with it to cover her embarrassment, though she still stole a glance at Shaoke, amused by his expression.

Mage Roman's words evoked vague memories of Shaoke's past life. In that world, many had spoken of the "Electra complex." He never thought he'd encounter it here, and that he would be involved in it. He had been so absorbed in the world of spells that he'd overlooked this, and now it troubled him.

"Yes, I think Lan Wei'er must like you." Seeing Shaoke's look of help, Mage Roman firmly voiced her opinion. Though she was somewhat dissatisfied, thinking Lan Wei'er wouldn't marry Shaoke, she let go of her displeasure. Perhaps it was fine to think of Lan Wei'er as his lover, she mused, her gaze drifting to the White-robed Cleric, who was still giggling. She felt both helpless and sympathetic toward her companion's situation.

"But I'm her father," Shaoke finally said after a long silence. Yet as the words left his mouth, he felt how hollow they sounded—though he would never admit it.