The garden stretched deeper than it first appeared.

Once they stepped away from the central gathering, the noise softened into a distant hum, laughter, glass clinks, and strained noble pride fading into the background like something unimportant.

Now it was quieter.

More intimate.

Lantern light filtered through layers of hanging vines, casting soft shadows across the stone path. The air smelled faintly sweet, something floral, something expensive, something carefully curated to feel natural while absolutely not being natural at all.

Lux walked beside Vira.

Not too close.

Not too far.

Perfect distance.

Her fingers brushed against his wrist.

Light.

Accidental.

Intentional.

Lux didn't react outwardly.

'Ah. There it is again.'

The aura.

Subtle before.

Now thicker.

Darker.

Envy didn't just shimmer… it coiled.

He could feel it more clearly now. Not just around his neck, but sliding across his shoulders, brushing against his chest, tightening like invisible fingers testing pressure points.

Not forcing.

Never forcing.

Just… encouraging.

Guiding.

Rewriting priority.

Lux let his posture soften slightly, like someone leaning into the moment.

Vira noticed immediately.

Of course she did.

She turned her head just enough for her hair to shift over her shoulder, exposing the line of her neck.

"You're quieter now."

Lux's gaze lingered on her for a second longer than necessary.

"I'm observing."

She smiled.

"Observing me?"

Lux tilted his head.

"Among other things."

Vira laughed softly, stepping a little closer.

Her shoulder brushed his arm this time.

Deliberate.

"You're very careful."

Lux nodded slightly.

"I like understanding what I invest in."

That made her eyes flicker.

'There it is again.'

Everything turned into value with him.

Even flirting sounded like a financial decision.

Vira slowed her steps, letting him naturally match her pace.

"Then understand this."

Her voice lowered slightly.

"Greed and Envy should collaborate more."

Lux glanced at her.

She continued, tone soft but layered.

"I need resources."

A pause.

"Hell coins. Soul coins.

Not favors.

Not influence alone.

Currency.

Direct.

Lux's mind sharpened instantly beneath the "enchanted" mask.

'There we go.'

Now the real conversation started.

Vira's fingers slid lightly along his sleeve again. "My influence is growing."

She looked at him, eyes bright.

"As the next heiress… I need to expand it properly."

Lux nodded slowly.

Reasonable.

Calculated.

Expected.

Her aura tightened slightly again as she stepped just a fraction closer.

"You can help me with that."

Not a question.

A suggestion.

Wrapped in silk.

Lux let a small smile form. "I'll think about it."

Vira stopped walking.

Lux took one more step before pausing and turning back to her.

She stared at him.

Then her lips curved into a pout.

A very practiced pout.

"Ah…"

She sighed dramatically, placing a hand lightly over her chest.

"Now you're teasing me."

Lux blinked once.

Internally…

'Oh, we're doing this version now.'

"You like me…" She stepped closer again, looking up at him through lowered lashes. "…and yet you play hard to get."

Her tone was soft.

Almost hurt.

Completely fake.

Very effective.

Lux tilted his head slightly, watching her like he was trying to figure out the answer.

Which, in a way, he was.

Because she wasn't entirely wrong.

He did find her interesting.

Dangerous.

Entertaining.

But wanting her?

No.

Before he could respond, Corvus's voice cut cleanly through his thoughts.

'Cyrinne is moving.'

Lux's focus sharpened instantly behind his eyes.

'Trying to claim her status now. She's in the vault. Ancient artifact confirmed. It's already open.'

Lux's heartbeat steadied.

'She's a royal Envy heirness like you expected.'

A pause.

'So… hold on boss! Seduce her moah!'

Lux almost choked.

His expression didn't change.

Years of control held perfectly.

But internally…

'Why do you sound excited?'

Corvus answered immediately.

'Cause I want more show! Seduce her, boss!'

Lux resisted the urge to mentally throw the raven off a cliff.

'Damn bird.'

He exhaled slowly through his nose.

Vira was still watching him.

Expecting an answer.

Lux's gaze softened again, just slightly.

He reached out.

His fingers brushed lightly against her wrist, mirroring her earlier touch.

Her breath hitched.

Just a little.

"I don't play hard to get." His voice dropped slightly. "I just don't rush decisions."

Vira's eyes narrowed slightly.

Not offended.

Intrigued.

Because that didn't sound like rejection.

It sounded like… evaluation.

Which was somehow worse.

Her aura tightened again.

Curious.

Possessive.

Challenging.

She stepped closer.

Now the distance between them was almost gone.

"And how long do you usually take?"

Lux looked down at her.

Calm.

Measured.

"A worthwhile investment?" A small pause. "…Takes time."

Vira held his gaze.

And something in her shifted.

Not outwardly, her posture stayed perfect, her expression soft, her smile still that practiced mix of sweetness and control, but internally, there was a flicker.

Because Lux didn't move.

Didn't chase.

And that was rare.

So she decided to escalate.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Vira stepped closer.

Close enough now that the faint scent of her perfume wrapped around him completely, warm, rich, layered with something almost intoxicating if you weren't paying attention.

Lux noticed.

His senses had sharpened after the awakening.

Every detail came in clearer now.

Too clear.

Her fingers lifted again.

Light.

Barely there.

Tracing along the edge of his sleeve before drifting upward, brushing his collarbone through the fabric.

Lux didn't move.

Didn't react.

Didn't flinch.

'Still not my type.'

But outwardly?

Still playing the role.

The Envy aura thickened.

It wasn't just wrapping anymore.

It was pressing.

Claws beneath silk.

Vira leaned in.

Her breath brushed against his ear.

Warm.

Measured.

Calculated.

"Please~"

Soft.

Drawn out.

Almost playful.

Lux's eyes lowered just slightly, like he was letting it affect him.

The system flickered faintly in the background.

[Manipulation Intensity Increased]

[Emotional Suggestion Layering Detected]

[Resistance Stable]

Lux exhaled slowly.

Let his shoulders relax just enough.

Enough to sell it.

Not enough to lose control.

Vira's fingers drifted lower now, tracing lightly across his chest.

Not inappropriate.

Not explicit.

Just suggestive.

A slow mapping of presence.

Ownership.

Testing.

Her lips hovered near his neck, not touching, just close enough to imply that she could.

That she might.

If he let her.