Consort's Path: Fenn Luxure

This is a detailed explanation for Book 1 of Fenn's route, containing spoilers! If you want to read a more superficial synopsis, click here.

Watch the trailer for Book 1 of Fenn's Consort Path trailer below!

# Book 1: A Beautiful Liar

## Chapter 1

Rio shows the main character around in general and to their Introduction to Magic class. He tells her since the class starts late, she should study on her own. Rio gives her a cup with water and tells her to turn it into wine. As the main character wonders how that's going to work, the professor walks in. She can't see who it is at first because a large crowd gathered around him. It's Fenn. He apologized for being later than usual. He explained he ran into someone in the hallway and had to tend to her injured leg. The main character recognizes him as "the flirty one." Fenn also recognizes the main character, calling out to her by name. She looks away. He seductively tastes the contents of the cup in front of the main character. He tells her he can detect traces of the spell she was trying to cast, but there was no alcohol in it. It's about what the lowest of the C ranks could achieve, so he thinks teaching the main character will be gratifying. He suggests the two of them stay after class to practice more. The main character declines, remembering the last time they were alone together (a reference to the Princes' Path). Fenn tells the main character to try to turn the water to wine by the end of class. At that point, he returns to the lectern to start class as if nothing happened. She fails to do this because she spends the rest of the class talking to Rio. Thinking it a bad idea to be alone with him again, the main character sneaks out of the classroom while the other students crowd around Fenn.

## Chapter 2

The main character starts running after leaving the classroom. While looking for the headmaster, she approaches the academy's gates. She's stopped by guards who inform her that if she wants to leave the island, she has to get permission from the headmaster and her kingdom. When she tells the guards she doesn't have permission to leave, they push her back. She flails and accidentally whacks the guards. They move to attack her in retaliation, but are stopped by Violet. Assuming the guards scared her, Violet hugs the main character, squishing her head in-between her boobs. She gives the guards what for before leaving with the main character in tow. Violet takes her to Fenn, who's still in the classroom. Violet apologizes when she realizes the main character was, in part, running from him. She also scolds him for whatever it was he did to make her that wary of him in the first place. He tries defending himself by saying he was only trying to teach her magic. He turns to the main character and tells her he won't do anything inappropriate. The main character doesn't believe him and argues that the night before, he chased her, tried to seduce her with magic, and nearly kissed her (This seems to be a reference to the Princes' Path where Fenn rescues her from Guy, but sticks her on his lap while waiting for Guy's paralyzing ancient magic to wear off). Hearing that makes Violet mad. Fenn, again on the defense, says he was trying to rescue the main character. It's important for him to keep her safe until they find a way to send her back to the human world because people from the magical realm would keep pursuing her for her powers. He starts flirting with her as a way to prove his point, which earns him a wack to the head from Violet. She apologizes for her master's behavior. When the main character is confused why Violet called him "master," Violet explains that she is Fenn's valet. The main character panics a bit at hearing that Fenn is royalty. She curtsies and says there's still a lot of things she doesn't know yet. Fenn makes a move to get closer to her, but the main character stops him. She informs him she wouldn't be relying on him for help to fill in the blanks. She thanks Violet for her help and leaves. While walking in the hallway, she realizes she forgot to ask where she could find the headmaster. She briefly stops, thinking Violet would tell her. However, she decides to keep walking when she realized she'd have to deal with Fenn again if she went back. Back in the classroom, Violet asks Fenn who or what the main character is. Fenn responds that she's trouble and hopefully nothing bad would come of her being in the magical realm.

## Chapter 3

The main character goes to the A, B, and C Rank Lounge looking for Rio. She wants to ask about the headmaster. However, she finds Fenn there instead. He flirts with the people around him and when asked by another student if he's looking for someone in particular, he says no. Fenn the proceeds to ask if anyone would be interested in "joining him for an afternoon respite." He informs them that his napping partner is sick. Just as the main character turns to leave (because Fenn being there had nothing to do with her and there was no reason she couldn't keep looking for Rio), Fenn spots her. He somehow gets in front of her, preventing her from leaving. Fenn calls the main character "treasure." *(This is something he'll call her throughout the route, but I'll note when he calls her something else.)* When she seems confused by the new nickname, he explains that it's because she's precious and fragile. She's embarrassed, but can't deny its accuracy. Fenn says there's something in her hair and asks her permission to remove it. Once granted, he caresses her ear. When the main character informs him that's not a piece of fluff, he pretends he was mistaken, but doesn't stop touching her. The main character is annoyed he lied about the thing in her hair. He's amused by her response and excuses himself to find a napping partner. As he picks the first girl her can put his arm around, the main character remembers some things Rio told her about Luxure, a country obsessed with love and romance. She wonders if his odd behavior is just how people from Luxure behave. Before the main character can leave the lounge, several students surround her. They accuse her of being alone with Fenn after class and refuse to listen to her when she tries to tell them Violet was there also. They proceed to give her a hard time. She offers an apology and tries to leave. The mob around her use magic to pull the rug out from under her and fling sheets of paper in her face. The main character swats the papers away from her through taunts. As she resumes her exit, someone uses magic to block the door with a pile of chairs. The main character briefly thinks physically fighting back would be worth getting expelled.

Before sunset, Fenn is lying in bed. A messenger bird comes with a letter for him.

The next morning the main character wakes up. She wonders if it's worth getting out of bed if it means getting bullied again. She then feels someone stoking her hair and holding her. It reminds her of her parents. She snuggles closer before realizing that something's off.

### Perspective: Forbidden Jests

After reading the letter he received, Fenn crumples it up and tosses it aside. He takes a shower to try to make himself feel better, but it doesn’t work. When he steps out of the bathroom, Grayson stops by to change his bedsheets. This would normally be something Fenn’s valet would do, but Violet refuses to go in his room. So, Roy lent Fenn his valet. Fenn watches Grayson work for a bit before feeling the urge to tease him. Fenn asks him if he’s ever slept with a man. This flusters Grayson enough to cause him to wrinkle the sheet he had just put on the bed. He apologizes and starts to straighten it out. Fenn marvels to himself that Grayson never seems to get made at him; Violet, on the other hand, would’ve hit him. Fenn thinks it’s cute that although Grayson’s expression didn’t change, his ears are bright red. Fenn apologizes and clarifies his question. He meant to ask if Grayson had shared a chamber with another man. Grayson tells Fenn that at his military academy, four people shared a room. Fenn drapes himself over Grayson's shoulders and asks if he’s used to the feeling. Grayson stares at Fenn wide-eyed, and politely says he isn’t. Done changing the bed, Grayson hurriedly gathers up the old sheets and excuses himself. After the door closes, Fenn laughs. He’s proud of himself for giving Grayson the wrong impression. He’s also impressed that no matter what he says or does, Grayson always performs his duties flawlessly. Fenn flops down on the bed. The sheets smell good. He then wonders how MC smells.

## Chapter 4

The main character opens her eyes and sees that it's Fenn in bed with her. Seeing how handsome he is, she figures this must be a dream. Fenn yawns and and tries to strike up a conversation with her. As it dawns on her that she's actually awake, the main character wiggles away from Fenn and demands to know why he's in her bed and half naked. At her questions, he snuggles closer to her. When she loudly protests, Fenn quiets her and tells her that everyone else is still asleep. They stay like that for a while. When he starts touching her she pushes him away asking what he's doing. He answers that he's doing it to make her feel better, but she retorts that she's perfectly fine. Fenn seems surprised by her rejection. He asks if she's sure he can't interest her in his services. She confirms that she's positive. Fenn inquires if her answer would change if he told her that he had nightmares when he slept alone. It doesn't; she tells him to find someone else to sleep with. Fenn thinks that's a fair argument, but he adds that he can't sleep when his partner is interested in him; nothing he's tired has worked. He asks again if she'll be his permanent napping partner. The main character is suspicious, but Fenn says his suggestion is a good one. The main character thinks about the problems insomnia could cause, but still isn't 100% sure that he's telling the truth. Fenn mentions that they slept together the previous night and it went well in the hopes that would convince her. The main character considers it, but still declines. Fenn pouts and buries his face in her neck. She yells at him not to go back to sleep. Rather than go back to sleep, he starts kissing her neck. Distracted now, she runs her fingers through his hair.

The door flies open revealing Robin and Toa. Robin immediately panics when he sees what's going on. Toa just seems shocked and annoyed. Fenn doesn't move, but says good morning to Toa, who asks if Fenn's interested in the main character's powers now. Fenn denies it and insists he just wants to spend time with her. He turns to her to back him up, but Toa warns her not to believe Fenn. Toa says twisting the truth is a game to Fenn. The main character asks him to explain, so Toa says Fenn writes novels and has a reputation as a liar. Fenn pretends to be hurt by Toa's words, but admits knowing how Toa views him is thrilling. Toa stares at him silently unamused. Fenn breaks the silence saying the main character will be better off with him than anyone else if she wants to go home. Before she can ask him what he means, Toa grabs Fenn and hauls him out of the bed. Fenn asks Toa not to be so rough with him, but Toa's only concern is getting him out of the main character's room. He has to drag Fenn to the door. The main character calls out to Fenn, asking if he was serious about having nightmares. He wasn't. Fenn cautions her not to believe him under any circumstances. The main character thinks back to an argument she had with his fangirls, who seemed perfectly happy with Fenn's lies because they were so well crafted. She's starting to understand what they meant; for a while, she thought there was something only she could for him. She thinks about how lies never last when Robin asks her if she's all right. She says she is, but isn't sure. Fenn intrigues her, and she's not sure if that's a good thing.

When the main character is having dinner that night, Jasper walks by. She knew who he was because Violet introduced them. With a mouth full of food, she nods a greeting to him. Jasper stops to talk to her. He asks how she's adjusting, and she responds that she still feels out of her element. In the magical realm, morning is from noon to dusk, and that's a weird adjustment for her. She also can't stop thinking about Fenn; she doesn't say this to Jasper, but she does note that having a liar around complicates things. As Jasper wonders who she's talking about, she leans forward for some more soup. In doing this, the hair that was against her neck fell forward. Jasper seems struck by something, but the main character isn't sure by what. In fact, she thinks she may have imagined it. She asks him if something's wrong. He says no, and that he would like to offer her some help in understanding the world around her. However, he also seems to think that right now is the ideal time to start despite her being in the middle of a meal. He pulls her out of her chair saying that time is of the essence. As Jasper starts pulling her out of the dining hall, the main character thinks she hears her cat calling for her and looks around briefly for Robin.

## Chapter 5

Jasper leads her to Guy's room and sits her across from his master. He notices how uncomfortable she is and leaves to make tea. She asks him to stay instead, but he says he'll be back shortly. She tries to follow him, but he shuts and locks the door before she reaches it.

Meanwhile, Fenn is in the headmaster's office. Lou is trying to work, but Fenn keeps trying to distract him with offers of tea, conversation, and a massage with scented oil. Lou isn't having any of it. He asks why Fenn is in his office. Fenn tells Lou to guess. He offers a hand to help Lou stand, but he smacks Fenn's hand away; Lou's not offended, just unamused. He tells Fenn he'd hardly be qualified to head the academy if he allowed a student to seduce him. Fenn leaves and passes the refectory for the A, B, and C rank students. He notices a large crowd inside. From the sounds of things, they're fawning over a black cat. He takes a look and recognizes Robin. As soon as the women notice Fenn, they gather around him instead. When they ask if the cat is his, he responds that he belongs to an acquaintance. Fenn then proceeds to scoop up Robin and heads off. He asks Robin if he's had a hard time, which Robin confirms that he has. Robin tries to fly off, but Fenn catches him. Fenn asks if something's wrong and notes that he doesn't see the main character anywhere. Robin explains what happened with Jasper earlier and insists on going to help her.

Back in Guy's room, Guy asks if she's Fenn's woman now. She looks at him in confusion, so he taps the side of his neck. She realizes Fenn must have given her a hickey earlier. She tries to hide the mark with her hand. Guy notes he thought he'd have more time to claim her, but he was wrong. The main character doesn't like the sound of that. Guy says he intends to make her his before anything else happens. The main character argues that she isn't an object. When he tries to get close to her, she pushes him away. She tells him she's just a C rank and wouldn't be able to help him with whatever spell he wanted to cast. Guy asks if she hadn't realized her own worth, making note of her ancient magic. He explains her magic gives a boost powerful enough to make the recipient strong enough to be a king. The main character doesn't know what he's talking about, and even if she did, doesn't want to get into politics. Guy states that her ignorance is to her detriment, but to his benefit. To demonstrate what he meant by her ancient magic, he manages to slip a finger in her mouth and starts glowing red. He repeats that he wants her power. The main character smacks his hand away from her and tries to put some distance between them. She tells him all she wants is to go home. Guy slams his hand against the wall by her head. A contract appears out of nowhere. It's written in Latin, and the main character recognizes a word likely meaning "pact." She tells him she won't sign it. Guy uses his ancient magic on her to prevent her from moving. The main character says the contract won't be valid if she doesn't sign it willingly and that she won't obey him. Guy argues that she hasn't even read it yet. He explains the pact makes her property of the Kingdom of Avari and no other kingdom could claim her; her freewill is not a factor. He tells her she will be his for all the days of her life. The main character stays frozen where she is partly from Guy's ancient magic, and partly from fear.

## Chapter 6

Guy uses his ancient magic to force the main character to sign the contract. Once the contract is signed, it floats over to Guy. He uses his ancient magic again to force the main character to kiss him as a sign of her fealty. She thinks that command is a bit ironic. After kissing the back of his hand, she wonders if she'll be stuck serving Guy forever. She didn't have family to get back to or anything important she wanted to do, but her life was at least hers. She hears something pop and sees the contract burning. Wondering how that happened, she looks around the room and see Fenn. He reminds Guy that using ancient magic at the academy is against the rules. Guy responds that Fenn shouldn't be sneaking up on people then asks why he's there. Fenn answers that he's there for the main character before gathering her in his arms. Guy tries to prevent Fenn from taking her by saying she had already pledged herself to Avari. Fenn points out a contract she signed against her will wasn't valid. She asks Fenn if she's free, and he confirms she is. The two look at each other for a while before Fenn uses his ancient magic to put her to sleep for a while.

After the main character falls unconscious, Guy asks Fenn what he's planning. Fenn says he's up to nothing and has no interest in ruling Saligia. He also asks Guy to leave her in his care. Guy doesn't believe Fenn, and Fenn doesn't blame him. Fenn kisses Guy on the cheek. Guy's not amused, but Fenn says Guy now his his kiss and oath. Fenn then leaves with the main character.

When the main character wakes up, it's nighttime. She's lying on a bench on the roof. She looks over and sees Fenn. It doesn't seem like Fenn realizes she's awake yet, so she turns her attention back to the stars. She thinks about what happened earlier with Guy. Feeling frustrated at having been treated like an object, a tear rolls down her cheek. She wonders how long she's been on the roof with Fenn and has the feeling he knows she's awake now. She asks why he rescued her. She sits up and asks if he wants to rule Saligia like Guy. Fenn answers he doesn't even have the heart to rule Luxure. When she asks again why he helped her, Fenn responds that he pities her because she's helpless...and also because she's pretty. She laughs at his answer and the sneezes from the cold. Fenn laughs and tells her even her sneezes sound fragile. He scoots closer to the main character and covers her with his coat. She feels warmer, but isn't sure it's because of the coat. Even though they were sitting right next to each other, she didn't want to move away. She thinks it's because Fenn was being genuine with her. Fenn notes that what Guy said was true; if she allied herself with one kingdom the others wouldn't be able to touch her. She seems a bit confused and that makes Fenn laugh. He notes that he doesn't want power and has no interest in politics; he'll just protect her. He asks if she's interested in signing a contract with Luxure. The main character asks what the catch is, not believing this was all to her benefit. Fenn answers she would be his companion. As his long-standing date, he wouldn't need to find a new partner every day. It would also make things easier for Letty(Violet). She wonders what being his companion would entail. She remembered earlier that Fenn said he had nightmares when he slept alone. At the time, he told her it was a lie, but now she's not so sure. She tells him she'll sign a contract with him. He waves his cane and a contract appears out of thin air. She assumes it's similar to the one Guy made her sign, and she signs this one without thinking twice or reading it. They shake hands to seal the deal. She notices how much larger his hand is compared to hers. Also, for the first time since arriving in the magical realm, she feels safe.

## Chapter 7

It only takes a day for the entire school to learn that the main character is Fenn's exclusive date. Toward the end of the day, Fenn calls the main character to the S Rank lounge. When she enters, she trips over a large lump that reminds her of a caterpillar. As she wonders what she tripped over, Tino runs over, apologizing. He informs her that what she tripped on was actually his master, Lynt.  Tino helps her stand and asks if she's hurt. Tino is relieved and introduces himself as Lynt's valet. She asks Tino if Lynt is always in a sleeping bag; right in front of a door is such a weird place to sleep, the main character assumes it's some sort of habit. Tino corrects the main character, saying the thing around Lynt is a cloak; he wears it all the time so he can use it as a makeshift bed. As useful as that sounds, the main character is surprised more people don't do that.

As she thanks Tino for his help, Violet crushes her in a hug. Violet thanks her for signing a contract with Luxure. She has difficulty looking away from Violet's boobs and thinking how beautiful she is. Violet gives the main character an alarm bell and tells her to ring it if Fenn ever does anything. Violet explains that if she rings it, magic will amplify the sounds. She rings it to demonstrate how it works. Both Violet and the main character end up covering their ears because the sound is so loud. The noise continues even after the bell stops ringing. The main character tries to find a way to silence the bell, but someone else beats her to it. That someone else then pulls her in a hug; it's Fenn. He asks if the bell is really necessary and adds he will be gentle with her.

Unraveling himself from his cloak/cocoon, Lynt asks how Fenn makes that sound lecherous. Lynt's a bit tangled in his cloak, so Tino helps sort him out. A short discussion about Fenn's behavior follows, prompting Toa to snap his book shut. He's annoyed by the noise because he's trying to read. Fenn tries to calm him by saying disturbing him wasn't their intention. Toa notes that Fenn was the worst offender. Violet sighs and tells Fenn to use his indoor voice. Tino apologizes, but Lynt comments that he was only sleeping. Fenn calls Toa a fusspot, which prompts Violet to tell him to stop before he makes Toa angrier. Fenn brushes her concerns aside, saying things will be fine.

As this is happening, the main character thinks how well the contract is working; she's in a room with three S Ranks and exactly none of them are arguing over her. She looks over at Fenn to find he's staring at her. She's surprised how long he can keep eye contact. Fenn tells the main character that there's something on her lips and asks if he can remove it for her. Thinking he's going to pull the same thing he did with her hair, she wipes her mouth and thanks him for letting her know. Fenn seems amused that she's caught on already. She asks him if he could find a hobby other than flirting. The main character tells him he'd make an excellent partner if he actually fell in love with someone. Fenn says he already has fallen for someone. Fenn was saying something, but the main character missed it because she was mentally swooning. Fenn asks the main character to join him in the observatory once her classes are over; he whispers it in her ear. She knows it's technically her job, but can't help thinking more of it. She thinks she has to build an immunity to his flirtations.

Instead of going straight to the observatory after her classes, the main character heads to the S Rank lounge to retrieve the bell Violet gave her earlier. She hesitates for a moment, wondering if anyone would be mad if she just walked in. However, she rationalizes it will be fine because she was just retrieving something. She knocks on the door and slowly opens it. The lamps are light, but there's no on inside. She hears someone and hides. She feels dumb right away, but cautiously looks to see who had entered the lounge. It's Guy, Roy, and their respective valets. Considering who just walked in, the main character thinks hiding was the right call, but isn't sure if she'd make it to the observatory in time. While wondering what she should do, she can't help over hearing their conversation. Jasper believes Fenn was planning to use the main character for her powers from the start.

## Chapter 8

Jasper apologizes to Guy for not noticing Fenn closing in on the main character sooner. He notes the hickey Fenn left was in a place that was easy to see, and he's usually more discrete. Roy laments that Fenn fooled them all, and likely saw everything up to and including Guy's reaction a mile away. Jasper agrees. The main character doesn't want to believe that's true and thinks back to the time she spent with Fenn on the roof. Roy asks Grayson if he's noticed any changes to Fenn's quarters. Grayson reports that everything seems normal, although the letters have been coming less often. Roy asks if all the letters are from Luxure. Jasper states they are and that Fenn isn't next in line for the throne. Rather, it's his younger brother, Kieran. Jasper suggests the letters have something to do with that. Roy thinks that may have something to do with why Fenn is at the academy and not in Luxure, and why he's never been granted permission to go home. Jasper comments about rumors that Fenn has made numerous attempts to escape the island. Roy proposes that Fenn may not have been strong enough to leave by his own power, and that's why he needs the main character.

Their conversation is cut short when the main character's bell starts going off. She has a brief confrontation with the others in the room before running out. She nearly bumps into Fenn in the hallway; he came running when he heard the bell. Grayson chases after the main character to warn her about Fenn, and has to almost immediately put his foot in his mouth since the man in question is standing right there. Fenn smiles bittersweetly as he pieces together what happened. The main character feels like she's going to cry as she starts to doubt Fenn.

The main character goes to the observatory with Fenn as they planned, but she's having a hard time having fun. Fenn makes light conversation with her as if nothing's wrong. Fenn acting like he always does almost makes the main character think Jasper and the others were lying. She wonders if she should believe Fenn, even if it's just because she doesn't want to believe she was deceived. Fenn tells the main character if she wants to ask him something, she should. He assures her he'll answer. The main character asks if he pushed Guy to act by leaving a hickey on her neck. Fenn confirms he did. The main character feels angry at herself for trusting him.

She thinks about how desperate she was to assert her will again after Guy tried to take her freedom away, and how grateful she was to Fenn for rescuing her. She's still not convinced everything he said to her on the roof was a lie. She asks if he wants to be king of Luxure or all of Saligia. She notices his eyes are cold and his smile makes him look like someone else. That convinces her that he was lying. Fenn asks what good could come of learning about someone else's lies, and if being sheltered in his lies would feel better. The main character says no. Fenn responds he would have created "the most beautiful act of artifice" for her. The main character feels angry because she wanted to believe him. She pushes him away from her. She says she doesn't need his lies, and that she's dealt with enough real pain that false pleasure means nothing to her.

Fenn asks if that means she'll forego the contract and go her own way. Her powers would be helpful, but they aren't vital to him. He has no intention of keeping her stuck in a contract she wants freed from. She starts doubting herself again; there'd be no point for Fenn to have gone through so much trouble to get her to sign a contract with him if he was just going to let her off the hook so easily. She also realizes if she breaks the contract with Fenn, she'd be right back where she started where the other princes were arguing over her. She doesn't want to forgive Fenn for lying to her, but can't deny the contract has done her good. She refuses to tear up the contract. Fenn tells her she should end it and will regret it if she doesn't. The main character thinks this is the real Fenn.

### Normal Interlude 1

Fenn reads through the contract with the main character and she notices that everything he had told her before matched with what was written in the contract. They also go over what "exclusive dating companion" means. The main character is supposed to be with Fenn during breaks, meals, and bedtime. Otherwise, she's free to do what she wants. Just as she thinks the contract sounds reasonable, Fenn adds an addendum, changing the wording to, "breaks, meals, bed time and so on, in so far as you should wish it." Unhappy that this change means Fenn could call on her at any time, Fenn offers to pay her overtime if he needs her in the middle of the night. The main character is surprised that she's getting paid for this at all. Fenn's confused by her surprise. He notes that she's not a slave and what she's doing is an occupation, not a punishment. The main character likes this aspect of the contract because the headmaster has been giving her money whenever she needed something; this will make her feel like less of a burden to him. Fenn squishes her cheeks and teases her about thinking about another man. After they both agree to the new terms of the contract, Fenn asks her to meet him at eleven that night in the foyer. The main character is surprised by the sudden request; she thought they were done for the night. With a wink, Fenn tells her not to be late and heads off on his own. He leaves the main character wondering if maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.

### Premium Interlude: Sealed with a Kiss

Although the main character agreed to uphold the contract, Fenn is preventing her from leaving. When she asks why, he says they haven't sealed their pact yet. The main character is confused because her signature is still on the contract. Fenn pulls her close and explains that pacts are sealed with a kiss. She thinks Fenn might be lying to her again, but Fenn reminds her that Guy used his ancient magic to make her kiss his hand to seal their contract. He tells her she can kiss him wherever she wants. She asks him to hold out his hand and he does. The main character leans in to kiss his hand, but his cups her head, dips her backward, and kisses her on the lips. Fenn is impressed by the power he feels afterward, but the main character is surprised by how good the kiss was. She reminds him that he said she could kiss him wherever she wanted. Fenn laughs and tells her she shouldn't believe anything he says. He also says that he's looking forward to future encounters. The main character declines and insist everything from that point on be strictly business. Fenn then asks her to go out on a date with him later that night and tells her he'll be gentle since it's her first time. She glares back at him while blushing.

## Chapter 9

The main character heads to where she agreed to meet Fenn and finds Violet there. Violet says she brought Fenn with her. Fenn wishes she didn't make it sound as if he wasn't capable of being on time. When the main character asks where they're going, Violet answers they're going drinking to celebrate her joining Team Luxure. Fenn tells Violet he's going to give her a run for her money, and Violet accepts his challenge. As they head out, the main character notices Professor Hawke. He seems to be sneaking around and trying to hide a bottle with a glowing, chartreuse liquid.

As they leave the tavern, both Fenn and Violet are hammered. They're both happy drunks though. The main character asks Fenn if he's going to throw up, but Violet says he'll be fine and that both of them are champions of the drink. The main character isn't sure that champions is the right word. The two of them can't stand up straight and are giggling at nothing. The main character suggests they go back. When Fenn asks if she's tired, she expresses concern for him and Violet. Fenn tells her that they're fine, and Violet suggests they find more to drink. Fenn agrees. The main character follows along behind them. As they walk, the main character sees a man carrying a bottle with a liquid the same color as what Professor Hawke was carrying earlier. Violet identifies the liquid as absinthe. Fenn warns the main character to say away from it because it's known to induce hallucinations. The main character thinks it's funny that the only time she's seen Fenn try to act like a proper role model is when he's drunk. Violet says the main character doesn't have to worry about accidently drinking it since it's banned on academy grounds. This prompts the main character to wonder why Professor Hawke had it. Before she can ask, Fenn and Violet enter the next pub. By the time they come out, the sun is rising. The main character says they should head back to the academy. Fenn leads her to a food stall selling Shashlik. The three eat before returning to the academy.

It's about five in the morning when they approach the gate. The guards grab the main character and drag her away for breaking the curfew all A, B, and C Ranks are subject to. Fenn and Violet didn't know about the rule, and the main character didn't read the handbook since it was in Latin. The main character yells to Fenn to tell them she was just doing her job. Fenn smiles and shrugs, having no intention of helping her. The guards dump her in Professor Hawke's office. As punishment for breaking curfew, he says she'll stand at the front of the classroom during lectures, scrub the communal baths every day, and tidy up after his lectures.

## Chapter 10

The main character gets out of the punishment by blackmailing Professor Hawke; she saw him the previous night sneaking around with absinthe, and thanks to her outing with Fenn and Violet, she now knows that stuff if banned on academy grounds. Professor Hawke is willing to forget everything if she can turn water into wine on the test the following week. The main character isn't sure she'll be able to accomplish that and remembers something that happened a while ago.

Nix came to the main character's room with a pouch of money from the headmaster. He asked if she was in need of anything else. She said she wasn't, but stopped Nix before he left. She asked him if he had heard anything from the headmaster about a way for her to get back to the human world. Nix told her if she wanted to travel between worlds, she would have to be capable of enough magic to bend time and space.

Remembering this, the main character realizes she won't be able to get back home if she doesn't learn to do these things. She accepts Professor Hawke's terms. She wants to practice her magic in preparation for this test, but Fenn keeps her busy with small tasks all day. Around eleven at night, the main character is hoping to go back to her room, but Fenn insists on her staying at his side. He's having trouble writing something and says he needs her for inspiration. Lynt and Tino enter the S Rank lounge. Fenn says he needs to clear his mind and asks Lynt if he would join him in a game of cards. Lynt agrees. Fenn says he won't lose because MC was with him. When MC bemoans the fact that she has to stick around for their card game, Tino asks if there's somewhere else she needs to be. She says no, but Lynt and Fenn end up playing cards until dawn.

Later, while deliriously tired, the main character sees Fenn with Guy. Fenn is practically hanging off Guy and saying something, but the main character is too far away to actually hear anything. Guy bristles and leaves with a few choice words. Fenn watches Guy leave while looking as if he had just been dumped. The main character vaguely remembers Fenn saying something about having a thing for red eyes. She wonders if she's a stand in for someone else and that Fenn actually has a thing for Guy. The main character decides these thoughts are a product of a lack of sleep and decides to get something to eat before heading back to her room.

Once she's back in her room, she tries to turn water to wine. Fenn surprises her by noting that what she's doing isn't working. As she tries to figure out how he got in, Fenn says that he can come under the cover of darkness in search of romance. While the main character tries to think of something to say, Fenn tells the her to watch closely. He levitates the cup in the air. The main character thinks he's turning the water to wine, but finds he's turned it into milk instead. When she points this out, he says wine might be too advanced for her. She tells him to get out. Fenn then actually shows her how to turn the water to wine, giving her tips like hand placement. The main character isn't sure how she feels about this lesson taking place in her bed, but can't ignore that this is the best instruction she's gotten so far. He tells her that all there is left for her to do is practice and asks that she tell him when she's managed the spell. She thanks him and Fenn starts to leave. She asks if he wants anything in return and almost instantly regrets it. Fenn suggests a kiss on the cheek, which she agrees to. After the kiss, he strokes her cheek, says goodnight, and leaves. The main character wonders what prompted Fenn to come to her room in the first place. One possibility she comes up with is that he actually wanted to teach her magic because he heard about her deal with Professor Hawke. She throws that possibility out quickly thinking it unlikely, and falls asleep.

### Perspective: Hope & Refusal

It's currently drizzling outside as Fenn is reading a book inside Hardie's house. From time to time, Fenn stares out the window at the raindrops hitting the ground. In the distant sky, he can see rays of sunlight shining through the clouds. He thinks about how the rain won't last forever and how it probably stop at sunset. As he shifts his attention back to the book, MC exclaims that she is done cleaning and asks Hardie's family what else she can help with. Fenn looks up from the book at the sound of her cheerful voice. He thinks about how MC wanted to do something in return to thank Hardie's famly for letting them stay at their house. Fenn believes that MC has worked tirelessly from morning until night as a way to keep herself busy. MC then asks what else needs to be done. Hardie's father tells her that he usually gets firewood at this time, but it's raining outside. Hardie assumes that MC can use magic since she attends The Royal Academy of Concordia as a student and believes that this will be a simple task for her. Fenn knows that MC can't use magic well and hopes that she tells them that. However, she tells them that it won't be a problem and that she'll be finished in no time. Fenn cries out in surprise and tries to tell MC to stop, but she goes outside before he finishes talking. Hardie then asks Fenn what's wrong, but Fenn tells him that it's nothing worth talking about.

Fenn then stares at his book and wonders why MC hasn't requested anything from him since they got here. He believes that she might be working hard for the both of them in order to give him time to "recuperate". Fenn is at a loss for words at her boundless kindess and wonders how long she is going to continue this. Fenn is frightened by the thought of himself unconsciously trying to figure out her heart and her mind. He rationalizes to himself that this won't happen as long as he doesn't consider her to be someone special. Fenn believes that he should let MC go while he still can't. This is why he is trying to forget the night when they both slept in the same bed while hugging each other.

The next morning, Fenn takes a peek inside MC's room as Hardie's family was worried that she hadn't woken up yet. As Fenn suspected, MC has a fever from going out in the rain yesterday. He sighs as he looks at her sleeping on the bed. Fenn then briefly leaves the room to make some medicine to reduce her fever. He adds some willow leaves into some brandy and warms it up. Then, he leaves the medicine and a note on the table by her bed. Fenn then watches her sleep and notices her labored breathing, so he strokes her head to ease her suffering. He wonders why she won't rely on him more. But, he then remembers that MC had mentioned that both of her parents had passed away. So, Fenn realizes that she must have gotten used to doing everything herself. Fenn then thinks about how he probably won't see her again after she returns to the Human Realm. He believes that MC wants to return home and that she has no reason to remain in the Magical Realm. As he looks at her face, MC scrunches up her face in pain. Fenn then leaves the ancient book he was reading on a shelf in her room. He decides that this book will be a test to see whether she will return home or stay in the Magical Realm. Fenn then remembers that MC also came to the Magical Realm with her cat, so he will also have to send him back to her at one point. However, he doesn't know if he will even be able to do that.

Fenn thinks back to a passage in the book that talks about how a path back to the Human Realm will open when there is an evanescent moon. The day when the evanescent moon is approaching and that also means that the day that he parts with MC is near. Fenn then kisses MC's forehead out of impulse and is shocked at his actions. He wonders why he just did that and what he was trying to achieve by doing that. His contradictory actions leaves him confused and somewhat panicked. There is also another reason that Fenn feels unsettled. It's that he hasn't thought of Eva at all ever since they came to Luxure. Fenn doesn't want to get involved with MC more than he already has as he doesn't want to get involved with someone who is leaving. He believes that as long as his feelings remain uncertain, then these feelings can't be used against him.

## Chapter 28

Coming Soon...

Perspective: Shot To The Heart
Coming Soon...