Thoughts and Bet

After absorbing the diary's revelations, Alex found himself on the precipice of lunch, cloaked in a profound embarrassment and guilt stemming from the manipulation he had employed. Reflecting on the ease with which he had hypnotized her, he acknowledged the twisted nature of his actions, realizing that altering existing emotions was the key.

In a conflicted introspection, Alex grappled with his scummy actions, contemplating a facade of a romantic confession to alleviate guilt, though he acknowledged it wouldn't erase his tarnished reputation. Admitting his own moral ambiguity, he embraced the survival ethos of a world favoring the powerful, recalling an old saying about the thin line between genius and insanity.

Recognizing the need for restraint, Alex resolved to limit his use of hypnosis, realizing the unintended consequences and the depth of Sophie's memory. Despite his twisted methods, he genuinely loved Sophie, with his affection intensifying after delving into her diary. Driven by both personal feelings and strategic advantage, he pledged to treat Sophie better and contemplated sharing a cultivation technique to further their shared goals.

In the intricate dance between love and manipulation, Alex's character emerges as a complex blend of affection and moral ambiguity, navigating a path where twisted actions are tempered by a genuine desire for connection and mutual benefit.

.

As the ticking clock echoed his internal conflict, Alex, burdened by the ease of hypnotizing Sophie, contemplated a half-hearted remedy—a manufactured love confession to veil the unsavory truth.

Yet, he acknowledged its futility in absolving him of the scum title he had unwittingly earned.

In the caverns of self-reflection, Alex acknowledged his moral contortions, navigating a world where power dictated p

In the tapestry of emotions, his love for Sophie stood as a twisted centerpiece, deepening with every word he absorbed from her diary.

Conflicted but resolute, he pledged to treat her better, not solely out of love, but also acknowledging her role in his ambitions.

He decided to wrap things here for now as it was almost time for lunch reading the diary had taken longer than he had expected.

As Alex made his way to the dining room, he met up with Aria the two chatted about what they've been up to when the other was not around.

He was surprised to learn that Aria had made a close friend at the academy, perhaps it was due to her past as it was rare for her to open up to anyone it had even taken him a while to get her to open up to him when they were children, but soon he immediately recognized who it was after hearing her name.

'Ciel Lancaster'.

She was not only the daughter of an Earl family which had strong ties with the Magnus house as her mother was his mother's best friend.

He had often heard about her from his mother, there had even been talk's of engagement at some point but they all went down the drain but they all went down the drain due to the current political situation of the Empire.

But the most important fact was that she was one of the people who will die in the future while trying to retaliate against the cult after the fall of the Magnus house.

Alex himself didn't know about her much as he never got to meet her personally, but he had already decided to recruit her even before Aria mentioned her as she was the bearer of a special physique.

Alex was also made aware of the fact that the knowledge of the future he has was not perfect as he knew that Ciel died after investing the fall of the Magnus house but she didn't know that she was Aria's close friend.

He got an idea as he said.

"Why don't you invite her to stay over sometime soon you'll have some company while you're on break".

"That's a good idea I'll send a letter and see what she thinks" replied Aria.

After thinking for a, while she said

"It's been a long time since we had a, spar, want to give it a go".

"Why not".

Alex said while suppressing a smile which threatened to break out on his lips knowing that his sister was in for a surprise when she learns his current realm.

"How about we make a bet"

"What sort of bet?".

Asked Aria as her grey eyes narrowing with interest.

"How about the winner gets one wish if his granted, what do you think."

"Alright, fair enough, but you're not allowed to back out when you lose."

"I should be the one saying that." Alex said with a grin.