Makes Sense

Jack's tone became exaggeratedly dramatic. "Well, what's the alternative? Besides, if I refused, aren't you afraid your daughter's self-confidence might plummet, and she'd change her orientation entirely and become a lesbian?"

"...What you're saying does seem to make sense..."

Bradley, who hadn't engaged in such debates for a long time, found himself once again outwitted by the experienced Jack.

In the end, Jack finally struck a deal with Bradley. In exchange for helping Bradley's adopted daughter and part-time female assistant, Hermia, pass the assessment and become members of The Eye, Bradley would apply for the membership himself and send an invitation letter along with Jack.

....

That night, in a booth at the bar:

"Jack!"

Bradley's voice roared through the phone, demanding answers from Jack, who had already held the phone at arm's length. "Where have you taken Hermia?" 

"Well, you see, Bradley, in order to prepare for our future partnership, Ms. Hermia and I thought it would be best to familiarize ourselves with each other's ways of working and cultivate a sense of teamwork in advance. It's like I am inside her and...." Jack explained, but before Bradley could react, he abruptly hung up the phone and turned to Hermia, who was happily sipping her drink.

"Aren't you angry?" Jack asked, shaking his phone and making it disappear.

Hermia looked at Jack and replied, "Do you think I should be angry?"

"Hmm... I think?" Jack smiled. "I just saw a girl who has been suppressed for a long time."

"How did you know?" Hermia was momentarily surprised. "Can you read minds?"

"While I do know some magic, mind-reading isn't among my talents, and for someone like me, using such magic on ordinary people isn't even worth the effort," Jack chuckled, pointing to his head. "It's just an educated guess based on observation."

"Wow..." Hermia exclaimed curiously. "How did you figure it out?"

"In reality, it's not that difficult. Being a magician requires dedication—it's a profession that demands a significant amount of time and effort. If Bradley wants you to join The Eye, then you'll have to practice diligently for a long time. If your natural talent isn't exceptional, the training period might even surpass that of a professional magician. Bradley's attitude today also hinted at this... and is this your first time being asked out by a man?" 

As a seasoned charmer, Jack was naturally drawn to all types of women and had a wealth of experience in such matters. Initially, his comment was just playful banter, but he hadn't expected Hermia to be so easily intrigued.

Jack couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, and through a series of probing conversations with Bradley, he began to piece together the truth.

Emotionally, Hermia, with her stunning looks and attractive figure, had never been in a romantic relationship due to Bradley's strict upbringing and control.

"You're right," Hermia smiled, casting her gaze around. "I've been under strict discipline since childhood. I can't afford to drink too much because I need to dedicate a lot of time to studying magic. As a result, I don't really have any friends."

"No hard feelings," Jack assured her with a resolute tone. "Even so."

Hermia looked at Jack with a sense of wonder in her eyes. "I'm starting to suspect that you have the ability to read minds."

"Who knows?" Jack responded without denying it. He chose to remain enigmatic, which only added to his charm.

"Even so, at most, I'm just a little upset with my father because I know he's doing it for my own good," Hermia sighed, creating a small gap between her fingers.

Then, she smiled mischievously. "That's why I want to make him angry today."

"Use me?" Jack smiled.

He had already seen it. Their unspoken agreement was equivalent to a silent partnership with Hermia.

Although Jack enjoyed flirting, he wasn't dishonest. Flirting with the daughter in front of her father was simply... well, it seemed rather entertaining. 

"Yes," Hermia confirmed with a smile.

"Do you know the price you'll have to pay for using me?" Jack asked with a sly grin.

"I know, but I doubt you'd want it even if I handed it to you on a silver platter," Hermia replied, her smile never wavering.

"Why?" Jack was genuinely surprised this time.

"My father wouldn't want me to join The Eye for no reason. Without magical aptitude, it would all be in vain," Hermia explained. "Use your mind-reading skills to guess, what's my magical ability?"

Jack pondered for a moment and then said, "Mind reading?"

"Yes, but my ability isn't very strong. At most, I can briefly understand people's thoughts and personalities," Hermia admitted. "But when it comes to you, I can't seem to read anything. I can only guess based on experience that you're probably the type of person who does as he pleases, doesn't like to be bound, and avoids owing or bearing obligations."

"Your guess is spot on," Jack replied, tilting his head slightly.

"In that case, what comes next will be much easier to explain," Hermia said with a smile as she stepped closer and whispered, "I still..."

==========

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