Ch48. Year of tutelage 2

"Do you have everything?" Solution asked in an indifferent tone for the third time.

"Yes, mom." Merlin quipped and rolled her eyes. "I have packed everything in my Inventory. Don't worry. I will be fine."

The year was up and it was time for Merlin to leave. She already said she was interested in Rei's deal and had a small invisible mark placed on her shoulder. Once the contract deemed her ready, she would be given a choice.

Honestly, she did not even leave yet, and she already couldn't wait to return. This year was the happiest she had in her life. Only the burning desire to prove her worth kept her from crying. Instead, a fierce desire to become better filled her. She already secretly promised to herself that she will go and become the most knowledgeable magician in her world before she became Rei's magic researcher.

Sure, at the start, she only wanted to make use of her situation but that slowly changed. While Solution only somewhat warmed up to her in the recent three months, Rei was always good to her and during the second month of her stay, Merlin realized she was happy. During one of the family dinners, she finally understood that this may be how being loved and cared for felt.

Since then, Merlin decided to try hard so she could live up to Rei's expectations and be the best magic researcher. She didn't say anything to the man but this she promised to herself.

Even Solution became somewhat of a stern older sister figure after she started teaching Merlin healing magic. The shared topic that made both of them interested managed to make them closer and they understood each other well. Solution simply cared for one thing. Rei. As long as Merlin worked hard to make Rei satisfied, Merlin understood that everything between her and Solution would be just fine.

That made Merlin downright mortified as she realized both Solution and Rei saw right through her earlier intentions. When she tried to apologize, Solution glared at her but Rei just laughed it off, ruffling her hair while saying it didn't matter. It was honestly the most embarrassing moment of her life.

"Let the girl be." Rei chipped in, "She learned everything I planned to teach her and then some. Even if we sent her out naked, she would get by."

"Fine..." Solution poutingly sighed, "It's just... these are your precious items, Master! I just don't want to see them wasted!" She gave Merlin a pointed stare.

That made Rei inwardly smile in helplessness. What precious items... All he gave Merlin were common convenience items from Yggdrasil. He didn't give her anything extraordinary... according to his standards.

To Merlin, however, the fact she received so many magical items showed how much Rei cared for her. It only made her more determined to succeed in her self-appointed quest.

"Don't worry! I will cherish them!" Merlin told Solution with conviction that immensely amused Rei. He had no doubt Merlin already found a way to exploit some of these convenience items to a great effect.

"Are you ready?" Rei asked, feeling a bit sad it was finally time for her to leave. The fact he would be seeing her shortly alleviated quite a lot of these feelings. Before he got to know Merlin personally, he didn't really care what an impact his plan would have on her. Now though...

What Rei didn't expect was Merlin answering his question by rushing at him and tightly hugging him around his waist for almost half a minute while he just helplessly stood rooted in his spot. When Merlin finally unhanded him and nodded, it was obvious she was holding back her tears but her eyes were showing enough resolve that Rei just kept silent about it and opened the portal back to her world.

And just like that... Merlin was gone from the Negotiation Room, leaving Solution alone with Rei.

Solution suddenly giggled, "To be rendered so helpless by a hug from a little girl... As expected from Master." She quipped in jest.

"Oi!" Rei half-heartedly rebuked, "As Incubus my forte is women like you, the gorgeous and curvaceous ones. Girls not old enough to feel any sexual feeling are waaaay out of my league." He jested in return."

"Hee~, are you suggesting something, Master?" Solution walked towards Rei and put her hands around his neck while pushing her chest onto his. She was at least half-head shorter than him and looking down at her clear blue pleading eyes full of desire and upturned lip made Rei lean down into a kiss, causing Solution to gently giggle again into the kiss.

Much to her chagrin, Rei didn't deepen the kiss and pulled away after a few seconds. Seeing Solution's pout, he smirked, "Not now. We traumatized Merlin enough with our activities during the year."

Solution lifted an eyebrow at that, totally unfazed and not ashamed at all. "You think she heard us?"

Rei rolled his eyes at her. Honestly... as the Chinese would say, Solution's 'face' was thicker than a wall. "We never bothered to set up an anti-eavesdropping spell of any kind. Of course, she heard us. Don't think I didn't realize you did that on purpose."

"Well..." Solution huffed, "If she is going to be Master's servant on the same level as me, she should have the same feelings for Master as me!" She petulantly whispered while finding comfort in putting her cheek on Rei's shoulder and enjoying their embrace.

"I doubt your plan will work. She is just a little girl." Rei snorted. At most, it made Merlin embarrassed during the first few days before she got used to it. Then it became a common occurrence that she needed to set up silencing seals around her bed if she wanted to sleep during the night. In the end, it was a good lesson for Merlin and forced her to learn a few useful spells so Rei never bothered to intervene with it.

Solution didn't reply but inwardly, she didn't agree... 'She won't be that lovable little girl forever, Master.' She thought as a small sweet smile bloomed on her lips. Solution was sure she knew how Merlin felt and how these feelings would develop. 'This Incubus of mine is so adorably clueless.'

For some reason, Rei felt a shiver go down his spine and glanced at Solution in suspicion, finding her peacefully smiling in his embrace with her eyes contently closed. 'Just my imagination?' He furrowed his brows.

They continued to enjoy their embrace and from time to time exchanged a small banter for almost half-hour when Rei suddenly gently patted Solution's back, "It's been thirty minutes already."

Solution knew it was time and reluctantly separated from Rei, resuming her professional expression and posture next to him. Merlin was... passable but she was not yet a true sister of hers. There was no way Solution would allow the girl to see her being casual with her Master until she acknowledged her fully.

When Solution was presentable, a white portal appeared in front of them and a black-haired, yellow-eyed woman carefully walked through it, looking around with a degree of wariness. Only when her eyes landed on Rei, they lit up in excitement.

This was the reason why Rei had to pay over three trillion of Yggdrasil gold. Condensing three thousand years into thirty minutes has cost him a fortune. When he out of a sudden felt the Negotiation Romm create a connection between him and Merlin, Rei couldn't help but think it was worth it.

Merlin didn't give Rei much time to ponder as she ran straight at him, engulfing him in a bone-crushing hug.

"I missed you!" She exclaimed emotionally.

Rei found himself in the exact same situation as previously with the kid Merlin, except, this one was... well, gorgeous and curvaceous. He could already see Solution quietly giggle into her palm while observing the situation with mirth dancing in her eyes.

Wryly smiling, Rei's hand reached up and gently landed on Merlin's head, ruffling her hair as he liked to do when she was just a child. "Welcome back, Merlin."