Chapter 61: An irrational man

Strax left the training grounds, his muscles still aching from the intense workout, but he felt a certain satisfaction with his progress. However, he was still irritated by having to leave Samira alone for such training. Walking through the mansion's corridors, he overheard some staff whispering among themselves.

"The failure of Vorah, how does a man like that have the nerve to come back?" someone muttered, but Strax pretended not to hear. He was used to these murmurs by now; it wasn't the first nor the last time, but it didn't lessen the irritation he felt each time he heard it. "You'll see the failure of Vorah soon enough, you wretches," he murmured to the maids.

Even though they couldn't hear him, the intensity of Strax's presence made them scurry away. "Tsk, lucky for you I can't do anything about it yet, or your heads would have rolled already."

He continued his path, wanting to leave this unpleasant place as quickly as possible. However, by a twist of fate, he didn't expect to encounter Diana Vorah, his stepmother, standing in front of him as if waiting for him. She was elegantly dressed in a sensual black dress, as always, her gaze fixed on Strax.

"Hello, Strax," Diana said, her tone soft but with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. It was clear she had been waiting for him. "You look exhausted. How was the training with Xenovia?" She commented while running her fingers over her lips in a rather... provocative manner.

"It was... tiring," he replied, trying to keep a neutral tone and avoid any explanation to her, as it wasn't her business. "But it was quite productive. She hit, I took it, and when I hit, I took it too." He shrugged, causing the woman to laugh lightly with amusement.

"Haha, I can imagine, she's a monster, isn't she?" Diana said, taking a step forward, her gaze softening a bit. "I'm glad to hear that. You know how much that irrational woman has been worried about you, don't you?" Strax raised an eyebrow at that. "She wants something," he thought. "Ah~ I can already guess what it is." A phrase from just a few days ago flashed through his memory;

"What did you mean by 'You're too beautiful to be wasted on an incompetent' little boy?" Diana said with a slightly mischievous smile. "Did I say something wrong? As far as I can imagine, that man has never touched you, or am I wrong?" Strax smiled provocatively.

Diana paused for a moment, her eyes fixed on Strax, as if deciding how to respond, but they seemed furious. "You have always been bold, Strax," she finally said, her voice soft but with a touch of amusement. "And to answer your question, no, you're not wrong." Strax took a step forward, his presence imposing, but his eyes locked on hers. "Then you understand what I meant.

You deserve more than that, Diana. Much more." He said, trying to enchant her. "Incubus, work," he thought.

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what exactly do you think I deserve, Strax?"

He stepped even closer, his voice low and intense, almost whispering. "You deserve someone who sees your true strength and beauty, not just as a piece in a power game. Someone who values you for who you are."

Diana remained silent for a moment, her emotions mixed. "You are very perceptive and bold for your age, Strax. And quite daring, to court your own father's wife."

"I only say what I see," he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. "And what I see is a woman who deserves to be happy."

[A hidden mission has begun.] He read those words and smiled, knowing his objective was just starting; he would take everything he could...

She smiled, a smile that contained a mixture of gratitude and something deeper. "Maybe you're right," she said softly. "Maybe I do deserve more. But who could truly give me my worth? I wonder about that, after all, I'm quite a costly woman, don't you agree?" Strax just smiled. "The world turns, 'Mommy,'" he said provocatively, something that wasn't entirely wrong in a sense.

"Analyze." He finally remembered and used Analyze on Diana, revealing just the basics about this woman who intrigued him quite a bit.

[Name: Diana Vorah

"Saving time," he said simply, walking swiftly towards Apocalypse. He placed her on the saddle with a firm movement, mounting right behind her. Monica stiffened, feeling the warmth of Strax's body against hers, his hands holding her securely by the waist.

"T-This isn't necessary!" she protested, trying to move, but he held her more firmly.

"Stay still, Monica," he said softly but with an authoritative tone that brooked no argument. Monica blushed deeply, feeling Strax's strong body pressed against her back. His touch was firm but not uncomfortable, and she found herself struggling against the blush rising in her cheeks.

"This irrational man..." Monica murmured in her thoughts, not entirely rejecting the situation but finding it quite complicated for her.

"Strax, I..." "Don't worry, Monica," he interrupted, keeping the reins firmly as he gave a gentle command to Apocalypse to move forward. "Just relax. I won't let anything happen to you."

She tried to protest again, but the sensation of his body so close left her speechless. The steady rhythm of the mare, combined with the warmth emanating from Strax, made her feel sensations she had never experienced in her life.

"Alright," she finally murmured, resigning herself to the situation and trying to calm down. She could feel Strax's heartbeat strong against her back, making her blush even more.

Thus, Strax made yet another bold move with another woman in his life.

[New Missions Have Emerged, keep up the good progress.]

"Stupid system... does it keep giving me missions just for touching different women?" he thought, but he knew it wasn't exactly that...

As they rode through the estate's grounds, Strax's thoughts drifted to his plans. His encounter with Diana had set a new path in motion, one that required careful maneuvering and strategic alliances. Monica's presence added another layer to his intricate web of relationships and objectives.

Monica, on the other hand, found herself in a whirlwind of emotions. Strax's sudden assertiveness had caught her off guard, but there was a certain reassurance in his presence. Despite her initial discomfort, she couldn't deny the underlying sense of security he provided.

The journey back to Beatrice's new home was quicker than expected. As they approached the gates, Monica couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Strax's hold on her never wavered, and she found herself leaning into him, even if just slightly, for comfort.

Upon reaching the destination, Strax dismounted first, then helped Monica down with surprising gentleness. She steadied herself, still flushed from the ride, and looked at him with a mix of curiosity and confusion.

"Thank you," she said softly, not sure what else to say.

Strax nodded, his expression serious but with a hint of a smile. "You're welcome. Let's go see Beatrice."

As they walked towards the house, Monica couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much larger. Strax's confidence and determination were infectious, and she found herself oddly drawn to the young man who seemed to have the world at his feet.

Inside, Beatrice awaited them, her eyes lighting up as she saw Strax. "You're here! Finally!" she exclaimed, rushing to embrace him.

Strax returned the embrace, a sense of purpose solidifying within him. He had plans, and with each step, he was closer to achieving them. Monica watched the reunion, her own thoughts a jumble of emotions and newfound respect for the young man who seemed capable of defying all odds.