Chapter 103: Reaching Level 48

The gentle hum of magical energy filled the workshop as Iridelle focused intently on the artifact before her. Her fingers worked with precision, delicately adjusting the crystalline components to ensure perfect alignment. The prototype of the communication artifact was taking shape, its core glowing faintly with the power flowing through it.

Seated nearby, Alaric leaned back in his chair, appearing to review schematics on a parchment. In truth, his mind was elsewhere. With a subtle mental command, he activated the Harem God System that only he could access.

A familiar soft chime resonated in his ears, and a translucent blue screen materialized before his eyes, floating in midair. The system interface shimmered, its edges glowing faintly with golden accents—a testament to its divine origins.

Alaric’s lips curled into a small smirk as he scanned the notifications tab, which blinked insistently at the top corner of the screen.

’Let’s see what treasures await,’ he thought, his tone inwardly amused.

With a thought, he opened the tab, and a cascade of notifications spilled down the screen, each one chronicling his recent exploits.

[System Notification: Congratulations! You have shared an intimate and passionate experience with Ulriya, your new maid. Reward: +40,000 Experience Points.]

[System Notification: Congratulations! You have shared multiple passionate experiences with your maids, Ulriya and Kara. Combined Reward: +800,000 Experience Points.]

[System Notification: Milestone Achieved! You have lost your virginity to Lyra Steele, a mature and highly attractive woman. Reward: +5,000,000 Experience Points.]

[System Notification: Congratulations! You shared a series of intensely passionate moments with Lyra Steele in the bathroom. Reward: +3,000,000 Experience Points.]

Alaric’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he read through the notifications, each one vividly reminding him of the intense moments he had experienced recently.

He recalled the night with Ulriya, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders as her brown eyes locked onto his with both nervousness and desire. She had been eager to please him, and their passionate encounter had left them both breathless.

The memories of subsequent evenings with Ulriya and Kara were equally tantalizing. The two maids had worked together seamlessly, their chemistry adding a unique spark to their shared experiences. The moments were filled with laughter, teasing, and unrestrained passion that left Alaric completely enthralled.

But it was his time with Lyra that stood out most vividly. The sheer weight of crossing that forbidden boundary had heightened every sensation. He could still feel the warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips, the sound of her voice trembling as she whispered his name, and the way she melted into his arms. The bathroom encounter had been particularly unforgettable, the steamy atmosphere enhancing the intimacy of their connection.

’No wonder the system rewarded me so generously,’ Alaric thought, his grin widening.

He glanced back at the screen as the total Experience Points tallied before his eyes.

[Total Experience Points Gained: 8,840,000.]

A new notification popped up, accompanied by a triumphant chime.

[Congratulations! Your accumulated Experience Points are sufficient to level up the Harem God System. Current Level: 42 → 48.]

As the system confirmed the level-up, a rush of energy surged through Alaric’s body. It was like a warm, electrifying wave coursing through his veins, heightening his senses and sharpening his thoughts. He felt stronger, more attuned to the divine power that the system imbued in him.

[Level-Up Benefits Unlocked:

Increased charm and charisma.

Enhanced stamina and endurance.]

’Level 48 already,’ Alaric mused, his pride swelling. ’At this rate, I’ll reach the system’s pinnacle in no time.’

The workshop’s hum drew him back to reality. He glanced at Iridelle, who was still absorbed in her work. Her gentle purple eyes were focused intently on the prototype, her delicate hands steady as she adjusted one of the resonance crystals. She seemed completely unaware of his inner machinations.

Alaric’s smile softened as he watched her. ’She’s so dedicated,’ he thought. ’And yet, she has no idea how integral she’ll be to my plans. Soon, Iridelle, you’ll understand your true place in my life.’

For now, though, he was content to let her work uninterrupted. He closed the system screen with another mental command, the blue interface vanishing as swiftly as it had appeared.

Straightening in his chair, he leaned forward, pretending to examine the schematics on the table. “Iridelle,” he called out, his voice calm yet commanding.

She glanced up, startled out of her concentration. “Yes, Young Master?”

“How close are we to testing the prototype?”

Iridelle wiped her hands on her apron, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the magical components. “Not far,” she replied, her voice laced with excitement. “I just need to recalibrate the core matrix and stabilize the energy flow. We could have a functional test by tomorrow.”

Alaric nodded, his eyes gleaming with approval. “Good. Keep at it. I want this artifact to be flawless when it’s complete.”

“Yes, Young Master,” Iridelle said, her tone filled with determination. She turned back to her work, her movements even more precise now that she had his attention.

Leaning back once more, Alaric allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction.

Alaric watched Iridelle work, his attention ostensibly focused on the intricate workings of the prototype, but his gaze kept straying to her figure. The way her tunic draped over her curves, the subtle sway of her hips as she moved around the workbench, the way her hair fell around her face when she bent down to examine a component – every detail held his attention captive.

’She really is quite beautiful,’ he thought, his eyes lingering on the gentle curve of her back. ’It’s a shame she’s so oblivious to her own allure.’ He knew that Iridelle was dedicated to her work, almost to a fault. She was so focused on the technical aspects of artifact creation that she seemed completely unaware of the effect she had on others. This worked perfectly for Alaric’s plan.

“Are you sure that crystal is properly aligned?” he asked, feigning concern as he leaned closer to the workbench. He positioned himself so that his arm brushed against her hip, the contact sending a jolt of warmth through both of them.

Iridelle glanced up, her brow furrowed in concentration. “Yes, Young Master,” she replied, her voice slightly breathless. “I’ve recalibrated it three times. The energy flow is stable.”

Alaric’s gaze drifted down to her chest, the fabric of her tunic straining slightly against her full breasts. He could see the faint rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, the subtle curve of her cleavage.

“Perhaps a closer look is in order,” he murmured, reaching out and gently placing his hand on her arm. He could feel the warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips, the soft texture of her tunic.

Iridelle looked up at him, her eyes widening slightly. She could feel the heat radiating from his hand, the intensity of his gaze. A faint blush crept up her cheeks.

“I… I assure you, Young Master,” she stammered, her voice slightly higher than usual. “Everything is fine.”

Alaric chuckled softly, his hand lingering on her arm for a moment longer before finally retracting it. “I trust your judgment, Iridelle,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. “But it’s always good to double-check.”

He moved around the workbench, positioning himself behind her. He leaned in close, ostensibly to examine the wiring of the prototype, but his real intention was to be closer to her, to inhale her scent, to feel the warmth of her body.

“Are you certain this connection is secure?” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. He could feel her tense slightly beneath his proximity.

Iridelle nodded, her eyes fixed on the wiring. “Yes, Young Master,” she replied, her voice barely audible. “I’ve reinforced it with a binding enchantment.”

Alaric’s hand reached out, ostensibly to point out a detail on the wiring, but his fingers brushed against her breast, the contact sending a jolt of electricity through both of them.

Iridelle gasped softly, her eyes widening in surprise. She could feel the heat radiating from his touch, the way her nipple hardened beneath his fingers. Her breath hitched, and her heart began to race.

Alaric pulled his hand back quickly, feigning innocence. “My apologies, Iridelle,” he murmured, his voice laced with mock concern. “I didn’t mean to… startle you.”

Iridelle blushed furiously, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She didn’t know if he had touched her intentionally or if it was truly an accident. But the sensation of his touch, the way it had ignited a fire within her, was undeniable.

“It’s… it’s alright, Young Master,” she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. “It was nothing.”

Alaric smirked inwardly. He knew that she was lying, that she had felt the same spark of attraction that he had. He decided to press his advantage, to continue his subtle seduction.

He moved closer to her again, his body brushing against hers. He could feel her trembling slightly, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

“You’re working very hard, Iridelle,” he murmured, his voice low and seductive. He reached out and gently placed his hand on her waist, his fingers tracing the curve of her body. “You deserve a break.”

Iridelle’s breath caught in her throat. She could feel the heat radiating from his hand, the way his fingers were gently caressing her waist. She wanted to pull away, to escape his touch, but she found herself unable to resist.

“I… I’m almost finished, Young Master,” she stammered, her voice barely audible. “I just need to… to stabilize the energy flow.”

Alaric chuckled softly, his hand tightening slightly on her waist. “There’s no need to rush,” he murmured, his voice low and reassuring. “We have all the time in the world.”

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear. “Besides,” he whispered, his voice sending shivers down her spine, “I enjoy watching you work.”

Iridelle’s heart pounded in her chest. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, the intensity of his gaze. She closed her eyes, trying to control her runaway emotions.

Hours melted away in the workshop, the only sounds the gentle hum of magical energy and the soft clinking of tools. Iridelle, fueled by a mixture of dedication and nervous energy, worked tirelessly on the artifact. Alaric, while seemingly absorbed in his own tasks, kept a close eye on her.

Finally, as the last rays of sunlight faded from the windows, Iridelle straightened up, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. She held up the artifact, her eyes shining with pride.

“Young Master,” she announced, her voice filled with excitement, “I think I’ve done it! The core matrix is stabilized, and the energy flow is consistent. This part… it’s finally complete!”

Alaric’s eyes lit up, a genuine smile spreading across his face. He rose from his chair and approached the workbench, his gaze fixed on the artifact. He could see the intricate network of crystalline components, the delicate wiring, the faint glow of magical energy pulsating within its core.

“Impressive, Iridelle,” he murmured, his voice laced with admiration. “Truly impressive. This is a significant breakthrough.”

Overwhelmed with relief and joy, Iridelle impulsively threw her arms around Alaric, hugging him tightly. “We did it, Young Master!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with pure elation. “We actually did it!”

Alaric stiffened slightly at the sudden contact, then relaxed, a slow smile spreading across his face. He wrapped his arms around her, returning the hug, taking full advantage of the opportunity to hold her close. He could feel the soft curves of her body pressed against his, the warmth of her breath against his neck. He subtly tightened his grip, pulling her closer, enjoying the feel of her breasts against his chest, her hips against his.

’She’s so soft,’ he thought, his mind replaying the intimate moments they’d shared. ’And she has no idea what I’m thinking right now.’ He could feel the rapid beating of her heart against his, the way her breath hitched slightly. He knew that she was still slightly flustered from their close proximity, but she didn’t pull away.

After a few moments, Iridelle finally pulled back, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. “I apologize, Young Master,” she stammered, her voice slightly breathless. “I got a little carried away.”

Alaric chuckled softly, his arms still lingering around her waist for a moment longer before he finally released her. “It’s quite alright, Iridelle,” he murmured, his voice low and reassuring. “You have every right to be excited. This is a remarkable achievement.”

He stepped back, his eyes still lingering on her face. “Now,” he said, his voice becoming more businesslike, “I think we both deserve a break. We’ve made significant progress today. Let’s continue tomorrow.”

He glanced towards the window, where the last vestiges of daylight were fading into twilight. “And it’s nearly time for dinner. Shall we?”

Iridelle nodded enthusiastically, her eyes still shining with excitement. “Yes, Young Master,” she replied, her voice filled with anticipation. “I’m quite hungry.”

They left the workshop together, walking side by side through the opulent corridors of the manor. The dining hall, usually a place of polite conversation and familial exchange for Lyra, suddenly felt like a stage, every action and word magnified under Alaric’s knowing gaze. The moment he and Iridelle entered, the casual clinking of cutlery and low murmur of other diners faded into a distant hum. All her senses sharpened, focusing solely on her son.

She had been halfway through a bite of roasted pheasant when she felt his presence. Her head snapped up, her blue eyes colliding with his startling red ones. A wave of heat rushed through her, not unlike the warmth of the bath they had shared just hours before. The memory of his touch, the feel of his skin against hers, the raw intensity of their shared passion, flooded her mind. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she nearly choked on her food.

’He’s looking at me,’ she thought, her heart pounding against her ribs. ’He knows. He knows what we did.’ The shame and guilt she had momentarily suppressed returned with a vengeance, threatening to overwhelm her.

Alaric, oblivious to her inner turmoil, or rather, expertly feigning obliviousness, led Iridelle to the table, seating her across from Lyra. He then took the seat beside Iridelle, positioning himself perfectly to observe his mother’s every reaction.

“Good evening, Mother,” he said, his voice smooth and polite, a hint of playful amusement dancing in his eyes. “I hope you’re enjoying your dinner.”

Lyra stammered a greeting, her gaze darting nervously between Alaric and Iridelle. She couldn’t bring herself to maintain eye contact with her son for more than a fleeting moment, the weight of their shared secret pressing down on her.

“Yes, dear,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. “The food is… excellent.” She picked at her food, her appetite completely gone. Every bite felt like a lead weight in her stomach.

Alaric’s gaze lingered on her, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He noticed the way she fidgeted in her seat, the slight tremor in her hands. He knew she was replaying the events of the previous night and the afternoon in her mind, the memories of their intimate encounters still fresh and raw.

He decided to subtly tease her, to gently poke at the fragile composure she was desperately trying to maintain, without revealing anything to Iridelle.

“Mother,” he said, his voice low and suggestive, “you seem a little… flushed. Are you feeling alright?” He paused, letting his gaze drift down to her chest for a brief, pointed moment before returning to her face. “Perhaps the room is too warm for you?”

Lyra’s cheeks burned even hotter. She could feel Iridelle’s curious gaze on her, and she desperately tried to appear nonchalant. She dabbed at her forehead with a napkin, feigning a slight perspiration.

“I’m fine, dear,” she replied, her voice slightly strained. “Just a little… warm, as you said.” She avoided looking at him, focusing her attention on her plate. She picked at a piece of pheasant with her fork, pushing it around the plate without actually eating it.

Alaric’s smirk widened. He knew the “warmth” she was feeling had nothing to do with the temperature of the dining hall. It was the heat of their shared passion, the lingering memory of his touch.

“Perhaps you should remove a layer,” he suggested, his voice laced with mock concern, his eyes lingering on the high neckline of her gown. He knew that beneath the fabric, the faint marks he had left on her skin were still visible, a secret testament to their intimacy. “You wouldn’t want to overheat.” He paused, adding in a low voice only intended for her ears, “Especially after… our activities.”

Lyra’s breath hitched. Only she could hear the emphasis he placed on the word ’our,’ the subtle reminder of their shared transgression. She felt a shiver run down her spine, a mix of fear and a strange, illicit thrill.

’He’s toying with me,’ she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. ’He’s deliberately reminding me of what we did. He wants me to remember.’

She could feel Iridelle’s gaze on her, the young woman’s brow furrowed in concern. “Are you sure you’re alright, Lady Steele?” Iridelle asked, her voice soft and worried. “You look a little pale.”

Lyra forced a weak smile, trying to appear composed. “Yes, dear,” she replied, her voice slightly strained. “I’m fine. Just a slight headache.”

Alaric chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Perhaps a cool bath would help,” he suggested, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. He knew that the mention of a bath would bring back vivid memories of their shared encounter, the feel of the warm water swirling around their naked bodies.

Lyra’s breath caught in her throat. She could feel her cheeks burning again, the memory of Alaric’s touch in the bath, his hands on her skin, his lips on hers, flooding her mind.

’He’s doing this on purpose,’ she thought, her mind reeling. ’He’s deliberately trying to embarrass me. He wants to see me squirm.’

She could feel her composure crumbling, the weight of their secret becoming almost unbearable. She needed to escape, to get away from Alaric’s knowing gaze, to find some respite from the overwhelming emotions that were swirling within her.

She excused herself abruptly, standing up from the table, her movements slightly stiff and unnatural. “Please excuse me,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I… I need to lie down.” She turned and walked away, her gait slightly awkward, a subtle reminder of the positions Alaric had taken her in during their passionate encounters.

Alaric’s eyes followed her as she left, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He knew exactly why she was walking that way, the memory of his touch still lingering on her body. He felt a surge of possessive satisfaction, a feeling of having completely dominated her, both physically and emotionally.

Iridelle, oblivious to the undercurrents that had just passed between Alaric and his mother, turned her attention back to her plate. She picked up her fork and began to eat, her mind already focused on the next steps in their project. She hadn’t noticed anything amiss, completely unaware of the intense, unspoken drama that had just played out before her very eyes.

“Iridelle,” Alaric said, his voice casual at this moment, “I hope you’re enjoying your stay at Steele Manor. The chefs here are quite renowned for their culinary skills.”

Iridelle, oblivious to the silent exchange between Alaric and his mother, nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, yes, Young Master,” she replied, her eyes sparkling. “The food is absolutely delicious. I’ve never tasted anything like it.”