The Conquerors Path

'Um...'

Feeling a slight weight on my body, I opened my eyes and saw a head of silver resting on my chest. My gaze traveled across her beautiful body, noticing the marks I had left on her neck, chest, and even Elda's ass. Her body still looked tantalizing as ever.

Even with all the things I had done to her body, Elda and I hadn't crossed the line yet. Maybe a couple more encounters and soon I would be able to claim her completely as mine. In fact, there wasn't actually a need for all this. With my authority and blessing, I could easily remove these restrictions from her. However, that would mean she would lose the means to overcome this herself, and once she does, the reward will be very compelling.

'She looks cute...'

Marveling at her beautiful body, I slowly moved myself and arranged the pillow to make Elda more comfortable. We had spent most of the night together, and she lacked the energy I had. After placing a kiss on her forehead and seeing her smile, I headed toward the bathroom to freshen up.

'Grace must have reached an impasse by now...'

Right now, I had already dealt with Eleanor, Mira, and Scarlet. But I haven't approached Grace yet. I want her to stew for a few days, to finally get rid of that hesitation in her heart, to leave behind her laid-back life, and accept moving forward. She would be the perfect one to take the lead on the harem faction of my family.

'I wonder how the spark between Olivia and Catherine is going?'

I did light the fuse, but the direction it will take depends solely on the two of them. Just as I was thinking about it, my communication device lit up. The information displayed on it brought a smile to my face.

'They acted faster than I thought...'

Confirming my thoughts, I left the mansion, enjoying the morning breeze as I walked smoothly. The gazes of others were, as always, focused on me as I reached the teleportation station, effortlessly passing through it. Within seconds, I arrived at my destination, my gaze focused on the archery club. All the members looked at me with respect as I entered the building.

There was no need for any confirmation as I easily reached the private training area. It already had a member inside, and I used my authority to enter the room. I found Carmel shooting arrows with pinpoint precision. Just as I stepped into the room, several arrows were already shot toward me, which I dodged.

"That's quite the greeting..."

I spoke with a smile on my face, realizing it was me. Carmel placed the bow down, her face easing into a teasing smile as she spoke.

"Well, you shouldn't enter a private room..."

"I had to when I could see that my senior feels down..."

I replied, making Carmel wince. She asked, "How did you know?"

"Well, you missed," I said, pointing at myself. This was more than enough to bring a sheepish smile to her face. She shook her head as she looked at the several destroyed targets around her.

"I don't want to talk about it," she said, refocusing on her targets. Her hands didn't delay for a second as she kept shooting down several targets, each one harder than the next.

"So, where are those two best friends of yours?"

I asked, standing behind her and watching her take out all her frustration.

"They are busy," she replied simply, shooting arrows that whistled by, sticking at the center of the target. Seeing this, I shook my head and took out a normal bow and some arrows. Just as Carmel shot her next arrow, I shot one from behind her, hitting her arrow, diverting its path, and making her miss.

"What are you doing?"

She asked, annoyed, as her head whipped towards my direction. I shrugged my shoulder at her look as I spoke.

"How about a match?"

My words surely piqued her interest as she asked, "Pure combat?"

"Pure combat," I replied, making Carmel smile. Without any further words, she moved farther away from me and shot an arrow toward my face, already prepared for the challenge. I swiftly tilted my head to the side, feeling the gust of wind as the arrow sailed past my cheek.

I smirked, taking a few steps back to create some distance between us. Carmel raised an eyebrow, a competitive glint in her eyes. She notched another arrow, her focus sharp as she drew the string back with practiced ease.

As she released the arrow, I smoothly sidestepped, feeling the thrill of adrenaline coursing through my veins. The arrow whizzed past me, its trajectory a blur in the air. I took a deep breath, feeling the familiar weight of my bow in my hands, and nocked an arrow of my own.

We moved with fluid grace, each of us launching arrows with precision and purpose. It was a dance of skill and technique, the arrows flying through the air like shooting stars. We weaved through the training area, our footsteps marking a pattern of determination and rivalry.

Carmel's shots were accurate, her arrows landing dangerously close to their targets. But I knew her style, her weaknesses, and her tendencies. I anticipated her moves, dodging and deflecting her arrows with calculated finesse.

With each passing moment, the intensity of the match grew. The tension between us was palpable, a testament to our shared passion for archery. Our eyes locked, and I saw a fire burning within Carmel's gaze, a determination to prove herself.

I decided to test her further. As she aimed for a target on the far end of the training area, I closed the distance between us. I ran with purpose, my body moving in sync with the rhythm of my heartbeat. I was determined to push her limits, to see if she could match my pace.

Carmel noticed my approach and quickened her pace. She shot arrows in rapid succession, forcing me to react swiftly. I deflected one, then another, the arrows whizzing past me as I closed the gap. I could feel the thrill of the challenge surging through my veins, my heart pounding in my chest.

Finally, I was within striking distance. With a calculated move, I launched myself forward, my bow serving as an extension of my body. Carmel reacted instinctively, but I was faster. I twisted, evading her arrow and closing the final distance between us.

In one swift motion, I disarmed her, my bow pressing against hers. Our faces were mere inches apart, our breaths mingling in the air. Time seemed to stand still as we stood there, locked in a moment of intense connection.

Carmel's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and admiration shining in them. A smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I spoke softly, my voice filled with sincerity.

"You fought well, Carmel. Your skill and determination are unmatched."

Her lips curved into a grin, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "You're not so bad yourself, junior."

We stayed like that for a moment, reveling in the electric energy between us. Then, slowly, I released her bow and took a step back, giving her space. The intensity of the match began to fade, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

"If you were truly focused, it wouldn't have ended that fast," I said, my words making Carmel silent. She shook her head, a complex emotion passing through the face of the energetic and kind woman as she spoke.

"It's family-related. I don't want to drag you into this."

As she said so, she turned her head sideways, her words implying my position as a Lionheart, a restriction that plays a part in the political circle. Seeing her approach, I smiled, walking towards her as I made her look into my eyes.

"I am not asking as Austin Lionheart, but as Austin, the successor of Eleanor, your junior, and family."

My words brought a tremble to Carmel's eyes. The word 'family' hit her spot and made it easy to reach her. She lightly bit her lips as she looked at me, deep contemplation passing through her mind until she finally spoke.

"It's about my little sister...'

'And there it is'

I rejoiced at the opening that I got.