Eros raised an eyebrow, staying silent. He wanted to see just how much more nonsense this "Blue-Hair" could spew.

  Seeing that Eros hadn't walked away, Saliba felt a surge of hope and pressed on. "Don't forget, you have other brothers. While there's no precedent in the Empire for illegitimate sons inheriting a Dukedom, that could easily change with my assistance."

  Eros looked taken aback, then let out a sigh of exasperation. "Let me get this straight. If I give you Undine, you’ll help me become the next Duke? And if I refuse, you’ll use your influence to block my inheritance and help one of my brothers instead?"

  "Exactly!" Saliba looked Eros in the eye with faux sincerity. "Give me Undine, and you'll eliminate a potential competitor for the title while gaining the friendship of the Augustine family."

  Eros’s expression grew weirder the more he listened. Is that it? Is that all you’ve got? Oh, how underwhelming.

  Seeing Eros remained unmoved, Saliba appeared to reach a desperate resolution. "I have a sister—the most radiant jewel of the Augustine family. If you agree, I will beg my father to betroth her to you. You know how precious the Augustine bloodline is."

  Eros rolled his eyes. "I carry the legendary Elven bloodline. Doesn't that make me the one losing out in this trade?"

  Saliba choked on his words, suddenly remembering that the boy before him was indeed a rare "Elf." Gritting his teeth, he hissed, "What do you want? Name your price. If it’s within my power, it's yours."

  "I want your mother!"

  Eros muttered, completely done with this "genius." He turned to leave, but before he could take three steps, Saliba’s voice rang out from behind.

  "Three times!"

  Eros froze. What? He turned back, staring at Saliba.

  Saliba’s face was a storm of conflicting emotions, his expression twisted and almost feral. "I can help you get my mother... but only for three times. Beyond that, I will still have my father marry my sister to you."

  Eros was genuinely stunned. Had this Blue-Hair completely missed the mockery in his tone? Or was he just that desperate? A chill of suspicion settled in Eros’s mind. Is there something about my 'bratty sister' that I don't know? Why else would this guy be willing to sell out his own mother and sister?

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  Hmm. I’ll have to do a thorough 'physical inspection' of that girl tonight.

  Since he had smelled something fishy, Eros lost interest in chatting with this "Filial Son." He waved a dismissive hand. "Forget it. And hey, if you want to help my brothers take the title, go right ahead. Good luck! I’m rooting for you."

  He walked away, leaving Saliba behind with a face that turned various shades of red and purple.

  Returning to Undine, Eros began circling her, scrutinizing her from every angle until she felt her skin crawl. "What are you doing?" she demanded.

  Eros clicked his tongue and recounted the entire conversation. When Undine heard that Saliba was willing to trade his own mother and sister for her, she visibly shuddered with revulsion. "Eww! That’s disgusting!"

  "Exactly," Eros said. "So, you’re letting me do a thorough check tonight. I know you're the prettiest girl in the world, but even that shouldn't make him pay such a crazy price, right?"

  Undine huffed, her cheeks flushing pink at the compliment, but she didn't refuse his "inspection."

  After a few more classes, it was finally lunch. The moment the bell rang, Eros strode over to the red-haired girl's desk. "Let's go, let's go! Big Bro is taking you to lunch!"

  He didn't wait for her consent, grabbing her arm and dragging the "frail boy" toward the academy canteen. The girl’s teeth were nearly grinding to dust, but to maintain her persona, she could only let herself be hauled away by this "pervert."

  They met up with Undine and Joanie on the way. Joanie, who wasn't in the same class, looked at the struggling "Thomas" with curiosity. "Who is he?"

  "My new lackey from this morning," Eros chirped, flashing a toothy grin. Joanie burst into laughter, her eyes shimmering with amusement. Undine, meanwhile, subtly slid between Joanie and Eros, separating them with practiced ease.

  In the canteen, they headed to a private booth on the third floor. When the food arrived, the red-haired girl stared in horror at the three-person portion set before her.

  Eros patted her shoulder cheerfully. "Don't be shy! Eat up! Look at you—you’re as thin as a woman!"

  The girl looked at her slender waist, then at the mountain of food, then at Eros’s "encouraging" eyes. Her lips trembled. All for the mission. I can do this. She began to shove the food into her mouth.

  Just as she managed to finish the last bite, she heard Eros’s demonic whisper: "Are you full? If not, I can have them bring more."

  The girl forced a pained smile. "N-no, thank you! I’m stuffed!"

  Eros nearly lost it but managed to look disappointed. "Fine then. Let’s head out."

  The moment they stepped out of the canteen, the red-haired girl made up an excuse and bolted. Once she was clear of Eros, she let out a long breath of relief. Finally away from that freak... Ugh, I’m so bloated.

  She thought the ordeal was over. She was wrong.

  In the evening, after class, Eros blocked her path again. Once more, she was dragged kicking and screaming (internally) to eat another massive three-person dinner. Throughout the meal, Eros kept asking if she wanted seconds.

  The girl was truly in tears. I was just a quiet, invisible mole! I didn't provoke anyone! Why did this pervert have to target ME?