Awakening Domination System: But I'm a Slave?-Chapter 246: The Maids [2]

After breakfast, Selene stood gracefully from the table.

"Both of you," she said, her voice taking on that authoritative tone. "Come to my study. There are matters we need to discuss before you return to the Academy."

Elina groaned but complied. Alaric simply nodded, following behind as they made their way through the manor’s corridors.

When they entered Selene’s private study, the transformation was complete.

Gone was the flustered woman from breakfast. In her place stood Baroness Selene Glimor—composed, elegant, every inch the noblewoman who managed an estate with ruthless efficiency.

She sat behind her desk, fingers steepled, her back straight. The morning light streaming through the window cast her in an almost regal glow.

"Sit," she instructed.

Both took the chairs across from her.

"You’re both entering Silver Crown House," Selene began, her tone businesslike. "This is not just an achievement, it’s a responsibility. The reputation you build reflects not only on yourselves but on this household."

Elina sat up straighter, nodding seriously.

"I expect you both to work hard. Maintain your standings. Build connections with the right people." Selene’s eyes moved between them. "The Academy is more than education, it’s where alliances are forged, where future power structures take shape."

"Yes, Mother," Elina said dutifully.

"Of course, Aunt," Alaric added smoothly.

Then she began telling them other things, which they as nobles should know about happening in or around their territories.

After few minutes...

"Now then." She pulled out two documents from her desk drawer. "The Academy allows Silver Crown students to bring one personal attendant. Have either of you decided?"

Elina nodded immediately. "I’ll bring Iris."

Something shifted in Selene’s expression... relief, maybe, but she masked it again.

"Iris," Selene repeated. "That’s... a good choice. She’s been with us for years, knows your preferences, and is discreet."

"Exactly," Elina said. "Plus, she actually likes me, unlike most of the staff who are just doing their jobs." She shot a pointed look at Alaric. "It’ll be nice having someone familiar around."

Selene smiled. And her eyes flickered to Alaric.

Not with him.

Then cleared her throat softly and looked back at her daughter. "Very well. I’ll have Iris begin preparations immediately."

She turned her attention to Alaric, her expression perfectly composed but her eyes carrying a question she couldn’t quite voice.

"And you?" she asked. "Have you decided on your attendant?"

Alaric leaned back in his chair, considering.

"I have a few options in mind," he said casually. "But I haven’t finalized my decision yet."

"The deadline is tight," Selene reminded him. "You’ll need to submit your choice by tomorrow."

"I know." He smiled. "I’ll let you know before we depart."

Selene nodded, though something flickered in her eyes, curiosity, perhaps concern about who he might choose.

"Very well." She set the documents aside. "Your carriages will be ready by mid-afternoon."

"Understood," Elina said, standing. "Can I go pack now? I still need to organize my books and—"

"Yes, go ahead," Selene said with a small smile.

Elina left quickly, clearly eager to prepare.

The door closed behind her.

Silence settled over the study.

Alaric remained seated, watching Selene with that knowing look. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"You seemed relieved," he spoke quietly. "When Elina chose Iris."

Selene’s mask slipped for just a moment. She looked away, fingers tracing the edge of her desk.

"Iris is loyal to Elina," she said carefully. "It’s... appropriate and safe."

"And keeps her away from me, right?" Alaric added.

Selene’s eyes snapped back to his. For a moment, she looked like she might deny it. Then her shoulders sagged slightly.

"Yes," she admitted quietly. "It’s... better this way."

Alaric stood, walking around the desk slowly. Selene watched him approach, her breath catching slightly.

He stopped beside her chair, looking down at her.

"And what about you?" he asked softly. "Will you miss having someone around who knows too much?"

Her cheeks colored faintly. "I don’t know what you’re implying."

"Don’t you?"

She stood abruptly, putting distance between them, moving toward the window.

"You should go pack as well," she said, her voice regaining its composed edge. "The Academy won’t wait for stragglers."

He smiled. "As you wish, Aunt."

And moved towards her, closing the distance between them, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

His lips found her cheek, pressing a soft kiss there before trailing down to her neck.

He gave a gentle nibble.

Selene went completely still in his grip, her breath catching.

Then, slowly, she melted back against him.

"Yeah," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I’ll miss you."

Alaric turned her slightly, just enough to capture her lips in a brief, tender kiss.

"I’ll miss you too," he murmured against her mouth.

For a moment, they stayed like that.

Then Alaric pulled back.

"I should go pack my things now," he said softly.

Selene nodded, not quite trusting her voice.

He walked to the door, opened it, and stepped into the corridor.

The moment the door closed behind him—

[Ding!]

A translucent panel materialized before his eyes.

[Selene Glimor]

Loyalty: 100%

Obedience: 100%

Alaric’s smirk widened.

He dismissed the notification with a thought and continued down the corridor toward his room, his mind already working through the implications.

Selene was completely his now. She’d give him anything he asked for, support any plan, keep any secret.

A powerful asset. And one who would never betray him.

Whom should I take as my attendant?

He reached his room and closed the door behind him, then walked to his wardrobe and began pulling out clothes, laying them on the bed.

His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

Or... do I even need to bring someone at all?

He pulled out a few shirts, folding them methodically as his mind worked through the problem.

Then smirked, reaching for his Academy uniform.

But more than that, someone who can forge my handwriting, copy texts, and all.

He finished packing his essentials—clothes, books, a few personal items. The trunk was nearly full.

Then he stepped outside and began walking through the corridor.

As he passed, some maids curtsied to him. He gave them a simple nod.

Then he paused when he saw a group of maids working to clean the area, and grinned.

"Hey, you all!" he called out.

They turned to him, looking at each other uncertainly.

"Come with me," he said, turning around.

The maids blinked but followed reluctantly.

He led them down the hallway and into his room. They filed in behind him, exchanging nervous glances. He walked to his desk, pulled out a sheet of paper, and quickly wrote something down. After a moment, he held it up.

"Try mimicking my handwriting," he said, handing the paper to the first maid along with a fresh quill.

One by one, they attempted to copy his script. Their hands trembled slightly as they wrote, each attempt falling short of matching his elegant strokes.

But when the fourth maid tried, he leaned forward, studying her work closely. The loops and curves were nearly identical.

He looked up at the other maids.

"You all can leave."