Heading to Evelina's room, I could sense the faint traces of dark magic inside, but they weren't normal traces that you'd find after someone had cast a spell.
These were more focused, more controlled.
There was only one explanation the novel gave when something like this happened.
Evelina was giving herself an unfair advantage.
Or from my perspective, normal preparation.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"I've finished the task, my lady."
I waited, arms behind my back, waiting for her confirmation before I entered.
'Come in.'
A muffled voice came from inside, more strained than usual. It was clear she wasn't taking any chances. If she were to rank highest, then she didn't have time to waste.
She was a more active villainess than you'd find in usual novels, where arrogance didn't match their skill.
But for Evelina? Her arrogance was absolutely deserved.
I opened the door, seeing her imbue as much magic as she could on the lace choker on her neck, strengthening the succubus that rested inside.
It was a better choice than imbuing random accessories; anyone could detect it, but with a demoness helping, unless someone in the faculty or crowd was an expert.
No one could detect it.
"All three are out of the picture."
I smiled, admiring her form sitting on the side of her bed, seeing her strained eyes, and breathing was enough of a reward for me.
"Already? How can you be so sure?"
"Let me check."
[Soul Sight]
A simple glance at the direction of the dorm, and I could already see the fruit of my labour.
A student on the floor writhing in pain as a bookshelf fell on top of him, and the other, lying on his bed, demotivated, his entire body claimed by a fever that made him bedridden with sloth.
And Kevin was... well, Kevin.
"I confirmed everything; they won't be showing up tomorrow."
I kneeled in front of her on the side of the bed, faintly touching the fabric that was on her neck.
I couldn't quite place why... but I was feeling extra today.
Was it because of hearing someone compare her to another? Was it the strengthened energy of the succubus mixed with her presence?
I didn't know, but it wasn't a bad feeling.
"You're quite bold, didn't even need to ask permission."
Evelina smirked, enjoying her hold over me.
Be it the meek and obedient me, or the possessive and obsessed me, each one had its uses, and each one made her feel powerful.
Evelina didn't pull away when my fingers brushed the fabric of her choker.
She allowed me to touch it, to feel its energy, allowing myself to be influenced by it.
If anything, she leaned into it slightly, just enough to make it clear she noticed and allowed it.
"But I don't mind," she said calmly. "As long as it comes with results."
I lowered my hand immediately, not out of fear, but discipline.
"I wouldn't have acted otherwise."
She studied me in silence, crimson eyes sharp despite the faint exhaustion clinging to her expression. The succubus' energy pulsed subtly with her breathing, stable, refined. No waste, no excess.
Efficient.
"That student," she continued, uncrossing her legs. "The one from 7A. How long?"
"Months," I answered without hesitation. "Crippled legs, chaos energy will make healing slow and inconsistent. He won't be allowed in classes, let alone a tournament."
Her lips curved upward.
"And the other?"
"Fever and lethargy, and just in case anyone gets suspicious, I planted a diversion. I'll erase it myself when it's proved not needed. The first two effects will make him miss the registration window on his own."
A soft exhale left her nose, amusement, not relief.
"Clean," she said. "You could even give my House's spies a run for their money."
Kevin was the only variable.
I didn't mention him immediately.
Evelina noticed.
"And the third?" she asked, eyes narrowing slightly. "You didn't seem particularly concerned."
"Kevin Illinalta won't participate," I said.
"Voluntarily."
That got her attention.
She straightened, fingers pausing on the choker. "Explain."
"He was being… attacked by other students," I replied evenly. "I helped him and told him to drop out of the tournament willingly."
"How can you be so sure he will comply?" she asked.
"He called me master before in class, remember?" I said without pause. "That wasn't just a joke."
Her gaze lingered on me longer this time.
"…Well, I'd say you get perfect marks for this task."
A quiet chuckle escaped her. "But... no reward for you yet."
She leaned closer, the remaining traces of magic around her finally settling as she finished her preparation.
Close enough that I could feel the residual heat from her body, forcing me to lean back slightly, the refined pressure of her aura pressing down on me without intent, simply by proximity.
It wasn't overpowering, and it shouldn't even affect me, but with magic being a product of the mind's logic...
The fact that the aura came from Evelina made me naturally weak to it, and it didn't help that it was succubi in nature.
"For tomorrow, you'll stay where I can see you."
Her fingers lifted my chin, forcing my eyes up to meet hers.
But she didn't really need to; I was already locked onto it.
"If things go wrong," she continued, unblinking, "you will act without hesitation and without waiting for orders."
"That's when you'll finally get your reward, got it~?"
My pulse quickened.
"Yes..."