Chapter 155: Wobbling Against the Chair, but the Young Lady is Right in Front of Me (1)
Shia began his 'serious' PUA routine. His tone was so sincere and convincing that even Lilith felt a twinge of hesitation.
However, a small voice in her head kept tugging at her, preventing her from agreeing outright.
"But I love you so much, and of course, I'll respect your choices," Shia said with a warm, selfless smile. "If you're unwilling, then let's pretend I never said anything today."
With that, Shia generously handed her the power to decide.
This calculated moment of leniency was expertly designed to make Lilith believe she was in control—a masterful exploitation of human psychology.
Yet his apparent readiness to withdraw only made Lilith waver further.
'He's already sacrificed so much, willingly reduced himself to my tool, and even handed me the right to choose.'
Didn't she want a harem of beautiful girls? Of course, she did.
Ultimately, the one who stood to gain was herself. Shia had proposed this plan purely out of his love for her. There was no benefit to him, only the pain of watching her grow closer to others.
'If he can endure so much pain for me, can't I make a small compromise for our shared goals?'
Lilith gritted her teeth and made her decision. Her gaze toward Shia became firm.
"Alright, let's do it your way."
Her earlier doubts had completely melted away. After all, if Shia had ulterior motives, why would he leave the choice up to her? Surely he'd use every trick to force her to comply.
'This is my decision, not his manipulation.'
The difference between voluntary and forced participation was monumental.
Shia's lips curved into a soft smile. He reached out and gently patted Lilith's head.
"Don't worry, I'll help you achieve everything you desire."
The gesture felt like petting a well-trained dog.
Although it appeared he'd relinquished control, in reality, he'd cornered her into truly having no choice.
Lilith looked up at him, her face glowing with a serene smile. She could already envision the blissful future that awaited her.
Now was the time to work for it!
---
Shia pulled out a collar and gently fastened it around her neck with the utmost tenderness.
'The training began!'
His affectionate gesture made Lilith feel even more loved. The collar, a symbol of submission, seemed to amplify the illusion of Shia's deep love for her.
Despite having her dignity thoroughly trampled, Lilith found herself grateful for his efforts, her heart brimming with hope for the wonderful future they'd share.
"To be a good dog, the most important thing is the barking," Shia said with a sly grin, his tone coaxing like a wolf luring Little Red Riding Hood. "It has to sound realistic, but with your own unique flair. Got it?"
Lilith tilted her head in confusion but nodded nonetheless. She didn't fully understand, but it didn't matter. Her "master" was there to guide her.
"Let's give it a try."
"Woof, woof."
"No, no, make it softer."
"Woof~ woof~"
"Perfect. What a good girl."
Shia reached out, scratching under Lilith's chin. Her obedient, joyful demeanor made him increasingly satisfied.
But he wasn't finished yet.
"A good dog loves being close to its master. You need to respond appropriately when I touch you."
The chin scratching was oddly pleasurable. Hearing Shia's advice, Lilith immediately understood. She swayed her hips slightly, her imaginary tail wagging happily behind her, her eyes half-closed in bliss.
"Yes, just like that."
"Master loves obedient dogs the most."
"Now, give me your paw."
Shia extended his hand toward Lilith.
Lilith lifted her own hand, placing it in his palm, looking up with a radiant smile. Then, as if inspired, she opened her red lips, stuck out her small tongue, and panted lightly like a dog.
Her ability to improvise impressed Shia greatly. 'What a quick learner!'
His satisfaction only grew. 'Truly twisted—she's perfect.'
He could already picture a future where he coaxed her into even more compromising situations, her naivety ensuring her full cooperation.
"Good girl!"
Shia ruffled Lilith's hair vigorously, like petting a loyal golden retriever. His face lit up with genuine delight.
Lilith, too, beamed with joy. Her mind was full of visions of herself surrounded by gorgeous girls in their shared paradise.
"Lilith, you're truly a natural-born dog!" Shia exclaimed enthusiastically.
Lilith giggled, blissfully accepting her fiancé's "praise," completely oblivious to its underlying insult.
In the end, everyone got what they wanted.
Shia gained his obedient golden retriever and felt immense satisfaction. Lilith, meanwhile, was ecstatic, imagining her beautiful future as Shia's plans smoothly unfolded.
Her joy overflowed, and she decided a celebration was in order.
Reaching out, she grabbed Shia's hand.
"Why don't you come over to my place? I'll have Tia whip up some good dishes. She's a great cook, and it's been a while since you've had her food. Let's celebrate our progress!"
Shia readily agreed.
---
Back at home, Tia watched in shock as her young mistress returned with that detestable man.
Not only were they chatting and laughing together, but Lilith even instructed her to prepare a meal—Shia's favorites, no less.
Tia was baffled. 'What is happening?!'
Instinctively obeying, she got to work.
"If you ever want to visit, my home—no, 'our home'—will always be open to you!" Lilith declared enthusiastically.
Though she'd kicked Shia out before, this was no time to dwell on unpleasant details.
Her warmth deeply "moved" Shia.
"Lilith, you're so good to me!"
"Of course, I have to repay your kindness with the best I have."
Shia pulled out a bottle of his cherished "wine."
"This is something I've treasured for years. I never even drank it myself. Originally, I planned to gift it to the academy's dean, but now I'll share it with you!"
The bottle was simple and unadorned, filled with amber liquid.
In truth, it was a crude concoction Shia had brewed with the help of his female entourage, diluted with water and stored in a random glass bottle. The whole thing was an act.
But Lilith didn't know that. She assumed Shia's gift was as valuable as his feelings for her.
As childhood friends, she was well aware of his talents. Though he couldn't cultivate magic, his administrative skills were unmatched, and his brewing abilities were impressive.
His "precious" gift made her eyes sparkle.
All she'd done was prepare a meal and invite him over, yet she'd been rewarded with something so meaningful.
'He truly loves me!'
Lilith was overwhelmed with gratitude.
Meanwhile, across the room, Tia stared in disbelief at the shabby bottle. Her mistress's radiant, teary-eyed expression made her want to scream.
'Mistress, he's lying! This man is a wolf in sheep's clothing!'
In Tia's mind, this wasn't a heartwarming dinner—it was a dangerous hunting ground.
Shia was the big bad wolf, jaws wide open, waiting to devour his prey.
And her naïve, innocent young mistress? The oblivious little white rabbit hopping straight into the trap.
At the dining table, Tia wanted to say something, anything, to warn her mistress.
But in this setting, she was just a maid serving the meal.