"I don't really want to join your group," Kael said flatly.
Cynthia leaned back, not fazed. "You know for the trip to the Elowen Forest, you're going to need to be in a group."
Kael didn't answer.
She continued, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt. "And don't tell me you were planning to join one of those backwater nobodies. You're ranked, Kael. Don't lower yourself."
He exhaled slowly.
Truth was… she wasn't wrong.
But still…
He glanced at her again. Cynthia Elarquist wasn't just some flirt with status she was powerful, close with Jin, and knew how to keep her image in check despite her occasional teasing. She was also tied to the main character in the book.
If I stick close to her… I can find out more about Jin. Maybe even copy more of her skills.
Besides, she's not weak. Not by a long shot.
He made a face, pretending to wrestle with the decision longer than he actually needed to. Finally, after a dramatic sigh, he muttered, "Fine."
Cynthia grinned like she'd already known his answer.
"You won't regret it," she said confidently, turning on her heel toward the door.
But then she paused, glanced over her shoulder and leaned in.
Before Kael could react, she aimed for a kiss on the cheek.
His hand came up and gently pushed her face aside.
She blinked, a little surprised, then smirked and whispered, "One of these days, I'll land that kiss."
With that, she walked off, her steps slow and teasingly seductive, like she knew all eyes were always on her.
Kael closed the door and leaned back against it with a sigh.
That kiss would've made me more inclined to listen to her…
Good thing I have the copy ability.
He smirked to himself, the gears in his mind already turning.