The next morning came too early, but Hiroto was already in the forest clearing, sword in hand.
Sylvara stood across from him, blade drawn, expression focused and unyielding.
"Today we test more than your sword arm. We test your will. Use Commanding Presence. Make me feel it."
Alyra lounged on a fallen log nearby, watching with a mischievous grin.
"Go on, handsome. Try to boss the mighty knight around. I'll be taking notes… and judging."
Hiroto took a deep breath and focused. He stepped forward and spoke, trying to put real authority into his voice.
"Sylvara. Attack me. But hold back just enough that I can block it properly."
Nothing happened.
Sylvara attacked at her normal speed. The strike was fast and powerful. Hiroto barely managed to parry, stumbling back from the force.
…Shit. It did nothing.
Alyra laughed softly.
"Wow. That was… impressive. She didn't even slow down."
Hiroto's face burned. He tried again, voice a little louder this time.
"Sylvara. Lower your stance when you swing. Give me a clearer opening."
Sylvara attacked again. This time she hesitated for half a second… then continued normally. The adjustment was so tiny it was almost unnoticeable.
Hiroto blocked, but the impact still rattled his arms.
Okay… maybe a tiny bit. But it's pathetic.
The System chimed, clearly enjoying itself.
[Commanding Presence – Basic Effect Active.
Current success rate: Approximately 12%.
Congratulations. You made the knight almost think about listening. Truly legendary.]
Hiroto muttered through gritted teeth.
"You're really not helping."
He decided to push further, mixing in something riskier.
"Alyra. Stay exactly where you are for ten seconds. Don't move."
Alyra took one playful step forward… then stopped, tilting her head.
"Hmm… I felt something. Like a little voice saying 'maybe I should listen.' But it was cute, so I ignored it." She grinned. "Try harder next time."
Frustrated but determined, Hiroto turned back to Sylvara.
"Sylvara… come closer. Stand right in front of me."
This time there was a visible effect.
Sylvara took two steps forward before catching herself. She stopped just inches away from him, so close that Hiroto could feel the heat radiating from her body, smell the faint scent of sweat and steel, and see the clear, heavy outline of her bulge straining against her training pants.
Her breathing was slightly heavier than usual.
"…Interesting," she murmured, voice low and husky. Her eyes darkened as she looked down at him. "I actually wanted to obey for a moment. You're getting bolder."
She didn't step back immediately. Instead, she leaned in just a fraction closer, her chest almost brushing his. Hiroto could feel the warmth of her body and the subtle throb of her bulge so near to him.
Alyra's tail flicked sharply, her golden eyes narrowing with clear jealousy.
"Oh? Now we're talking. If you're going to command someone to come that close… maybe you should try it on me next."
Hiroto's heart hammered. The closeness, the heat, the way Sylvara was looking at him — it was overwhelming. He swallowed hard, face burning, but forced himself to meet her eyes.
"I… I think that's enough for now," he said, voice hoarse but steadier than before. "I'm not ready to push any further today. But I will be. Soon."
Sylvara's lips curved into a faint, predatory smile. She finally took one step back, but her gaze lingered on him a moment longer.
"Good. At least you're learning when to stop… and when to promise more. Keep training. The next time you command me to come closer, I might not stop so easily."
Alyra stood up, stretching lazily but with clear competitive fire in her eyes.
"Agreed. But if you ever want to practice 'Commanding Presence' on me in private… my door is always open. And I promise I'll make it much more interesting than just standing still."
Hiroto let out a shaky breath as both women looked at him — Sylvara calm and dangerously measuring, Alyra playful and hungry.
This is going to be a lot harder than I thought…
But for the first time… it also feels possible.
The System chimed one last time, tone dripping with amusement.
[First attempts mostly failed. How surprising.
Commanding Presence has grown slightly from use.
Keep going, little lord. At this rate you might actually make one of them blush before they make you beg.]