Julian closed the shop window and leaned back in his seat as he savored the moment. Just then, Julia approached him with a playful smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Someone is hungry,” she teased, noticing the way he was eyeing the food spread across the banquet table.
Her presence was refreshing, and Julian couldn’t help but appreciate her light hearted banter. He chuckled and replied, “What can I say? A growing mage needs his strength.”
As they exchanged playful glances, he felt a growing curiosity about her and the possibility of getting to know her better during their time at the academy.
Julia leaned in closer, her playful smile still dancing on her lips. “So, who do you think would win if we fought?”
Julian raised an eyebrow as a teasing grin spread across his face. “Are you challenging me, Lady Julia? I might just surprise you.”
She laughed lightly with a glint of mischief in her eyes. “Oh, I’m curious! You seem confident for a new mage. But I’ve been training longer than you.”
Julian shrugged. “True, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Wouldn’t you like to find out?”
Julia leaned back considering his words. “Alright, maybe we should test our skills sometime. It could be fun!”
“Just remember,” Julian replied with a wink, “I always play to win. How about we play a little game?”
“What kind of game are we talking about?”. Julia raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet cautious.
Julian’s grin widened. “We exchange five moves, and whoever loses a move has to remove a piece of clothing.”
Julia’s eyes widened in shock, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. “Wait, are you serious?” she said, half-laughing, half-embarrassed. “You really think I would go along with that?”
Julian chuckled, his laughter ringing through the air. “Well, maybe I thought you were brave because of your lineage,” he teased, a playful grin on his face. “But if you are not up for a little fun, I guess I’ll just have to find someone else who is.”
Julia’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as she processed his words. “You can’t just throw that kind of challenge around!” she said.
But beneath her flustered demeanor, Julian could see a spark of curiosity flickering in her eyes.
“What if I actually accept? Are you sure you can handle the consequences?”
Julian leaned in closer, a glint of mischief in his gaze. “Oh, I’m more than ready. Just think of it as a little game to spice things up. Five moves, and if you lose, well… let’s just say it could get interesting.” He winked, relishing the tension that hung between them.
Julia crossed her arms. “You think you can just charm your way into this? What makes you so sure you can win?”
Julian chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Let’s just say I have a few tricks up my sleeve. But if you’re not up for the challenge, I understand. Not everyone can handle a little fun.”
Her competitive spirit ignited. “Fine! I’ll take you on. But don’t cry when you lose,” she shot back as a playful smirk formed on her lips.
“Cry? Not a chance. I plan to enjoy every moment,” Julian replied, his grin widening. “Ready to begin?”
“Let’s do it,” Julia said with determination shining in her eyes. “Just remember, you asked for this!”
Just then, Isabel strolled over, her curiosity piqued.
“What are you two getting heated about?” she asked, raising an eyebrow with a teasing smile.
Julian chuckled, glancing at Julia before responding, “Oh, we’re about to play a fun game. Just a little friendly competition, nothing to worry about.”
Isabel’s eyes sparkled with intrigue. “Fun, huh? Now I’m really curious. What kind of game is it?”
Julia was still slightly flustered but she maintained her composure and added, “It’s nothing too serious, just a little challenge between us.!”
Julian leaned in closer, his voice low and playful. “But I must warn you, it might get a bit… interesting. You might want to join in too, if you are up for it”
Isabel crossed her arms, a sly grin spreading across her face. “Count me in. I could use a good laugh.”
Julia looked at Isabel, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement. “Isabel, do you really want to join?” she asked, her voice teasing as she tilted her head slightly.
Isabel smirked. “Why not? Sounds like fun. Plus, I’m curious to see how you both handle the stakes,” she replied with a playful wink.
Julian leaned back, clearly enjoying the unfolding dynamics.
“Well, it looks like we have another challenger for this game. Just remember, if you lose, you might end up losing a piece of clothing,” he added with a mischievous grin.
Julia rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Great, now we will really see who is brave enough to play!”
Isabel’s eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly as she processed Julian’s words.
“Wait, what? Lose a piece of clothing?” she exclaimed, looking between him and Julia. “You two can’t be serious! That’s… that’s just ridiculous!”
Julia chuckled, her confidence shining through. “Oh, we’re very serious, Isabel. It’s just a bit of fun, right?”
Julian nodded, a smirk still playing on his lips. “Exactly. It’s just a game. Are you in or are you too scared?”
Isabel crossed her arms, showing annoyance but unable to hide her curiosity. “Scared? Hardly! But you’d better watch out, I might just be the one to come out on top!”
“Alright then, let’s see what you’ve got!” Julian said, his excitement visible.
Julian’s mind raced as he considered the possibilities of the game, weighing his options like a veteran strategist plotting a battle.
I am in pants and underwear, so I will loose twice and get fully naked, he thought as a wicked grin formed on his lips. Once I show them my weapon, who could possibly resist such monstrosity.
His confidence surged as he imagined the scenario playing out. If they each lose four times, they will also be completely naked and the rest, well God only know what will follow next. I really am a genius.
He glanced at Julia and Isabel, both looking eager and competitive. This should be fun, he said.
