The nature of my arrangement with Lady Mei was still a mystery—the memories of my former life becoming hazier and hazier by the day—though I'd grown to accept the reality of my new life. The ever-smiling Hakutaku certainly wasn't my mother, even if Mei's figure bordered on the obscenely maternal. Her estate—my estate—was situated in the mountains far from human civilization, and for good reason. My studies, at the behest of my beguiling 'advisor', bordered on heretical; strange, exciting magics danced at my fingertips. Mei catered to every whim and fancy, discussing the merits of certain dark arts and serving her general purpose as my caretaker and mentor. My life had become dedicated to a single purpose: to become stronger.
"Young master," Mei's soft-spoken voice called me back to the present. "I believe we should have some tea." Though she wore a smile, there was something in her tone that made me think that this was not a request, but rather a soft spoken command.
She was right. I'd been lost in thought, putting forth very little effort into my occult research. A sense of hopelessness had set upon me, but there was no time for melancholy..
I sighed.
"Very well, my lady."
We walked to the kitchen, a quaint little space compared to the vastness of Mei's libraries, where the busty bovine poured us each a cup of tea; Mei's soft gaze, like molten gold, stirred behind half-moon spectacles. The peculiar Hakutaku handed me my teacup before taking her seat. We sipped our tea in silence for a moment before Mei spoke again. "How are you feeling? Forgive me if I've interrupted your studies, young master, but I'd like to discuss something with you."
"An that would be?" Mei enjoyed cryptic discourse and vague innuendos, ever the duplicitous teacher. She set her cup down, leaning forward as to imitate intimacy; a dark velvet clad hand rapping along the table's perimeter, "I'm sure you know what I mean."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "Not quite, but speak plainly." These days, my temper was short—hot and vengeful—as I delved deeper and deeper into the dark arts; much to Mei's amusement. She was insistent that I continue to entertain the malevolent energies of chaos sorcery, despite my adolescence and its potential corruption.
"Your mana pool is growing at an alarming rate, young master." Every word was laced with an odd mix of concern and subdued excitement.
My own face grew hot with embarrassment. I'd been trying to hide it from Mei, but the truth was that I couldn't control my powers in spite her diligent tutelage. I'd been unable to increase my mana pool for months, and now it seemed to be growing by leaps and bounds. Control eluded me, yet my sudden burst of potential only seemed to excite the scheming Hakutaku.
I cleared my throat between sips, the tea growing cold. "That's... good, I suppose."
"Indeed. You're quite fortunate, young master. And I can help you harness those powers further. In fact, I believe I can make you even stronger."
I blinked, taken aback. "Stronger? What use is strength without temperance?"
Mei sipped her tea, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Temperance is a virtue, but it is not always a necessity. Strength is a tool, but it is not the only one. There are many paths to power, and many ways to achieve your goals."
I frowned. "But I'm just a boy, I don't know how to—"
"Don't be so humble, young master. In our months together you have learned so much. You are a glutton for knowledge; you only need to be fed." With a slow motion, Mei peeled away one of her velvet gloves, exposing manicured digits, "What do you know of my species, young master?"
Was this a quiz? Mei's subtle questions often birthed greater inquiries. "Of the Hakutaku? You are excellent teachers; that much is obvious."
"What else?" She was clearly leading me to a certain conclusion, like a sheepdog nipping at the heels of its flock.
"Your kind can transmit knowledge through touch." Though it seemed like common knowledge, it wasn't until that moment that I realized Mei had yet to actually touch me; I blushed.
Mei grinned, "How adorable. Yes, perhaps it's time I teach you something about our kind. Touch me, young master."
I didn't need to be asked twice. I reached out, placing my hand on Mei's knee. The warm flesh felt silky smooth, and I could feel her pulse beneath my palm. Her body was softer than I imagined, almost pillowy. A sudden rush of heat coursed through my veins, and I could feel my blood pumping faster, my heart beating quicker. I gasped softly, feeling a strange warmth spread across my chest. My fingers tingled, and I pulled them back as if burned.
"What a powerful boy you are," Her bare hand moved to me cheek, immediately flooding my immature mind with a blast of lascivious information. I tried to pull away, but Mei's firm grip held me fast. "You're such a naughty boy, touching a woman's leg like that. Don't worry, I'll make you forget all about it soon enough."
The words were foreign, a torrent of lewd imagery and perverse images. I struggled against the overpowering sensation, but I was helpless to resist. As the memories flooded my mind, I began to understand—this was Mei's true method of teaching. While it was a method that I was far too inexperienced to fully comprehend, my body was o' so eager.