扒开女人两片毛茸茸黑森林

Still nestled in her father's embrace, Sylvana looked up at Envy with eyes wide with curiosity and hope. The notion of finding a place where she truly belonged seemed to kindle a mixture of excitement and optimism within her.

Daniel's expression held a mixture of gratitude and contemplation as he regarded Envy. "Ms. Envy, can you provide me with the details?" he asked, his tone earnest.

"Of course, but not here. I'll explain in the car," Envy responded, her voice gentle yet determined. With a nod, she led the father and daughter pair towards the waiting car.

With Envy seated near him in the front passenger seat and Sylvana comfortably settled in the back, Daniel navigated the car out of the kindergarten's vicinity. As they left behind the cheerful atmosphere of parents and children, the city's vibrant pulse shifted to the backdrop of towering high-rises that defined the bustling business district.

The streets grew busier, flanked by impressive skyscrapers that served as the epicenter of financial institutions, top corporations, and the pulse of commerce. The glass exteriors of these towering structures reflected the sunlight, creating a captivating spectacle of urban magnificence.

Amidst this urban splendor, Daniel's curiosity led him to glance at Envy. "Ms. Envy, could you enlighten me about the details of the school?"

"Of course," Envy replied, her tone composed. "Have you heard of where the children of mage clans typically receive their education?"

Daniel pondered the question. "I assume they study at the Hightower?"

Envy nodded slightly. "You're partially correct. The Hightower is indeed where they often continue their studies. However, that's after they've completed their mage primary education. Consider the Hightower more like a highly esteemed university. If one aspires to hold positions of power within the Hightower, such as Councilor or High Councilor, attending the institution becomes crucial."

Daniel absorbed this information before prompting her to continue. "And what about young individuals like Sylvana? Where do they study?"

Envy's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "Those from wealthy families with a distinguished legacy within their clans, like the Stenmark clan, often receive private tutoring at home. However, for many others, there are mage primary schools. These institutions cover various subjects, including the basics of magic as well as subjects that are common among the general populace."

Daniel's eyebrows arched in intrigue. "But with the inclusion of both magical and common subjects, isn't that quite a load for young students? I recall needing extra tutoring as a child just to keep up with my studies."

Envy shook her head gently. "Not quite. The mage primary schools don't delve deeply into subjects that are commonly taught. Except for history, they offer only a cursory glance at topics familiar to the general population. The focus, especially in higher mage education such as the Hightower, is on matters of magic. 

This leaves them less acquainted with mundane subjects. For instance, most mages might not even know how to operate a mobile phone, preferring magical means of communication. That's why your idea of blending magical and mundane technology was uniquely innovative. For most mages, the concept would be as inconceivable as fish taking to the skies."

Daniel's voice carried a hint of mockery as he continued, "So… Does this mean… they'll teach Sylvana magic? I don't think so. I've heard that the ritual for mages to use magic is very risky. And the mage mindset is considered good only when looked at from the perspective of a psycho."

Envy raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his tone. "Let me guess, you heard this from Wrath or Greed?"

Daniel nodded. "Koyuki mentioned that most mages are considered 'psychos.'"

Envy's response was candid. "That's accurate, and I won't deny it. However, that perspective applies more to the mages from the Path of Knowledge Faction. They tend to view ordinary people as mere resources to exploit. But in my faction, things are different. We see them as individuals."

Daniel's skepticism lingered as he retorted, "So you're suggesting that you and your faction are somehow better?"

"No," Envy replied plainly. "I'm a mage myself. If a war erupted between ordinary people and mages, I'd still prioritize mages' lives over ordinary people's. But under most circumstances, I value the lives of ordinary people as well."

Daniel's sarcasm dripped into his next words. "Well, thank you for not lying straight to my face."

Envy's smile remained serene in the face of his tone. "You're welcome," she responded calmly, her demeanor resolute. It seemed as if Daniel's sarcasm slid off her like water off a duck's back, leaving her composed and unperturbed.

Innocence interjected as Sylvana's voice cut through the tension. "Papa... Aunt Envy... are you arguing?"

Daniel's efforts to explain were outpaced by Envy's response as she turned towards Sylvana. "No, my dear. We're just discussing where we will let you study," she answered, her smile tender and reassuring.

As the car glided through the city streets, the atmosphere within remained layered with unspoken emotions. The presence of Sylvana in the back seat provided a sense of solace, yet the subtle tension between Daniel and Envy persisted, a shadow that seemed to accompany them on their journey. Beyond the car's windows, the city's lively rhythm pressed on, the symphony of urban life unaffected by the complexities within the vehicle.

The drive continued until the car eventually veered towards the dock area, a hidden gateway to Daniel's secret base. The surroundings transformed, the bustling cityscape giving way to a more secluded and discreet locale. The car slipped into the entrance, and as the doors closed behind them, a newfound sense of privacy settled over the trio.

As they arrived at Daniel's hidden home, the car came to a halt. The city's hustle and bustle had faded, replaced by a tranquil calm that seemed to envelop the space. The doors opened, and the trio emerged, stepping into the embrace of the base's secrecy.

—

Amidst the controlled chaos of Astral Tech Corporation, a hive of industry and innovation under Daniel's stewardship, Greed found herself submerged in a sea of work. Papers and reports sprawled across her desk like the skyline of a bustling city, each document representing a thread in the intricate tapestry of responsibilities that came with her temporary stay in Sector Alpha City. With determination, she sifted through the papers, intent on clearing her desk before her upcoming trip back to America.

A gentle knock on her office door drew her attention from the reports. Raising her eyes, she met the steady gaze of Maria, the enigmatic secretary known for her efficiency and hidden vampiric nature.

"Excuse the intrusion, Ms. Greed," Maria began with a poised nod. "However, we have Japanese guests in the lobby. They've expressed a desire to meet Mr. Emberweave urgently."

Greed's brow furrowed, her thoughts momentarily detaching from her tasks. "Japanese guests? Did they provide their names?"

Maria's demeanor retained its enigmatic charm as she replied, "One of them introduced himself as Takayuki Matsudaira."

Recognition sparked within Greed's eyes. She remembered the name from their encounter in Hong Kong, where he had attempted to persuade Koyuki to visit Japan to meet her mother. Curiosity flared anew. "Understood. Thank you, Maria. Please inform them that I will meet with Mr. Matsudaira."

A subtle smile touched Maria's lips as she nodded. "Of course, Ms. Greed. I'll convey your message."

Just as Maria turned to depart, Greed's voice halted her. "Maria, please ask them to wait briefly. I'll be joining them shortly."

Maria offered another nod before stepping away, leaving Greed alone in her workspace once more. With a temporary respite from her paperwork, Greed rose from her seat, her thoughts straying between her current responsibilities and the intriguing circumstances that had brought Takayuki Matsudaira back into her orbit.

As the clock approached 6 PM, Astral Tech Corporation underwent a subtle transformation. The once bustling workspace transitioned into a tranquil setting as employees wrapped up their day's work. Greed emerged from her office, blending seamlessly with the departing staff. Among those with authority, her presence was recognized, symbolizing prosperity and power. As the owner of the Golden Empire Group, her influence reached beyond Astral Tech.

In this departure, higher-ups exchanged nods of acknowledgment, honoring her connection to Daniel, the company's leader and her lover. Her elegance reflected her status, embodying past achievements and future potential. Amid the fading workday sounds, Greed's journey led her to the lobby.

There, she encountered Takayuki Matsudaira, a name she remembered from Hong Kong. His presence linked their shared history, and his visit held a new enigma.

"Takayuki Matsudaira, if I remember correctly," Greed greeted, her tone poised yet inquisitive.

Takayuki met her gaze with a polite smile, bowing in the traditional Japanese manner. His demeanor exuded an air of bushido, the noble qualities that marked an individual from an elite family. 

"Indeed, Ms. Greed. It's an honor to meet you again," he said in English, his words carrying a heavy Japanese accent.