Cassian was still in shock, even ten minutes after learning he'd become a rich man, his mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. The realization that he'd earned such a fortune in such a short time made him wonder just how wealthy his colleagues, who had been working here for years, might be. Setting that thought aside, his mind drifted to Cassandra, who had played a significant role in the mission by helping the children escape from the academy's testing grounds.
Curious about her share, he asked, "Did Detective Cassandra also receive a reward?"
"Yeah, but not as much as you," Sher replied, stretching slightly, her mood noticeably lighter. "Those noble parents didn't give her much, but the city compensated her. I can't tell you the exact amount, but it's enough. Combined with what she's earned over the past few months, she could probably fund a small army of a thousand lower-circle warriors like you on her own."
Sher seemed surprisingly chatty, sharing more than she normally would. Realizing this herself, she just chuckled inwardly, not minding it. After all, she was feeling unusually relaxed—thanks to Cassian's magical hands—and found herself wanting to grow closer to him.
She found herself searching for a reason to stay connected to Cassian—something he might want, something she could offer without much sacrifice. But that was proving difficult since she didn't know him well enough.
What she did know, however, was that her desire for his massages was growing with every passing minute. It wasn't just the subtle healing effect—it was profoundly relaxing, unlike anything she'd ever experienced. Her body grew so at ease that she nearly drifted off, her expression blissful and serene.
She was only snapped out of it when Cassian's fingers pressed firmly along her spine, sending a shiver through her. Instinctively, her back arched, her chest pushing forward, and the sudden stretch caused the upper part of her uniform near her hip to shift slightly, revealing a bit more skin than usual. She didn't care. In fact, she barely registered it, lost in the soothing haze his touch created.
Cassian couldn't help but get slightly distracted when he caught a fleeting glimpse of Sher's cleavage, subtly framed by the way she had arched her back. He didn't have any particular feelings for her, but he had to admit—a good view was a good view. With a playful smile, he tried to shift his focus back, asking, "So, are all Circle Warriors this rich, or is it just a lucky few?" His eyes, however, couldn't resist stealing quick glances at the faint line where her uniform pressed snugly against her chest, revealing just the slightest hint of her curves.
Sher's attire was official and stern, designed to project authority rather than highlight her femininity. Yet, despite her age, Cassian couldn't deny her attractiveness. The fine lines around her eyes and her gray hair did little to dull the natural beauty of her face—her fair skin had a soft, white peach-like glow, smooth and slightly flushed. Her tall, well-maintained figure carried itself with strength, and though her uniform concealed most of her physique, up close, it was clear she had kept herself in excellent shape. Her proportions were balanced enough that her assets didn't seem overly prominent unless viewed from certain angles—which Cassian was now unintentionally appreciating.
As Cassian continued massaging her waist, he subtly observed her from different angles. Her waist was just slightly wider than the span of his outstretched hand—slim and well-defined. Moving down to her hips, he noted how they flared gracefully, wide enough that even with both his hands fully spread, he couldn't cover one side completely.
"Yeah, most of us who aren't rich or don't get rich, really don't survive long in our field," Commandant Sher remarked, her voice breaking the quiet. She lazily opened her eyes, only to catch Cassian's gaze lingering on her body. Following the direction of his stare, she glanced down and noticed that one of her buttons had come undone, revealing a small glimpse of her cleavage.
Instead of feeling embarrassed, Sher's first reaction was mild amusement, a sly smile tugging at the corner of her lips. But then, a spark of realization crossed her mind—an idea forming that could ensure Cassian would continue giving her these wonderfully relaxing massages. The realization softened her expression, her eyes gleaming with quiet intent.
"That aside, I was thinking you wouldn't mind massaging my front too?" Sher said casually, her tone light but with a hint of teasing. Cassian glanced away from her chest, finding the request a bit unexpected, but he nodded. "I don't mind. How about a full-body massage, though? But that might cost you two dinners," he replied with a grin, moving his hands to gently massage the front of her neck and shoulders.
Sher leaned back into the chair, relaxing further as his skilled fingers worked their magic. With an almost deliberate casualness, she unbuttoned another button on her shirt, subtly pushing her chest forward. Catching Cassian's quick, fleeting glance toward her now more exposed cleavage, she smiled knowingly.
"Well, dinners seem like a pretty low price for your magic hands," she teased softly. "But if you're fine with that, how about I treat you to all three meals a day—just to get you to massage me daily?"
"Fine with me," Cassian replied, his voice steady despite the distraction. His eyes caught more of her exposed skin—just a teasing hint of a gray, lacy undergarment peeking through. The soft contrast of her pale, reddish-white skin, almost regal in its allure, stirred something within him. It wasn't just her figure; there was an undeniable charm in her composed, commanding face, the kind that could effortlessly sway others without a word.
"Just say the word whenever you need another one," he added with a faint smirk, focusing intently on her shoulders. His hands itched to drift lower, tempted by the inviting view, but he held back, unsure if her casual exposure was intentional, if she simply didn't care, or if she hadn't noticed at all.