The ‘Hero’ on the Basketball Court and the Noblewoman’s Renewed Entanglement

Since the soccer match, Giovanni's name had become a sensation at school. Not only did girls gaze at him with admiration, but even the boys started vying to recruit him into various sports clubs. This time, it was Luca, the basketball team captain, who approached him.

"Giovanni, I hear you've been on fire lately," Luca said, clapping him on the shoulder. "How about trying out for basketball? We've got a big interschool game next week, and we're short a shooting guard."

Giovanni hesitated, but seeing Arethia nod approvingly from within the ring, he agreed. "Alright, but I might not be much help."

Yet when he stepped onto the court for the first time, everyone was stunned. His speed, leaping ability, and pinpoint shooting were flawless. Even the usually arrogant seniors couldn't help but applaud.

"What kind of monster is this guy?" a teammate muttered. "He used to be a total washout—now he's an all-rounder!"

Sophia and Isabella watched from the stands, their expressions layered with complexity. Sophia frowned slightly. "It seems his potential goes far beyond what we imagined."

Isabella pursed her lips. "Either way, we can't let him slip out of our grasp."

With his basketball triumph, Giovanni's "star effect" soared to new heights. After school each day, a swarm of girls surrounded him, passing notes, offering gifts, and even boldly asking him out.

"Master, these mortals are insufferable," Arethia grumbled through the ring. "What gives them the right to cling to you like this? Don't they know you already have me?"

Giovanni gave a wry laugh. "Arethia, stop it—they're just classmates, and I haven't agreed to anything."

Arethia huffed. "Hmph, these girls are obviously drawn to your 'aura.' Without the ring's power, would they even give you a second glance?"

Though Arethia refrained from direct interference, her displeasure was palpable, and she began teasing Giovanni with a sarcastic edge.

"Master, look at that girl in the pink skirt—her eyes are practically devouring you!" Arethia's voice dripped with mockery. "Should I tell her you've already got a perfect elf companion?"

Giovanni shook his head helplessly. "Don't joke around, Arethia. You know we can't reveal your existence."

At that moment, a bold girl strode up to him, handing him a handwritten card. "Giovanni, here's my number. If you're free, let's grab coffee sometime!" she said with a grin.

The crowd erupted in whispers, while Arethia rolled her eyes inside the ring. "Master, this one's way too forward! Want me to teach her some manners?"

Giovanni waved his hands frantically. "No way! You promised not to meddle, right?"

Arethia let out a mock-huffy snort. "Fine, since Master says so, I'll let her off for now. But if she dares take another step closer, don't blame me for losing my temper!"

Despite Giovanni's efforts to steer clear of trouble, fate had other plans. A few days later, he received another text from Elena: "Dear Giovanni, it was such a shame you left so abruptly last time. I'm hosting a small gathering at my place tonight—I'd be delighted if you'd join me. Address below."

Giovanni frowned, unease creeping in. "Arethia, should I go?"

"Absolutely not!" she shot back. "That woman's trouble—her motives are anything but straightforward."

But Sophia and Isabella appeared beside him, smiling. "Heard you're invited to Elena's party? We got invites too—why not go together?" Sophia said.

Giovanni blinked. "You know her?"

Sophia nodded. "She's one of the most influential women around here, with a web of connections that runs deep. If you don't want to raise suspicion, you'd better show up."

Reluctantly, Giovanni agreed, dragged along despite his misgivings.

That evening, he arrived at Elena's villa with Sophia and Isabella. The place glowed with light, guests mingling in clusters, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume.

Elena greeted them herself, clad in a stunning silver gown, her every move radiating mature allure. "Welcome, dear Giovanni," she said with a smile, extending her hand. "I'm so glad you could make it tonight."

Giovanni shook her hand politely, but the subtle brush of her fingers sent his pulse racing.

"Master, watch out!" Arethia's voice rang in his mind. "She's trying to bewitch you!"