Shadow Author

The two of us were left alone in the room as it now seemed like a reoccurring thing.

"Well, that went better than expected."

Satisfied with the result and not having to do anything extra to guarantee my innocence I was happy.

"For you."

Charlotte seemed to still be upset about it. I couldn't blame her but legally we were in the clear. The problem was the other students we have to be cautious of.

"Don't lie, this isn't the worst possible result for you either."

"…"

"So, what now?"

"Shouldn't I be the one asking you?"

"Hmm, well with your reputation at pit bottom, unsure of your relationship with Elijah, — not to mention that you despise him — and the fact that I can speed up your efforts by months if not years, I'd say you're in the palm of my hand."

"Fuck you."

"We just went through a situation revolving around that maybe we should wait."

I smiled at her and I could tell she was thinking of hundreds of scenarios of ways to kill me in her head.

"What do you want?"

"I'm glad you asked because there are three conditions I have, if you agree to them I'll give you what you want."

"Fine, if they are within my capabilities I'll make sure they are fulfilled."

"Great, number one I want the Black Wild Lands."

"How do you know that not even all the members of the Shadows know about it."

Charlotte was more surprised than she was letting on. Barely anyone at all knew about the Black Wild Lands and everyone who did wouldn't or rather couldn't reveal it.

"I told you already, I know everything there is to know about you."

I could visibly see her shudder.

"Stalker."

"I am not a stalker!"

I surprised myself with my reaction. Being called a stalker was more than just an insult… it felt disrespectful on a fundamental level. I created Charlotte from the depths of my imagination. Every character, including her, is precious to me in their own way. To be called a lowly stalker hurts.

"Hmm? Then don't go around saying creepy stalker-like things. Anyways if you aren't a stalker then why do you know everything about me?"

"I—"

"Wait, don't tell me… you fell in love with me?"

My jaw dropped

"N—"

"Now I get it! It makes so much sense! Everything from you falling on me, trying to feel me up, and knowing about my background."

"Listen—"

"Look I'm sorry to break your bubble but I don't date stalkers."

Now I was getting angry.

"I am not a stalker!"

This time I screamed it as I had to get my point across.

Thankfully Charlotte relented.

"Okay, okay, you aren't a stalker, but you do love me."

"No, I don't love you either!"

Red.

'Shit, shit, shit!'

"Oh my god, you didn't dispel the lie detection spell yet?"

'Fuck me!'

I felt like dying, if I got struck down by lightning I wouldn't even be angry.

I quickly circulated the mana within my body to cancel out the effects of Mr. Griffin's spell. Since he was long gone and stopped supplying it with mana it was more than easy to break.

Before I could attempt to explain myself Charlotte went on another rant.

"I was just joking before but it's really true, you do love me! How does that even happen? Isn't this our first time interacting? You have to be a stalker but wait you never turned red when you denied it. That means you truly aren't a stalker but then how did you develop feelings for me? Is it my looks? I know I'm above average but I didn't know I could make someone fall in love with me just by existing."

As Charlotte began talking to herself aloud I felt a deep headache coming.

I felt like cursing out Mr. Griffin and his stupid lie-detection spell. More than anything I was upset at myself for not realizing the spell was still active. This reminded me that I was still unfamiliar with the world I was sent to.

While Charlotte continued on with more theories I was still beating myself up.

'I don't romantically love Charlotte, it's just love for my creation, that's all. The easiest way to explain it is like the love one has for a pet. Yeah, that's right. Just because one loves their pet doesn't mean they want to make out with it. Although if it's Charlotte—'

'Shit stupid teenage hormones influencing my thoughts!'

'But she did feel really soft and her 38B bra—'

Shaking my head I cleared my mind of all impure thoughts.

"You are misunderstanding!"

"I'm misunderstanding? You are the one who practically confessed your love for me! Don't even try to deny it, we both saw your body light up."

I had absolutely no way of retorting and I couldn't exactly say that she is some fictional made-up character.

"Listen, will you give me the Black Wild Lands or not."

"I'll have to ask my father I can't give it to you but I should be able to make it happen. What are the other two conditions?"

"I want at least tier 4 immunity from the Shadows. Never order or accept a hit on me, don't search for me, don't follow me, I want to be left alone."

"Tier 4 is too high, tier 3 is the best I can do."

"Deal."

In all honesty, I was expected to get tier 2 immunity so I was happy with the outcome.

"What's the final condition?"

"You."

Charlotte's face immediately went bright red and she began to stutter.

"M-Me?"

"Yes, with everything that happened it is actually perfect. You despise Elijah, Elijah despises me, everyone already thinks there is something between us, and I need time so—"

"I won't sleep with you!"

"Huh?"

'What is this girl going on about? When did I ever say I wanted to sleep with her?'

"We both know I have to complete this mission even though it might take years. I can still do it without you. So don't think I'll roll over and let you use me."

"Huh?"

'This is getting even more confusing, what is she on about?'

"Kissing and touch if required is as far as I will go but I won't sell myself off, I have my own pride."

Her voice trailed off towards the end, her face was extremely red, and she couldn't even look me in the eyes.

'I am not following at all, since when did the conversation turn to this?'

"Charlotte?"

She waited a minute before mumbling.

"…Yes?"

"What are you talking about?"

"What do you mean? You just said that you wanted me."

'Ohh, now I understand.'

I paused as I had to think this through.

'What I wanted was for Charlotte to serve as a deterrent for a limited amount of time. I need time to distribute all the SP I accumulated and get used to my abilities. Not to mention everything else I had yet to learn about the world. After all, I didn't even know how to disperse Mr. Griffin's spell. Plus with Charlotte being around I wouldn't have anyone bother me since she is ranked three. Finally, I need her to get Elijah off my back. This message he sent is still giving me bad vibes.'

As I thought about all these situations I just added another step and in theory, it didn't change much. Having Charlotte be a fake girlfriend would do everything I already needed and it might even bring in even more benefits.

Giving Charlotte my brightest smile I corrected myself.

"You're right, Charlotte, would you do me the honors of being my fake girlfriend?"

After hearing me the only thought that went through Charlotte's mind was, 'fake.'

"I will agree to all conditions so long as you keep up your end of the deal, what is Elijah's weakness?"

I smiled.

"Me."