Through Manipulation, Through Deceit.

Dennis sat in the living room, his legs elegantly crossed, and Cornelia by his side, as usual. He knew that 'they' executed the task successfully, but he didn't expect the Viscount to Come running with his tail In between his legs so quickly. As competent as always. He thought, as he raised his cup to his lips. "What is that scowl for, Viscount? You have already began to have wrinkles on your face, I am quite certain you wouldn't like to have more." Dennis began, with a smile, ignoring the Killing intent which Leaked out of the man. Well, he did have an even better skilled assassin by his side, afterall. "Damn brat.." The Viscount began, through gritted teeth. "I will admit, you have quite the skills up your sleeve." He said, while giving Dennis a menacing smile. It comes of no surprise to me- you always showed such a promising potential from a young age. But with the direction In which you are headed now, goodness knows.." He broke off mid sentence. "There is no need for you to worry much about my future, Visount." Dennis informed his guest, as he placed the cup on his hands down. "I have my own way of doing things." He admitted. "Indeed you do." Rodzev nodded in approval. "I wonder where you got such a skilled elite of assassins. They Mangaged to even take down by best knights." He commended, but it was one of disdain rather than approval. "But why did make me aware that you were the ones that sent them?" He inquired, looking intrigued. "That is another affair for some other day." Dennis stated, waving his hand impatiently. "Besides I deliberately wanted you to be aware that I was the one that sent them. I had the impression that it would Enable you to make a decision faster." He added, with a smile. "Besides, it's not like you didn't have to stoop down to such levels yourself, Viscount." Dennis stated. Rodzev immediately felt a chill down his spine. "How do you.." He began, but those blue unfathomable eyes just gazed at him deeply. "How I came to know about it is none of your business." Dennis told him, with a slight scoff. "Funny right? How we can just murder our own flesh and blood in order to achieve our goal." Dennis said, turning to Cornelia who was beside him, who nodded her head, as though what was occurring was written down on script. Rodzev was puzzled. Why was He asking such an insignificant character? He thought, as he gazed from the master to the maid, back to the master again. "Anyways, I wouldn't stoop down to that level, no matter how bad people believe that I may be." He quipped in. "Anyway, let's get down to business. Cornelia." He called, while snapping his fingers. "Yes, my lord." She said, as she presented the documents before the Count. "Go on. Take it." Dennis urged, when he saw that The Viscount stared at the documents with much suspicion. Rodzev accepted it, but with a rather reluctant attitude, Before reading through the files. "I am quite sure that you have already seen some of the clauses, my lord." Cornelia began, after she cleared her throat. "All mining rights will go to Master Lewis, as per the agreement." She paused for a brief moment. "You will, in Accordance to the contract, gain a minimum of ten percent for the rewards of every expedition." She added. "I was just about to get to that part." The count interrupted her. "Why just ten percent? Can't we split it amongst ourselves equally? It's the least you can possibly do." Rodzev complained. "I beg your finest pardon, count." Dennis interrupted him, gazing fiercely into the older man's eyes. "But I am the contractor here. You have no other option but to concede to My principles." Dennis said. "Apart from that, shouldn't you be glad that I even decided to give you 'a share of the spoils?' If I so desired, I could let you go by empty handed." He explained further, a sarcastic smile on his face. The count clenched his fists, but he couldn't say anything. "May I continue?" Cornelia inquired, as she turned towards the count. "You may." The count muttered, through gritted teeth. "Also, It is stated that Viscount Rodzev Heratck, has no right, under no circumstances, to investigate on, or inquire about the state of the mine, once he relinquishes the status of Ownership to My lord." She explained, before glancing at the Viscount's direction for a brief moment. The Viscount simply nodded to that. "And Conclusively, the Viscount's family, in or after the advent of the account of the Viscount's perpetual demise, is not allowed to seek for the reinstatement of the mine to its previous owner." She exhaled after reading that part aloud.The Viscount just gazed at the young man seated In front of him. "Was that last clause really necessary?" He inquired. "Why not?" Dennis equally interrogated, as he gazed at him coolly. "You have already gone through the terms and conditions, have you not? Then why do seem surprised at the mention of some certain clauses? Or did you just simply glance through them, without placing them under due consideration?" Upon seeing the older man remain silent, a mocking smile came across his face. "How unbecoming of a Viscount." His cold voice seemed to reverberate around the living room. "It really does make me wonder, if you were still the same mastermind that hatched all those brilliant plans a few years back? You should be glad, I am according praise to you, I really am." Dennis said. "I also equally know how shrewd you are, I really don't want that son of yours charging in here and demanding for his inheritance." He explained. "So, are you going to sign on it? Or not? The pen is right beside you." Dennis motioned, pointing to the pen. "Do you really believe that you have won this round, Lewis?" The Viscount enquired, regaining his composure for the first time since he got there. "Everyone also has their means, as well as their methods as well. You are not the only one that possesses a skeleton in your cupboard." A smile came to the older man's face as he said that. "You are quite on point." Dennis began, as he nodded his head. "But that doesn't conceal the fact that I have the upper hand here." Dennis said. "I believe the King is not aware about your act of insubordination towards him." He stated simply. "What do you Mean?" The Viscount inquired, Curiosity written all over his face. "It is exactly as you have heard." He continued to speak, disregarding the expression on the Viscount's face. "Do you really believe that I am not aware that you increased the tax rate of your district?" He inquired. The Viscount felt his body tremble when he heard that. The young man sitted In front of him, who was he really? Could someone be aiding him from the shadows? "There is no need for you to worry, what I just uttered will not go beyond the foundation of this manor." He said. "But I could inform the king on your behalf, if you so wish." He added with a smile. "But at the same time, do you not consider it foolish to be bickering about a mine like two toddlers would squabble over a toy?" He inquired. "The nine is not worth your life count." He added. "Besides, it will be a great shame to kill someone like you." This time, the Viscount made eye contact with the persona In front of him. 'Is this even a human being?' He thought. 'How could he smile at the thought of killing someone?' "I-I will sign it." The Viscount finally succumbed, taking the pen and signing on it so hurriedly, that the ink caused the signature to appear scrawled. Cornelia took the form from him after he was done, and handed it over to her master. "Excellent." Dennis said, his countenance brighter than a light bulb. "I believe we have a deal then." He added, as he tucked the paper back to Cornelia. "Are you not going to sign on it as well?" The Viscount asked. "I would like to see the state of the mine myself, in order to ensure that I am not being cheated on." Dennis told him. The Viscount's brow twitched.

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 Cornelia opened the door to the office, humming steadily underneath her breath. Dennis was already sitted In his office, apparently tidying up a couple of the files which laid on the table. "Are you happy, my lord? You finally got the mine you desired so terribly." Cornelia said, as she strode over to his side, her hands clasped in front of her. "Mm." Dennis nodded, not bothering himself to look up at her. "I hope you stored the documents safely?" He inquired. "Of course I did. Who do you take me for? An incompetent person?" She inquired, a look of pride preset In her feautures. "Yes, Yes I do." Dennis gave her a well deserving reply. Cornelia harrumphed immediately, as she gave herself the privilege to seat upon the office desk, while facing Dennis. "Master." She called out coquettishly. "What aspect of me do you find Incompetent actually?" She inquired, as she battled her eyelids at him. Dennis frowned lightly, but didn't dare to speak harshly to her. "Proxemics, Cornelia." He said lightly, as he tapped his pen impatiently against his documents. "Kindly get off the table." He added. But Cornelia proceeded to wiggle her bottom against the table, while saying to him with a straight gaze. "No." Dennis sighed a little, before proceeding to place a little bit of distance between him and Cornelia. Cornelia delighted, took the opportunity to unbutton the top of her shirt, while running her hand through her hair. "My goodness, it is so hot today." She said, as she used her hand to fan herself. Dennis glanced at her briefly, before looking back at his file again. "Indeed, it is." He agreed curtly. Cornelia pouted a little, before swinging her slender legs to and fro in the air. She then yawned, while stretching her hands into the air, which further highlighted her bust. "Whatever it is you are trying to do, stop." Dennis's cold voice came into her ears. "What do you mean, my lord?" She asked, as she winked at him. "You know exactly what it means I mean." Dennis said, as he gripped his pen tightly. "Don't try your seductive antics on me." He added, his voice firm. Cornelia gulped a little, when she saw the silent flames which raged In the blue eyes of his. "You are no fun, My lord." She said, as she looked at him with a straight glare. "Your heart is even harder than a brick. Or do you have any issues In that area?" She inquired. "What nonsense are you uttering?" He said, as he placed he slammed his hand on the table. "Why would I have such issues? I wouldn't have been able to impregnate my wife that easily despite the contraceptives, if that was truly the case." He told her strictly. "Besides, I already have a wife that could satisfy all my desires. Why would I seek satisfaction from another woman when I already have a wife at home?" He interrogated, as he raised his eyebrow at her. "You are really striving hard not to leave the same legacy as your father." Cornelia muttered to herself. "Besides that, I thought you said you have no affection towards her?" She inquired, her eyes flashing with interest, as she leaned a little bit closer at Dennis. "I don't." He said, as he placed his attention back to his file. "My lord, make eye contact to me and kindly repeat that phrase again. " She demanded. Dennis raised his head. "I don't." He stated calmly. Those blue eyes remained forever unwavering. "Alright then." Cornelia, finally satisfied, retracted her gaze. "So, do you think I will be able to seduce someone?" She asked him. "Not even the slightest bit." Dennis told her flatly. "You might need to drug him, If you want him that badly." He added. "Who are you trying to seduce anyway?" He asked her. "That is... none of your concern." She said, as she looked the other way. "Besides, I am trying to add it to one of my styles. Maybe I could just implement a new strategy and.." "I am honestly not interested." Dennis said, when he noticed those light brown eyes glistening malevolently. "Really?" Cornelia who had placed both of her palms against each other inquired. She seemed like she was really eager to get into the details, and all she needed was just someone to listen. "I already know your enemy is gone to get one of the most tragic ends known to all mankind, And I am really not interested in such brutality." He emphasized. "But yet, you employ our methods." Cornelia said, with a smirk. "I honestly don't care how you go about it, so long as you get the task done." Dennis nonchalantly replied. "So, my lord, when will you get to investigate the mine?" She inquired. "On a good and very convenient day." Dennis informed her. "I can't leave with all this work afterall." He stated. "Besides, that person will be coming with me, isn't that right?" He inquired. "Of course. He is the most trustworthy of us all." She replied. "Anyway, tell that little informant of yours to tarry in the Viscount's home a little longer." Dennis said, as he scribbled hurriedly on a document. "I want to see what element he possesses that actually permits him to exude such confidence." He added. "But my lord, I believe she has tarried enough." Cornelia said, with a worried tone. "She is not as stealthy as the rest of us, and she tends to slip up easily." Cornelia explained. "Which is exactly the reason why she should conclude with her investigation as quickly as possible." Dennis told her, with a straight gaze. "Well, alright." Cornelia muttered, with a sigh. "Which reminds me, Has there been any update in status about the level of infiltration into the household of Raymond?" Dennos inquired. A look of uncertainty briefly washed over Cornelia's feautures. "The problem has been rather slow, needless to say." She softly said. "Why is that?" Dennis asked once more. "The security in that particular manor has been very tight, it is not easy for just anyone to just infiltrate Into it." Cornelia explained. "Are you worried about your sister?" She asked him. A wave of emotions flashed over those briefly over those usually cold eyes of his. "I still want to be updated over What happens in her life, on a periodic basis if need be." He explained. "I guess that is how older brothers are." Cornelia stated, as she recalled a certain memory.

 Just then, the door of the office opened, and Beatrice walked in. "Oh, my." Cornelia muttered when she noticed the entrance of the persona, and immediately hopped off the table, buttoning up her shirt, but Beatrice had long seen her cleavage, a frown gradually appearing on her face. "G-good day, my lady." Cornelia stammered, as she bowed awkwardly. Was she afraid? Of course not! But it would make the current scenario to be even more awkward if she didn't put up a facade, won't it?

 Beatrice simple nodded at her, before drawing out a chair opposite Dennis. Surprisingly enough, Katrina wasn't with her. "You do realise you shouldn't be lifting heavy items, don't you?" Dennis inquired. "If you really cared about It so much, why didn't you draw out the chair for me yourself?" Beatrice asked, a mocking smile on her face. "I want to speak with you." She said, her face reverting back to her previously serious expression. "Well, I am present before you, aren't I?" Dennis said, as he shot her an incredulous gaze. "Alone." Beatrice said suddenly. "I insist on speaking to you alone." She further emphsised, glancing at Cornelia from the side of her eyes. "Go." Dennis uttered, when he saw the lady in question gazing at him imploringly. "I will send for you when I am done." He added. "I will see you soon, my lord." Cornelia added, as she walked out of the room.

 "You don't seem curious as to what transpired." Dennis told her simply, as he saw her calm and collected Beatrice was. "Why should I? We all have our affairs to attend to afterall." Beatrice said, with a shrug of her shoulders. "Hmm." Dennis contemplated, as he rested his chin on one hand. "That tongue of yours tells me one thing, but your eyes say another." Dennis said. "Don't think that I was not aware of the manner in which you glared at Cornelia from start to finish." Dennis said. Beatrice gripped her dress tightly, as she said with much vexation in her voice. "As I said earlier, Whatever act you commit is within your helm of affairs." She added. "But do you really think that I am capable of doing such things?" His voice rang into her ears once more. Wow. It seems like he chose to be quite extraversive today. "No." She said frankly, looking up at him. "Don't you think you are placing too much faith in me?" He inquired once more. "That is to my own perpetual demise, I am the only one who could possibly get hurt, afterall." Beatrice replied. "By the way, where Is that overly clingy maid of yours?" Dennis inquired, after failing to notice Katrina's presence. "She is my lady in waiting, not my maid." Beatrice corrected. Dennis on his part, scoffed. "What is the difference between a lady in waiting and a maid? They both fall in the same category." He said. "So you gave her the day off?" He inquired, after ponderingfor a while. "I did. Do you have a problem with it?" Beatrice asked. "Of course not. She is your maid afterall." He said. "But she is deserving of it. Work may be important, but family possesses the greatest value of all." She further explained."Anyway, I came to congratulate you on attaining your mine." She said. "Ah, yes. Thank you." Dennis replied. Well, he does inform her of what he does in and around the office, so her congratulation came of no surprise to him. "But may I ask, why bother yourself to attain a mine? You have other resources you could utilize for your own benefit." Beatrice inquired. "If I do montage such items, this family is as good as destroyed." Dennis said. "It is not just about the worth, but the fact that they are the main things that sustain the family." He expantiated. "The revenue that you could generate from a mine Is ten times more than you could expect from any other asset. Which is why mines are the reigning prodigy In this modern time and Era." He added. Beatrice nodded her head, how could she not be aware when her family had a small mine herself? Or so she thought. "Besides from that, I realized that the old man had raked up quite the debt due to his gambling addicts. And now that I have began to take control slowly, his beloved friends have approached me severally." Dennis complained, the agitation clear in his voice. "Why would father gamble anyway? He has all that life can ever offer to him right at his doorstep." Beatrice pondered. "If you are that intrigued by it, feel free to ask him yourself. Don't be surprise if he tells you that it's just an age long habit." Dennis said. "Well, that's doesn't make him any much different from the commoners." Beatrice emphasized. "Indeed. It seems like he is gradually losing his senses alongside his youth." Dennis uttered in a mocking voice. "Is there something else you wish to say?" Dennis inquired, when he saw that Beatrice never left, but rather sat there anxiously rubbing her hands together. "Well, mother actually requests to see us both tommorow." Beatrice said in low tone. "At her place of residence?" Dennis interrogated, scribbling into a piece of paper. Of course, ever since the secret of Beatrice's conception got out, her mother had been writing letters to her nonstop. It was even within her intentions to stay with Beatrice, if not for the latter strongly disagreeing With her. "I will clear my schedule for tomorrow then." Dennis said. "I hope you kept the ear-rings father gave you safely?" He inquired, of which Beatrice nodded. "I will advise you to put them on tomorrow as we leave, we have to keep this fake relationship alive afterall."