Chapter XIX

(A/N: Top 30 is crazy work. Thanks, you lovely crazies.)

According to Yvette, Luviagelita Edelfelt, the "Edelfelt Princess" was most like her family in almost every aspect. A hyena looking for the next treasure to feed her greed with. That I was nothing but just another tool to her either. That she was a spy too, with far worse motives. It would make sense. That was how magi were supposed to be like.

But, she'd never given me that kind of feeling. She was headstrong and somewhat vain but never really mean. In her own way, Luviagelita had shown nothing but concern. Maybe I was just being blind to the facts because of how beautiful she was, but really, I found Yvette's claim hard to believe.

I did, however, know that the only reason she'd come into contact with me was as a favour to that old Lord. Something I considered as Luviagelita tattled on, leading me through the overtly flamboyant corridors of the Department of Creation.

Every magi I'd seen thus far looked completely nuts, like a bunch of folks from some anime convention or something. One even had two silver arms, another a third eye, and some wacko with a suit made to look like it was on fire.

"...As I was saying, you must be on guard at all times. Be very measured with your words. You are about to meet one of the Twelve Lords."

"The glazing is insane as ever I see." I whistled idly, eying a woman with a big witch hat.

Luviagelita gave me a sharp look, then tossed her blonde ringlets with a loud huff. "There is no winning with you is there? Take heed, Henry. These are not the kind of people you want to upset or even attract the attention of. Her losing interest is the best case scenario for you."

"Don't you... work for her?" I mumbled confusedly.

This advice was completely counterproductive for someone sent to keep an eye on me as a person of interest. It was like a hitman turning around and sabotaging their employer to save the person they were hired to kill.

It made no sense.

I rubbed my hands together, trying to make sense of her words.

"Please! I need not work for anyone. This was merely a favour for an ally."

She stopped in front of a white door lined with gold. With a gentle push, it floated aside and Luviagelita backed away, gesturing at me to go inside. It was apparent she didn't intend to follow when she closed the door behind me.

I could only shrug and take in the so-called office. Numerous paintings depicting truth and fiction hung from every wall, under them were dais holding up intricately carved marble figures of men and beasts. The carpet over the wooden floor was a bright green and the windows were closed shut, draped with... green curtains. Right in front of them was a big wooden table, a couple of neatly stacked books lying on one side, and a granite tea set on the other.

The room was deeply unsettling for some reason I couldn't place but not nearly as unsettling as the person sitting behind the table.

"Been a while." I greeted.

Inorai Valualeta Atroholm looked no different than that time I'd seen her in the library. The green dress, the flowing robe, only her veil was missing and there was a tablet computer sitting in front of her. She eyed me neutrally, fingers steepled.

"Indeed, boy." A thin smile crossed her aged face. "I hear you've been up to quite some trouble. Luviagelita tells me you're becoming an exceptional magus. I admit... I did not expect this level of growth. It makes me proud all the same."

It was all I could do to not look suspicious. Yvette's words about Luviagelita being a spy rang in my head. Had she... tattled?

"You've learnt the basics to a degree most frightening for those who believe merit lies with blood." She didn't move, but her smile widened. "But of course, we are happy with your development. It is my belief that talent warrants respect, not blood."

Frankly, that sounded like a load of bullshit.

The way the world of magi was structured, there was no way to be exceptional without having an ancient lineage. That was how magic circuits and magic crests worked. An older lineage would always be more capable than some random mook who only just learnt magecraft. Circuit Quality was enhanced as it was passed down generations, and crests had more formulae put in them by each generation as well.

"I can tell you do not believe me. But, you stand there as a living affirmation of my stance."

I shamelessly took a seat across from her, "That's because I'm built different."

"Perhaps... tea?" She didn't wait for my answer, and poured it in the cups before pushing one my way. "Have you put any thought to what will happen should someone wish to adopt you into their family?"

"That won't happen."

She raised a brow at my denial, "It will. I only hope you will make the right choice as to who it will be."

All I could do in defiance was push back her cup of tea with a smile.

"What I do know is, I'd prefer someone who doesn't give me ultimatums."

"Fair. Misled, but fair. What do you think will happen when your circumstance becomes public?" She offered with closed eyes, taking a sip from her cup.

I grinned, "Join us or we snitch, eh? Don't threaten me with a good time, lady."

She was wilfully unaware of the fact that when blackmailed, old boy William would deliberately join up with her opps just to spite her. If it came down to it, I'd sign up with the Enforcers of the Department of Law under the Aristocrats long before someone forced me into something. Maybe even throw in my lot with Yvette's peop-... An idea popped in my head.

"Lord Meluastea has already made an offer." 

There was no change in her countenance but I knew full well she'd not been expecting that. It was only half-true too. Yvette had shared that she worked for someone called Meluastea. I didn't even know the dude's full name. I did however know that they were supposed to be on opposing sides.

"So you would rather join the fence-sitters than do something to help people in your own situation?" Inorai finally opened her eyes.

Every hair on my body stood on end, beads of sweat formed on my brow and it was all I could do to stop myself from trembling in front of her. What I felt now made that daemon I'd encountered seem like a toddler with a balloon.

What the fuck was going on?

There was no spell at play here.

"I do not believe you would be so unwise."

As suddenly as it came, the oppression and dread was gone.

"How do you know?" I still blabbered.

"Seventy-seven Magic Circuits of considerable quality, mostly centred around your eyes. You've learnt what would take beginners a year in what barely amounts to half a month. That necessitates a functioning mind at the very least. You would have the most advantage with us if this information sees the light of day. Others would have you a stallion to rejuvenate stagnating bloodlines."

...I could kiss Luviagelita right now. She'd given away absolutely fucking nothing of importance to her own boss, for some reason. Even the number of magic circuits was completely wrong, and most importantly, she'd said nothing about the nature of my eyes. A fact that would have definitely put my life in danger.

Why?

It didn't matter.

She was the best.

"Well, think on my proposition. Join us and I promise safety, resources as well as a suitable replacement for that Yvette girl Lord Meluastea offered as a concubine."

What in the fu-

I only nodded.

"With that matter resolved, let us discuss more pleasant things. Like this letter from the Catholic Church." She pulled a sealed envelope from her sleeve and laid it on the table between us before returning to her tea. "I do wonder why an Executor would request your company."

"Probably cause of the daemon I fought with Yvette."

"You-... What?" She almost spit the contents of her mouth back into the cup

"Yeah, the daemon. Thing was modeled after Gabriel of all things. All I could do was shove it back for a bit so we could run."

"That is... most impressive. So you learnt baptism rites as well? Why, I believe I must insist on my proposition now... and urge caution as well. No doubt, the Department of Policy knows this too."

-

We were in her limousine, headed to some nearby Church when I spoke to Luviagelita again. She was idly staring out a half-open window, looking distant and wishful like some princess with fantasies that didn't match her station in life.

"Luviagelita."

She eyed me curiously.

"Marry me."

That threw her for a loop. She froze like a picture in a frame, then her skin flushed a deep red. Her pale skin only made it all the more clear.

"W-What the hell are you saying?!"

 I cackled. She coughed into her hand like an old woman with asthma before snarling and huffing. The red from her face thinned, but it was still there and we both knew it.

"You lied to Inorai for me. You can't tell me there's nothing there."

"T...There isn't." She blurted, fiddling with a lock of blonde hair. "I-I merely... owed you one is all. From before, yes. From before, with Gurdoa. It's nothing else! B-Believe me."

Nothing on Earth could stop the shit-eating grin that formed on my face then.

"You just didn't wanna get me in trouble. Admit it."

She pursed her lips bashfully, turning up her head and looking everywhere but at me.

"W-Well... I-I do happen to be just slightly fond of your nature... Just slightly though. Don't take it any other way. Okay? I owe her nothing! We simply happen to share beliefs. Why would I put you in jep-..."

God, this woman was so hot.

I sunk back into my seat, satisfied. No one could blame her. I was just that charmi-... The car came to a sudden halt and I found myself on the floor, on her heeled feet.

"...That suits you. H-Hmph!" She turned away, fighting back a smile.

Truthfully, I was tempted to lick-... Just to see her reaction. Nothing else. Okay, maybe I did do it. Just a little bit though.

"Eeek-...!"

She squealed for some other reason that was not my earlier impulsive thoughts. No, I definitely did not do what I was thinking. Luviagelita would say otherwise but a magi's words weren't trustworthy at all. They were all filthy liars.

"You! You-!"

Oh wow, she looked like a tomato.

-

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