Chapter 226: Dealing Under The Table
Since time is not an issue to me, I give Venetia my undivided attention.
I did have a look at her profile when I was pretending to read through my notes and repots.
There is actually no need for me to read anything personally myself. It is just faster and more effective to have Legion reads and analyzes everything and then upload it directly into my brain, thus allowing me to comprehend everything instantly.
It is how I have managed to reach peak first-circle of magic relatively easy. I am trying to breakthrough to the next circle right now, but using brute force seems to be a bad idea. It quite painful to use brute force, so I stop doing that and start thinking of another way.
Since I am supposed to be an all-powerful mage of undetermined circle of magic, I cannot just go and ask others about how to break through the first-circle.
Besides, there is no need to do that. I have extracted plenty of information from all those imprisoned mages, learning everything that I could about the first and second circle of magic.
Each one manages to breakthrough to the second-circle of magic in a different way. Some did it within their sleep without knowing until it themselves until a few days later, but most simply through studies or trainings.
The census is, the breakthrough will come naturally as long as one is knowledgeable as well as diligent enough. Interesting. I guess that is why Sapphire manages to breakthrough so quickly. She just needed more knowledge as her magical power is already beyond peak level.
Of course, there are pills and potions to speed up the whole process, but like any drugs, they aren't a good solution. They might even inhibit my growth and potential in the end, making me stupidly weak just like Drake and his buddies.
They are probably some of the weakest mages of the second-circle. They would never be able to reach the third-circle unless someone manages to detox their body. I could, but I do not want to.
And as to why Venetia cares so much for Drake, it is not because of her love for him or anything. Okay, I think there might be some sort of affections since they are childhood friends, but it is not as deep as one might think.
For one, Drake is fucking around, sticking his dick in a lot of places. Common places, but still, that kind of behavior did not go well with Venetia and her family.
Even so, the connection from his side of the family can help Venetia and her family greatly. It is for her own benefit that she is here, pleading for the release of her fiancée.
There is no need for her to do that as I would have released Drake eventually. His crimes against others do not warrant his incarceration in… my prison. What should I call my prison?
You know what, I think I am going to call it Arkham Penitentiary. Would have go for Asylum, but these guys are not criminally insane. They are just criminally stupid. Not much of a different, I think, but still, stupid is worse than insane.
Anyway, like I have mentioned previously, the connections between each of the noble houses as well as the royal family is a completely mess. It is so messy that if you offended one household, you might as well offend them all.
Sapphire should know, as she has unknowingly offended a couple dozen households to varying degree.
I guess that is to be expected in a feudal-like society, where people of royalty and nobility are in their own little world, caring nothing for the common people. The worst of all are the mages, who cares for themselves mostly.
No one got the memo about with great power comes great responsibility. Me either, to be honest.
I just do not care for people I do not know, and while I do wish well for humanity as a whole, individual people do not matter in the long run. They are merely a mean to an end, for one purpose or another.
"Well? I do not have all day, Venetia."
I add when she is just standing there. Well. She did take a step forwards, stumbling a bit in the process, but that is all. She did not say or do anything further than other than looking around me to see if there is some sort of listening device.
There is, but it not magical in nature. Everything is recorded for later reviewing. For blackmailing too, if it is applicable.
Hearing me once more, Venetia swallows hard and plants her hands onto the edge of my desk before leaning forwards. It might be on purpose, given that she just gives me a nice view right down her open blouse and at her cleavage.
Since she is offering, I do not mind. It is not a crime to ogle at a beautiful girl. If it is, I am sure half the world would be in jail on charges of having a penis.
I stare at her chest for way long than what is considered to be appropriate, and if it was not for Venetia to straighten herself and clasp her hands in front herself, I would have continued to enjoy the view.
It is not really a bad view, and I think she looks a lot cuter when she is blushing.
"I beseech you, Master Maxwell. Please show mercy to Mage Drake. He did not mean to anger you or offend your student. If you will, Master Maxwell, Mage Drake is more than willing to compensate you and your student for the distraught that he had caused."
Venetia states.
I narrow my eyes in the process before leaning back against my soft chair. It is quite soft, but I am sure it is not as soft as her bosom.
Since I already have planned on releasing the man, there is no need for her to persuade me.
Although, I would like her to persuade me just because she had pulled the stunt before. Is she testing whether her charm is working on me? Any womanly charm will work on me, as long as it is to do so.
"Mage Drake, huh? He might not be a mage for any longer."
I comment casually, causing the young woman to become utterly stunned. A crippled mage is nothing more than a commoner. His family would disown him to keep face, and they will probably hold a deep grudge against me.
Not only his family, but like a bunch of other connected family. Venetia's family included. I really want them to try, as I want to purge them all. I am actually just waiting for a good reason to. Their attempts to assassinate me afterwards is a very good context.
"You wouldn't dare."
Venetia could not help herself. The anger and frustration return to her face, and it is quite visible.
"Venetia. There is nothing that I would not do. Do you know why I have not called you by your title or rank ever since you stepped into my office? You are nothing in my eyes, and you will become nothing in everyone else if you keep up that kind of attitude."
I threaten her, and the look of utter fear and shock on her face is exceedingly gratifying. It is really nice to see someone of her high standing being reduced to this.
While I do not mind nobility, they have to be competent for their stations.
Stupid people should not be in any position of power. That is a fact, and if those royalties and nobilities want to remain in power, they have to make sure their descendants are smart and capable enough to do so.
Eh. Why am I thinking too much about this? I already state that I do not want to fix this society all that much. It has worked for thousands of years, and it will probably work for thousands of years to come, so no need to fix anything.
"You know, as much as I do, Venetia, that your future husband has been abusing his position as a mage for many years now, and I am not talking about the common people. They are irrelevant. I am talking about other mages, his peers.
If I wish it so, countless of witnesses will come and testify, giving me all the legal right to destroy his magical core and turn him into the very people who he had looked down upon for so long."
I tell Venetia. Honestly, if I really want to, Drake is screwed. I do not really need to fabricate anything as he has committed so much shits that other are basically out for his blood if given the chance.
"But. But. Even so, he does not deserve to be stripped of his magic."
Venetia protests. She is really pushing, and she is not willing to listen to reason. Even so, I am still going to reason with her. It is just something that I do, giving people chances before I smack them silly.
"Perhaps, but it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of all students in this academy. Yours included for now, and if there is a remote chance of Drake continuing to abuse his powers and positions without proper cause, I have to act upon it. Of course, I do see your point of view.
His previous crimes shouldn't result in him becoming a cripple, but I will have to talk to the headmaster about this. His decision will the final decision."
I tell Venetia with smile before continuing.
"Of course, before I can reach a decision with the headmaster, I will have to transfer Drake to another accommodation. One that is more suited to re-educate him, should he be allowed to return to society, as a mage or otherwise. However, his previous conducts will result in his expulsion from the academy, as that fact cannot be changed."
I add, making myself quite unmovable on the matter. I am aware that she wants her fiancée to be let free as soon as possible and sending him to Arkham is like sending him to hell.
That would not go well with her or their families for that matter.
"Drake will be expelled?"
Venetia utters. Being expelled is not the worst thing in the world, as his family can teach him and help him reach higher circle. However, he will not access to the academy and all of its facilities.
"Yes. Unless you can tell me a good reason to why he should not be expelled? As I understand it, Drake is not an outstanding student. In fact, he is one of the worst students imaginable. Even his teacher and master did not speak for him when I request their comments. They did not bother to come and check up on him.
Asides from his family, only you do."
I tell her, and I allow her a moment to find a good reason to why Drake should not be expelled. She is unable to come up with anything from the way her eyes dart back and forth. I already come up with a good reason, but I also come up with the counter argument in that time.
Just in case, I guess.
Venetia eventually let out a defeated breath of air. It is probably not that difficult to stop the expulsion with the help of her family and others, but she has to make sure Drake get out of prison first.
"Please Master Maxwell. I know that Drake has done many wrong things in the past. Abusing his power and position to pressure other students into doing unspeakable acts, but he does not deserve this. He does not. Please. Surely.
There must be something I can do to help him. I beg of you, Master Maxwell, if there is anything, please tell me."
Venetia beseeches, and she is quite an actress. Tears are swelling up in her eyes, running down to that trembling pouty lips of hers. They go even further still and into her heaving chest.
Damn. If I did not know any better, I would have assumed that she is actually on the verge of breaking down. Of course, that is all bullshit. She cares nothing for Drake. She only cares about her own future, as well as the future of her family.
And once she notices me looking at her ample chest again, she leans forwards, bringing both her arms together and causing her lovely breasts to push out towards me rather invitingly. Honestly, is she really asking to get fucked?
She does know that she is standing all alone in my office right now, right? My men will not do anything even if she screamed for help at the top of her lungs. Wait. Maybe all of this is a ploy?
Venetia sniffles and rests her palms onto the table once more.
"Is there really nothing I can do for you, Master Maxwell?"
She asks in a seductive tone of voice, knowing full well that no one can truly resist her womanly charm, and she has used it to the best of her ability over and over again.
My eyes continue to scan her, examining her chest and then matching her gaze alternatively. Even so, my face remains expressionless and completely unreadable. To the point that Venetia is taken back a little bit.
Still, her voice is husky, and her body language is seductive as hell.
Eventually, my lips spread into a smirk as I speak up, but only after Legion informs me that she is being shifty, recording this whole conversation with that earing of hers. I immediately have Legion infest it, and to make sure, I also have Legion infests all of her items.
It will take a bit of effort to breaking into her storage rings, but not more than reading her mind.
"Since you offer it, it would be unmanly of me to not accept. You are, after all, quite beautiful yourself, Venetia. And you know how to use your charm to your advantage well. How many have fallen for your charm, and how many have managed to get it?"
I question. The last part is for Legion, as he immediately answers me. Venetia is not quite a slut, but if she can get away with it, she will not lower herself.
With another mental command, I immediately have a list of people that she had slept with. Currently blackmailing too. It is dirt, and it is mine now.
Nevertheless, Venetia is startled at my question.
"W-what do you mean, Master Maxwell? I am not that kind of person."
I incline my head at her response before letting out a sigh.
"I do not want to waste time debating about something that I know as fact, and whether you actually are or not that kind of person is not really matter. What matter is, I will keep your future meal here in the dungeon without doing any further harm to him until such time that his fate is decided.
Until then, you will service me in any and every way I deem necessary, and if I am satisfied with your service, you will have your future meal back. In one piece. Unmolested."
I tell the young woman and watch her assimilating my words, clearly not having any difficult absorbing them into her mind. Even so, she purses her lips together, opening her mouth and then closing it. She also grimaces every now and then. Clicking her tongues too.
Honestly, I am unsure what is that all about, but it is very likely her way of showing that she is weighting my offer within herself. I decide to let her do that because it is kind of funny.
Venetia eventually nods, accepting the offer.
"I agree, Master Maxwell. In exchange for leniency against Mage Drake, I am willing to service you in any and every way you required of me."
Venetia states in a soft tone of voice. Completely submissive.
But I think it is mostly an act. Nevertheless, she did agree to it of her own will. As that is the case, I get up from my seat and then walk around the table to get closer to the beautiful brunette.
"W-what?"
Venetia steps backwards, but my hand reach out and grab hold of her abruptly. Fingers lacing into her lush mane and then grabbing the back of her head. I pull her in and kiss her roughly, swiftly dominating her mouth.
She lets out a muffled squeal against my lips, but her initial struggles quickly pesters out even though my tongue has invaded her mouth, wresting with hers and forcing her to submit. She eventually could not help herself, as the curse of Erosire immediately takes hold of her psych.
After several of minutes of assaulting her mouth, I finally let Venetia free. The moment I did, she falls to her knees. Her face is flushed with read, and her breathe is coming out in gasps as she stares up at me with wide eyes.
Those eyes turn to shock as I hold her earing in my hands.
"You will come to learn, Venetia, that servicing me will be the most happiest thing that you have ever done in your life. As for this, you will have it back when I am done with you."
I return to my seat after tossing the earrings into my spatial dimension. Although it is not necessary to confiscate it, I just do not want her to think that she has something over me.
"Now, I do have a lot of reports to read through, so get under the desk and show me what your mouth can truly do, Mage Venetia."