novelraw CHAPTER 355: Leo
CHAPTER 355: Leo
Interlude: Leo's perspective
Koyuki's exam had been ridiculous and a reminder of how powerful tier threes could be. I really needed to get my own. That there was no evaluation of our core after the exam was clearly another way to hold me back. By now I should be a senior mage, I was a Harold after all.
Bloody Brotherhood, I had suspected something was wrong with those mages but their research had been promising. A ritual to create a vampire, who would have said no? If they had not been so incompetent I could have controlled her.
My hand touched my throat and I grimaced. I still had bad dreams about that bite. It had not even felt that unpleasant, which made it worse. The idea of being controlled? Me? By an undead? Revolting.
It was all the fault of those fools. They betrayed me. They wanted my power to create the vampire and then steal it. I had everything ready, even a place to hide her and train her until I could legally own her. By now I should have been confirmed as a senior mage and I would have my official licence. Then, after the break, I would have had my own vampire officially. I could have even used her to create more! And I would have gotten a servant into the academy.
I looked at my bags. I had to pack myself, while Koyuki enjoyed the luxury of servants. And she did not even use them properly, she gave them too much freedom. Koyuki needed a guiding hand, me. But she was stubborn. I suppose that she was attracted to women was a problem, but such vices were not unheard of. She would still need a man to continue her legacy.
Father would not be pleased with my setbacks. At least Koyuki was not betrothed to anyone yet, so I could plead for more time. I needed to find a way to get her. Maybe through Rose? Was there a way to restore the link under my control? Sadly there was too little information about vampires and Gronir took the notes from the ritual. I did remember some parts, perhaps I could find something more? Perhaps Father could help me with that?
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
"Enter."
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"Sir, your escort has arrived." An academy servant told me.
"Good, tell Sir Burke to come to my room."
"Yes, sir." The servant left.
I continued packing until I heard the heavy footsteps of the knight. He gave me an appropriate bow.
"My lord, you have called for me."
"Yes. We will leave after I finish packing. Is there any news?" I asked.
"Your Father has secured the adventurers who lost your orthos. He has not decided on their fate yet. They were unable to pay their debt and were forced into his service."
"That is good news. Those fools have provided another corpse to Koyuki and need to be punished. At every turn she benefits. There must be more to her power, have you found anything?" I asked.
"Research into her past has stalled. I assumed the records of her youth were kept a secret but it seems there are truly none. The academy staff has confirmed that she has not shown any power while she was a slave. However, she has gained her powers during an attack on the auction house. An item was stolen by a necromancer and I am unsure what it was, but the Brotherhood was likely responsible. As far as I can tell that was what prompted the early attacks on Koyuki. Illestra had been tracing the Brotherhood and thought that Koyuki was involved somehow." Burke reported.
"Really? Is it possible that she gained her powers through that item?" I asked.
"I doubt that such an artefact would have been sold openly. It seems her powers awaked by coming into contact with death mana. Also, the item was stolen and the necromancer escaped. I believe the answer to Koyuki's power might lie in Kitara. There should be more delegations coming next year. Some of them might be open to bribery." Burke suggested.
"Good. I will discuss it with Father." I said.
"I did find something else of use, my Lord." Burke said.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Archibald's involvement with the thieves guild was not very deep but he has used their services a number of times, even before he was involved with the attack on Helena Frost and Koyuki. The incident at Lady Valeria's party was likely organised by the guild. Nothing ties Archibald to it officially, yet. However, we do have some contacts that could apply a bit of pressure. Duke Winston is not the biggest fan of the king and he lost an ally when Archibald's betrothal was annulled." Burke reported.
"So he needs friends and might be open to an alliance. If we had Duke Winston on our side, or owing us a favour, we could use him to pressure Count Frost. It might give me some leverage when it comes to dealing with Koyuki." I mused.
"We might have to weaken her connection to the throne first. Princess Olivia has taken a liking to Koyuki, or her power, at least."
I nodded. "It's a blessing that the crown prince is married. The royals have no suitable husband for Koyuki."
Koyuki, she was such an infuriating existence. I could offer her so much, yet she refused. Together we could truly raise an army and increase our influence. We could be the strongest duchy in the kingdom. Our family name would go down in history with such power. I had to find a way to get her, or her power.