"These bones are too old for you to ride, lad!" Evelyn chuckled to herself.
Oga winced, almost spitting blood. "You jest, Lady Evelyn. My desire lies not in the vessel of your years but in the lineage coursing through your veins"
"You desire this accursed bloodline?" Evelyn was slightly taken back
"In exchange, I proffer the body of Hanes and the Elixir….Based upon you two summon beasts, their strength should be that of a Peak Rank 3 Acolytes." Oga paused, scrutinizing Evelyn's countenance.
"....'
"Humor me for a brief moment Lady Evelyn, If you were to acquire Hanes' body, they would make a breakthrough won't they?"
"It's as you stated, but what's your point?" Evelyn inquired
"Before you hastily dismiss my overture, consider this: the Auspicious Blood you carry is not only demanding but restrictive.
Judging by your recent response, it's highly likely that you're in dire need of powerful prey. Allow me to propose two alternatives." Oga paused, checking if Evelyn was following his train of thought.
"My first suggestion is my lineage, which holds the latent potential of the Breaking Dawn Magus. I have the means to guide this transformation using the complete alchemical formula."
"Brother You…"
Evelyn's thoughts swirled in confusion. "There are no free meals, brat. Speak truthfully. What is it that you desire?" she demanded, her gaze penetrating.
"Come under my umbrella for a millennium, and answer my call when I summon you. That's all!" Oga smiled as he sipped his tea
"You're truly a devil, in return for this first option I would have to give up my current Blood Essence, right?"
"Of course, but if you were to choose my second option, you'd retain your bloodline, and I would become your perpetual sponsor. In exchange, you would be bound to House Thornbrick as an everlasting servant, and the material required for your breakthrough would be given—no matter the expense, I am fully prepared to invest.
Do not be burdened, for there exists a third alternative, albeit it implies that only one among us will depart this place alive!" Oga declared with a tone of calculated simplicity.
Evelyn's visage conveyed a myriad of emotions. The man before her was astoundingly adept, presenting an advantageous circumstance with no apparent drawback.
Opting for the first choice resulted in Oga gaining access to Evelyn's bloodline; similarly, selecting the second option yielded a similar outcome, with the added effect of a noose tightening around her neck. Evelyn found herself in a situation where every path led to Oga's triumph.
'Brother, ever the contemptuous soul, yet he perceives me as twisted. 'Sponsor my ass; this woman will transform into your exclusive muse of desire.' Nuu sighed, pondering Evelyn's fate. Unbeknownst to her, she has unwittingly captured the attention of the Malevolent One.'
Half an hour later….
"Have you ever pondered the nature of my current employer?" Evelyn playfully probed.
"No need. I've already formed an impression. And I have my thoughts," Oga responded with nonchalance. Despite his disinterest in Consort Hayden and Advisor Knox, these persistent figures kept intersecting his path.
"Oh, and what shall I do with such captivating beauties?" Evelyn inquired.
"Extract your ducats' worth!" Oga dismissively declared.
"You're one cold man!" Evelyn remarked, met with a nonchalant shrug from Oga
"Brother, why have you tasked me with their rescue? If you won't claim her for yourself, are you merely handing her to the hag?" Nuu interjected through divine transmission.
"Nuu, you're more astute than that. We've acquired a roughed Nebula Star with demi-god potential," Oga said
"Do you not think you're overvaluing the hag?" Nuu questioned.
"You're only looking at the surface! Think a little more. What does our bloodline possess that others don't?"
"Blood Spawn!" Nuu replied.
"Exactly. In death, as long as we successfully take over a body, our pre-existing abilities transfer to the new host. Do you now understand why I desire this woman? No matter what path she chooses, I will harvest her potential!
As I've consistently reminded you, family takes precedence. Women like Vivian bring nothing to the table—merely flowers to be admired and discarded!" Oga explained.
"So, you're giving up on Vivian?" Nuu inquired once more.
"For now. But as long as Vivian and Maya carry Yanis' essence, we can track their movements anytime," Oga explained with a sly grin.
"What if these ladies realize the essence and decide to break through with it?" Nuu brought up a valid point.
"I truly hope they do. If they can utilize Yanis' Requiem, that's even better. The true question, however, is whether they are willing to discard their humanity," Oga replied.
Meanwhile, silence hung in the air as Evelyn contemplated the proposition.
"It is time for me to bid adieu; I have thoroughly enjoyed our conversation," Evelyn announced, preparing for her departure.
"Broken Starfield, a year from now, I shall await your decision, Lady Evelyn! In good faith, take Hanes' corpse with you, and I hope to see your partners grow in strength during our next encounter." Oga and Nuu ascended into the sky, leaving nothing in their wake.
"Ma Ma Ma! What an audacious brat, willing to trade two beauties for an old, dying bitch. What devil have I become ensnared with?" Evelyn pondered, Her laughter echoed, and the shadows at her feet transformed into the silhouette of a bird.
Before long, all three creatures descended upon Hanes's lifeless body, feasting with a grand celebration.
Shortly after Evelyn's departure, a Hupo delivered another parchment.
"I'll make a detour to Bervin City to congratulate Myra on becoming the New City Lord and pick up your wife's aunt.
It seems your in-laws were able to relocate successfully, and it's only a day's journey from Bervin." Oga read back the report to Nuu, as he wrote upon a piece of parchment tying it back onto the Hupo.
"It's for the best, Priscilla would be glad to hear that….Did you inform them of her being with child?" Nuu mumble
"Of course, Do you require anything from the auction house?" Oga inquired
"If there's a Spatial Crystal, obtain it at any expense!" Nuu insisted, tossing aside the bags containing the belongings of the departed.
Oga raised an eyebrow. "Bonari or yourself?" he queried.
"Bonari," Nuu replied with a sigh, his frustration evident. "The little rascal has grown insatiable. It would have been splendid if that Magus had possessed a spatial affinity," he lamented.
"...."
Just as Oga prepared to depart, Nuu inquired about Starfield.
"I anticipate spending only a week, so kindly refrain from impregnating Nathan's leftovers. " Oga said
"I don't think you're in a position to speak..." Nuu replied
"?"
"You've taken Myra's innocence and impregnated her great aunt If I don't know any better. I might have the impression you got a fetish for hags!" Nuu smirked at Oga, whose face reddened like a monkey's ass upon this realization.
"...And you have a nasty habit of possessing things that don't belong to you" Oga quip
"....."
"Do as you deem fit. I'd appreciate it if you could glean as much information as possible about the surrounding Academies from Yvette until Yanis returns, and also if you could find out who the current Professor of the Curse Department of Blood Coven is." Oga said
"No thanks, I have my plans, the best I can do is keep an eye on her, Since you won the duel, she's you and Yanis' problem now!" Nuu said
"...."
"When did your curiosity about curses emerge?" Nuu's interest was piqued.
"It's connected to the curses placed upon Vinci's eldest child!" Oga explained.
"Oh, but didn't you resolve that issue?" Nuu inquired.
"I have, but I wish to compile a roster of individuals our clan should be cautious of," Oga stated.
"That's not a bad plan. Do let me know how that turns out…So, did the parchment say anything else?" inquired Oga.
"Just that Sage's cousins are pregnant, and they have already departed for Starfield," Oga replied.
"Well damn, Gregor needs to be rewarded then. But our villa has been abandoned for a decade; it would require many renovations and cleaning. Why would Nylah depart so hastily?" Nuu pondered.
" Really Nuu…" Oga sighed.
"What?" Nuu looked puzzled.
"I know you're obsessed with Caterina, but the woman isn't known for her charitable nature to those she deems inferior. It's more than likely that Nylah and Caterina got into a fight, so she departed for Starfield with everyone."
"I'll handle Caterina!" Nuu reassured Oga
"There's no need for that. Just remind her to carry out her end of the deal from our last chat and collect the list of clientele using our Semen Repository. Additionally, she must have depleted her inventory, so present this to her," Oga stated, while his Flesh Pouch expelled a minimum of two gourds.
"I'll leave the collection of the VeilMoth to you, it will effectively cloak our bloodline as these noble ladies conceive our bastards."
"Will do, but does it say anything about the Battle of Succession ?" Nuu inquired.
"The winner will more than likely be known by the time you arrive," Oga replied.
"I suppose we'll reunite a week from now. Take care, little brother, and don't impose upon the Maverik. I won't interfere with your affair with Caterina and Lia. However, they cannot become your official wives, you know what I mean…I need not say it!" Oga said.
"You speak as though you haven't slept with them," Nuu retorted.
"That was then, and I'm not saying it because of our history; tradition is tradition. This is the custom of House Thornbrick"
"Pray, spare me the dry recitation of statutes; I've perused the tome. It's a senseless decree, one you, as the current heir, could easily annul. Yet, you choose to adhere to such folly," Nuu retorted, his temper flaring briefly before subsiding.
"And as for you, the late Count Vinci's Madame is confined solely to the realm of friendship. Oh, you thought I wouldn't uncover such truths..." Nuu chuckled, leaving a pregnant pause.
"..."
"You're being petty," Oga remarked, ascending northward before abruptly halting.
"Now, what are your intentions with Hanes' Blood Essences?" Oga's voice resonated as they divided the essence, and for the heart, Oga claimed it for Yaya.
"Who's to say..." Nuu replied, a devilish grin adorning his face as he chose the path leading eastward.
"..."
_______________________________
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the spectral traces of a Nuu darted through the nocturnal sky, each leap propelling him toward a mesmerizing city. This urban marvel mirrored the architectural grandeur of a mountainous pyramid, a tangible symbol of its social hierarchy.
In the heart of the city, encircled by formidable walls, a singular route coursed through. Yet, rising majestically above the undulating cityscape was the Higrave Castle, perched atop the summit, its regal presence casting a watchful gaze upon its denizen.
The path leading to this pinnacle of power wasn't a singular ascent, unlike the straightforward trajectory of the city's encircling walls. Instead, Higrave Castle boasted a network of routes that wound their way up, like veins pulsating with the lifeblood of influence.
These pathways, concealed within the fortress's rugged exterior, formed a complex web, allowing those with the will to ascend the castle's heights multiple avenues to reach the zenith.
As the Nuu approached the city gates, the ambient glow of bioluminescent flora cast an ethereal radiance upon the cobbled streets below.
Towering structures of opulent design stood as silent sentinels, their facades adorned with intricate carvings that whispered tales of the city's storied past. The air hummed with the harmonious blend of myriad conversations, a symphony echoing the cultural diversity thriving within.
Beneath the towering spires, the streets unfolded like a grand tapestry, each thread woven from its inhabitants' dreams, aspirations, and tribulations.
Street vendors peddled exotic wares, their stalls showcasing a vibrant fusion of colors and scents. The city's beating heart, the marketplace, pulsed with vitality, echoing the vivacity of a thriving civilization.
As the Nuu gracefully descended, the cityscape underwent a breathtaking transformation. The once bustling streets below now served as a mere backdrop, the elevated vantage point offering a panoramic spectacle of unparalleled beauty.
Beneath his feet, the gardens of contemplation unfurled. Here, within the twenty-five man gazebo, a poignant scene unfolded—a stunning blonde-haired woman, hands tightly entwined with those of a man bearing a remarkable resemblance to her.
"A rather romantic city, wouldn't you agree, Caterina?" Nuu's voice resonated, drawing the teary eye of Caterina.
"Who goes there?" bellowed the man, his bamboo stick poised for action.
"Easy, Luca!" cautioned Caterina, prompting a wry smile from Nuu.
Nuu pondered the unconventional choice of a bamboo stick as a weapon. The supple fibers held an undeniable potency; a mere strike could reduce a mortal's skull to a gruesome pulp.
Though the voice was familiar, Caterina found herself facing an unfamiliar visage. The man before her possessed an otherworldly allure as if crafted with divine precision.
Catrian nervously raised her eyes, locking gazes with Luca. Both were a blend of confusion and fascination.
"Who might you be?" she inquired, voicing the question that lingered in the air.
"You crazy bitch, running away with funds and conveniently forgetting in just a span of a few months!" Nuu playfully admonished, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Nuu? But you look so different, did you do something?" Catrian exclaimed, a blend of surprise and realization crossing her features. The air seemed to hold its breath as the past and present collided in that suspended moment.
"Is there any other man you're hiding? And why this enigmatic attire? I comprehend the shroud of mourning, but the layers of fabric seem excessive for a mere chill," Nuu inquired.
Caterina couldn't help blushing. "You're too much!"
"On a night like this, where tears grace your countenance, shouldn't it be a night of celebration?" Nuu pondered, shifting his gaze to Luca—a handsome man exuding a scholarly aura.
Luca seemed no older than his late thirties, a testament to his status as a Knight. Although his true age is that of a seventy-year-old man.
"...."
"Sir. Nuu?" Luca attempted to speak.
"I'm in conversation with your mother, and it's Lord Nuu…I find it difficult to believe that we are closely connected or share a comparable status," Nuu interjected, imposing a hush upon the man
"....."
"Nuu, forgive my lad, but there was a time when you toiled for his father, so his tongue may betray him," she intervened, attempting to shift the topic and diffuse the tension.
"Fair enough," Nuu responded with a dismissive tone. "So, why are you out here shedding tears?"
"Lia and her child have achieved the impossible," Caterina revealed with a sense of astonishment. "You wouldn't believe it, Luca lost to that kid!"
"I believe it, though I never thought she would be audacious enough to follow through," Nuu remarked casually.
"What are you talking about?" Caterina questioned.
Nuu remains silent.
"Wait, what do you mean?" they both exclaimed.
"Has it never crossed your mind why we would be so bold as to have you distribute our product?" Nuu questioned Caterina
"That can't be. All potential heirs have to undergo blood tests!" Caterina expressed her disbelief.
"It's not too difficult to deceive the testing orb, especially if you ingest that thing. The Blood Orb will simply reflect the lineage of the desired recipient."
"Why persist in this cryptic demeanor? If you harbor such knowledge, enlighten me," Caterina implored.
"Do not harbor illusions; the battle is lost, and Nathan has promptly inscribed the lad in the registry following the examination. Even if I were to disclose it to you, the outcome remains unaltered," Nuu declared.
"Please, tell me," implored Caterina.
"You would not find it agreeable!" Nuu cautioned.
"I don't mind; I simply seek the truth!" Caterina gritted her teeth. Her countenance shifted from curiosity to seriousness. Nuu's inner voice intruded upon Caterina's thoughts, initially startling, gradually rendering her speechless and apprehensive. She found herself pleading for Nuu to desist.
"I told you, you wouldn't like it!" Nuu said
Nuu's gaze shifted towards Luca who seemed to have taken a step backwards.
Embarrassment permeated the air. Luca, a Knight akin to Jard, and the 19-year-old Berkin, mere Squires. With Jard removed from the equation, this should have been a decisive victory, and Chole and Myra, born of a concubine, were ill-suited to contend.
"Consort Lia always displayed an aptitude for attending such gatherings," Madame Caterina finally broke her silence.