While they discussed candidates Vanessa tried to speak, but her muttering was heard by no one. It felt as if something seized her lungs, and each suggestion was increasing the force. This caused the words to be impossible to hear. It seemed she was fated to stay in the tower, and that her days in Eden were over.
'Is this it?'
Most of her time in Eden was spent in the library, but her time in town was filled with joyous memories. The tasty treats enjoyed in the company of warm smiles, and children playing. Late nights in the library, and being visited by Zack to ensure her health wasn't being neglected. As the memories flashed by the final one was a sweet child asking for her return and assistance.
"Please listen to what I have to say!" Vanessa stood up addressing the circle.
All the member stopped and looked over to confirm that it was Vanessa that shouted in such a manner. With all the gazes locked onto her, it was tempting to hide under her hood, but Vanessa didn't waiver.
"I know the terrain the best, and whoever replaces me wouldn't have access to the same library. Only those trusted by Zack get to wander his estate freely." Vanessa stated with a flushed face.
"We have our own library so what use do we have for theirs?" Felix scoffed.
"I have yet to visit it, but Vanessa was very thorough in her reports. Zack indeed possesses a collection that surpasses ours. I've witnessed the fruits of her labor from only two months' works, and it's enough to revolutionize our academies." Shen stated.
"How so?" Naki investigated.
"Instead of spreading our forces so thin to protect multiple schools, we could combine them. All of them in the same space, and they would fit within our current walls." Vanessa replied.
"Bull shit, you just wanna get out of work." Felix retorted.
"I've witnessed an entire city fit into a room that was once this size, and that was spellwork Vanessa acquired through our partnership with Eden," Shen stated.
"If that's the case we should do everything possible to maintain access to the library," Datu declared.
"Second," Fumiko stated.
'Anything to get you out of here.' Fumiko grinned.
"They clearly wanna maintain a partnership with us, and we can leverage that to acquire the same thing. Vanessa is needed here to make these improvements after all." Felix said as he tried to hide his smirk.
"Do you remember Walter? Once held your position in the alchemy association." Vanessa replied.
"Of course. What does that have to do with this?" Felix asked.
"His operation is fully functional, his fields surpass ours, and he has numerous disciples with an abundance of resources. All of this at the disposal of Eden, and Zack already possesses a fortune. His original purpose in partnering with our guild was to acquire training equipment, and he has already achieved this goal. Your act of using 'leverage' would result in an end to our partnership." Vanessa announced.
Watching Vanessa combat Felix's interrogation put a smile on Shen's face. Shen heard her attempts to speak up early, but he knew Vanessa had to stand up for herself. At first, she was flustered, but now she was answering the questions with facts, and a calm face.
"These are all excuses to avoid your work," Felix declared.
"I have no problems with continuing my regular work from Eden. You are just mad that I can't do your work for you anymore." Vanessa replied.
"Wh-why would you do my work?" Felix asked trying to play it off.
"So you can spend your time harassing the other members. Using your position on the circle to gain personal favors is against the rules by the way." Vanessa accused Felix.
"That's a serious accusation," Naki stated.
"Do you have any proof to support these claims?" Ricardo asked.
"A mind link would work," Vanessa stated.
"This is a witch hunt, and I have no obligation to agree to that." Felix retorted.
"Why not grab a few of your disciples then," Fumiko suggested.
'Stay out of this bitch!'Felix glared at Fumiko.
"Not a bad idea. I second Fumiko's request." Aaron replied.
"Fi-fine. Hurry up I h-have projects to oversee." Felix stuttered.
"I'll fetch them." Akim offered.
'Anything to get out of the atmosphere for a minute. She's gonna be pissed that I'm late again.' Akim sighed.
While Akim was fetching Felix's disciples nearby he was fidgeting at the table. As the seven women walked into the room they all seemed concerned. To be called into a meeting would often mean serious disciplinary matters, and each of them feared expulsion.
Expulsion was a common threat from Felix if they were to ever slack off in their efforts to please him. They wondered what pretense Felix fabricated, and who was getting the ax. Right away the others could tell how uneasy they felt in his presence.
"We have a few questions, and I hope you answer them honestly," Naki told the women.
"Yes ma'am."
"Has master Felix ever abused his authority?" Aaron investigated.
The women began sweating hearing this question. They glanced at Felix, and the look in his eyes gave a clear message. This could be the moment they needed to free themselves of him, but fear was not easy to overcome. One of the women stepped forward, and after her testimony, Felix stood up rapidly from the table.
"You're gonna take the word of a newbie over me?" Felix argued.
"If you're truly innocent why not agree to the mind link?" Vanessa asked.
"She has a point. That could prove your innocence without a doubt." Ricardo stated.
Felix stood there in silence and then glared at Vanessa.
"All in favor of removing Felix from the circle?" Vanessa proposed.
The decision to remove Felix was unanimous, and he stood there in disbelief.
"You will be under review to determine the extent of your expulsion but for now your seat on the circle is relinquished," Shen announced.
'You're gonna pay for this.' Felix clutched his fist as mana began to swell.