Chapter 95: Lunarian Learning Courtship
***
With night appearing over the Rósande City, Vlad split up from the group after taking the shopping bags at the Caravel and started making his way back to the mansion of the Mistress of the Island who apparently had something for him.
Thinking in his mind about what plants he should focus with his low budget when he got in the close periphery of the mansion, he noticed the shadow of a familiar person watching from the top of a tree, a white-haired youngster wearing some street clothes that he bought for him from Everfall.
It didn't take a genius to understand what was going on inside the youngster's mind, and without disturbing him from whatever he was doing, he knocked on the door of the mansion that attracted Dalyon's attention from his observation activities.
'What is this bastard doing at Catherine's house at this hour? Don't tell me, he tries something on her?'
All sorts of thoughts run over this youngster's mind, removing the initial mask of an arrogant, unworldly being that could look down on life, and he couldn't help but watch as Adra opened the door of the mansion to welcome Vlad inside.
Not overthinking too much about Vlad's motives of visiting Catherine, he keeps to his same spot, and minutes later he could see the black-haired man appear in Catherine's private room, where the red-haired woman welcomed him in a professional manner, seating him down not far from her desk.
In a scene reminiscent of the time where the roles reversed for the two, now Catherine could view Vlad from another perspective of someone looking for her services.
"Mister Dracul, while I appreciate that you accepted the invitation, at this hour? It's almost midnight."
"Schedule conflicts. Is something that I have no control over. Besides, I don't plan to consume too much of your time. Your servant told me about you finishing the list with plants you are willing to sell. I think that Athelas and Nalthis are on the list, correct?"
Both were professional, without feeling any emotions for one another, especially in Vlad's position who was surrounded by beautiful girls, there was no reason for him to get entangled with this woman. The same was applied to Catherine who apart from feeling respect for this man who from first interactions showed a lot of knowledge and strength.
Taking from her cabinet a notebook, she later on passed to Vlad who opened it slowly, in this room lit by some oil lamps.
As he scrolled around the various plant names that he recognised from the books he read, it didn't take him long to make up a shopping list, and as he was doing that, Catherine mentioned something that stopped his process.
"While the prices might look high, it is all according to the current market price. However, I am willing to give you a discount for something that you don't lack."
"Ohh? What could it be? Do you by chance want to hire me to annihilate those Midas Archipelago Pirates causing you trouble?" inquired Vlad, remembering how the pirate called Calico Rackham attacked the Isle with a decent fleet to boast about, and the rest of the information he knew about Midas Archipelago.
Catherine shook her head, with a small perk on her plum lips appearing, followed by her comment with regard to the pirates.
"I am not looking for such "Protection Services" since I can handle it myself."
"Then what do you want from me, for a discount?"
"It's a rather simple request. I want full access to your Library and your Botanical Books."
"Mhmm, interesting."
Vlad's expression changed into some surprise when hearing the woman's request, not expecting for a leader of people to be looking for something so accessible. Which instead made him ponder about another problem that was pinned on a highlight for questions to be answered.
'Could it be that there is a lack of knowledge around the world? Just like in Sorbet Kingdom where those scholars of the kingdom were ages apart from the technology and information of Picodras.'
"I will give you a concrete answer if you can answer a question of mine."
"Ask away, mister Dracul."
"There's a shortage of book materials on this island. Are you by chance trying to gather intellectual resources from me after noticing my Library?"
"Indeed. No need in making up a lie that you can confirm if asking the townspeople. While I try to stay up-to-date with the news of the World since I subscribed myself to the WENP for daily newspaper releases and even monthly specials, there's only so much I can gain from the short newspaper."
"You could have tried to buy from Kaysang or Briss Kingdom, even Baterilla Island has a small book shop that I've visited, having some decent picks."
"Baterilla? Does it have such a place? Thanks for informing me. As for Briss or Kaysang, they don't allow people without permits to buy books. And that permit is only given to certain privileged people, in an attempt to stomp on the spread of new information to the lower classes."
"... Mass control by lowering the levels of education."
"No, in fact … the kingdom's level of education is way above some places in Paradise. It's just the process of acquiring books for a foreigner that is too troublesome."
"Steal it. There's no point in stressing yourself over such small problems. You can even copy the books if you bring enough paper, without even being required to buy the book or acquire a permit."
"..."
Catherine looked at Vlad as if he had something stuck on his forehead, looking around with an embarrassed expression while slapping her thick thigh for not figuring out such a shameless and efficient method of gathering knowledge and information.
"Don't tell me … that didn't come to your mind?"
"To my shame, no."
"Hahaha, young lady, you are truly an innocent girl." mentioned Vlad while cracking in laughter, finding it amusing that such a beautiful lady who could have great leverage over most common men couldn't put to great use her gifts.
Slowly, as he was conversing with Catherine, it just so happened that his understanding of the woman started forming, and he found out how inexperienced she was when it came to ruling people.
"Okay, I will no longer bother you with those questions of mine. However, how much would be your discount?
"15%"
'Should I profit over her innocence and get a bigger discount… Let's leave it at that, since I am not such a heartless monster. This little girl also needs to feed herself and take care of her island.'
"Sounds alright. Now, let me tell you what I want from your collection."
Not wasting his time, he passed back the list for Catherine where he underlined the names of plants he wanted, while on the right of the name he wrote down the quantity he was looking for, and as she was turning the pages, she reached the end of the notebook where Vlad even calculated the total of money it would cost him.
「Total Cost: 2.965.450 𝔅 」
'So this is what he was writing on the notebook while we were talking? To split his focus on two directions simultaneously, this person is really someone not to mess with. I got to be careful with my conduct around him, to not give him the wrong signals.'
"With a discount of 15%, the total I got to pay you would be 2.520.650 𝔅. If you don't trust me, you can calculate it yourself."
"No need, I am fully trusting in Mister Dracul's professionalism."
"Also, I hope miss Esthil remains professional and makes sure the plants are not damaged in any shape or form. When you finish packing them, send your little maid to announce it, and I'll bring the money."
"Understood. There's no problem with that."
"Good. Now about my Library. You can visit my Caravel from 7 AM to 11:30 PM and read any book you wish, in fact I don't care if you even bring your servants to copy them. As long as you have enough ink and paper for this procedure."
Catherine nodded, and with an eye peeking at the list of plants Vlad circled, starting to think where they were located around the Isle, she couldn't help but state an important factor of this dealing.
"If I may ask… How long will you stay inside Rósande?"
"One week at the least, two weeks at most I plan to stay on your island. Since I have something else to do, that requires some peace of mind."
A small breath of relief went out from the chest of the red-haired woman, and without Vlad wasting any further of his time, he got up extending his right hand toward Catherine for a handshake to seal the deal.
"It was a pleasure settling business with you, young lady. I would appreciate the plants being delivered as swiftly as possible."
"Of course, I will try my best to satisfy your requirements, mister Dracul. And if you want to further acquire plants or flowers, you know where to visit."
"Maybe in the future. Now I am low on budget."
Ending this meeting on cordial terms, he made his way out from the mansion leaving out Catherine in her private chamber not long after Adra and other maidens entered the room with worried expressions.
"How did it go, Mistress?"
"Unlike what we thought when discussing this traveler, he didn't prove too big of a challenge like those High Nobles from Kaysang and Briss Kingdom. Straightforward, with a cold calculative mind, even a gentlemanly side to him reminiscent of the Royal members of Kaysang."
"Mhm, indeed, whenever I stare at him, or when he passes next by, there's an invisible aura around him that makes it hard to even stand in his presence."
"That … I heard from a close friend of mine who is a Marine about the inner powers of the body called Haki. That Gentleman Vlad Dracul is most likely an user of the Haki because when I encountered him at the Flagship of Calico Rackham, he already slaughtered all of those pirates without showing a sign of being tired."
"... Really? Why didn't you tell us about this, Mistress? We thought you ended those pirates."
"How could I show weakness in those moments when he was watching? I barely could hold my fear of him initially when we encountered the Flagship. Even after trapping him in my Devil Powers, he just smirked as if he could destroy me and my devil powers just like Rackham."
"And I actually showed hostility to that person…"
Adra and the other Maidens started getting worried about what they did yesterday, but Catherine placed them at ease telling them of the transaction she was about to complete with Vlad, worth 2.500.000 𝔅.
"Besides this, I will need your help, girls. Based on a small trick of mine to give him a discount, he agreed on allowing us access to his ship."
"What for? Aren't we supposed to enter the Lion's Den?" cut short Adra looking at Catherine as if she ate something spoiled for months.
"We got a heavy responsibility of bringing knowledge to Rósande, and began the procedures of building a school for the city where elementary knowledge would be shared with the people, just like at home in St. Poplar."
"If you are sure it would get us in trouble. I'll listen to you Catherine."
"Good, then let me tell you the plan."
She started informing the girls about Vlad's extensive Library inside his Caravel that took the girls by surprise since they never heard about a Pirate or travelling merchant being interested in knowledge, and starting slow, building up their minds for what was to come, Catherine explained her plan.
On the other hand, outside of the small-sized mansion that was about the same size as his home in Picodras, he took out a cigar from his waistcoat's pocket and with a lighter that instantly created a flame after rolling his finger, lit his cigar as he looked in the direction of the trees in vicinity of the mansion.
Breathing and exhaling the smoke, not long after he whistled while calling out in the distance.
"Kid, come here for a bit. Don't try to act as if I can't see where you are hiding."
Dalyon who eavesdropped and even watched the deal between Vlad and Catherine appeared seconds later beside Vlad creating a strong wind from his beating black wings, and with a frowning expression, he asked the man smoking his cigarette.
"What do you want from me? Don't forget that I want to kill you, and it can happen right now."
Vlad scoffed at the statement of the young Lunarian, and while blowing the stringent smoke of tobacco at Dalyon's face, he started walking outside of the perimeter of the mansion.
"And to think that in my crooked heart I wanted to help you."
"Help me? Hmph, who are you kidding. You are most likely looking after something in return. To make me forget about killing you, or worse, trying to humiliate me."
"Boy, stop imagining things. Besides, a curiosity of mine. How come you are stalking that red-haired girl? By chance you've got interested in her and want to take her in your bed?"
Hearing that straightforward comment from Vlad, placing him on his heels, Dalyon extended his black wings and flames started igniting, while his expression morphed into a murderous one.
"Dracul, you better retract your sullying remarks or I will kill you right now."
"Relax boy. Are you trying to burn some precious plants and upset your little crush? Why react so violently to a curiosity of mine? Just, an 'No' was enough and I wouldn't even battle an eyelid."
"... Fuck you. You better don't tell anything, or I will first take revenge by targeting those 3 women in your ship."
Vlad, who was walking followed by Dalyon at his back all about to ignite in flames, started laughing ignoring such threats to Titania, Eleine and Bonney's lives because he understood that it was exactly those three girls that rescued the sorry life of this foolish Lunarian.
"Boy, stop acting as if I took something precious from you. Besides the fight we had, where I won two times, where I am even giving you the chance of trying a third time, I don't have hard feelings for you.
After all, you are still a brat who still needs to eat a lot before growing hair on his face."
"Yeah sure. In the end, what do you want that you called me?"
"Simple, I wanted to tell you to stop stalking the girl. She noticed you, but is smart not to tell it with her body language. If you want to conquer that red-head, you need to be smooth, to react to her interests, and make her shine while focusing your attention on her. For this, I am willing to give you the perfect chance."
Dalyon who calmed down, walking silently behind Vlad who was leaving a trail of smoke, had a basic understanding of the black-haired man, and how he usually was following his interests above others.
"At what cost?"
"Simple, I want you to tell me more about Haki, as you understood from that predecessor of yours. That's all I will request from you, and I can guarantee you a 50% chance that you might end with your virginity being discarded on this island."
"... Motherfuc, who are you calling a virgin?"
"So what do you say boy? Enticing offer? You blabber about something that I might not understand, for the chance of winning the heart of your smoking hot, red-head girl."
"..."
Walking around following behind Vlad, where he didn't even care about the people watching him and his large black wings tucked at his back, he was pondering while fuming a bit deep down that Vlad could read him like an open book.
'Fuck, fuck, fuck! Why did I agree to tag along with this bastard? Now he knows most of my tendencies, and if we fight again, it will be even harder for me, even though I improved my Haki capacity and mastery.'
'But … I do want to win Catherine's affection.'
"I agree, but if you are messing with me. It will be over with you."
"Sure, sure. Then, you better listen up because this old man will share some knowledge about the species we men call women."
"What the fuck?"
"No, you better listen up boy. I don't like repeating too much. Professional defect of listening and ordering fools around for decades."
"So where was I? Ahh yes. Women... what I like to call them the equivalent of the Pandora Box.
It's hard to fathom what lurks inside their minds, especially when they judge us, men, but there's something that I picked on from my interactions with them."
"And what could that be?"
"Body language. There's certain instinctual movements they do when they get nervous, flustered, or curious about you, trying to explore you. Women are curious by nature, but they don't like to show it to us men, because it would break the facade that they are the femme fatale."
"..."
"Haven't you noticed how Eleine acts around me? That's the biggest example I can give you of a woman who wants you. However, take for example Bonney, that little girl for example doesn't know what she feels, if she sees me like a father figure or like someone to approach like a male. It's all in the body language and the subtle reads you can gain on them."
"For us users of Observation Haki it is banal. You just have to be a dense idiot who isn't sure how to satisfy a woman's needs."
Dalyon who followed Vlad noticed how this black-haired man wasn't bullshitting him, and instead was talking about something that made sense, and as he was getting closer and closer to the Harbor in their casual pace, for some reason his perception on Vlad changed as if he wasn't so insufferable as when they first encountered each other.
Stepping onto the main deck with Vlad walking toward his kitchen, and grabbing a bottle of vodka from a cold cabinet, he poured into a small glass a bit of Vodka for Dalyon, while he was drinking from the bottle.
"Satisfied with what I told you on that one hour stroll?"
"..."
"Huh, you don't seem so confident. Nevertheless, you have to face those small fears of rejection, by tomorrow. I'll let you watch over those girls as they move about my Library, use this chance to approach them."
"Got you." replied Dalyon who took a mouthful of the Vodka that started burning on his tongue and throat.
"A great disinfectant, it keeps your mouth clean of viruses and harmful bacteria."
"Yeah sure, this is toxic liquid for sure."
"Haha, boy, once you grow older you'll learn how to enjoy your precious time. Any other questions?"
"About that watering system you've explained to me. Are you sure it will catch her?"
"You got a 50-50 chance. Actually, if you act normal without creeping her, trying to offer your help, and entertaining a normal conversation without showing off your "God" Complex, you'll probably have a 60-40 chance."
"Hah, if I make a fool of myself … Sigh, why did I even bother listening to a guy like you?"
"The young ones are drawn toward the wisdom of the older generation."
"Yeah sure. Fuck you, I heard you are only 20 years old. Only 2 years older than me."
Vlad, who was observing Dalyon's body language with his glasses shielding some of his deteriorating eyesight, and couldn't help but chuckle, while mentioning to the young Lunarian with a mysterious tone.
"Maybe you are right, maybe not."
"What do you mean?"
"No comment.
Now if you finished questioning me about your Courtship Mission.
Withdraw to your room and get some sleep. You need to be sharp...
Ahh, also go take a bath before you sleep. Appearances are worth in the equivalent of gold."
.
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A/N: Will Dalyon succeed in his Courtship Mission ... will he lay down the smocking hot redhead or fail miserably?