The morning sun cast its gentle glow into my room as I sat at my desk, surrounded by a sea of papers. Elena was diligently attending to her tasks by my side. The lack of any summon related to the captured demon or the news of the Baroness's demise seemed odd, but I knew that the truth of her demonic nature had been spread far and wide through the newspaper. After all, I made sure the public knew all about it.
As I read through a file, frustration gnawed at me, causing me to rub my temples. "Marquis Corvus has sent me a letter," I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "They have rejected our offer for food. Not only do they refuse to drop the prices, but they even want to increase them. They show no interest in our salt and iron."
Elena's voice carried a note of understanding as she filled out some documents. "It is highly likely that the King has been advising them against accepting our terms," she speculated.
Nodding in agreement, I pondered the situation, seeking a viable solution to this pressing issue. I had hoped that the leverage of our salt and iron reserves would be sufficient, but it seemed that more drastic measures were required. As I shuffled through the papers, one particular document caught my attention, revealing a 50% increase in iron exports from the North—our direct competitor. Their overexporting was a short-sighted strategy, depleting their reserves within a few years. However, during that time, it could potentially cripple our food reserves and result in a substantial decline in income.
As I sifted through the documents, a glimmer of hope flickered in my mind. Perhaps I could seek assistance from Duke Vigar, after all, he has significant influence over the North. If he could persuade the North to decrease their iron exports, it would provide us with a much-needed bargaining chip. However, I was well aware that such a favor would come at a cost, one that I wasn't certain I was willing to pay.
Just as I was lost in contemplation, Andrew entered the room, breaking my concentration. His eyes darted towards me, curiosity etched on his face. "Master Lucas, the Baron and Marquis Calliope are requesting your presence in the basement," he informed me
Turning towards the doorway, I paused and turned back to face Elena. "Elena, send a letter to Marquis Corvus. Instruct him to halt all ongoing negotiations. I also need you to compile a list of territories in the south with the highest potential for successful crop cultivation. Additionally, gather as much information as possible about our importers. We need to identify any weaknesses or opportunities that can be exploited. And remember, we should have a backup plan in case our primary strategy falls short."
Elena sighed, weariness tainting her voice as she replied, "I've already attempted a brief look, but gathering information on our importers has proven challenging. I'll continue my efforts, but I can't promise substantial findings."
"I understand," I replied, acknowledging the difficulty of the task. Then, with a calm smile, I added, "That's why I'm going to marry."
Elena's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as she struggled to comprehend my statement. I left her to process the information, knowing her mind would be filled with questions and speculation. With Andrew by my side, we made our way toward the basement of the estate, a place known to serve as a prison.
Curiosity gnawed at Andrew, his gaze fixed on me as he finally voiced his question. "You're getting married"
I sighed, frustration seeping into my voice as I revealed my plan. "I want Duke Vigar to lower the North's exports, and the only way to make that happen is by owing him a favor. I can assure you, he won't waste a moment in cashing it in."
As we entered the basement, a chilling sensation enveloped the air, seeping into my bones. The dimly lit corridor stretched before us, its walls adorned with ominous portraits and the echoes of distant footsteps lending an eerie atmosphere to the place.
With each step, the spiral staircase seemed to descend further into the bowels of the estate. The air grew colder and heavier, and a faint musty odor hung in the atmosphere. As we descended to the tenth floor, the darkness grew more pronounced, illuminated only by flickering torches mounted on the stone walls. The very nature of the basement, hidden and distant from the grandeur of the upper floors, instilled a sense of foreboding.
The basement was divided into several sections, each designated for different purposes. Cells lined the narrow corridors, their iron bars casting eerie shadows across the cold stone floors. It was here that the Baron and Marquis Calliope awaited my arrival, their presence lending an air of gravity to the dimly lit space.
"I must say, I was truly admiring the grandeur of the Baron's establishment," I remarked, my eyes wandering across the vast expanse of the floor as I walked towards the Baron and my Master. "So many floors! I couldn't help but wonder, are all those floors truly filled with demons?"
"Yes, Lord Lucas, I take immense pride in this establishment," he responded, his voice resonating with a sense of control. "After all, should these demons ever escape, I wouldn't want my people to be their first victims."
With curiosity piqued, I turned my attention towards the wooden door adorned with a prominent rune."So, that's where our most valuable asset resides," I mused, my gaze fixed upon the door.
"The time has come," the Baron declared, his voice filled with anticipation. "We have plans to interrogate our captive, but Lady Calliope has proposed a unique idea."
I turned my gaze towards Lady Calliope, my master and mentor, who met my eyes with a smile. Her confidence in me was evident, and her words ignited a spark of determination within me.
"Yes, Lucas," she said, her voice filled with encouragement. "I want you to take charge of this interrogation, with the Baron and me as observers. Consider it a test, an opportunity for you to develop your skills for the challenges that lie ahead."
"Very well should we head inside" With a nod we headed inside to see the demon chained up and stuck to the ground it would be impossible to move let alone escape.
As I entered the room, the first words that reached my ears were uttered by the demon, filled with deep-seated hatred. "Blue eyes," he muttered, his gaze fixated on me.
"You can call me Lucas," I responded with a smile, dismissing the nickname he had assigned me. My plan to extract information from him without resorting to torture was already in motion.
"I won't tell you anything, blue eyes," he sneered, his eyes still brimming with animosity since my arrival.
"Why is that?" I asked, feigning curiosity. "Is it because of your loyalty to your king or simply because we are humans?"
"It's both, blue eyes. Even if I weren't loyal to my kings, I would never speak to you humans! You are the cancer of this world. God created us as his warriors, elves to be connected with nature, and dwarfs to work with various metals. But you humans, you are disconnected and unnatural."
I chuckled lightly. "What can I say? We, humans, are the jack of all trades. Maybe we aren't meant to be connected to just one thing. Maybe we are meant to be connected with everything, the rightful order." I held his gaze, penetrating him with a stare that could unravel his resolve a million times over.
"Nonsense! You are God's cancer and mistake! He has passed judgment on you humans, and we, his warriors, will punish you. We will rid this world of your disgusting cancer!" The demon shouted, attempting to free himself from the chains to no avail.
"Tell me," I squatted down to meet his level. "If God truly sees us as cancer, then why would He bless humanity with someone like me?" My tone dripped with arrogance, provoking the demon.
"Arrogance!" he spat.
"No, it's not arrogance, it's the truth, and deep down, you know it," I stood up and loomed over him. "You yourself said I am a threat. If an eleven-year-old poses a threat to you now, imagine the danger I will pose once I am fully developed." I smiled at him, relishing the discomfort I instilled.
"Besides, you aren't the only one who agrees, right?" I redirected his attention. His eyes locked onto mine, awaiting my next sentence. "You know, the Baroness is quite stunning."
"No offense," I quickly turned to the Baron, then shifted my focus back to the demon. "I knew she was the demon who warned you about me." His body language grew nervous, his eyes darting erratically. 'He loves her,' I thought, my smile widening. I had uncovered his weakness, a vital piece of my puzzle.
"What did you do to her?" His voice turned rough, laced with malice.
"Nothing. She is currently imprisoned in this very facility, and we are going to pay her a visit right after our conversation," I replied calmly, noting his slight relaxation. "Now, I want you to tell me how many people know about me and share everything you know about your armies."
A wicked smile spread across the demon's face as he stared at me defiantly. "I won't tell you a thing. Just kill me now."
My expression softened, and I released a sigh. "Well, if you can't provide the information I seek, maybe she can." Suddenly, he tensed up once more, his fiery gaze returning.
"You know, succubi make great partners. But I do wonder how much fun I can have with her," I continued, deliberately provoking him.
"If you even lay a hand on her, I swe--"
"WHAT CAN YOU DO?" I screamed, cutting him off, causing his body to jolt in surprise. "Because let me tell you what I can do. Day and night, I could be in her cell, doing whatever I please to her. And her screams, her pleas, will NEVER reach another person's ears. I will make her life miserable. Maybe, just maybe, I'll let you watch every once in a while, so you can see how she enjoys me."
His eyes bore into mine with a piercing intensity that could have slain me a thousand times over. The clinking of chains echoed through the room as he desperately struggled to break free, his futile efforts evidence of his confinement. But eventually, his resistance subsided, and he released his tense posture.
"I'll tell you what you want," the demon spoke, his voice now tinged with a hint of calmness, "just promise me that you will not lay a finger on her in any way, shape, or form."
I maintained eye contact with him, my expression resolute. "I give you my word," I replied, my voice firm and unwavering. In truth, fulfilling this promise was effortless, as the Baroness was already deceased.
"Now, talk,"