Chapter 69: Threads of Havoc
Chaos erupted instantly. The moment Darius shut the door to the private room, a woman's ear-piercing scream tore through the restaurant.
'Better get out of here.'
Heading toward the stairs, the male mage's shouts joined the woman's screams as the crashing and screeching of monkeys added to the chorus.
Suddenly, an explosion sounded. Darius turned just in time to see the flaming body of one monkey burst through the door of the private room. The other two monkeys leapt into the restaurant, causing chaos as patrons screamed and jumped up, some ducking for cover as the monkeys scampered across tables and over people's heads.
'That escalated quickly,' a twinge of guilt hitting him as he fled the scene, rushing out onto the street amid shouts and screams of people trying to escape the pandemonium.
Reaching the street, Darius witnessed a window shattering above him as the three monkeys leaped out, one clearly singed and burnt. 'Sorry little guy, I'll find you some treats in the morning,' he thought apologetically.
Activating his Arcane Gaze, Darius peered back into the restaurant. His enhanced vision caught sight of the pair of mages in disarray: the woman with a noticeable patch of hair missing, and the man shirtless, his pants shredded.
Darius couldn't help but burst into laughter as he hurried to retrieve Percy, finding him exactly where he had left him, sprawled unconscious on the ground. "You really are pathetic," he muttered, rolling his eyes. Transforming back into the elderly guise of Xue Feng, he hoisted Percy onto his back. "At least I don't have to worry about you blabbering about what I just did."
As they departed from the chaotic scene and made their way back to the Kinneman household, neither was aware of the further turmoil that would unfold throughout the city that night. Reports began to surface of a trio of monkeys wreaking havoc, terrorizing residents, and causing mischief wherever they roamed.
Traveling the street, which was surprisingly populated for so late at night, Darius smiled, 'Seems coming to this city was the right idea, it would have taken me years to do what Marcus can accomplish in a couple weeks with his network.'
Watching those around him, the merchant's cleaning their shop fronts, couples strolling the streets engaged in laughter, even the hurried pace of people still working into the night kept the streets lively.
Darius noticed he had a wide area around him clear of people, and that people quickly avoided eye contact with him. Looking to the passed out Percy over his shoulder, Darius began to laugh to himself, "you are really killing my mood here kid, people are looking at me like I killed you."
Darius laughed to himself as he walked, 'When we get back, I should check on Haku and Neko.' His train of thought was momentarily interrupted by Percy mumbling in his sleep, "Sorry...father."
Rolling his eyes at the incoherent apology, 'And I guess I need to figure out what to do with this pathetic pup. I did promise I'd make him stronger.' With a confident stride, he continued the journey back to the Kinneman household, feeling unusually upbeat. For the first time in a while, he felt a spark of hope—aided, no doubt, by the bottle of Fleet wine he had snagged on his way out.
----
Upon returning to the Brundy estate, Crelos made a beeline for his master's room. After a respectful knock and announcement, he entered to find Brundy, his imposing figure bent over a small orb of fire that illuminated his desk. "Did you aquire it?" Brundy's voice was terse, filled with expectation.
Crelos reached into his pouch and produced a glass case containing a single flower petal. "They only had this one petal, and it cost all my funds to secure it." He handed over the case, pausing briefly before adding with a firm nod, "Master? Can I at least understand why we are doing this?"
Solomon Brundy clicked his tongue in evident frustration, snatching the case from Crelos with a sharp glance. "I've told you before, you're informed only of what you need to know, nothing more." With that, he turned away, taking the precious petal to the orb of fire on his desk.
Crelos tightened his jaw, steadfast despite his frustration. "You said you brought me here to show me the ways of the world. How am I to learn when I'm kept in the dark, treated merely as a tool?"
"Mind your words, apprentice!" Brundy snapped back, his aura flaring with fire for a brief moment. Yet, almost as quickly, his expression shifted to an almost genuine smile. "You want to learn, do you? Well, here's your first lesson: in this world, those who are weaker are always used by those who are stronger. That's the harsh reality, inescapable and true."
Brundy settled into his chair at the desk, cautiously opening the glass case. He murmured an unintelligible incantation, his fingers brushing the delicate petal as he imbued it with his mana. Carefully, he levitated the petal above the orb of flames before letting it fall gracefully into the fire. "To escape being used by those stronger, one must possess true, unmatched strength. Only a knight or mage who reaches the 9th tier can truly claim such independence."
Seizing a moment to probe deeper, Crelos ventured, "Is that why we're doing this, Master? Are you trying to break free from being used yourself?"
Brundy's eyes narrowed slowly, but a genuine smile crept across his face. "Very astute, apprentice, trying to manipulate my emotions to extract more information."
Without warning, Crelos found himself forced to his knees, overwhelmed by Brundy's suddenly erupting aura. The oppressive force bore down on him, far beyond what he expected, even as a newly ascended Inceptor. 'The gap... it's immense! How can it be this much?'
"As a reward for your growth, I'll not only spare you further punishment, but I'll indulge you with a little more insight."
The oppressive force pinning Crelos down vanished as abruptly as it had appeared. Standing without struggle, he fixed his gaze respectfully on Brundy.
'I often forget his true strength, given his usual meekness. The last inceptor I subjected to that couldn't stand for hours.' Brundy masked his thoughts with a placid smile, continuing, "There is no grand justification for our actions, nor is there a reason that will truly satisfy your curiosity. What you must understand—and all you need to understand—is that successfully completing this mission will make you stronger. Focus on the resources and rewards; those are what matter, not the why."
Pausing for a brief reflection, Crelos bowed deeply. "I understand, Master. I will commit fully to my role..."
However, he lingered, his hesitation hanging in the air as he met Brundy's gaze. Brundy, growing impatient, barked, "Out with it then!"
Gathering his courage, Crelos's voice was tinged with uncertainty. "Master, I'm confused. Perhaps I'm simply failing to grasp the bigger picture, but how do we intend to escape detection? It seems inevitable that they'll trace the purchase of the Silver Lilly petal back to me. Won't they connect the dots eventually?"
Brundy shook his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Are you acquainted with the Silver Lilly?"
"No, Master. I must admit, my studies in botany have always been lacking."
Brundy's expression turned serious. "A deficiency in botanical knowledge could prove fatal, especially if you encounter a poison weilder. I suggest you rectify this once we return to the tower. For now, understand that the Silver Lilly is commonly used in fertility potions," he explained, eyeing Crelos for any sign of recognition.
Crelos's expression flickered with realization, then twisted into confusion. "I don't understand, Master. Even if that's true, if she dies from poisoning, won't we still be suspects?"
Brundy smirked slightly. "Briefly, perhaps. However, my wedding gift will be a fertility potion, personally, and lovingly crafted by my own hand. As the brother of the groom, and a well-known master of potions, no one would question my abilities nor my intentions. Once she consumes it, it will take two days for the poison to take effect. Her death will appear quick and painless. And here lies the true genius of my potion."
Brundy's smile deepened as he deftly manipulated the flames, drawing forth a vial of pink fluid. "During my studies of various herbs, I uncovered a rare property of the Silver Lilly—an ancient tome I discovered in my youth hinted at it. When combined with poison, the Lilly exhibits a devouring effect that activates only upon the host's death. It absorbs all other toxins, enhancing its own benign properties, which if extracted from the corpse properly, can increase the success rate of the herb."
Crelos exhaled sharply, his eyes widening in realization. "So the Lilly will eliminate any trace of the actual poison. After her death, only the essence of the Lilly will be detectable, leaving no grounds for suspicion." Pausing, he looked perplexed. "But Master, why do you need me for this? It seems like I'm not essential to this plan, yet you said my involvement was necessary. Surely it wasn't just to purchase the petal?"
Brundy flicked his finger, sending a spark that popped playfully in front of Crelos. "Because you, my apprentice, will be the one to ensure she drinks it."
"Huh? Me?" Crelos's voice rose in surprise.
"Yes, you," Brundy responded with a hint of mockery. "It's customary for brides to receive fertility potions, but they seldom actually drink them."
Crelos furrowed his brow, rubbing his temple in confusion. "Then what's the point?"
"For a bride to actually drink them on her wedding night suggests a lack of faith in her natural ability to conceive. It's traditionally given as a gesture, a safeguard against the possibility of infertility without bringing shame to either party. It allows them to handle the matter privately, without external intervention, should they find themselves unable to conceive," Brundy explained, his tone patient.
"So why am I the one to ensure she drinks it?" Crelos's curiosity deepened.
"Because, my apprentice, your reputation precedes you. The world knows of your potential. When you present your gift to the bride, how could she possibly doubt the sincerity or the intentions of someone as renowned as you?" Brundy's voice held a note of sly encouragement, hinting at the manipulation woven into their plan.
Struggling to piece together the underlying scheme, Crelos's gaze flickered uncertainly. Finally, he exhaled in defeat. "I can't see the endgame here."
Brundy, his expression gleaming with a mix of anticipation and slyness, leaned back in his chair. "For your part, you'll predict her future as a wife and mother during the festivities. Here's the crucial moment: you will hesitate as if reluctant to reveal her fortune. Make it seem as though you are withholding something grave. Then, convincingly lie by telling her she will be blessed with many children and a house full of laughter and joy."
Pausing to ensure his point was clear, Brundy's eyes narrowed with a predatory glint. "Afterward, I will take her aside privately and confide in her that you revealed the 'true' vision to me—that she will be barren. This will create a personal crisis only our 'gift' can resolve."
Crelos furrowed his brow, skepticism painting his features. "But I've only dabbled in foresight; I've never actually succeeded."
Brundy waved dismissively, his confidence unwavering. "That doesn't matter. Simply claim you can. Given your potential, who would question it? Foresight is rare, but you're seen as a prodigy; doubt is unlikely. And even if some skepticism arises—even from her—it will only serve to plant the seed of doubt I need to cultivate."
Maintaining his composure, Crelos feigned admiration, "You've really thought of everything, Master. I won't let you or the Tower Master down. I should start preparing for what I need to do and how to respond." Rising from his seat, he bowed respectfully to Brundy and headed for the door.
Just as he was about to exit, Brundy's voice halted him. "Crelos," he said, causing Crelos to pause. "Focus on growing stronger. Only at the peak of your power can you truly command your own destiny and that of others. Harden yourself, for if you don't, I fear you may never reach the heights required of you." His words carried an ominous undertone.
With a thought tinged with suspicion—'That sounded like a threat'—Crelos turned back briefly, bowing once more. "Yes, Master. I will heed your advice." He then exited the room without betraying any emotion, his steps steady as he made his way toward his quarters.
Unseen by Crelos, Brundy's gaze followed him through the wall. His eyes glowed a sinister red, his attention fixed intently on the rapid beat of Crelos's heart, which thudded like that of a frightened Shadow-Hare.
Once safely inside his room, Crelos set down an array on the floor and activated it with a wave of his hand. Only then did he allow himself to collapse against the door, his complexion going pale. Dropping his head between his knees, he murmured to himself in a ragged breath, "What am I going to do?" His thoughts spun wildly, his emotions in turmoil. Despite the chaos in his mind, the image of the old man he had encountered earlier on the streets inexplicably surfaced, persistently intruding into his troubled thoughts.
----
In the warmth of Marcus's private study, Darius and Marcus sat across from each other by the fireplace. Darius poured the last of the Fleet wine into his cup, handing it over to Marcus with a wry smile. "Seems you have better fortune than me tonight."
Marcus accepted the cup with a broad grin. "Shame there's only one bottle. I've really taken to this 'warmed wine.' I'll have to inquire at the restaurant about their supplier, but that can wait until repairs are finished." He downed the wine in one smooth motion, his eyes twinkling over the rim of the cup.
Trying to appear as innocent as possible, Darius added, "I was only defending your son. You should have seen how he held himself back."
Leaning back in his chair, Marcus shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "I doubt my son played much of a part, but I owe you my thanks regardless. You spoke harsh truths to Percy that he needed to hear."
Darius stared into the flickering flames, the light dancing in his azure eyes. "To be honest, Marcus, the problem isn't entirely your son. Yes, he may seem a bit pathetic, but considering the potential he has, it would require a man of exceptional character to overcome that." His voice was casual, yet carried a weight as he spoke with Marcus.
Kinneman's gaze intensified as he took in Darius's relaxed demeanor, his messy black hair and the youthful features that seemed unusually calm. "You arrived here with such a burden on your shoulders. It's good to see you somewhat at ease," he commented, a hint of warmth in his tone.
Darius straightened abruptly, a flush creeping onto his face. "Do I seem like I'm enjoying this? Honestly, the only reason I've been dealing with your son the way I have is because he made a blood oath not to betray me."
Marcus erupted into hearty laughter, clearly amused. "Interesting strategy for making friends; I might've considered it in my younger days!"
Darius's expression darkened at the comment, a bitter thought crossing his mind about his past life, where his so-called friends had surrounded him at his death. Annoyed, he shot back, "And what a father you are! Aren't you concerned that your son made an oath with me? What if I had him vow to be my slave?"
Darius's frown deepened as he observed Marcus chuckling at his pointed remarks. In the briefest moment he blinked, Marcus had his rapier out, idly polishing it with a cloth. "Why would I worry about your intentions?" Marcus asked with a smile, then added, "My son has his flaws, true, but he is trustworthy. If that were not the case, I would abandon him as my heir, but never would I give up on him as my son."
Darius's irritation mingled with embarrassment from his sudden outburst. He began, "I apologize, I took—" but his apology was abruptly cut off. The doors to the room trembled under repeated, forceful bangs, accompanied by loud, unsettling shrieks and moans echoing through the wood.