Styx Bratoviae
As Rudiger sets off, Lilith turns to Styx with a more serious demeanor, cautioning, "A great danger is looming for you in the coming months. Be careful." Styx's shoulders tense at her forewarning, and he responds with a stoic acknowledgment, "I know," ho
Having fulfilled his duties as duke, Styx makes his way to his Shack in Renduim, a meeting ground for his informants and his trusted right-hand man, Rudiger. As Styx enters the shack, he assumes his position at the head of the table, acknowledging the greetings of the four ghampires concealed in the shadows—the collective known as the Nightshades. These covert allies specialize in espionage, spying, and assassinations, skillfully handling tasks that allows Styx to remain unsoiled by direct involvement.
Seated, Styx inquires, "What is the latest report?" The ghampire on the far left steps forward, revealing a discovery: "Correspondence between a vampyre named Romand Bernarui and the MeaWarld Procurement Agency.
He received a substantial payment of five hundred thousand regz for the sale of 'special figurines.'" Styx's mind briefly drifts to Isaac Bernarui, the individual mentioned by the detective. "Here's my first directive: have your men on him at all times. I need you to gather more information about him and his ties to the agency, check if he's in any way connected to an Isaac Bernarui."
Shifting focus, Styx queries about the Medellin uprising, and the ghampire on the far right steps forward, providing insights, "Humans, particularly the impoverished, are enticed with substantial monetary incentives to fuel the uprising. They plan to boycott the upcoming blood donations in Medellin." Styx ponders the significance, wondering if the uprising was a form of diversion. Yet, concerns arise about the potential danger posed by the blood donation boycott.
Rudiger arrives slightly later, prompting Styx to jest, "You're always fashionably late to the strategizing meetings." Rudiger, with a disheveled appearance and swollen lips, retorts, "Well, cousin, I've got my hands full." Styx, noticing his condition, smiles and inquires about Lady Monica. Rudiger laughs before responding, "She was delightful." A shared look between them precedes laughter between the cousins.
Styx proceeded to share the earlier discussions with Rudiger, who, concerned, remarked, "How do you manage to stay on top of so many situations? You really need some rest." Styx, exhaling deeply, replied, "Until the regnis war concludes, rest remains impossible. There's a deeper layer to all of the recent happenings; my instincts have never failed. Inadequate planning could prove fatally detrimental to us."
Turning his attention to the Nightshades, Styx inquired, "Any updates regarding the houses?" A shadowed figure stepped forward, revealing, "The Alexandriovs are contemplating an alliance, extending an olive branch to the Ilyins for a strategic foothold in the South. They've purportedly pledged assistance to the Medellins in the uprising." Styx, tapping his hands thoughtfully on the table, acknowledged, "I see. Investigate the house of Alexandriov's involvement in the uprising, and maintain surveillance on all houses until our next meeting." With that directive, the men respectfully bowed and exited the shack, leaving Styx to ponder the intricate web of alliances and conflicts.
As Styx faces Rudiger, Rudiger voices his concerns, stating, "Mikhail Alexandriov is proving to be quite troublesome. What's your plan regarding him?" Styx responds with a chilling smile, replying, "I'm simply biding my time with him. It's not yet the right moment to address him."
Shifting focus, Rudiger asks about the latest developments in the trafficking business. Styx assures him, "I'm actively pursuing it."
Rudiger couldn't help but observe that Aunt Sylvia didn't come to Styx's defense earlier , he inquires, "Is everything alright? Aunt Sylvia didn't seem to support you against Nikolai today." Styx shares, "We had a disagreement last night regarding my father. She'll come around. Oh, she even suggested I consider marrying a daughter from the house of Reis."
Suggesting reconciliation with Aunt Sylvia, Rudiger emphasizes, "It's important to mend any division between you and Aunt Sylvia. We need her support. And marrying into the house of Reis isn't a bad idea; you should give it some thought." Avoiding the sensitive topic of Styx's father, Rudiger steers the conversation.
Transitioning to Lilith's prophecy, Styx reveals, "Lilith had a troubling prophecy last night. It seems we're in for some challenging times." Rudiger expresses "I can't wait for the regnis war to start and end, On that note you should consider limiting your contact with that detective; it's not a good look for you."
Styx, determined, replies, "I can't cease seeing her until we've resolved the trafficking issue. Besides, there's something intriguing about her..." Rudiger warns, "Be cautious with the detective; remember, she's a woman, an attractive woman at that." Styx laughs, dismissing any romantic notions, stating, "Falling in love with a human is beneath me. Our alliance is purely circumstantial. I wonder how Nikolai learned about my meeting with her. Luckily, I've secured that apartment so cover my tracks this evening." Rudiger reassures, "I've got your back. I'll say it again, be cautious." Rudiger's warning echoes, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Gazing at Rudiger, Styx asks, "Have you transmitted the updated location of our meeting to her?" Rudiger confirms, "Indeed, I took care of it earlier today." Shifting the topic, Styx reveals his intention, stating, "Rudiger, I'm contemplating implementing a Merit system." Intrigued, Rudiger questions, "What exactly is that?" Styx responds with a mischievous smirk, explaining, "It's my unique approach to keeping the humans in their place."