Valac sat back on the edge of the bed, his mind racing.
The revelation about Elenora's dealings with the Dark Mage Tower still echoed in his ears, filling him with dread and fury.
The venom coursing through his veins made it impossible to move without feeling like his body was on fire.
Well, it wasn't a surprise at least. A stepmother poisoning the illegitimate child so it couldn't surpass her kid. It's plausible.
Lav chirped beside him, nuzzling against his leg. "Kyu!" The small dragon's warmth was a welcome distraction from the pain, but Valac's mind was far from comforted.
Apart from that it seems like no one else can see Lav except from me. But, Serphine…
Serphine… that name… where have I heard it before?
Valac narrowed his eyes as the maid knelt before him, her hands trembling as she finished the mana oath.
A faint green glow surrounded her as the oath sealed itself. Valac couldn't help the bitter smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Serphine. Oh! I remember now! That infamous assassin.
The Serphine from the storyline of version 1.0.
She had been the greatest assassin of the Empire, the protector of the Empress Layla. The leader of the infamous "Serpent's Fang."
How did a fragile maid like her end up becoming an assassin?
Valac's thoughts churned as he stared down at the maid, her head still bowed. In the original version, she was ruthless, loyal only to her mission. Yet here she was, begging him not to fire her.
Either, she is really good at hiding her identity. Or had something happened to her?
Interesting. Very interesting. This could be useful.
Valac chuckled softly, earning a startled glance from Serphine. She flinched as if expecting him to lash out, but he simply waved her off, his expression unreadable.
"Serphine," he said slowly, testing the name on his tongue. "You won't betray me. Right?"
Her eyes widened, panic flashing across her face. "I… I just did the mana oath, Master Valac… I don't think I'd want to die and let my family suffer."
Family, huh. I think I have an idea why she must have become an assassin.
"I see." Valac leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His voice dropped to a whisper, laced with cold amusement. "Are you in any sort of debt?"
Serphine swallowed hard, her shoulders trembling. "I… I… My father gambled quite a bit, Master Valac. Yes, I am in debt. But, how do you know that?"
"Just a wild guess." Valac's lips curled into a smirk. "I'll help you and your family. With money of course. But, in return you must never forget you owe me for saving the lives of your loved ones."
Gratitude works better towards gullible than fear, after all.
She was his now. Bound by a mana oath, no less. A future killing machine under his control. How perfect. He couldn't let this opportunity go to waste.
"What do you want me to do in return, Master Valac?"
Valac leaned back against the bedpost, considering his next move.
Serphine's talents could be exploited only after he has trained her. For now, he needed information. The venom was still weakening him, and without his magic, he was vulnerable.
"I'm not going to fire you," Valac said finally, his tone casual. "In fact, I think we can be very useful to each other. But first… I need some answers. Don't worry I won't ask for stupid things like warming my bed. I don't need that."
Serphine looked up at him, her expression a mixture of suprise, confusion and relief. "Of course, Master Valac. Anything you need."
"Good." Valac's eyes darkened. "Tell me about the funds I'm supposed to receive. How much is it, exactly? You're my maid. You should know it."
The question seemed to surprise her. "Your monthly funds?" she asked cautiously.
Valac nodded.
If I needed to escape here, the first thing is information. Second, is money. Third is, power.
"You receive a considerable amount each month," Serphine began, her voice still hesitant. "Given your status as the Duke's illegitimate son, it's more than most would expect."
"How much?" Valac pressed, his eyes narrowing.
"Around 40,000 gold coins each month."
FORTY THOUSAND GOLD!? THAT'S LIKE 4 MILLION DOLLARS!? That was far more than he had expected. He could live comfortably on that, maybe even start to build some influence.
But if that was the case…
"Then why the hell am I broke?" Valac's tone turned sharp, frustration bubbling to the surface.
Serphine winced, her eyes darting nervously. "You… well, in the past, Master Valac, you tended to… spend it all on… other things."
"Other things?" Valac's brow furrowed. "Be specific."
WHAT THE HELL CAN YOU SPEND 40 THOUSAND GOLD USELESSLY ON!? Seriously, Valac!? This damned past owner.
"Alcohol and women," Serphine admitted quietly, lowering her gaze.
Oh...
"It's been a habit for years, and it… it ruined your reputation among the household staff. It's why Lady Elenora never bothered cutting off your funds. She didn't need to. The Duke's household is quite rich… 40 thousand gold is a very cheap price to ruin you as well as your reputation for Lady Elenora."
Of course. That explains it. No wonder Elenora didn't see me as a threat. She knew Valac was wasting away his potential, digging his own grave without her having to lift a finger. And, she had already fed him poison. There was nothing more to be troubled about.
Valac clenched his fists, the bitter taste of loathing for the previous owner of the soul rising in his throat.
He had been a fool, playing right into her hands.
No more. Now that I am Valac, I need to fix everything.
"That will change," Valac said, his voice cold and determined. "From now on, I'm going to use that money for something worthwhile. Something that will benefit me. But, make sure Elenora thinks I'm spending it on alcohol and gambling."
He paused, staring at Serphine with renewed interest. "Do you know the restaurant on Fourth Street? Servan's? How's it currently doing?"
Serphine blinked, clearly confused by the sudden change in topic. "Yes, Master Valac. It's nearly out of business, if I remember correctly. Almost, all the employees seemed to have quit."
That's it! Bingo!
"Good," Valac said with a smirk. "I want you to go there tomorrow and make a deal. A very important deal. If you do it right, I'll pay of all your debts."
Serphine's confusion deepened. "What deal, Master? It'll be a loss. That place is near gone."
"Don't question my decisions," Valac snapped, his patience wearing thin. "Just do as I say. I'll figure out the rest. When you reach there tell the waiter you need, 'Red Lemonade with ice'. He'll take you inside to the basement. Just tell him. 'Every debt must be paid in blood'."
"Y-Yes, Master Valac," she stammered, bowing her head quickly. "I'll take care of it."
Servan's. It was never a restaurant. But, an information guild. The guild leader, Nico's little sister, Ixia was kidnapped and brought to Moonlit Cavern by bandits and was used as bait to lure out the elves. They wanted the Elves' treasures.
Though, the plan failed. Ixia died. Nico couldn't even find her body.
If I can save Ixia. Get myself cured. It's a win-win situation. Servan's wasn't out of business. Nico just sent most of his men to search for his sister.
Such a good opportunity.
"One more thing, Serphine," he added, his voice softening slightly. "I'll need your help with my mother as well. The Duke's plans for her… I can't trust anyone else to protect her. You must ask someone you trust to keep an eye on her. And, keep me informed."
Serphine looked up at him, her expression softening. "Of course, Master Valac. I will do everything in my power to keep Lady Darina safe. You have my word."
"Leave tonight. Don't let anyone catch you. If you can finish this task I'll pay off your family's debt. Don't mess up, Serphine. You can leave now m"
As Serphine left, Valac leaned back against the bed, closing his eyes as exhaustion threatened to pull him under. The venom still weakened him, but at least now, with Serphine on his side, he had a chance. A chance to turn the tides in his favor.
"Kyu!"
Lav chirped again, curling up beside him. Valac absently stroked the dragon's scales, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Rest now, Lav," he whispered. "We have a lot of work ahead of us."
The air in the room felt heavy, the weight of Valac's decisions settling over him like a cloak. The venom pulsing through his veins was a constant reminder of his vulnerability, but the determination in his heart burned brighter.
I must survive. I cannot let anything happen to mother.
Desmonds. Noctis. Wait for your retribution.