Chereads / Mind Controlling In Another World / Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: Partner in Crime

Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: Partner in Crime

"Marie, Marie, Marie."

The woman flinched upon hearing the voice. She lifted her face, her wide eyes searching for the speaker. Alphonse was right in front of her, sitting in one of the armchairs. The boy sat cross-legged, holding the masks in his hands.

"Impressive operation you have here," the boy commented in a cold voice.

Marie sat back down in her chair, taking a moment to calm herself.

"Even more impressive is that you managed to find this place," she said.

"Not really, it was simple. I just had to play with the elevator a bit," Alphonse commented.

"Hmm. So, you saw me coming down?" she asked.

"Yes. There's no flaw in your security. Perhaps I'd only suggest changing the elevator settings so it doesn't show that you're in the basement," he said, seemingly unconcerned.

Marie was surprised by the boy's behavior. It had been years since she had seen Alphonse, but she didn't remember him being so confident. She tried to read his face to understand what he was feeling.

'Is he a threat or a possible ally?' Marie thought. 'If he's a threat… how far am I willing to go?'

The boy got up and walked to one of the windows.

"How did you build this... empire? Just curious," Alphonse asked.

"I didn't build it. The casino and its other businesses have been with the Valois for several generations." Marie remained seated. "Just improved here and there with the advances we had with magic."

She returned her gaze to the papers, analyzing the upcoming deliveries. "What did you think of the 'operation'?"

"Impressive. I would have never imagined something like this," the boy said sincerely. "Especially managing such a massive secret."

"That part is simple. With a few magical contracts, you can ensure that everyone keeps their mouths shut," Marie explained.

"And the empire? Have they never tried to stop you or come close to discovering it?" Alphonse asked.

"A few times. However, we've had princes and princesses attending our events," the woman explained. "If anyone tries anything, we can use them as protection."

The boy returned to the armchair he was sitting in earlier.

"I see. One last question. Slaves, selling women—doesn't it affect you or your 'assistants'?" Alphonse asked, curious.

"No, and you don't seem to mind either," Marie explained.

"What do you mean?" Alphonse asked.

"All noblewomen are just luxury slaves. They are traded and sold to other families," Marie continued. "Maybe not for gold coins, but at the end of the day, it's just another transaction."

Alphonse kept paying attention.

"Your mother, for instance, she was 'sold' to the Hohenbergs to pay off a gambling debt your grandfather had," his grandmother explained.

"Interesting. She never mentioned that part. However, in this regard, you're mistaken. I do care. A lot," Alphonse stated.

"Really? And when Sophie has to be betrothed, what will you do?" Marie thought she had backed him into a corner.

"I'll tear Alexander's throat out if he even considers doing that," Alphonse replied with a menacing smile.

His grandmother tried to read his face to gauge whether he was telling the truth or lying.

'Even if it's true, could he do anything against Alexander? Maybe it's just the delusion of a child,' Marie thought.

The boy got up again and walked toward the exit.

"You know you can't mention this event, right?" Marie asked.

"Yes. Just don't involve Sophie or Isabelle; they seem strong on the outside, but they wouldn't have the stomach for all this," Alphonse replied.

"And do you?" his grandmother asked.

The boy nodded, not bothering to give her the luxury of a response.

"Interesting. Perhaps we can talk about how you can help me with the 'casino'," Marie suggested.

"Maybe. But that's for another time." The boy vanished from sight.

Once again, his grandmother was surprised by the boy. She used all her senses to feel his presence in the room, but he seemed to have disappeared from existence.

"Tell your lovers that I don't need security. Leave them to Sophie."

These were Alphonse's last words before leaving the room.

Marie blushed. She wasn't sure if her grandson had seen her moment with the assistants.

'It seems he was here from the beginning. Impressive; he managed to hide even from an experienced assassin.'

Alphonse woke up early the next day, but Marie and Sophie were already having breakfast. The boy sat at the table and ate while listening to them discuss the capital, places they should visit, and what to expect from the academy.

"The test is conducted within the academy itself. It's not far from the bay, but it should take a few minutes by carriage. I recommend leaving early; the tests are done in order of arrival, and it usually gets crowded early," his grandmother explained.

Once the two finished eating, they headed to the carriage, which was already prepared and accompanied for departure.

Throughout breakfast and upon reaching the carriage, Alphonse felt his grandmother evaluating his every move—not just her but also the assistants.

'She must have informed them,' he assessed.

The carriage began moving, heading to the end of the Velorian Bay and climbing a small hill. As soon as the vehicle reached the top, they could finally see the Imperial Academy.

A small stone bridge connected the hilltop to an island. Various buildings were built along the island, and a small castle sat atop. Everything on the island was part of the academy, which served not only to form the new generation but also to research and train academics.

"How are you feeling?" Sophie asked, her hands trembling with anxiety.

"Calm. We've trained for all the tests; I have no doubt we'll do well," Alphonse said.

Sophie nodded; she wished she had the confidence her brother had.

Upon reaching the castle entrance, the carriage stopped.

"Sir, this is the drop-off point. No carriage can go beyond this point," the coachman explained.

"Thank you for your services." Alphonse handed him a gold coin.

They continued walking through the castle courtyard until they found several other people waiting.

"Come closer; this will be the line for those who wish to take the next evaluation," a boy shouted, pointing to the long line forming.

Alphonse stood in front of Sophie. The line moved slowly at times, but it took nearly an hour before it shortened enough for them to see what was happening. A large door would open and call the next student, who would then be tested and proceed to the next stage.

After a few more moments, Alphonse was finally called. As he passed through the doors, he found himself in a large room with stands all around, filled with hundreds of people watching the boy as he entered. Near the center was a long table with several people seated. As Alphonse approached, one of the people at the table spoke.

"Alphonse von Hohenberg. We will begin your test. I am Gustav Obermann, and I will be your evaluator and the Headmaster of the Imperial Academy," the man seated at the center of the table introduced himself.

He didn't look like a headmaster. He was young and strong. Alphonse expected to see someone older, perhaps with long hair and a white beard.

Alphonse nodded, unsure of what to say.

"The first test will be combat. You may use magic; however, your opponent will be equipped with a magic shield," Gustav explained.

"Understood," Alphonse replied.

A soldier walked to the center of the room, standing face-to-face with the boy. The soldier drew a sword and pointed it at Alphonse. He wasn't much taller than the boy, but he seemed confident.

"Begin!" Gustav shouted.

The soldier quickly advanced at that moment, delivering vertical strikes against Alphonse.

[Mind Influence] FEAR!

[Mind Influence] DANGER!

Controlling the mind of the opposite sex was much more complex for Alphonse. However, if it involved simple and impactful emotions, he could transmit them through magic. Before the vertical strike could hit him, the soldier leaped back. The audience was confused, seeing the soldier retreat rapidly, his legs trembling.

"It's my turn," Alphonse said, creating two flames in his hands and launching them at the soldier.

[Fire Spark]

[Fire Spark]

The first shot hit his chest but was stopped by the magic shield. The second shot broke the shield.

"Test completed!" Gustav shouted.