Chapter 4: Negotiations

Chapter 4: Negotiations

Mereoleona Vermillion:

"Alright, what in the actual hell am I looking at?" I squinted, utterly bewildered, as I took in the scene unfolding before me. Acier, my mentor in everything but name, sat propped up against her bed's backboard. Her skin was even paler, her sickness clearly worsening since the last time I'd seen her. And yet... there was something different. Despite her frailness, a spark of life shone brighter in her now than ever before. When she smiled at me upon my entrance, it was so genuine, so full of warmth, that I nearly forgot about the dire circumstances.

But what really threw me for a loop was Sebastian Silva—that Sebastian—sitting right beside her. His hand gently held hers, glowing with an ocean-blue aura as he channeled what I assumed to be healing magic. I glanced over at Nozel, whose jaw was practically on the floor, with little Noelle clinging to him. Clearly, I wasn't the only one completely thrown off by this strange sight.

"Mother, did this creep do something to you?" Nozel's voice cut through the tension, his words so deadly serious that I couldn't stop a laugh from escaping me. Really? The look on his face was priceless. But my amusement didn't last long, and I quickly began circulating my mana, ready to spring into action the moment Sebastian so much as lifted a finger toward Nozel. I was more than prepared to put that bastard in his place. But nothing happened. To my surprise, Sebastian just twitched his brows slightly and continued his work, holding Acier's hand, sending rhythmic waves of mana into her. My senses honed in, and I could tell—there was no malice in what he was doing. His magic was gentle, restoring the flow of Acier's mana and keeping her alert.

Acier's smile softened, then turned into a frown of disapproval as she shot a glare at her son. "Nozel Silva, that is no way to speak about your father. Apologize."

I froze, stunned. The words had rolled off her tongue like they were the most natural thing in the world. She was actually scolding her most dutiful son to defend that no-show husband of hers. And to think, just last week, she could barely speak, her voice hoarse from illness choking her throat. Yet here she was, talking with the strength and grace of the Acier Silva I used to know. It was nothing short of miraculous.

Nozel was just as shocked as I was, stuttering in disbelief. I didn't blame him. If I were in his shoes, I'd be wondering if I'd wandered into some bizarre nightmare. His discomfort was almost comical as he turned to face his father, clearly choking on whatever apology he was about to force out.

"I-I'm... uh... uh... I'm—"

Poor kid couldn't even finish before Sebastian, of all people, cut him off. "If it's that difficult, just forget it. I don't care."

For the first time, Sebastian actually seemed annoyed. Not out of malice, though. He didn't care about the lack of an apology. What really seemed to bug him was how hard Nozel was struggling with it, as the kid would rather die than speak those words to his father. As Sebastian sighed, for the briefest moment, I swear I saw him pout. Who knew someone as cold as him could be so... sensitive? You'd think a man so cruel could handle being on the receiving end of a bit of disrespect.

Then I noticed something—Acier and Sebastian exchanged a silent, wordless look. A nod of understanding passed between them. That look sent a chill through me. They hadn't seen each other in months and barely spoke to one another. And yet here they were, perfectly in sync. It creeped me out how easily they fell into step like they were still connected in ways I couldn't begin to understand. For all their fights, and all their troubles, they were still husband and wife. Maybe, despite it all, some bonds run too deep to sever.

Nozel was shot a final frown by his mother before Acier turned her head back to face me. Acier, smiling warmly once more, turned her attention to me. "What brings you here today, Mereoleona?"

I furrowed my brow in confusion and approached her bedside. "What do you mean, 'what brings me here'? Didn't you call me? You sent a messenger to the Vermillion estate and everything. You're lucky I had just gotten back from my training in the Grand Magic Zones, or I wouldn't have heard a damn thing."

Her expression mirrored my confusion as she cocked her head slightly, bewilderment in her eyes, before shaking it off. "No, I didn't—" she started, only to be interrupted by a voice beside her.

"I did. On her behalf."

I turned, looking past Acier's bed to see Sebastian Silva calmly meeting my gaze, his hand still resting over hers as he continued whatever it was he was doing.

Great, I thought, now I have to deal with this piece of trash. I narrowed my eyes. "And why would you do that? What, too scared to face me yourself? Couldn't even use your own name to call me out?" I taunted, my voice dripping with contempt.

Acier frowned at my words, and I felt a small pang of guilt. I knew she had forgiven him—again—but that didn't mean I had to. I'd never forgive that pathetic excuse of a man, husband or not.

I expected him to react like any Silva—cold and prideful, maybe even indignant. But instead, to my surprise, he simply nodded, sizing me up with calm eyes. "I'm not ashamed to admit that, yes, you frighten me."

My jaw slackened, and I saw Nozel's do the same. Acier, for her part, only seemed slightly put off, before she chuckled softly. I couldn't remember the last time I'd heard her laugh, let alone in Sebastian's presence. And I couldn't help but feel a surge of... gossip-worthy excitement. Was this how noble ladies felt when they stumbled upon juicy rumors? I wasn't usually one for idle chatter, but this was something else. A Silva—Sebastian Silva no less—had just confessed to being afraid of a Vermillion. And not just any Vermillion, but me. The most stuck-up, self-righteous, nitpicky bastard in all of royal society, admitting something so raw. This was the guy who was neck-and-neck with Augustus Kira Clover, the bloated waste of space that called himself King, in terms of being insufferable.

Despite my internal glee, Sebastian continued undeterred, indifferent to my thoughts. "As for your first question, Mereoleona—would you have come if I had asked you personally?"

I scowled but conceded with a grunt. "No." I could barely believe I was admitting it, but it was true. There was no way I'd have wasted my time if I'd known it was him calling me. But to my surprise, he didn't gloat or flash that smug look I expected. He just nodded a calm acknowledgment.

"You still haven't told me why I'm here," I snapped, crossing my arms, impatience clear in my voice.

His response was quick and silent—a flick of his grimoire, now floating in front of him. Oh? He wants to fight? I raised a feral brow, but paused. There was no hostility in his mana, no malice in his intent.

"Deep Blue Room," he called out, his voice calm, as the room around us transformed. An ocean-blue barrier of water enclosed us, the edges rippling with light. I couldn't help but grin, especially as Noelle squealed with delight, reaching out to touch the shimmering blue glow.

But this sudden secrecy made me raise a brow in confusion. What the hell was he up to?

"Do you want to grab a chair and sit? This is going to be a long meeting," Sebastian asked, sounding tired.

"Not my style," I shot back, staying on my feet. I wasn't about to settle down until I knew what was really going on.

He just nodded, sighing as if already exhausted by the situation, and then finally spoke. "Acier isn't simply sick—she's cursed. Nozel, too. Both of them have been marked by a host for a very powerful devil. They couldn't tell anyone because if word got out, the caster would know... and they could use that knowledge to curse the people they care about."

I blinked. Well, shit. That's not exactly a casual bomb to drop. A quick glance at the grim, frustrated looks on Acier's and Nozel's faces confirmed it—Sebastian wasn't messing with me.

An arm of flaming mana extended from my back, grabbing a chair and dragging it in front of me. I flipped it around, sat down with the chair back against my chest, and leaned forward, eyes locked on him. My hands rested on the top of the chair as I demanded, "Keep talking."

"Normal doctors are useless here," Sebastian continued. "They can't even identify the curse, let alone do anything about it. So we have to find alternative methods. You, being a member of the Vermillion house, should know that royals and nobles... we're not always as pure as we appear."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah, nobles are shady—get to the point, old man."

He sighed, clearly irritated but pushing forward. "There are families in the Clover Kingdom who've dealt with curses or devils before. Some even research them. If anyone can undo what's been done to Acier and Nozel, it's them. So I summoned them."

"Okay, and...?" I asked, confused. Isn't that a good thing?

He gave me a look that screamed Are you an idiot? as he wagged a finger at me. I resisted the urge to incinerate him on the spot. "Do you really think people who study devils are going to be the most pleasant folks? There's a high chance things will get... complicated. They could resort to extreme measures, and we'll need someone strong enough to keep them in check. That's where you come in. I need your strength. Can you handle it?"

My annoyance melted into confidence as I grinned, poking my chest with my thumb. "Who the hell do you think you're talking to? Of course, I can. I'm the Uncrowned Undefeated Lioness, after all!"

But instead of the impressed reaction I expected, Sebastian just stared blankly at me, glancing between me and Acier. Even someone as bold as me felt a little flustered by his deadpan look. "Okay, undefeated except for Acier. But she doesn't count. She's my master. I'll beat her one day, though!"

Sebastian didn't mock me or sneer like I thought he would. Instead, he nodded approvingly. "If anyone can do it, it's you."

Acier gave me an encouraging smile, while Nozel just narrowed his eyes, clearly still unconvinced.

I brushed aside my unease and cut to the chase. "Even if they don't freak out, what makes you think they'll help?" I asked, genuinely curious. The worried looks Acier and Nozel shot Sebastian made it clear that they hadn't really thought about the possibility that someone in the Clover Kingdom might not be eager to cozy up to royalty by doing them a favor.

Luckily, Sebastian wasn't as naive as his wife and son. His lips curled upward into a smile, and if it weren't for his next words, I might have actually found it charming. "Then I'll just have you hold them hostage until they change their mind. And if they still refuse... well, what good are they then? Let's do society a favor and dispose of some heinous devil worshippers."

A thrill shot up my spine, my grin turning feral. "You know what? I think I'm starting to like you, you sick bastard!" There's nothing I respect more than someone unafraid to reveal their fangs when the time calls for it. I live for the hunt, and here he was, practically inviting me to sink my teeth in.

Nozel and Acier seemed a bit shaken by the crudeness of Sebastian's words—completely unfitting of a royal—but I could see the relief in their eyes. They were glad he had a plan and wasn't as soft as he seemed.

"So, when are they due to arrive?" Acier asked, her voice as soft and melodic as ever.

"Now, if you're all ready," Sebastian replied, glancing between the three of us. Well, four if you counted little Noelle.

Acier and Nozel both nodded, but something clicked in my head, and I raised a brow. "Where are the other two? And Aurelia?" I asked, noticing that Nebra, Solid, and Acier's younger sister—my aunt, Aurelia—were nowhere to be seen.

"I made an excuse to send them to the Vermillion estate with Aurelia for a visit. The fewer people who know, the better," Sebastian replied without a hint of emotion. "Those three don't exactly keep their mouths shut, and there are plenty of people who would love to see Acier dead. I'm not risking putting anyone on alert."

Meanwhile, Lilith Faust trembled behind her husband, but Draven remained eerily calm, his gaze fixed solely on me, ignoring the threats around him. "I'm sensing a 'but' here," he said, almost mockingly.

I nodded, turning to Nathan and Mereoleona. Nathan, to his credit, complied without hesitation—his spell faded as the black oil dissipated. Mereoleona, however, needed a bit more persuasion.

"Please," I simply said.

Surprised by the unusual politeness from someone like Sebastian Silva, she raised an eyebrow but eventually clicked her tongue in annoyance. Still, her flames extinguished, the temperature in the room slowly cooling down.

I turned back to Draven, ready to conclude my argument. "But at the end of the day, your family's knowledge and expertise are undeniably vital—not just to safeguard this kingdom from threats like the devil host who cursed my family, but to prepare for the otherworld. So, what do you say? Return to your roots and the original purpose of House Faust, and use your research for the sake of world peace." I couldn't help but think how much I sounded like Lucius right now. "House Silva will personally fund your work and provide the resources you need. I'm well aware your finances have been stretched thin since you distanced yourselves from aristocratic society, and your research costs must be significant."

Draven's brow rose slightly, his unsettling smile returning. "Aren't you worried that House Silva will become a target of hatred if our work is exposed?"

I shrugged. "Let's hope it never comes to that, or by the time it does, society will have shifted its attitude toward this field of research. But let me make one thing clear—while we will support you with funding and resources, we will not engage in any unethical practices, like human sacrifices. I know your devil-binding platform is littered with skulls."

Draven's smile faded into a frown. "We've done no such thing. All sacrifices are animals or magic beasts. The blood we use is our own. And as for those bones, they belong to failed devil hosts—people who consented to the ritual. To bind a devil, one must be completely focused and committed. Forcing it on anyone would be pointless; they'd just add to the pile of corpses."

I gave a casual shrug. "Just making sure."

"Father."

The word took me by surprise. I turned, bewildered, to see Nozel standing behind me. He had just called me "father." His anxious, flustered expression made it clear he was struggling, but I kept my composure, not letting the joy show on my face. Instead, I maintained my regal poise and calmly asked, "Yes?"

"A-are w-we r-really... working with these treasonous filth?!" he shouted, his voice trembling with indignation. He was clearly furious at the thought of being associated with House Faust.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Draven observing the scene, not offended but rather intrigued, curious to see how I would handle my son's outburst. Acier and Mereoleona weren't exactly pleased either, and their silence weighed on me. Mereoleona's mana still flared faintly, and Acier's fear and concern were palpable.

I looked down at Nozel, who was holding his baby sister, Noelle, in his arms—oblivious to the gravity of the situation. I gently brought my hand down to his head, and he tensed, probably expecting some sort of reprimand. But instead, I ruffled his hair.

He looked at me, utterly bewildered, as I spoke softly. "We'll do anything to save your mother. We don't want your sister growing up without ever knowing her, do we?" I gestured toward Noelle, her small form nestled in his arms.

Nozel's brows furrowed, his face slick with sweat. "N-no... but... this is wrong! It's treason! Betrayal of the kingdom and of our family's honor! How can I call myself a Magic Knight? How can I possibly aspire to be the Wizard King if I consent to this?! This violates human morality—noblesse oblige!"

I glanced briefly at Acier and Mereoleona. Both wore troubled expressions. Acier feared death, yes, but more than that, she feared losing herself and dragging her family down a dark path. Mereoleona, for all her wildness and defiance, had been raised with the same ideals of duty and honor that weighed on Nozel now. Despite her love and respect for Acier, turning a blind eye to a royal house working with devil worshippers was something she couldn't easily accept.

Only Alfred, the quietest of us all, seemed unaffected. He had already made peace with what we were about to do, taking to heart the words I'd spoken to him in our first meeting after I had transmigrated into this body.

I sighed, looking down at Nozel again, then surprised him by clasping his shoulders and kneeling to meet his gaze directly. His eyes widened as I softly asked, "Is it?"

"H-huh?" He blinked, tightening his grip on Noelle, clearly baffled by my question.

"Is this truly a violation of our duty and honor?" I elaborated.

"O-of c-course it is! What kind of nonsense is that?!" he yelled, his frustration spilling over.

"Okay," I responded calmly, nodding without emotion, which seemed to catch him off guard. Then I continued, "Why?"

"W-why? Why?!" He was beside himself, unable to believe I even asked the question. "Because devils, and anyone who makes contact with them, are the epitome of evil!"

"And what makes them evil?" I pressed. When I saw that he was about to lose his temper and likely summon his mercury magic, I quickly added, "Does not associating with devils automatically make someone good?"

He paused, taking a deep breath to regain his composure, though he was clearly struggling with the question. "Make your point, Father," he muttered, biting his lip in frustration.

I met his gaze and spoke plainly. "Nobles and royals are corrupt—more so than you can imagine. We run underground slave trades, assassinate rivals, bribe the courts to get away with our crimes, and sell national secrets to other kingdoms for personal gain. So what would you do if I told you that House Faust, a family that makes deals with devils, is one of the cleanest families in noble society?"

"Impossible!" he exclaimed, vehemently rejecting the idea.

I sighed and stood up, gesturing for him to turn and face Alfred.

Alfred glanced at us, nodding as he pulled out a stack of papers from the folder he was carrying and adjusted his monocle. He began reading his report.

"Young Master Nozel, Lord Sebastian entrusted me with conducting an investigation into House Faust and the Agrippa family to verify any foul play and determine whether they are trustworthy allies for collaboration. Please note that, given the short timeframe, these reports may not be entirely comprehensive. However, by bribing members of the royal court and purchasing information from multiple sources, I was able to reach a reliable conclusion on how to assess these two families."

He paused, glancing briefly at Nozel before continuing. "The report on the Agrippas is as follows: since Nathan Agrippa took charge of his family, there have been no indications of criminal activity or even minor infractions. Additionally, he has repaid all outstanding dues and debts to the kingdom and various banks accumulated during his father's reign."

Nozel remained indifferent, clearly unconcerned about the Agrippas, as they weren't the source of his anxiety. Alfred, unfazed, licked his finger, flipped to the next page, and carried on. "As for House Faust," he began, drawing everyone's full attention, "their only notable offenses include a potential failure to pay the appropriate taxes for May of the previous calendar year and occasional bribes to the royal court to keep their eldest son, Nacht Faust, out of custody whenever his petty pranks went too far. All in all, this places them in the top 1% of noble families with the least reported or suspected criminal activities and underhanded dealings. This pattern has remained consistent since they secluded themselves at the edge of the noble realm generations ago."

After finishing, Alfred neatly returned the papers to his folder and bowed. "Based on my findings, I conclude that both the Agrippa family and House Faust are reliable allies. That concludes my report."

"Thank you, Alfred," I said with a nod. He returned to his usual stoic posture, standing beside Acier's bed, blending into the background. I shifted my gaze between my wife Acier, Mereoleona, and Nozel.

"So," I asked, calm but expectant, "are you willing to follow my lead and make a deal with House Faust?" I waited for their answers, letting the weight of the decision settle in the room.

Acier's expression was conflicted—caught between her desire to live and her fear of endangering the family. Mereoleona clicked her tongue, crossing her arms. "The one who's willing is me. House Vermillion has nothing to do with this," she muttered.

I acknowledged her with a grateful nod and turned my attention to Nozel, who walked over to his mother. He carefully took her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze while Noelle wriggled in his arms. Without even looking in my direction, he spoke.

"We're willing," he said, his voice steady but laced with reluctance. "But that doesn't mean I like it."

Acier's eyes welled up, her smile both grateful and sorrowful as she looked at her son. I took a deep breath, my gaze softening as I watched them. "If this turns out to be the wrong decision, the only one who has sinned is me," I said quietly.

Acier shot me a complicated look, about to say something when Nozel interrupted, still not facing me.

"No," he said, his grip on his mother's hand tightening. "I gave my consent. I'm equally guilty. It's not fair for you to take all the blame."

My eyes widened in surprise at his words. He held his mother's hand even tighter as he continued, his voice more resolute. "We'll bear all the pain and sins this decision brings... together, as a family."

I felt a lump form in my throat as silence settled over the room again. My son—the one who had every reason to despise me—had just acknowledged me as family. I fought back the urge to tear up. Not wanting to embarrass myself by continuing to look at him, I turned back to the Faust couple, needing to regain my composure. I extended my hand to Draven.

"So, we have a deal?" I asked, my voice steady, though my emotions were tightly restrained.

Draven's smile shifted from eerie to something more genuine as he grasped my hand firmly. "It's my pleasure," he said, his tone oozing confidence. Our eyes locked as we shook hands, both of us maintaining an emotionless facade.

But inside, it felt like I had just struck a deal with the devil. I couldn't shake the feeling that Alfred, in his quiet acceptance, was the one who had already made peace with this decision—when really, it should've been me. Looking into Draven's eyes, I saw arrogance, and a deep sense of foreboding crept into my thoughts. This man was foolish enough to believe that his son could bind a supreme devil, and I couldn't help but envision the catastrophic consequences. Images of Lucifugus' darkness engulfing House Faust—and even House Silva—flashed in my mind, threatening the very future I was fighting to protect.

I mentally berated myself and shoved those dark thoughts aside. That future will never come to pass, I told myself firmly. This is the right decision. I had to believe that. It was all for Acier, and for Noelle—to give her the childhood she deserved.