n

n

nI have to find a way to deal with this matter once and for all... And the only way to do that, is to exert even more dominance than these two. By showing them an even greater influence and fear than what Imperius has, they will burn it into their minds and report back to their masters like the dogs they are. Only then will they know to leave my business alone.

nCurrently, Imperius is one of the biggest powers in this Western Kingdom. The only influence capable of taming Imperius entirely is... The Royal family.

nI have already thought this entire thing out. Just as I explained to Julius, when I'm done with them, Imperius will understand that losing one branch is a far better deal than what would occur should they mess with me. And just like that, I'll wrap it all up... Without as much as a struggle.

nIt didn't take very long... The truth sank in.

n

"T-This is... Y-You wouldn't...

" Mustache said with his eyes bulging.

n

"N-No, please reconsider...

" Unibrow also added, with sweat dripping from his face.

n

"Oh? Where did the tone you used earlier go to?

" I asked them.

nMy smile broadened as they expressed uncomfortable and fearful signs both on their faces and through bodily reactions.

n

"W-We didn't... We didn't mean in that way

"

n

"Please, we can still negotiate...

"

nAs the tables turned on them and they pleaded for their company, I couldn't help but snicker.

nSo this is what Julius was so confident about? He really thought these bumbling idiots would stand in my way of achieving total control? Looks like Julius was merely a small fish, a bigger fool than I thought he was. Heh, how amusing... Just like that, I win.

n

"I told you already Julius... Imperius will be mine

" I smiled to myself.

nAnd now...

n

"It's finally time... To leave this little city.

" I thought to myself.

nMoments Later

n

"Goodbye Gentlemen, please kindly send my regards to the Imperius Board. Tell them to consider our discussions, okay?

"

nI smiled at the Delegates as they expressed empty and exhausted looks. They entered into their carriages sluggishly and, along with their entourage, left just as suddenly as they came.

nThe entire staff of my branch were surprised by how the Delegates looked and they all gazed at me with wonder.

n

"How did he... Just what did he say to them?

" They thought within themselves.

nLorna gave me a look of confidence and nodded with a smile. It looks like she has finally realized and now she truly believes in me. Perfect, just what I wanted.

n

"It's high time I checked on my servants. Hopefully they're getting along

" I muttered, signalling Lorna that I'll be leaving for a while.

nShe nodded in affirmation and took control of the branch as I exited the premises.

nI'm trying to avoid using Hex very often since the Apostles will be able to sense it, and with all that has happened in this city, it'll be easier for them to get on my tracks. In order to ensure that doesn't happen, I'll only use it as a last resort... That is, until I crush their stupid little club.

nOn foot, it'll take me approximately thirty minutes to reach the place I put the slaves in. I should use this time to plan further on my next course of action. Since so much has changed, I can't rely on the original plan any longer. I'll have to create more contigencies and make provisions for the newest changes around me, as well as any unexpected ones to occur. Things are becoming a little unpredictable, aren't they?

nI arrived at the house I left them at, a place provided for me my Phobio, before I sent him back to the Royal Capital. The house is located in the outskirts of the city, plus I placed a barrier using one of my treasures, Alienating it from everywhere else, ensuring it's safety and non interference with the rest of the world.

nI had hoped they were getting along, but... What is with the sight I see in front of me? The house is badly damaged, unrecognizable from it's initial look. And that's not all... My slaves are...

n

"Is that all you have? I thought you'd be more impressive than this! To be honest, I am quite disappointed in you two.

" Ana said to Talia and Shamac.

nThey gritted their teeth and dashed toward her. Talia launched multiple light bombs toward Ana and Shamac also sent many giant spikes from his massive porcupine body.

nAna skillfully dodged the spikes and used her Grace to remove the light balls from her path.

nShe immediately closed the distance between them and launched the porcupine spikes to Talia, who dodged them as they attacked her in the air, while also using her legs to skillfully kick Shamac on his head, a place which was left defenseless.

nThe shock from her kick stunned Shamac, but it wasn't enough to fully incapacitate him. Fully aware of this, she sent the Light bombs she had collected from Talia and launched them toward Shamac.

n

"W-Wait a moment...

" Shamac protested.

nThe little bombs exploded, causing a non lethal damage to him, thanks to him immediately creating protective shells for himself. Still, the impact from the blast sent him to the ground. Unable to gather enough strength to maintain his shape, he returned to his normal form... A teenage boy.

nWith Shamac out of commission, only Talia remained. She realized that her light projectiles could do her no good against Ana, plus, since there were no plants around she could not use her Vine manipulation. She could only avoid Ana's attacks due to her advantage in the air, something Ana lacked.

nAna as well was at a stalemate with Talia. With most of her arsenal gone, she only had what she collected from Shamac and Talia to go on. They weren't much, however, so she had to use them sparingly. Since Talia was in the sky, she couldn't reach her and as such, even though Talia couldn't attack her, she also couldn't do the same, putting them in a deadlock.

n

"Okay, that's enough!

" I immediately yelled.

nTalia and Ana sharply turned, looking toward my direction, while Shamac sluggishly tilted his head to see me.

n

"You guys are such a handful

" I said to them with a smile.

n

"Master!!! You are back, Lord Hexarion!

" Ana said, rushing to my side.

n

"Indeed I am.

" I said, looking at Talia and Shamac who were not too enthusiastic about seeing me. They bowed their heads in respect abd greeting to me, but that was all.

nI know why... It seems I must have hurt their feelings quite a bit, especially with my sudden addition of Ana to their ranks.

n

"The both of you managed to kill the Imperial Knights... Good job! You both did well, you surpassed my expectations. Talia, Shamac... Well done.

" I said to them with an encouraging smile.

n

"M-Master...

" Talia's hesitant and pained face melted as she heard my words and witnessed my smile.

nShamac also smiled, looking pleased with himself and regaining his confidence. He struggled to stand up and rose slowly, feeling sore and pained from the damage he received earlier.

n

"It's good to have you back Boss!

" Shamac said, wincing in pain.

n

"Yeah... It sure is

" I smiled.

nThey both slowly approaching me too, with smiles on their faces. I can tell they are still hurt, but now... They definitely feel better, about me and about themselves.

nI can imagine they all have a lot to say... About their experiences, about their feelings, about their new colleague. There'll be enough time for that as we leave this place and journey to our next destination...

nThe Adventurers city of Lamar!

n