Chapter 85: To Take a Step Forward
I watched the reaction of the girl in front of me closely. I had some inkling as to the reason for her wishing to meet me like this, but the main consideration in any agreement was the temperament and behaviour of the parties involved. Should she wish for her family to benefit from my external trading, then they would need to either be the kind of people that could be relied on or at the very least, easily controlled.
This was part of the reasoning for my stipulation that all meetings with other Houses had to be held within the Sagan Manor. As a mere Earl, forcing people of higher rank to come to me instead of the other way around could be viewed as insulting. Devils were beings of sin, first and foremost of those being Pride. It was the reasoning behind their self-centredness and made them somewhat predictable.
More importantly, it revealed a lot about those who could put that Pride aside. Devils who could swallow their pride in return for their own advancement without being coerced to do so, were far more dangerous than any other members of the race. They were also far more viable as business partners.
“Why would…?” Seekvaira’s expression scrunched up, confusion and shock breaking through her poise, before she seemed to realise my close attention and smoothed out her face.
She took in a deep breath, before letting it out and speaking much more calmly, “Forgive me. The news is quite surprising, but it is not my place to interfere in your family matters.”
I raised an eyebrow at that, looking at Satori out of the corner of my eye, getting a nod from her.
“I see. In that case, let us move on from that matter.” I leaned back, watching carefully for any signs of objection to that statement, “For instance, perhaps to discuss the reasoning for this meeting?”
She nodded, letting my comment about my lineage pass, “Very well. The reason I wanted to speak with you has to do with my family’s business, that being the mining and sale of Agaresite. Understandably, we keep our ear to the ground on this matter, so when someone starts making moves to build up a stockpile we take notice.”
“I see.” I nodded, “So my acquiring of a large amount of Agaresite had become a point of concern for your family?”
“A point of interest.” She corrected, “Not concern. After all, we are prohibited from being directly involved in the trading of Agaresite outside of the Underworld. However, your accrual of such vast stores, through great difficulty, speaks to your intention to expand further than just the Yokai, and so we decided to approach you, in order to see if we could ease your future acquisitions. I do not think you would turn away greater profits.”
I drummed my fingers on the armrest, considering what she had revealed so far. The Agares were obviously chafing under the restrictions placed on them, to be moving this boldly. More than that, to proceed with this sort of thing even with my revealed heritage and known enmity with the powers that be in the Underworld revealed quite a lot. Still, just because they were signalling openness to an alliance did not mean I would immediately jump on the opportunity.
Besides… “You seem to be operating under the assumption that I am making a profit from the trade of Agaresite. To the contrary, currently my only trades in the material are to order and at cost.”
“At… cost? You are not making any money off of Agaresite, despite buying so much of it?” She questioned, her head tilted, “Why would that- Wait no. It is the most expensive thing in which you trade, by reducing the price as much as possible, it allows you to entice further spending. It also means that it is very difficult to match your price for other suppliers.”
“Not that the latter is much of an issue. The Yokai will only trade with me, as you know.” I responded, “Still, regardless of my reasoning, the fact remains. I currently have no need to procure more Agaresite than I already am.”
I kept a close eye on her, waiting for her response. It might seem arrogant or even foolish to test her like this, but I could see the intention behind her offer. The Agares were approaching me, despite my current status in the Underworld, in order to offer aid unprompted. That meant they were either planning to throw their lot in with me, or more likely, hedging their bets before they decided who they would ultimately support.
Stretching the truth as I was could be considered an insult, but I had yet to lie. Additionally, she stated that the Agares kept an eye on the trade of their mineral. That meant that she should know as much as I just how much of it I was stockpiling.
So, how would she react?
Would she confront me directly? Be circumspect? Give up at the first sign of resistance?
If the Agares wanted to work with me, I had to know how they would respond to unexpected outcomes. What their negotiation style was. To learn about others, you could do well watching what they do, rather than what they said. Thankfully, I didn’t have to do that any more.
After all, thanks to Satori, I would know how they thought.
I saw the Yokai’s cheeks flush at the thought, my knowledge of her reading my mind at the same time as Seekvaira letting me know the reason. Still, before anything else, the Heiress decided to make her move.
“I apologise Lord Sagan, but although you may not need an additional source of Agaresite for your current needs, the same could not be said for future expansions.” She spoke, causing me to raise an eyebrow, “Which is likely your reasoning for stockpiling as much Agaresite as you have been. Your current stores will be enough for keeping up with demand initially, but past that, especially if demand increases, you will need to garner additional sources. That is what we wish to help with.”
Clever. Not directly calling me out, reiterating exactly how her House could be helpful and letting me know just how close an eye they have been keeping on me, all at once. While remaining tactful and polite.
I turned my head slightly, looking to my Queen standing behind me. CC met my gaze, rolling her golden orbs in response to it, before she nodded with a small sigh.
“Interesting. Such a statement could very easily be taken as an attempt to get involved in the external trade of Agaresite, Heiress Agares.” She spoke, causing the bespectacled girl to blink.
“Hardly. We simply noticed a domestic buyer who was being hindered by the current restrictions. Seeking to address that is simply good business.” She responded, carefully.
“Indeed.” I picked up the conversation, “Yet, those same restrictions still remain. Even should I vote with you in the senate, many would vote against us simply to spite me, not to mention the New Satans, who instituted the laws in the first place would not likely agree.”
“You underestimate just how many chafe under the restriction of the trade, as well as just how much sway your voice holds. Especially after the latest revelations regarding your lineage.” She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, “Regardless of your intention to claim the relation, it has changed how the majority of the Underworld view you.”
“So you wish to utilise my reputation in order to force through an amendment to the restrictions your family is labouring under.” I clarified what we were both talking about, “You realise how such a thing would appear to the rest of the Pillars? Especially considering it would pit me even more directly against the New Satans.”
“Indeed, but you will find that the Agares are very generous to those that assist them.” She spoke, “We command a not insignificant bloc of our own, which would shield you from any reprisals that were attempted.”
“I see.” I tapped the arm of my chair, “That is your goal here?”
“Arrogant.” CC sniffed, “You think that we would join your bloc, after all the times we firmly declared that we wanted no part in your petty games?”
“No.” Seekvaira’s eyes widened as she shook her head rapidly, “Of course not, Lord Sagan, Lady CC. Such a thing would be foolish. Instead, I hope that we could be partners, equals in business.”
“Equals?” I questioned, intrigued, “Despite my being a mere Earl?”
“Rank has no bearing on power.” She responded, a wry smile on her face, “I believe you taught that lesson to Lord Paimon rather emphatically. More than that, victory has a way of erasing the doubts of the masses.”
“Victory? I assume you mean some form of victory that will be achieved by our cooperation, but I am unsure about what type of conflict could bring such a thing forth.” I remarked, watching her closely.
“I have requested that I be sent to Ragnarok as the Devil’s representative.” She replied, her hands folded on her lap, “That should provide ample opportunity.”
“What happens if they decide to not risk sending the daughter of an Archduke into war?” My voice was amused, reflecting my thoughts at her initiative.
“I will go anyway.” Was the firm response.
Well, if one of her goals for this meeting was to earn my respect, she was well on her way.
---XXX---
Shortly after Seekvaira had left, Koishi had burst into the room, frowning over not remembering her sister would be in the meeting. Satori had been hesitant to leave before she told me what she picked up from the Agares Heiress, but I had waved her off with a smile. Spending time with her newly healed sister was more important, besides, she could simply tell me the important bits later. From my own thinking, I believe I had divined most of the schemes from the short talk we had.
Just before I left on my own business, I caught the arm of CC who was about to leave the room, “I need to talk to you and Ranni about everything that’s happened recently.”
She raised an eyebrow, “Oh really, surely any important business should stay between you and your future wife?”
I rolled my eyes, tugging on the arm in my grasp and pulling her into an embrace, kissing her deeply, to which she offered no resistance. She melted into my arms, pouting when I pulled away, before blinking as I lightly bounced a finger off her nose.
“Stop being a brat.” That got wide eyes out of her, before she laughed.
“It’s been a long time since anyone called me that.” She shook her head as she spoke.
“Hmm, no one was brave enough. Or foolish enough.” I winked, getting her smile to widen further, “I’m sorry things have been so busy lately. I should make it up to you.”
“How would you do that I wonder?” She questioned, tilting her head playfully.
“I think you know. Don’t change out of those stockings.” I responded, nodding towards the see-through sheer fabric covering her legs.
She shook her head, laughing as she broke the embrace, “Oh my, promises promises.”
Watching her go, an exaggerated sway to her hips, I grinned. I was truly lucky to have her, to have them all.
But letting her know that is for later tonight. For now, I needed to have a difficult conversation.
---XXX---
“What is it with you and high places?” Was the first question out of Damocles’ mouth when he alighted on the roof, walking over to where she was sitting with her knees pulled into her chest.
She considered ignoring him, but knowing his persistence, she instead responded, “It allows me to think better. To be above the bustle, looking down at it from a vantage point... It has a focusing effect.”
“I see.” He responded, standing next to her and looking out over his lands.
The massive multi-headed form of Tiamat was the most eye catching feature, but the two new additions were also present were one to look for them. A dark form on the white head of the massive dragon revealed the location of the cat, likely napping, while the bird was in flight, fluttering to and fro wherever her whims took her.
The silence was broken by his question, “You have a lot to think about, then, Melina?”
“You already know. Unless the Witch is playing her games and has not informed you.” She responded, getting a laugh out of him.
At her glowering look, he raised a hand in placation, “Sorry, I know who you mean. But there are so many people here who have gone by that name, I just thought it was funny.”
“Hmm.” She hummed, returning her gaze to the garden.
“Ranni hasn’t told me anything. I just knew something was bothering you, so I decided to see if I could help.” He eventually revealed, causing her to want to scoff.
Pulling her legs tighter to herself, she responded, “Purely out of altruism, I would guess. Only wanting to help out from the goodness of your heart?”
“Of course not.” His reply was instant, surprising her, “I’m here because I’m selfish and greedy. If I can assist you with your issue, it will indebt you to me, making you more predisposed to aiding me in turn. On top of that, seeing you in distress disquiets me as well, so I am compelled to resolve the issue. Then there’s also my Pride to consider.”
“Your Pride?” She questioned, hearing the emphasis he put on the word.
“Of course.” He nodded, eyes on the dragon in his gardens, “I take care of what’s mine.”
“I don’t remember ever agreeing to be yours.” She bristled at the insinuation.
“I already said I was greedy. I’m afraid you have no choice, my Maiden.” He looked down at her, amusement in his blue eyes, “I’ve decided to claim you.”
She blinked at the absurd, arrogant declaration, before unbidden laughter erupted from her through, the short bark of amusement quickly strangled down. Honestly, what sort of person simply says something like that?
Him, she supposed.
“You are just as ridiculous here as you ever were.” She remarked, looking up at him, his fresh, youthful face briefly gaining the weight of age and the scars of battle in her mind’s eye.
“I wouldn’t know.” He remarked, “I am simply as I am.”
“The same could be said for most people.” She remarked, looking away from him.
“...But not you?” Perceptive and infuriating as always.
She wanted to deflect, but she knew it would be useless, “Indeed. Not me. Tell me, Damocles, I know the gravitas of what has been recently revealed to you. Your status as a descendant of Lucifer should have called into question all you know about yourself, yet you remain unchanged. Why is that?”
He was silent. It was not out of any reluctance to answer the question, she felt, but rather an action to allow him to carefully construct his response. She allowed him the time.
“Lucifer is dead.” Was his eventual reply, “I am still alive. All his legacy is, all that he worked for... It’s not my burden to bear. I will not be next Lucifer, no matter how many in the Underworld wish it of me. I will remain on the path I have chosen for myself, not the one set out by one who’s no longer here.”
“If only it were so easy.” Her voice was soft, “Do you remember, Damocles? The words I spoke to you outside of the Capitol?”
He furrowed his brows, thinking hard, searching his memory, “Was it that sermon given by Marika?”
She shrugged, falling into the memory, “Allow me to refresh your memory; ‘Hear me, Demigods. My children beloved. Make of thyselves that which ye desire, be it a Lord, be it a God. But should ye fail to become aught at all, ye will be forsaken. Amounting only to sacrifices.’ Those were the words I shared with you there.”
“Sounds like Marika.” He remarked, sitting down beside her, “Have these words been weighing on you?”
“I failed. I attempted to become a God and was struck down for it. Then, I was made to be a sacrifice, yet failed at that as well. I have amounted to nothing, yet still remain...” She trailed off, unsure of how to articulate her thoughts.
“You became you.” Damocles spoke, causing her to look at him sharply, “Melina. The Maiden to the one who killed Marika, the Herald of the Dark Moon, the one who guided herself and the Goddess through the void to this world. You are intelligent, beautiful and powerful. More than that, you are alive. I am going to say something Melina, something you need to understand.”
His voice became firm as he finished, “Marika was a horrible person and an even worse mother. You do not need to heed anything she said or decreed.”
“But she is-” She started, before he cut her off.
“Is dead. Is not here. Has no hold over you, nor your fate.” He grinned at her, “It must be new to think this way, but nothing she ever said or did matters, if you don’t make it. The only one who has power over your life is you, Melina.”
“...You lie.” She eventually got out, voice weak, “You, the Moon... I am not as free as you say.”
“Would you want to be?” He questioned, causing her to start in surprise, “Do you want to leave, to find your fortune elsewhere? Do you truly wish to be free? Ask for it, Melina. Ask for it and your freedom shall be yours. I will order Ranni to release you from your service.”
“I...” The words caught in her throat, which was just as well.
She didn’t even know what they would be.
Seeing her distress, he sighed, before he placed a warm hand on her shoulder, “I don’t think you’ve ever really thought of this, but you rebelled against Marika out of duty, of obligation. Then, you became my maiden and guided me out of compulsion, the duty of the defeated. Ranni forced you into searching for me with her. None of these were things you set out to do out of your own desire, except maybe the first. What do you want to do, Melina?”
He squeezed her shoulder as he questioned, “When were you happiest? Surely there must have been some moments of joy?”
As she thought over his words, his face once more flickered with memory, regaining its aged appearance and the warm glow of grace. Shaking her head, the vision faded, causing him to let go of her shoulder and stand.
“Are you leaving?” She questioned, both at once relieved and fearful.
“I am. I think I have given you a lot to think about.” He replied, stretching, then looking down at her with a warm smile, “You are allowed to dream Melina. Think about it, what you truly wish for. Once you have an answer, come and find me. I promise, I shall do my best to help you achieve it.”
With his final words, six wings sprouted from his back and he took to the air, waving at her as he left her to her thoughts.
“You fool.” She whispered, watching him go, “Don’t promise that when you don’t even know what I will ask for.”