Blade Over Magic

Asymmetrical Warfare

Viscount Freecs didn’t just approach Aubrey blindly.

No, while the Nobility faction, like many others, were shocked by Xavier blatantly bringing the group with him to declare they were under his wing, they weren’t wholly unprepared for such a scenario either.

In the weeks they had been gone, every relevant faction had done the corresponding research on each and every member of the squad, with much of said information coming from Landor’s upper brass.

Hence he knew that within the group, Aubrey was someone with extremely potent information processing abilities, and she was no different from the brains of the group.

Which is exactly why he approached her. To him, if he could get Aubrey out of the picture, the rest of the group would collapse. Even if he failed to execute her socially, at the very least, distancing her from the rest of the group would allow the next set of people approaching to meet with other members of the squad. He firmly believed that when that happened, as they had no one to direct them, everyone would fall apart soon after.

’If only that damn barbarian they call their Captain didn’t interfere, we would have had a more accurate grasp on her abilities if not for her.’ He clocked his tongue inwardly as Benita’s figure surfaced in his mind. Then he answered Aubrey’s question with a calm chuckle.

”It’s an enjoyable hobby despite how mundane it is. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find free time for such... casual leisures. After all, I have a territory to manage, production to oversee, and alliances to make.” He kept his tone perfectly polite, and an outsider would think he was speaking casually, but the hidden condescension in his words was like a knife wrapped in honey.

”Ah, that’s a shame.” Despite this though, Aubrey seemed wholly unperturbed as she continued, her tone almost... curious.

”Also, sir. Interesting you mention production. I recall that the main source of export for the Freecs was gold gotten from their mines, as well as the selling of Adamanta Tea Leaves?” Hearing this, Freecs had to admit, the girl was indeed more informed than he’d initially given her credit for.

’She must have received some training while with his Excellency Xavier. Tch, to teach a commoner girl like this. What is he thinking.’ Despite his inner thoughts, Freecs rolled a ring on his index finger with his thumb, his smile turning a little more focused.

”That would be correct. Sales of both have been good this year. We are considering expanding the Tea Leaf operation, but it’s still a plan in progress.” As he said this, he decided to change his angle of attack since subtle insults weren’t working.

”You seem quite well informed. You almost remind me of a librarian. The Freecs possess quite the extensive archive containing generations of compounded knowledge. Perhaps you would be interested in visiting at some point once all of this is over. As someone who enjoys reading, I find it hard to believe that you’d reject such an offer.” The way he phrased it made it sound like a simple invitation, but the underlying set of words made it clear that if Aubrey refused, one way or another, it would imply she was looking down on the Freecs and the knowledge they had.

Doing so as a commoner hardly ever ended well.

And yet...

”Ah, you caught that quite quickly. Astounding observation, sir.” Aubrey smiled sweetly, her eyes closing to form crescents. ”However, I’m not sure if it would be convenient for you to make such an offer at this point in time. After all...” Her eyes opened just slightly.

”If I recall correctly, there was an incident concerning several of the gold mines at the North sector of your territory. They accidentally breached into a massive underground network belonging to a subterranean species of magic mole rats. Correct? I couldn’t possibly make myself your guest while you are dealing with such a crisis.” Freecs’ stopped rolling his ring, his pupils constricting.

How... did this girl know of this?

Unfortunately, it was as she said. Even though he said that they were making good sales recently, in truth, after a series of events, they came across a huge underground network of elusive mole rats. The danger posed by them caused operations in most of the mines to halt, as the things were not at all friendly towards anyone.

But they had taken strict measures to keep this under wraps! Even if she read about their family, there was no way the Lowells would information on something that had happened so recently.

”Ah, but it’s a shame. I’ve heard that your archives are indeed quite expansive. Perhaps I would visit one day in the future. But maybe after you’ve settled your current predicament.” Aubrey said smoothly, and Freecs narrowed his eyes, but he nodded slowly.

He’d been checkmated.

As for how Aubrey knew about such information. Well...

Let’s just say it was related to the third page of the book within her Library.

***

Meanwhile, half a minute after Aubrey and Freecs started their verbal confrontation, Falael noticed someone approaching her.

He wore a red mage robe and looked to be in his early twenties. His equally fiery red hair was slicked back, and he had a faint smirk on his face which was, admittedly, quite handsome.

On his right chest was the emblem of a tower which had been lit up to what seemed like its third floor.

”Mrs Falael, correct? My name is Dorian Verd. Third floor disciple of the Mage Tower.” He introduced elegantly.

Falael gave him a look over, then she offered a faint smile, her eyes lighting up.

”That is indeed me. And a Third Floor disciple? At such a young age? That’s very impressive.” Her tone carried a hint of enthusiasm that was very unlike her.

Dorian puffed his chest out marginally.

”You praise me too much. My journey is only beginning.” His words were humble despite the obvious pride he exuded.

He then looked down at Falael and... huh.

Before coming over, his superior had informed him that she seemed to have changed into a female while she’d been gone. Hence, his goal was the play into the fact that she was most likely unfamiliar with her new body.

Dorian was no stranger to this concept with elves. After all, he’d had a taste of a few of them in the past.

Still, seeing her exposed shoulders, collarbone, and neck, or the way her dress fitted against her upper body. Not inappropriate, but certainly alluring, he had to admit, she was certainly on the prettier side of elves.

”I have to say, Mrs Falael, you seem to carry yourself very well even though it shouldn’t have been long since your change. Being a female suits you.” He said pleasantly, and... as expected, she turned bashful.

”That’s... because my mother was there to guide me through it. As for it suiting me... That’s hard to say.” Dorian’s smile grew.

”Nonsense. Look at you. They say that elves and half-elves look good regardless of what gender they end up changing into. But I’m confident that you’re far more attractive like this. Like it was made for you.” Falael’s ears twitched, and she aimed her gaze downward.

”... Do you really think so?” She mumbled out, and Dorian flashed a smile.

”I know so. Come on, it must be stifling in this part of the Ballroom. Too many people, don’t you think? I’ll take us somewhere more... private.” His words were calm and smooth, hitting right where someone like her would feel it.

Falael looked hesitant, her fingers pressing together and she stuttered.

”I-I don’t know...” She discreetly glanced at Xander, but Dorian still caught it, and his smile took on a predatory edge for a moment before quickly fading back into its charm.

”Are you concerned with how he might react?” He stepped closer until he could feel the warmth radiating off her. He leaned in near one of her ears which twitched at his proximity. It made him want to take it into his mouth, but he maintained his cool as he whispered.

”There’s no need for you to be so reserved. This is a ball. The goal is to meet other people. He wouldn’t cause any problems for you if we simply went to have a nice time with each other. And if he did... well, he’d quickly learn why his ’swordsmanship’ should remain dead.” Falael’s eyes widened, and she whispered back in an almost frantic manner.

”But... what about his Excellency Xavier?” Dorian paused slightly, then he looked left and right before whispering again.

”Do not worry. His Excellency Bellion will ensure no harm comes to you. If you follow me, I can even give him a recommendation. After that display you showed in Landor, someone with your potential will be more than welcome. But, as much as I respect his Excellency Xavier, the fact he is placing such value on something as worthless as swordsmanship... I find it hard to truly trust his judgement. But with his Excellency Bellion, not only will you be trained properly, you will be cherished and treated how you should be.” He leaned back a bit and winked.

”And naturally, I’ll be there to support you along the way.” Falael stared at him for a few seconds, her eyes wide, and Dorian felt a surge of excitement in his heart.

’Go on. Take the bait.’ He barely restrained himself as Falael opened her mouth, and...

”Sir Dorian! I already said no. Your actions are making me deeply uncomfortable!” The surrounding nobles all froze, their heads snapping in the direction of the shout.

Dorian went pale as he stepped back subconsciously.

”I... I didn’t.” He stuttered, and Falael covered her chest with her arms, her expression stern and a bit fearful.

”Please control yourself sir Dorian. I wouldn’t want for there to be a problem. This a just a Ball.” With that said, she walked away, leaving a very stunned Dorian behind. His face then turning an angry red as veins bulged across his forehead.

Meanwhile, Falael revealed the faintest smile as she recalled something Xander told her a while ago.

’The quickest, non-violent way to get a guy off you is to yell that he’s being inappropriate. Trust me, it does wonders.’