Chapter 246 Lady Ondine’s Plans

The ripple effects of Alaric Steele’s strategic trades extended far beyond the immediate vicinity of his fortified domain. In the eastern Kingdom of Jorailia, King Rouben Yachvili’s forces, newly equipped with artifacts that negated demonic magic and enhanced their defenses, were making significant headway.

The ‘Sanctuary Shields’ became legendary among the Jorailian legions, small personal emitters that pulsed with a faint, comforting light, actively repelling weaker demonic energies and dampening the effects of more potent curses.

The ‘Infernal Disruption Arrays’, larger, more complex devices deployed at key fortifications, created zones where demonic spellcasting faltered and their unnatural resilience weakened.

News of these potent artifacts, their origin whispered to be the enigmatic Steele Family in the west, naturally reached the ears of the Eloriath refugee contingent residing in Lysandra, Jorailia’s capital. Archmage Lilliana Valtor, leading her group of young noble mages, heard the reports with a mixture of pride and professional curiosity.

“Steele Family artifacts, you say?” she mused during a briefing with her senior students after a successful joint operation with Jorailian mages, clearing a demon-infested mountain pass. “That sounds like Alaric’s ingenuity. He always had a mind for unconventional artifice.”

Kenneth, standing among the students, his Grand Mage aura making him a prominent figure, felt a familiar knot tighten in his stomach at the mention of Alaric’s name. ‘Still making waves, that bastard. Even from his little hidey-hole.’

The information also, inevitably, reached Lady Ondine Bellerose. She was a woman who made it her business to know everything of significance within Jorailia, especially anything that could be leveraged for power.

One crisp afternoon, Kenneth found himself summoned to Lady Ondine’s opulent private salon within the Bellerose family estate in Lysandra. The room was filled with expensive silks, rare artwork, and the faint, intoxicating scent of exotic incense that always seemed to cling to her.

Ondine lounged on a plush divan, a vision of sophisticated allure in a gown of deep crimson that contrasted beautifully with her raven hair and pale skin. She gestured for Kenneth to sit, a knowing smile playing on her perfectly painted lips.

“Kenneth, my brave champion,” she began, her voice a silken caress that always made his heart beat a little faster. “You’ve been doing such marvelous work protecting Jorailia’s new territories. King Rouben Yachvili himself sings your praises.”

Kenneth preened slightly. “We merely do our duty, Lady Ondine. The demonic threat is still very real.”

“Indeed,” she agreed, her dark eyes studying him intently. “And speaking of threats… and solutions… I hear fascinating whispers. Whispers of remarkable artifacts originating from the west. From this… Steele Family.” She paused, letting the name hang in the air. “They say these artifacts are turning the tide against the demons for our King’s forces.”

Kenneth nodded. “Yes, my Lady. We’ve seen them in action with the Jorailian mages. They are… remarkably effective.”

Ondine’s smile widened. “And this Alaric Steele… the young genius behind them. You knew him, did you not? At that little magic school, Verdant Dawn Academy?”

Kenneth tensed almost imperceptibly. ‘Damn her information network! She knows everything.’ He couldn’t deny it; it would be too easy for her to verify. He forced a casual smile.

“Alaric Steele?” he said, as if trying to recall a distant acquaintance. “Ah, yes. A fellow student. Quite bright, as I recall. Kept to himself mostly. We weren’t particularly close, but yes, I remember him.” He carefully omitted the part where Alaric had utterly humiliated him in a public duel, stolen the affections of the three noble heiresses he had been courting, and generally treated him with disdain. No, Ondine didn’t need to know about that.

“Is that so?” Ondine murmured, her eyes glinting with amusement, clearly sensing there was more to the story but not pressing. “Well, ‘quite bright’ seems to be an understatement, given the current circumstances.”

She leaned forward slightly, her crimson gown parting just enough to offer an enticing glimpse of her cleavage. Kenneth found his gaze drawn, his mouth suddenly dry.

“Kenneth,” she continued, her voice dropping to a more intimate, conspiratorial tone. “These artifacts… they are powerful. Game-changing, even. King Rouben Yachvili hoards them for his legions, naturally. But the Bellerose Clan… my husband, Patriarch Theron… he is old-fashioned. Skeptical of new magic, content with traditional defenses.”

She sighed dramatically, a picture of frustrated ambition. “He doesn’t see the potential. He doesn’t understand that to truly secure our family’s future, to expand our influence, to protect our people and assets in these chaotic times, we need every advantage.”

She reached out, her cool fingers brushing lightly against Kenneth’s hand. He felt a jolt, his System registering a slight, positive tick in her ‘Affection Meter’.

“Imagine, my dear Kenneth,” she whispered, her eyes locking with his, “if we had access to such artifacts. Not just for fighting demons, but… for other things. Artifacts that could level the playing field against… entrenched powers. Perhaps even tools that could grant a clever woman,” she smiled knowingly, “a measure of… freedom.”

Kenneth’s breath caught. ‘Freedom? Is she talking about her husband? About us?’ His heart pounded. His System had been indicating that Ondine was a high-value ‘conquest target’, but her affection had been slow to build, her true intentions veiled. This was the most direct hint she had ever given.

“Freedom, my Lady?” he asked, his voice slightly hoarse.

Ondine’s smile became more alluring, more promising. “Patriarch Theron is… a difficult man, Kenneth. Controlling. He sees me as little more than a beautiful ornament for his clan. But I have ambitions. Dreams. Dreams that might include… a strong, capable partner.” Her gaze was electric. “If only I had the means to secure my own power, my own independence. Then,” she leaned even closer, her scent enveloping him, “I could truly devote myself to someone who appreciates my… talents. Someone like you, Kenneth.”

Kenneth’s mind reeled. ‘She wants me! She wants to be free of her husband and be with me! This is it! My System was right!’ He completely missed the subtle shift in her request, the implication of tools against human opponents, not just demons. His desire for her, his ambition, and the constant prodding of his Eternal Emperor System clouded his judgment.

“What… what would you have me do, Lady Ondine?” he asked, his voice thick with eagerness.

“This Alaric Steele,” she said, her fingers tracing light patterns on his hand. “You know him. You have a connection, however slight. Perhaps you could… persuade him? To extend his generosity to the Bellerose Clan? Specifically, to me.”

She leaned back slightly, her expression becoming more businesslike, though the allure remained. “I need artifacts for my own personal guard, Kenneth. Not just the anti-demon trinkets the King favors. I need things that can counter mages. Things that can incapacitate martialists. Tools that can ensure my security, my agenda, can proceed unhindered.”

She saw the flicker of hesitation in his eyes. This was a dangerous request. Asking for weapons effective against humans, from a potential rival in another kingdom…

“Think of it, Kenneth,” she purred, sensing his doubt. “If I had such tools, I could consolidate my own power base within the clan. I could challenge Theron’s outdated notions. I could… pave the way for a new era for House Bellerose. An era where a strong, deserving man,” her eyes met his meaningfully, “could stand beside me.”

It was a blatant manipulation, a carefully constructed fantasy, but Kenneth, blinded by his ego and his desire for this sophisticated, powerful woman, swallowed it whole.

“But… Alaric Steele,” Kenneth stammered. “He… he might not be willing. We weren’t close. And why would he provide such… specialized… artifacts to someone outside his own family, or the Jorailian Crown?”

“That, my dear Kenneth, is where your charm and persuasiveness come in,” Ondine said smoothly. “And of course,” she added, as if it were an afterthought, “you wouldn’t go alone. The journey to the Steele territory is still fraught with peril. Demonic remnants, bandits… You’ll need a powerful escort. Someone like… Archmage Lilliana Valtor.”

She smiled innocently. “Her presence would lend legitimacy to your request, wouldn’t it? An Archmage seeking cooperation. And naturally, she would ensure your safety. Even a Grand Mage as capable as yourself might struggle against a true Archdemon, should you encounter one.”

Kenneth felt a knot of unease. Taking Lilliana? Alaric would see her. And Ondine was right; despite his Grand Mage rank, he was no match for the truly powerful entities still lurking in the blighted lands. But the promise Ondine dangled… freedom, power, her… it was too tempting.

‘This is a test,’ his System seemed to whisper. ‘An Emperor seizes opportunities.’

“I… I will do it, Lady Ondine,” Kenneth declared, puffing his chest out slightly. “I will journey to the Steele territory. I will speak with Alaric Steele. I will secure these artifacts for you.”

Ondine’s smile was radiant. “Oh, Kenneth! I knew I could count on you! You are truly my champion!” She leaned forward and pressed a fleeting, chaste kiss to his cheek, leaving him flustered and his heart soaring.

Internally, Kenneth was already formulating a backup plan. ‘Alaric will almost certainly refuse. He hates my guts. Why would he give me, or anyone I represent, weapons, especially ones that could be used against humans? It’s perfect. I make the trip, show Ondine I tried my utmost, and then Alaric’s refusal becomes the obstacle, not my lack of ability. She’ll appreciate the effort. And Lilliana… well, at least I’ll have more time to work on her during the journey.’ He still hadn’t given up on his Archmage professor.

Kenneth approached Archmage Lilliana Valtor with the proposal shortly thereafter. He framed it carefully, emphasizing Lady Ondine Bellerose’s influence, her clan’s importance to Jorailia, and the potential benefits of securing more advanced Steele artifacts, perhaps even fostering a closer alliance. He conveniently downplayed the request for anti-human weaponry, focusing on the general need for advanced defensive tools.

To his surprise, Lilliana was not opposed. In fact, she seemed… intrigued.

“Alaric Steele?” A rare, genuine smile touched Lilliana’s lips. “It has been too long. I often wondered what became of him after the Demon Fortress… débâcle.” Her expression sobered at the memory of their disastrous defeat. “He showed such extraordinary promise, Kenneth. A truly brilliant mind for artifice, even then. If he is indeed the source of these new artifacts, I would be very interested to see what he has accomplished.”

She considered the journey. “The Steele territory is far to the west, through lands still contested. It will be dangerous.” She looked at Kenneth. “But Lady Bellerose is correct. Your current strength, while commendable, might not be sufficient if we encounter truly powerful demonic remnants. My presence would indeed be a prudent precaution.”

‘She’s more concerned about Alaric’s work than Ondine’s request,’ Kenneth noted, slightly miffed. ‘But at least she agreed.’

“And,” Lilliana added, a thoughtful look in her eyes, “it would be an opportunity to assess the Steele Family’s situation firsthand. To understand their capabilities, their allegiances. Such information could be vital for any Eloriath survivors.” Her loyalty, first and foremost, was to her lost kingdom and its people.

“So you’ll accompany me, Professor?” Kenneth asked, trying to keep the relief out of his voice.

Lilliana nodded. “Yes, Kenneth. Prepare a small, swift escort. We shall pay a visit to Young Master Alaric Steele. It is high time I reconnected with my most… unconventional… former student.” There was a hint of fond exasperation in her tone when she thought of Alaric, a student who had often challenged her, surprised her, and ultimately, deeply impressed her.

The journey from Lysandra in Jorailia towards the western border of the former Eloriath kingdom was arduous. They travelled light – Kenneth, Lilliana, and a handpicked escort of ten of the most skilled young mages from their Eloriath refugee group, all battle-hardened from recent skirmishes.

The lands they crossed were a grim tapestry of war. Jorailian military checkpoints gave way to contested zones where demonic patrols clashed with Phantom Assembly operatives or desperate local militias. Ruined villages, fields scorched by demonic fire or unnatural blights, and the constant, palpable sense of fear were their companions.

They faced numerous encounters.

Near the foothills of the Dragon’s Tooth Mountains, a pass supposedly secured by Jorailian forces, they were ambushed by a large pack of Hulking Brutes led by a pair of Master-level Gorefiends.

“Formation!” Kenneth yelled, stepping forward, his Grand Mage aura flaring. He slammed his hands to the ground. “Earthen Rampart!” A thick wall of stone erupted, momentarily blocking the Brutes’ charge. “Magma Spears!” He then launched searing projectiles of molten rock, impacting the Brutes, causing them to roar in pain and anger. His control over earth and fire was impressive, his attacks powerful and decisive.

The younger mages behind him unleashed their own spells – ice shards, wind slashes, bolts of raw magic, supporting Kenneth, targeting the Gorefiends.

Lilliana watched, assessing, intervening only when necessary. She saw Kenneth’s confidence, his raw power, but also his occasional recklessness, his tendency to rely on brute force rather than finesse. ‘He has grown strong,’ she acknowledged. ‘But his control still lacks the precision of true mastery. And his tactics are… straightforward.’

When one of the Gorefiends, enraged, broke through Kenneth’s rampart and charged towards the younger mages, Lilliana acted. A casual flick of her wrist. “Chain Lightning Fulmination!” A searing bolt of lightning, far more potent than anything Kenneth could produce, arced from her fingertips, striking the Gorefiend, then leaping to the second, then branching out to incinerate half a dozen nearby Brutes in a single, devastating blast. The air crackled with ozone.

Kenneth paused, momentarily stunned by the sheer efficiency of her spell. He quickly recovered, directing his forces to mop up the remaining, demoralized Brutes. ‘She’s still leagues above me,’ he admitted grudgingly to himself. ‘But I’m catching up. My System ensures it.’

Further west, as they entered lands more heavily contested by the Phantom Assembly, they encountered a different kind of threat. Not a direct demonic assault, but a subtle, magical ambush. They found themselves walking into a seemingly abandoned village, only for the air to shimmer, revealing intricate, almost invisible arrays etched onto the crumbling walls.

“Shadow Trap Array!” Lilliana identified instantly, her eyes narrowing. “Disperse! Shielding spells, now!”

Dark tendrils erupted from the ground, attempting to ensnare them. Illusions flickered, trying to confuse and disorient. Wisps of necrotic energy seeped from the arrays, aiming to drain their mana.

“Assembly work,” Kenneth spat, recognizing the insidious style. He unleashed a wave of fire, Conflagration Nova, trying to burn away the illusions and the arrays.

Lilliana, however, acted with more precision. Her Archmage senses mapped the entire array complex in seconds. “Elemental Unravelling Sequence!” she chanted, her hands weaving complex patterns. Streams of pure elemental energy – fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind – shot out, not as destructive blasts, but as targeted deconstructive pulses, striking key nodes in the Assembly’s arrays.

The Shadow Trap flickered violently, then sputtered and died, the intricate runes fading as their power source was severed.

“Impressive,” Kenneth admitted, watching the complex arrays dissolve under her precise counter-magic. “How did you do that?”

“Understanding the underlying principles of array construction allows one to deconstruct them, Kenneth,” Lilliana explained calmly, though there was a hint of weariness in her eyes. “The Assembly favors complex, interconnected matrices. Find the linchpins, and the whole thing unravels.”

She looked around the now-harmless village. “They were likely targeting a demonic patrol, or perhaps a rival Jorailian unit. We were simply unfortunate enough to trigger it.”

The journey continued, each encounter honing the skills of the younger mages, showcasing Kenneth’s growing but still unrefined power, and constantly reminding everyone of Archmage Lilliana Valtor’s profound mastery. She was their shield, their spearhead, the reason they had survived so far, and the reason King Rouben Yachvili treated them with such consideration.

As they drew closer to the western territories, closer to the lands rumored to be under the Steele Family’s impenetrable protection, Lilliana found her thoughts turning more frequently to her former student. Alaric Steele. The boy who had been a quiet enigma, then a startling prodigy, then a survivor of a catastrophe that had claimed so many of Eloriath’s finest.

‘What have you become, Alaric?’ she wondered, gazing towards the distant, hazy western horizon. ‘Are you truly the savior these Jorailians believe you to be? Or something… else entirely?’

Kenneth, meanwhile, focused on his own ambitions. Pleasing Ondine. Growing his power. And perhaps, finally, finding a way to impress, and eventually conquer, the beautiful, formidable Archmage who walked beside him, oblivious to the true nature of his Eternal Emperor System and the depth of his carefully concealed desires. Their destination, the Steele Family manor, loomed not just as a source of potential artifacts, but as another stage for his unfolding imperial drama.