Chapter 022
"Ah Alvin, there you are. I heard met your wife and your sister in law just now. They said you had gone to the bar" said Vincent Yonas, who was sitting at a table near the state a soon as he spotted Alvin.
"Ah, Vincent! I can't go the evening without a little alcohol in me. Unfortunately, my wife dislikes drinking, and her sister is too young to drink. So I can't bring alcohol into the house" said Alvin. He sat down in front of Vincent and ordered a glass of Conti wine from a waiter, wanting to see what Vincent was playing at.
"I hear you. Women huh? My wife doesn't allow me to drink either. I have to sneak out of our room if I ever need a drink. She had a headache and turned in early today, hence I am free to have a few drinks today" said Vincent.
"What's the story with you and your wife? I mean, forgive me for being blunt, but she is young and beautiful, while you....well" said Alex in a drawn out voice.
He had been trying to practice provoking people ever since he had taken the Hunter potion, in preparation for the Provoker Sequence, in hopes that the potion would be partially digested as soon as he took it. This was the first time he had put what he had been learning onto practice against a Beyonder. According to the psychologist he had spoken to, the tone, his expression, and his posture would result in the maximum provocation. He had shown signs of being slightly intoxicated ever since he walked in, to prevent Vincent from having suspicions about his behaviour change.
Vincent's face turned very ugly, but he soon composed himself. "Haha, you are humourous, dear Alvin. I wasn't as lucky as you, finding love early on in life. I am sure you love your wife very much don't you?" he asked with suppressed rage.
"Ah yes. Of course. I love her very much. We were friends from childhood, married with the blessing of both our parents. And we have had a very successful marriage so far" said Alvin, gulping down the wine that was delivered in front of him, and gesturing for another.
"Well, isn't that something? If only she were more accommodating of your habit of drinking. Kate forbids me from drinking because of my advanced age and concern for health you see. But you are young and vigorous. This is the time for you to enjoy, and be drinking as much as you want" said Vincent slowly.
Alvin suspected that if any of the bullshit he was sprouting was true, he would be filled with anger and resentment towards Cheryl.
"Damn right it is. And I don't see the problem in drinking a little every now and then. I manage my job well, bring in plenty of money, and am caring and considerate. I deserve to be able to have a drink in my house every night, instead of walking to some faraway bar. And she even criticises me over my relationship with my drinking buddies. I would drink at home if she didn't forbid me to. Now that I am drinking outside, she criticises my poor choice in relationships? I wouldn't have to have relationships with them if you just let me drink in the house" said Alvin passionately.
"Women huh?" said Vincent setting down his glass.
"Speaking of which, when I see your beautiful wife, I start thinking of how bossy she seems, with that arrogant look on her face. That kind of woman really turns me on. Seeing you together, you seem like a boss and underling rather than wife and husband. Haha, and you have to sneak out if you want a drink. I can leave the house and go to drink whenever I want. That's because I am the boss! Hahaha!" said Alvin loudly. The four empty glasses in front of him, the half full one near his mouth, and his general demeanour and lisp made his drunken honest outburst quite convincing.
From the corner of his eye, Alvin could see Vincent's expression warp hideously. He had guessed that the woman next to him was a superior from the Demoness Sect. Regardless of its validity, calling her his boss seems to have really struck a nerve. He then took a deep breath, and seemed to calm down.
"Drinking Problem, hidden lust, and desire to dominate. All flaws that can be exploited. After finding flaws, apply them to your instigation" he muttered, in such a low voice that it was almost impossible to hear if Alvin wasn't a Hunter with exceptionally sharp hearing.
He then sipped his wine cup, and said leisurely, "Do you think your sister in law is a factor in this?"
"What about her?" asked Alvin still pretending to be in a drunken stupor.
"Well, from my perspective as an outsider to all of this, it seems to me that the reason she doesn't want you drinking in the house is in consideration of her sister. She is worried that her sister who will also start drinking if she sees you enjoying a drink, and if there are bottles of alcohol in the house" he said.
"Maybe" muttered Alvin.
"You told me he had lived with you ever since you got married. She is studying in a university in Backlund, and sleeps in your spare room" said Vincent.
"That's true. I offered to cover her rent for her own place, or the college dorms. But Cheryl insists that she stay with us, claiming it's not safe elsewhere" said Alvin with an unhappy expression.
"Oh. So not only is she in the way of you having a peaceful drink, but also dependant upon you for food, clothes, shelter, and safety. She seems to owe you a lot. Ever think about repayment?" said Vincent steadily.
"Yes. But I don't think she will ever repay me. She is not doing so well in school and I have no confidence in her ability to earn money. Her parents are looking to get her married off" said Alvin discontentedly.
"Well. Then maybe you should take what is owed" he said in a bewitching voice.
"How?" asked Alvin pretending to be in a trance.
"She is such a beautiful girl, and you deserve repayment. What you do is simple. You use this" said Vincent, as he slid a packet of while powder over to Alvin.
He then continued talking in a bewitching voice.