Authority
Hypnosis.
A magical skill, involves manipulating people's minds and emotions without permission. It's typically associated with evil and the lowest trash of the society.
In a world blessed by gods, if anyone discovered possessing the ability of hypnosis, is either executed or closely monitored for life.
As it is considered taboo by both the righteous forces and the forces of evil, no one likes to be controlled. Even in war, using hypnosis is a crime punishable by death.
For using it....
One doesn't need to be born with the attributes of hypnosis to become a master, as different techniques exist in the world.
The basic one is charm, commonly used by prostitutes to attract clients. This is legal hypnosis as it doesn't harm society on a larger scale.
Second, Brain Manipulation is a low-level hypnosis that few master because its effects are not guaranteed and can easily be noticed.
Herbal hypnosis involves using plants with illusory effects, often exploited by evil alchemists to control others.
However, these techniques have flaws and are risky to use because they can be easily detected by veterans.
But...
In the case of Cyrus, his hypnosis ability is different. He possesses the Element of "Authority," which allows him to control others completely.
But there's one problem – every time he uses it, a part of the victim's soul is consumed by an unknown being. If he uses it too much, the person could become a mindless puppet, but it's not certain who is in control of it, him or the being.
That's the reason why he doesn't use much of this power. Secondly, he doesn't want to get executed. If a small-time wizard has the ability to control others, he might be spared as he doesn't pose much of a threat. But things can be serious in the case of an excellent archmage, like him.
Also....
Because of this, Cyrus avoids using hypnosis on woman he care about, as he doesn't want her to become soulless slaves.
As he thinks, that there is nothing to be proud of, even if you've rammed your cock in the cunt of a slave.
What's so great about it?
He would rather stay away from a soulless relationship where there is no emotional attachment or love.
Of course, he wouldn't mind using his ability on his enemies, as they shouldn't have been born to begin with.
Thus....
Inside his room, Cyrus settles onto the edge of the bed, one leg crossing over the other, his gaze locked on the old man kneeling before him.
The old man's posture reflects the fervor and devotion of a frantic worshiper bowing before his god.
"Tell me everything you know about the baron and Lady Genevieve. Don't leave out a single detail."
"Sir Robert has long been known for his benevolence. During the weekdays, he frequents the Church of Light, distributing food among beggars, aiding orphans, and undertaking various acts of charity since his youth.
"No lies... butler."
"Ugh... then... On weekends, he might rape a maid or two. Out of kindness, if they get pregnant, he'll kill the child to avoid the disgrace of illegitimacy, as fate of such a child has always been doomed since ancient times."
"You call that kindness?"
"Sir wizard, every noble makes mistakes in their youth. But when Sir Robert married the first Baroness, Lady Gwendolyn, he turned over a new leaf. He remained faithful to her, prioritizing his love for his mistress over any fleeting desires. If you ask me, my lord... His loyalty is truly remarkable."
"So where is this first lady of yours now?"
"She passed away four years ago. After that, it was when Lady Genevieve, the stepsister of the late Lady Gwendolyn, married the baron. Given that the child of the previous marriage was only a few months older, someone had to care for him. Even then..my lord couldn't bring himself to accept the new mistress as his wife, due to the pain in his heart. To this day, his love for his late wife is truly unmatched."
"I have seen that kid. It doesn't look like a four-year-old."
"I don't know how, but that child has been cursed since birth. It's the cause of his growth disease; despite the passing of time, his body shows no signs of growth, and the same goes for his mind... sir wizard."
Following that, Cyrus asks a few more questions, particularly about the state of Genevieve and Robert's relationship.
While it's evident that things aren't going well between them, Cyrus acknowledges the need to proceed methodically; there has to be a feeling of proper procedure.
As expected, since their marriage, it seems the baron hasn't consummated their union, leaving Genevieve untouched.
The only time she bled is when Robert struck his whip on her flesh, which he used to discipline her for wearing her deceased sister's clothes or maybe when he wanted to pour his anger on her by beating her; there could be various other reasons too.
Truth be told, Cyrus is saddened by Genevieve's suffering. He's also eager to uncover the exact cause of the curse afflicting the child, but it appears the butler is unaware of any explanation, meaning he isn't the one who knows everything.
Nevertheless, the only thing that made Cyrus feel better is that he finds a silver lining in the possibility that Genevieve may still be a virgin.
He's fairly confident about this, though he doesn't mind accepting any other outcome. But he can't deny the appeal of being her first man; the feeling of exclusivity is just that awesome.
After some time, Cyrus instructs the butler to leave, though the old guy is still under his spell, and the element of 'Authority' is still there; of course, he had lessened its effect to ensure the old man's eyes won't appear menacingly pitch black.
'Filthy bastard... And here I was thinking if it would be wrong to attack someone else's woman or not, but now I have even more reason to do so. I'll make Genevieve mine, but again I don't think he will care, tch.'
'While I'm at it, why not make the baron my complete puppet? Killing him would be no fun. If I become a count in the future, maybe other nobles would be indifferent to me. At that time, having an extra bootlicking dog might be helpful.'
'But that doesn't mean I'm going to let you go easily, Robert... at least not without torture... Damn it.'
Cyrus also knows that he has to be careful with the issue; first of all, Genevieve has no feelings for him, at least not yet.
Moreover, in this world, prior to the Vortex Empire's reign, women who lost their virginity before marriage had to endure a brutal fate, as they were mercilessly stoned to death by the common people, or rather, the monsters of society..
Even though the ruler has changed and the current monarch herself is a female empress, the same can't be said for society and its century-old beliefs.
Because of this, he needs a solid reason if he wants to have Genevieve as his woman.
Otherwise, the nobles of other states may hinder his path, as it's a disgrace for a noblewoman to divorce her husband and marry someone else.
For that reason, Robert has to be more cruel, a proper villain in their story.
Just as he ponders the future with strange thoughts weighing on his heart, he is interrupted by the sight of MagiCom resting on the nearby table, glowing brightly.
MagiCom is a device for distance communication, mostly used by wealthy merchants, nobles, and adventurers. The process of this device is rather simple, as its principle is MagiLink, or better to say blood magic.
All you need is a drop of blood from the desired person whom you want to talk to; it's a one-time thing.
Suppose if Wizard A or B are friends, they both have to exchange drops of blood to activate their respective MagiComs, although it's only at the start that you need to feed it blood.
Afterward, it depends on mana. Those who aren't wizards can use mana stones. The stronger the mana power, the greater the distance you can cover.
This is also why those below 3-star mage rank often hesitate to use it, as mana stones are expensive. Another downside of this device is that you can only have a conversation with a single person.
If you have more than one friend, you simply have to buy more MagiComs to communicate with them, though that might make you a beggar in the end.
"Connect," Cyrus says,
And soon the light from the MagiCom intensifies. Shortly after, a hologram appears, revealing a young man seated atop a freshly butchered skeleton, with monster flesh still clinging to the bones as blood drips down on the land below.
His name is Dale, with black hair and red eyes befitting his appearance as an assassin working under the 'Tower of Raven.' He is also the subordinate and childhood friend of Cyrus, the death wizard.
"Cyrus, how much progress have you made, you know—"
"Why the hell do you care, you fucker?"
"Damn, and here I thought I should inform you about the championship, but to think—"
"I'm sorry, Dale. I'm just not in a good mood. Tell me whatever you know."
"Tsk... there was never a day when you were in a good mood - I don't care anyway. The schedule for the championship has changed; it's now 25 days earlier than planned."
"What..."
"I don't understand why, but Her Majesty wants to find warriors earlier, I guess. So, you need to return soon; otherwise, you won't be able to become noble in this lifetime. Haha."
"Don't think I don't know you want to be guildmaster, bastard, but you're too weak for that."
"You think I'm like you... a greedy son of a bitch."
"Whatever. Take care of the master."
"Hey, you fucker. I'm not a wizard, let me tell you. Saintess of Nigh—"
Before Dale can finish, he runs out of mana stones, and the call disconnects. Anyway, he had already shared the most important news with Cyrus.
Because of this, Cyrus now has a complicated expression on his face. He had thought about slowly winning the heart of Genevieve, but now it can't be helped.
The most urgent issue is to destroy the black portal and gain the honor score. Thinking of this, he exits his room and heads outside, searching for Baron Robert Nodara.