[Hellfire Club]
"Was it really a good decision to let Marcellus be part of the inner circle?" Paris was a little worried about the matter… while Ned didn't seem much bothered.
"He is a good businessman and a politician… but he doesn't seem much interested in the club. His connections can be easily exploited." He had his ever-charming smile on his face. "He is smart… but within this club, he is nothing more than a piece to be played by us."
Paris was not very satisfied with the answer, but she agreed to her king's words nonetheless.
"Besides, didn't he make a deal with Sebastian? And since Jacob is already under our control, Sebastian is not an issue." He took a file in his hands. "The deal is not very bad for both parties… and both of them can make a profit from it." He smiled. "As long as they are within the club, we can benefit from any and every deal that they make."
"Sebastian rarely comes to the club. But Jacob is a regular visitor… And despite Sebastian being Jacob's son, he is totally different from his father." Paris was honestly surprised at how different a son could be from his father.
"He spends most of his time with his lover. And he is young… so it's normal to spend that much time with the one you love." His expression turned serious. "But, if he does anything to harm the club… I will deal with him and his lover."
"Don't do anything stupid, Ned." Paris warned.
"Don't worry. Whatever I do, will always be for the benefit of the club… and I don't mind removing people that could harm it." His tone made Paris furrow her eyebrows, but she remained silent.
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But unknown to them, a certain invisible mutant heard everything that they discussed.
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[[Sebastian Shaw]]
"I heard that you guys are planning to add new members to the club, is that true?" Father, who was reading the newspaper nodded at my question.
"Yes, we are." He said flipping the page. "Warren Worthington Jr. and Sir James Braddock Jr. are two of the possible members."
"I see. They are quite famous within the political circle. They will be good additions to the club."
"Indeed they will be. As for the seats within the inner circle, they better be worth wasting those seats." He lowered the newspaper. "And how is Lourdes? I hope that you are treating her well." He smiled.
"I am. She is the person I will be getting married to. So it is obvious that I will treat her well." Lourdes is someone who I couldn't have hoped to be with. She is rich… so she doesn't care about my money or power. And when I was in trouble, she helped me.
"Very well. Now remember one thing, you are a bishop… you have a lot of responsibilities now. And since, you are a member of the Hellfire Club, you should always watch your back."
I nodded at that. "I will."
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[[Marcellus]]
Edward is an idiot. His actions would lead to the beginning of the Hellfire Club saga… but will I allow that?
Of course not!
I cannot let him contact the Sentinels and neither can I let Sebastian's wife die.
Sebastian will most likely unlock his powers even without having to witness his wife's death. That was the event that changed him… along with Jacob's death.
As long as I can prevent that… He will be under me and eighty percent of the Hellfire Club events can be prevented.
And… I need to kill Braddock before he unlocks his reality-warping powers.
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…
[2 days later]
"So, who do you all suggest... should be appointed as the black rook?" Paris asked all of us.
"I think Sir Braddock would be a good addition to the inner circle." Jacob said while Edward had different opinions.
"I was going to go with Worthington … what are your suggestions, Sebastian and Marcellus?"
Before Sebastian could say anything, I answered. "Selene."
"Selene? You mean Selene Gallio of Nova Roma?" Edward was surprised at my suggestion.
"Yes, the same Selene." Sebastian preferred to stay silent but Jacob immediately rejected the proposal.
"Selene is not trustworthy. Making her part of the inner circle will be extremely dangerous."
He wasn't wrong. Selene was an extremely dangerous individual. But she is extremely valuable to the club. Her skill will be very helpful in the future.
And as seen… Under Sebastian's command, she mind-controlled Emma into being loyal to the club after the Namor incident.
"She is. But she is equally useful to the club as well." They were focused. "She has the entire kingdom of Nova Roma under her control and the people that follow her have massive political support." I said.
"So… if we can 'somehow' manage to get her on our side… we will have quite a lot of profit… But how are we going to get her to join?" Sebastian asked.
"If she joins, we will have access to the European countries quite easily... as for how I am going to do it… I have my ways."
"That is still quite risky." Paris said but I shook my head.
"I am above ninety percent sure that I can get her into the club. The rest will depend on the capacity of Edward and you... As the King and Queen if you can control her or not." Paris furrowed her eyebrows.
"As long as you can get her to join… We can get her under our control." Edward said. "As the King, I can control the people in this club."
I suppressed my smile as this went exactly as I planned. Edward is an extremely prideful individual… and people tend to make a lot of mistakes when they are driven by pride.
"Alright then. I am going to Europe for a business meeting after four days. And I will make an appointment to meet Lady Selene after that."
Which was a lie… because I was entirely free for this week… I just wanted to meet Selene.
Edward looks at Paris, who in turn looks at me.
"As long as you don't make an enemy out of her… we agree." Paris answered.
It wasn't that difficult… heh.
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…
[After the meeting]
"Marcellus." The familiar voice prevented me from entering my car.
"Ah, Sebastian. How may I help you?"
Why was he here?
"I have a few questions. But I only want to ask one for now." Interesting. He is quite calm and composed.
"If it's about the business… don't worry. The discussions with the east are going perfectly."
"That's not what I am here for."
Hmm…
"So? Is something the matter?"
"What is your goal?" I immediately raised an eyebrow.
"I don't think that I understand."
He sighed. "What's your reason for meeting Selene? I don't see any profit in you meeting her. Your connections are already expanding in Europe even without her help… so why?"
Ah, I 'almost' made a mistake. I forgot that this man was Sebastian Shaw. The person who overthrew the White King and Queen, became the Black King and rose to the position of Lord Imperial.
This mistake could have been proved fatal. Despite them not turning evil or going out of their ways to cause trouble… They are still the same characters.
Geniuses who caused such huge wars. And despite Sebastian being a 'good' guy. He is still the same genius.
This error could have resulted in my death in some other situation. I need to be careful from now on.
But for now…
"I indeed have other reasons for visiting her. And you will figure it out soon." I smiled. "Soon a day will come… when you will understand your true potential… and that day, I will let you know."
"What do-"
"Sorry but I have to go now." I will talk to you later.
I said before entering my car.
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[A/N: He did use mind-reading on Sebastian to check if he had any other plans.
Edward's pride is his greatest downfall.
Braddock and Warrington... Hmm.... Hmm... MUST DIE!!!
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(Till ch. 47 is available there.)
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