Chapter 14- Manipulation

"Are you sure, master?" There was a frown on Sebastian's face when he asked that.

Austin was changing his clothes and getting ready for school.

Without looking at the man, he said, "Yes, Sebas. I can not be any more sure about this."

Sebastian thought for a moment before asking, "Do you have any proof that the student is actually planning something against you?"

Austin paused and then turned toward Sebastian.

With utter seriousness in his eyes, he told him, "If I am proven wrong, Sebas, then I will confess my deeds and leave this academy as a punishment."

Sebastian has nothing more to say. If his young master was absolute about something then it must be the case.

Austin slid his feet inside his shoes, and while he tied his laces, he told the older one, "In fifteen minutes, send Rudolph to my office."

"As you command, my lord."

….

Austin left his room and headed towards his office.

He doesn't have much work, and the classes start in two hours, so why is he going to his office rather than sharing the breakfast table with his fiancée?

Well, there was a definite reason.

The reason why Austin wanted Sebastian's loyalty to himself was because of this.

He needs to get rid of Parkinson before the psycho ends up hurting Valerie.

After ten or so minutes, someone knocked on the office door before Austin said,

"Come in." From the other side, the tall and broad black-haired man walked in.

"You called me?" Rudolph Sabretooth is the son of the Knight Commander and someone who has known Austin since the age of ten.

He is a good friend and someone who knows Austin's situation back home.

They used to spar in the past, but Rudolph easily became far too strong for Austin to match him in a battle.

Gesturing toward the couch, Austin said, "Sit."

Rudolph remained standing and said, "Just tell me quickly, I have someone to meet."

Austin smiled, "Must be Rhea. You finally got a worthy opponent to spar against."

Rudolph smirked, "Yup~she is the best."

Austin warmly smiled, "It fills my heart with joy to see that finally, you got yourself a real friend here. Back then, everyone used to ignore you but Rhea…she is different."

The smile on Rudolph's face extended; happy to hear someone praising the woman he adores.

"Yes, that she is. The perfect kind of woman which anyone could desire."

For a moment, Austin's face turned into a scowl but he quickly improved his expression and said, "You must be told to return to the Capital, right?"

Rudolph's expression turned sour, "Yeah…" He was told by his father to return and join the celebration. However, he didn't want to go and leave Rhea here with Parkinson and Morkel.

Austin leaned forward and suggested, "How about I make up some excuse in your stead and explain things to your father?"

Rudolph's eyes brightened, "Really? You will do that?"

"Of course, I can for my friend. Just don't send him any letter for the time being, okay?"

"If you can get me permission to stay back then anything for you!" The evident happiness on his face showed how much he was attached to Rhea and that even a few days of separation was too much for him.

Rudolph was then about to take his leave with a huge smile on his face when suddenly, Austin said,

"Uh-can you send Parkinson to the office?"

"Sure, buddy!" Rudolph turned around and left soon after.

Austin's smile immediately disappeared as he heaved a sigh and drank a few mouthfuls of water.

[Ding!]

[A new index has appeared!]

[Trickery: 5/100]

[Next reward at 10]

…

Now that puts a genuine smile on his face.

*Knock*

However, soon he regained his composure and after wearing his reading glasses he said,

"Come in." Austin began to pretend that he was working as he commanded.

From the other side, the long green-haired teenager walked in.

The lanky 5'10 looked displeased even though nothing Austin had spoken until now. His sharp grey eyes bore on Austin as he said,

"What do you want?" He was just about to go and have breakfast with Rhea when suddenly the asswipe called him.

Austin didn't remove his eyes from the document before he sternly spoke, "I have invited you here to warn you."

Parkinson frowned, a scowl appearing on his face, "Warn? About what?"

Austin slowly raised his eyes from the document and looked at him.

With his upturned gaze fixed on the guy he said,

"You have been wandering around the girl's dorm a lot. I saw you last night."

Parkinson's eyes widened in agitation. His fist clenched, "You….!!!"

"I am warning you, Parkinson, stop stalking Rhea or I will-"

"Or you will what?! Complain to the headmaster or your Papa?! Who are you gonna tell, you asshole! I knew it! You were just pretending to be all chummy with Valerie! You are still after my Rhea!"

His aura flared; the table and the shelves began to shake under his magical presence. The blood lust that the boy contained within was making it a bit stuffy inside the office.

Austin retained his calm, even though he knew with his current strength he couldn't defeat the guy.

However, he didn't show even a bit of apprehension and after redirecting his gaze back to the papers, he said,

"Think whatever you want. Just stop before-"

"To hell with your warning, asshole!" Parkinson suddenly opened the door, startling the ones passing by.

"Don't ever call me here or I am so gonna kill you!"

*SLAM*

Slamming the door, Parkinson walked away while seething.

Once the door was closed, a smirk extended his lips.

"Perfect….these guys are so easy to manipulate…"

Austin never saw anyone out of the girl's dormitory given Parkinson excels in assassination skills. However, he had the knowledge of the game so he used it here.

[Ding!]

[The host has reached the first threshold in Trickery!]

[Trickery: 10/100]

Austin let out a small chuckle as he leaned back in his seat, and rested his feet on the table,

"Now Parkinson, dance for me."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.