Awakening Domination System: But I'm a Slave?

Chapter 364 364: Deal

Alaric leaned back in his chair, carefully setting his teacup on the table.

"I hadn't really thought about that," he admitted.

Because he hadn't. His focus had been on immediate survival, healing, avoiding legal trouble, figuring out how to navigate a foreign kingdom.

Long-term planning felt premature when he was still operating at a fraction of his actual power.

Vanessia laughed lightly, waving a manicured hand. "Oh, don't worry. You wouldn't be a normal student."

Alaric raised an eyebrow. "Then what would I be?"

"Think of it more like an exchange program," she explained, leaning forward.

"Every year, the Academy invites a few talented outsiders to join as special guests. You don't have to take regular classes or listen to boring history lectures."

She shot a quick, fond glance at Anya, who was happily licking frosting off her fingers and ignoring them.

"Instead," Vanessia continued, "you get access to the Academy's resources. Their training grounds, their massive library, and their magic workshops. You are free to study what you want, as long as you occasionally help out with combat practice or share your skills in demonstrations."

It sounded like a good deal. Almost too good.

It would give him a safe place to heal, a way to gather information about this world, and the freedom to manage his own time.

But Alaric knew better.

"Nothing is completely free," Alaric said, watching her carefully. "Especially an offer coming from a merchant guild master's daughter. What's the catch?"

Vanessia's smile grew wider. It wasn't her polite, noble smile; it was the sharp, calculating smile of a merchant closing a deal.

"You are very sharp, Azra. I like that."

She folded her hands on the table.

"You're right. I do have a selfish reason for bringing this up. I need you to be there because of something that's going to happen in next few months."

"I'm listening."

Vanessia's lips curved into small smile as she glanced at Anya.

"Sweetheart, why don't you go practice your calligraphy? Tutor Marris said you needed to work on your letter forms."

Anya pouted. "But Mama—"

"Now, please."

The tone left no room for argument. Anya sighed dramatically, grabbed one more cake, and scampered off toward the house.

Once she was out of earshot, Vanessia's expression became more serious.

"There is something I need. Something specific that requires someone at the academy."

She leaned forward slightly.

"In about maybe eight to ten weeks, the Royal Academy will host their annual Founder's Gala. It's a major event, nobility from across Thiaman attend. Foreign dignitaries."

"And?" Alaric prompted.

"And there will be an auction during the gala. With very high-value items. Rare artifacts. Things that don't appear on normal market."

Her copper eyes gleamed with something approaching hunger. "One item in particular, which is an essence-gathering formation crystal. It would significantly enhance our trade operations if we could acquire it."

She paused.

"But I can't attend personally. I'm not nobility, just a wealthy merchant. This gala auction is restricted. Only the academy students, faculty, and formally invited guests. And the guest list is... controlled. I couldn't secure invitation through normal channels."

Understanding clicked into place. "But an exchange student could attend."

"Exactly." Vanessia's smile widened.

"Exchange students are automatically invited to all major academy events. Including the Founder's Gala. Which means you'd have access to the auction."

"You want me to bid on this crystal for you."

"Not just bid." Vanessia pulled a small leather folder from her dress pocket. Opened it to reveal documentation and what looked like a certified bank draft.

"I want you to acquire it. By any means necessary within legal bounds."

She met his eyes directly.

"I'll provide funds. Not limited, but up to Ten Thousand Gold. And if you succeed..." Her expression became calculating. "House Valcieri would be very grateful. Grateful enough to provide you with resources. Connections. Support for whatever you ultimately decide to do."

Alaric studied her. The careful way she presented this. The specific details she'd prepared in advance.

She's been planning this since before the false assault charges. Maybe since she first took me in. This whole 'generous hospitality' act... it was investment. Setting up this exact conversation.

Not malicious. Just... practical, merchant thinking. Everything was transaction. Everything had value.

"What if someone outbids me?" he asked.

"Then you use other methods." Vanessia's voice was calm. "Legal methods. Negotiation. Persuasion. I'm confident you could find creative solutions if necessary."

She closed the folder. "But I need someone there. Someone who can act on my behalf."

"And I fit that description perfectly."

Vanessia's smile was sharp.

Alaric leaned back and processed.

It's not a bad deal. I get academy access. Time to look for a recover in the library... And all I have to do is acquire one item at an auction.

But it's too simple. There' should be complications she's not mentioning.

"What aren't you telling me?" he asked bluntly.

Vanessia's expression flickered, brief surprise at being called out so directly. Then respect.

"The crystal I want... others will want it too. Nobles with deeper pockets. Families with political influence I can't match." She met his eyes.

"Competition will be... intense. Possibly dangerous if someone decides to eliminate bidders before the auction."

"So you need someone expendable."

"I need someone capable," Vanessia corrected. "Someone who can handle themselves if things get complicated. Someone who won't be easily intimidated or eliminated."

She gestured at him.

"You killed a dozen while injured and outnumbered. You survived something dangerous or so your 'memory loss' story suggests. You're not some pampered boy who'll panic at first sign of trouble."

"You're asking me to potentially fight other students. Or their backers."

"I'm asking you to win." Vanessia's voice was steel beneath velvet. "By whatever means necessary within academy rules. And in exchange, I'll give you everything you need to succeed."

Silence stretched between them.

The fountain burbled. Birds sang. The garden was peaceful despite the dangerous proposition being discussed.

Alaric considered.

The risk is manageable. Probably. And if things go wrong—

Well. I've survived worse.

"When would I start?" he asked.

Vanessia's smile became genuine.

"In a week. Gives you time to finish healing. I'll arrange the paperwork, the entrance exam, purely formality given your demonstrated abilities, and the formal sponsorship."

She extended her hand. "Do we have an agreement?"

Alaric looked at her hand. At the offer being made.

Then took her hand.

"We have an agreement."

They shook. Sealing the deal.