Primordial Villain with a Slave Harem

“Let’s get going then, shall we?” Ambrosia asked while her fake smile grew even stronger.

“Sure.”

My Virtual Library Empire

Just like that, Ambrosia and the other notables of the faction stood from their seats, ready to head toward the meeting.

I felt a sudden glare directed at my person from a specific woman – Leia, Cedric’s mother.

I’d seen her numerous times through my use of the [Overlord’s Eyes] spell on Cedric, but it was her first time seeing me. Well, besides when she watched the final round of the Phenom Trials from the audience stands. That event was likely why she watched me with eyes brimming full of hostility.

Her beloved son was wildly overshadowed by not only the winner of the tournament but even me and Iris as well. After all, the two of us achieved a tremendous feat in beating our high-level opponents, even if Iris lost consciousness and thus was automatically eliminated while I decided to sit the rest out.

We were the real talking points of the Phenom Trials, even dwarfing Kaelira’s popularity. Partly because we were simply more interesting combatants, but also because she bent the knee in front of me with tens of thousands of eyes observing her actions, thus transferring all her rightful fame as the victor onto my person as her lord.

Just like how in the Middle Ages a noble could have a knight represent him during duels, our relationship was perceived to be very similar. Whatever Kaelira did would reflect on me.

Anyhow. I wasn’t interested in Leia one bit. She was a level 1 woman well into her middle ages and didn’t have much political influence at all. Thus, this person was way below the level of power one would have to wield for me to be careful of them. She could seethe and rage all she wanted due to me snubbing her little Cedric of fame, but I heavily doubted she had the spine and the means to do more than bark at me.

We stepped out of the Divine Nectar HQ and traveled towards the Obsidian Citadel, the single largest and most luxurious building of Shadowhold.

According to Jasmine’s words when she gave us a tour of the place months ago, that was where the most important decisions were made by the local leaders, and the talks we were going to be having most certainly warranted the use of the Obsidian Citadel.

Its halls were vibrant and obscenely luxurious; its floors were of polished black marble, and towering pillars carved from obsidian helped hold the massive weight of the building up. Chandeliers of enchanted crystal illuminated the building, reflecting off of every single polished surface, such as the golden illustrations etched into its walls.

The conference hall was the same, but a giant round table occupied its center, and I could see people sitting at its seats, while most stood behind the few higher-ups who had the privilege of taking a seat at this table.

The two figures I recognized easily were Aurelion and Ignis.

It seemed that as an ex-Phenom who had great accomplishments under his belt and had even higher expectations placed on his future, he was given a seat.

Aurelion’s presence was a given. Each of the seven Obsidian Circle members had a faction of their own in Braedon representing them, and Aurelion was the representative of Broker, while Ambrosia was Black Fang’s.

I eyed the man for a bit with a cold, unmoving heart. I had more than enough self-control not to start a scene just because of what I learned of his disgusting deeds committed against Jasmine. Barking at him, or even worse, outright attacking him would only serve as a detriment.

Behind him I saw the Shadow Vanguard squad Jasmine warned me of. Eight such guards flanked him and observed any threat to his life, even in this place where we should all be allies.

As for why so many Shadow Vanguards would guard a non-combatant who had the same rank as them?

Think of it like a politician and his security detail. Non-combatants died very quickly due to having the lifespan of a normal human from Earth; thus, if one of them managed to reach this highly acclaimed rank, that could only mean they had great accomplishments under their belts. Aurelion had donated an insane amount of gold coins over his wretched life, and he also stole Jasmine’s accomplishment to gain promotions.

Thus Aurelion was an important man to keep alive for Broker, while combatant Shadow Vanguards were often only useful during conflicts, making the ‘politician’ worthy of protecting.

I saw many familiar faces but not at the table. All Phenoms of my generation were dispatched to support their sponsor’s respective factions just like I was, standing behind the faction leaders.

Well, besides Kaelira, who was likely busy hammering away in my home with the most overjoyed expression visible on her gorgeous features. She was always calm and collected, so the great contrast her antics had when she was allowed to finally pursue her passion was rather adorable, I must say. I’ll be sure to watch her work when I get the time.

Ambrosia strolled toward her seat and sat down, after which the meeting officially started, as we were the last to arrive.

“I won’t mince my words, for we have no time. The Consortium is facing great peril.” An older guy with a fashionable mustache began, and I recognized him as the representative of the mediator, called Cipher. It seemed even here, the mediator had the loudest voice, as his subordinate was acting like he had to lead the conversation.

Cipher then brought everyone up to speed on what I already knew, namely the brewing hostilities between the Syndicate and the Greenvale nobles.

I wasn’t interested in listening to the recap, so instead I chatted with a specific woman.

<Hey, long time no see. How have you been?>

<…> Iris’ response was dead silence. At least for a good few seconds before she murmured, <What do you mean long time no see? You saw me a few hours ago.>

Indeed, she answered my call for help when I orchestrated the twins kidnapping.

<Those few hours of separation felt like long, miserable years to me…>

Iris scoffed into my mind and then proceeded to ignore my words, knowing I was just messing with her. She did have something to say, though: <As for how I’ve been, well, I had a sword plunged through my stomach less than 24 hours ago, so thanks for asking, I’m feeling just perfect.>

Would you look at that? This woman could make snarky, sarcastic comments too. I was pleasantly surprised.

However, I wasn’t going to just let her statement fly. <I hear a great deal of accusation in your tone, as if I was the one responsible.>

<You heard right.>

<Iris, Iris, Iris…> I chuckled amusedly before continuing, <You make it sound like it was me who wielded the blade when all I did was present you with an admirable, strong opponent to fight. Ayame told me what happened, and let’s just say, you can only fault yourself.>

She visibly flinched at my words. Iris was one of the few Phenoms who made use of our privilege to privacy we were given opposed to normal members, as she hid her whole body under armor and clothes just like me and Ayame, but even so, Pox, the mage girl who was the 8th Phenom and also sponsored by Broker, eyed her for a moment due to her sudden movements.

<She’s lying.> Iris declared with a strong, confident tone after her momentary physical reaction passed.

<Am I?> Ayame joined in on the fun.