The Corrupted Syndicate

"And I do have a bone to pick with those Twilight Twins so I would give my Sister the information she needs. Thank you for listening," reasoned Medusa, bowing her head.

"I am aware of that. Also, I heard from Mavislin that you'd like to cuddle with me?" teased the Viceroy, with a smirk.

Medusa instantly flushed red as she shyly nodded, her snakes hissing in agreement.

"I will grant you that wish if we are victorious against both Solaris and Lunaris. Is that fair, Lady Shadow and Medusa?" asked the Viceroy.

"Yes," agreed both girls.

Zenos smirked as he stretched his arms, his joints cracking audibly as he prepared himself. Medusa gave a small, farewell wave before her form began to melt away, her features dissolving back into Mavislin's familiar appearance, complete with her modest dress.

The dragoness blinked a few times, adjusting her skirt and smoothing out her hair as she regained her composure.

"Well, at least we've got something to work on. Shall we all reconvene at a later time to head off?" asked Mavislin, gazing at the rabbit and Viceroy.

"We shall. However, I'd like Mavislin to follow me back to my private quarters for a bit. I have something to discuss about," said Zenos, standing up.

"Whatever it is, you can say it with me as well," growled Mattheos, not liking the blonde's intentions.

"I'm fine. Go get some rest in your room and I'll be back there as soon as I can," answered the dragoness, stroking the rabbit's ears.

Mattheos had no choice but to comply, quickly hopping away and retreating back to his quarters.

"What would you like to discuss about?" questioned Mavislin, as she tailed the Viceroy.

"Oh, nothing of great consequence… I merely find myself curious about you and that rabbit of yours. It is, shall we say, intriguing—to witness someone so eager to protect the very person who nearly ended their life," said Zenos, walking into his room.

Throughout the meeting and breakfast, the Viceroy stuck to his signature casual style: a black tank top paired with matching trousers and sturdy boots.

Over this, he wore a white coat with medium length and gold trimmings, creating a striking contrast that caught Mavislin's eye. As the meeting wrapped up, he casually tossed the coat onto a nearby rack and settled himself on the edge of the bed.

"I wouldn't call that interesting... I'd call it downright fatalistic and foolish. In fact, I think anyone willingly giving up their lives for the sake of others doesn't have a sound mind," answered the dragoness, making a beeline towards the chair.

Before Mavislin could sit, the Viceroy cleared his throat and shot her a stern glare. He gestured for her to sit beside him, and she complied, realizing she had no other choice unless she was ready for a fight.

As she settled next to the blonde, she nearly jumped out of her skin when he swiftly scooped her onto his lap. One arm casually wrapped around her waist while his other hand gently smoothed her wine-colored locks.

Leaning in closer, Zenos' piercing blue eyes meticulously scanned her face, searching for any lingering marks from the earlier chokehold. Finding none, he buried his nose into the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent deeply.

"Wha?!"

"Mattheos never struck me as the type to go to such lengths to protect anyone, especially after the betrayal he suffered at the hands of his former lover."

"Not only that, he usually preferred to be alone," explained the Viceroy, not caring about the beetroot red dragoness on his lap.

"You barely know him-"

"It is you who have no clue about him. It is well known that you have little interest in the personal histories of your men, hiring them solely for their skills and what they can offer."

"There's nothing inherently wrong with that—it demonstrates a lack of prejudice, a focus on merit. I appreciate that approach myself. But it also reveals just how indifferent you can be," explained Zenos, pulling his head away to look at the girl.

His arm tightened around her waist, bringing her closer to his warmth. The poor girl tried squirming away but to no avail.

"We've been told to throw our emotions away in favor of our missions. One wrong move and it would be the end for us. And as a First Seat of the Syndicate, our job is far from being caring."

"If we were to care for every personnel, then we would never have progressed as far we've gotten. We would never have the courage to put down resistance. It was the only way to keep our younglings in check."

"Only pure violence and dominance can get through their savage-like behavior. And I simply do not have the memory space to recall everyone's backstory."