Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 411 A Fact About Conquering Faction Leaders

The woman struggled to understand the other's logic, even setting aside the physical intimacy between men and women; what she could promise was far beyond what the solitary exile could possibly offer.

“Foolish man, do you know what you’re doing? Damn Garu…”

Eirima's roar was cut short. Despite her ferocious, teeth-gritting expression, she couldn't utter a sound. Her eyes turned bloodshot with increasing rage.

Ignoring the fierce glare directed at him, Mr. Zhang, having activated the silence collar once more, leisurely used his still-wet fingers to lightly pinch the female technician's chin.

"I think you probably haven't realized your current situation. You're just a prisoner of slaves. What gives you the audacity to question my decisions?"

“Veto is my right, and I used it. It’s that simple. There’s no need to explain anything to you.”

He released his grip, letting the priestess's petite body collapse to the ground. He turned to look at Viconia, whose right hand he had been holding, and she looked back at him with a bewildered expression, as if waking from a deep dream.

"Why... why?"

The dramatic ups and downs in such a short time were incredibly exciting. Judging from her own experience, the female Zhuo Er didn't think she had any chance at all, and in that instant, she had already made the decision to fight to the death.

But the result was...

"There aren't so many whys. I wanted to do it this way, and that's how it is."

The mage acted as if it were perfectly natural, but Viconia wasn't buying it at all, her eyes clearly showing a "let's hear your nonsense" look. Then, her eyes darted around, and she turned back to her smiling face:

"Could this be the so-called love that your surface races have been talking about?"

"Ha! Although I don't understand this inexplicable emotion, the relationship between the sexes is nothing more than a conquest and being conquered, yet it's been made so boring and complicated. But I don't dislike the fact that I'm the beneficiary."

It was precisely because of your behavior that I created this reputation system.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuan glanced at Zhuo Er in front of him with narrowed eyes, inwardly grumbling.

To say that Zhang Da Guanren was truly unmoved by Eirema's proposal would be a blatant lie.

With its own underground mineral veins, coupled with its industrial plans and the support of dwarven artisans, its future prospects are immeasurable.

Even if we disregard these future benefits, gaining a few skilled technicians would still be a good thing.

however!
Unlike the dwarves who are known for their integrity and reliability, these dark-skinned creatures from the underworld have a reputation that is probably less than zero, or even negative.

Don't be fooled by the priestess's charming, seductive, and ingratiating appearance. She's actually just intimidated by her own methods and summoned creatures. But how long can this misunderstanding last?
Especially after a trade partnership is established, it is foreseeable that the other party will find out about their secrets and even infiltrate their territory.

If he, Zhang, actually believes that the other party has truly succumbed to his petty tricks and immature management skills, heh heh~
Despite the priestess's delicate tongue and small mouth, Zhang Da Guanren had no doubt that once their reservations dissipated and they revealed their true colors, that gentle cave could turn into a guillotine at any moment.

As for the intrigue and backstabbing, how did they manage to win over the Aberre family through diplomatic maneuvering and make the alliance between the two families bigger and stronger?

Having spent his previous life in an ivory tower, where he never even managed to become a student council member, he was well aware of his own limitations. Although he had managed to build his own faction and even rise to the ranks of powerful nobles after arriving in Faerûn, how much of that was due to his political maneuvering?
No!

It's all about ability and connections, not political maneuvering.

However, this approach is not as effective against dark elves.

His current strength might deter ordinary nobles and petty scoundrels, but it wasn't enough to instill fear in a drow family. Similarly, the academy and the archmage's backing, which commanded respect from most powers, weren't particularly daunting to these underground bastards. The unique geographical environment of the Underdark and the social structure of the drow elves made it extremely difficult for outside forces to infiltrate.

Therefore, once the cooperation invitation from Eirima is accepted, the situation will inevitably descend into a state of superficial cooperation, but with mutual suspicion, scheming, and intrigue behind the scenes.

Frankly, a mage who considers himself unable to play this game of power would rather face the clash of swords than tire himself out dealing with the daggers lurking in the shadows behind him.

The monk's answer was very straightforward, like cutting through a tangled mess with a knife; no matter how eloquently you spoke, he wouldn't fall for it.

Anyway, his territory isn't here. He'll just make a big move in the next day or two, pack up his bags and run away. He doesn't believe that these ground rats can make a long march north and chase him all the way to Neverwinter.
All sorts of thoughts flashed through the mage's mind, but his gaze towards Viconia remained unchanged as he calmly spoke:

"Don't be too happy yet. Your attempt to damage the owner's property just now needs to be dealt with."

"You knowingly committed the offense, and it still happened right in front of me. This time, I'll deduct twenty points from your score."

"Keep it up, you only have a 120-point lead now."

Ah this?

Viconia's mind was a little confused. Just a moment ago, they were on the brink of life and death, and now they're using this points trick?

and…

"Are you only blaming me? What about that bitch?"

She couldn't deny her actions. Compared to being used as a bargaining chip and betrayed, this was already a blessing from Shar, a fortunate ending. But she didn't forget to drag her mortal enemy down with her.

"Oh yes."

Mr. Zhang rubbed his index and middle fingers together with his thumb, as if savoring the previous sensation, then his eyes darted around:
"Although I'm not interested in her cooperation proposal, her previous service was quite considerate, so I'll add a ten."

. . . . . .

After all that, he had only helped the enemy. Viconia immediately shut his mouth, then, as if struck by a sudden realization, frowned and asked:

"You think licking your fingers will get you ten points? Then I think these sluts who want to taste the sweetness would pounce on you and lick your whole body. Are you in such a hurry to find a comfortable home for that worm of flesh?"

"Who do you think I am?"

Master Zhang immediately put on a stern face, adopting a sanctimonious demeanor, and ignoring the other party's disbelieving expression, began to explain:
"You think just anyone can get into my bed? The favorability system I created for you isn't just for show."

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is," Master Zhang said with a smirk, looking Zhuo Er up and down.
"You haven't even reached the friendly level, so you should save your breath."

(ノBenefit)ノ

Even though Vicania already had some understanding of this guy, she was still nearly killed by his words. After calming down, she sneered repeatedly.

Thank you to Mo Mei Wu Feng, Wang Ting Qiu, and Qing Di Chang Sheng Yu Wan Wu for your monthly ticket support!

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(End of this chapter)