Asher stared at Seraphina for a while and then,
"Vaan is blackmailing me."
"Huh?" Seraphina frowned in confusion.
Then with a serious look on his face, Asher started,
"Vaan isn't the same as before, he has changed, a lot more than you think."
"I know, I have met hi-"
"No, you do not know. I know you met him and I can tell that you think that he still likes you, but in truth, he does not. He was acting all along.
I do not know what happened but do not treat Vaan like the fool he was before. He is a lot smarter and more ruthless than before.
He forced me and my friends to steal 20 Elemental Stones from our family treasury and give it to him. He threatened us that if we do not do it, he would use the power of the Vesta Family to put our family in a disadvantageous situation."
Asher revealed the truth.
He wanted to get out of this messy situation, at first, he decided to side with Vaan, however, today after meeting with Seraphina and seeing just how perceptive she was, his decision wavered.
"He does not have the power to do that. The Vaan family values its reputation more than ever, they would never attack a smaller family just because someone like Vaan said so, although Lady Astra may be his blood mother, Vaan does not hold that sort of status in his family to make them do anything like that." Seraphina quickly shook her head.
"Do you think I would still want an heir of the Vesta Family coming after me with everything he had?
With his status, he doesn't even need the Vesta Family, if he tries, many 4th Circle Mages would be ready to do what he wants just to win his favor. I have no choice but to bow down in this situation." Asher explained his situation.
Seraphina started thinking but then, Asher dropped another bomb,
"Don't think I am the only one.
He hasn't shown you his true face yet because he is waiting."
"Waiting? Waiting for what?" Seraphina frowned in confusion.
Asher then placed a crystal ball on the table and seeing the ball, Seraphina narrowed her eyes,
"A Recording Crystal…" She recognized this thing as soon as her eyes fell on it.
"He is waiting to get his hands on a proof.
Everything we did to him, it was ordered by you, however, there is no evidence to support that statement, and that is what Vaan is looking for.
He is blackmailing not only me, but the four of them as well, he wanted us to come here, fool you into confessing your crimes, and recording the entire thing. Once he has enough proof, he would let all of us go and would target you instead."
Asher revealed Vaan's plan and hearing his words, Seraphina's expression changed.
She did think Vaan was acting differently but this…
This was much more concerning than she thought…
However, now that she thought about it, it did make a little sense.
She has mentioned the book she wanted more than 3 times already, if it was the normal Vaan, then he would have brought the book to her even if that meant getting punished by his mother.
However, now, every time she mentioned the book, he always changed the topic, and what's worse?
She would always fall into his rhythm and would forget about the book.
Even the meeting before, she thought that he ran away while he blushed but now that she thought about it, rather than running away in embarrassment, Vaan got away after getting what he wanted.
That was to test her limits and make her fire one of her most trusted subordinates…
Thinking about it, Seraphina clenched her fists in frustration.
'Vaan Vesta…'
Her icy blue eyes turned cold, then, she glanced at Asher and,
"Why are you telling me all this?" She questioned.
"Vaan is clearly the stronger leg to grab here, then why come to me and reveal all his plans? Aren't you scared that he would realize that you have betrayed him and would harm you?"
"I am playing the safe game here, Lady Seraphina. You are the last person who would rat me out because that will just be dumb and if you don't say it, then there is no way he would know that I am not on his side.
I highly doubt that he would let me go once you are down, so I am putting my trust in you and have decided to hop on the same boat you are on.
No matter what, Vaan would still be Vaan. He might have changed, but that doesn't me that he turned into a different person, deep down, he is the same fool he was before. I am sure if you and I work together, then handling someone like him won't be difficult."
Asher explained the reasons behind his actions.
"Heh, aren't you just saying that you know you would not end up well if you choose his so you are betting on me instead?" Seraphina questioned as she laughed.
"I will not deny that."
"Then why would I want you on my side? You are completely useless to me. Why should I be your shield?" Seraphina questioned.
This time, Asher was the one who laughed,
"Not like you have any other choice. What are you going to do? Tell on me? What would you even say to him?
'Asher, the man you sent to gather evidence against me is trying to betray you and join me?'
What do you think would happen after that? Vaan would praise you for your honesty and give you what you want?"
"…"
Seraphina turned silent.
Asher was right.
Other than destroying all these 'strategic barriers' they have set and completely falling out with each other, there was nothing she would achieve by telling on Asher.
No matter what, she had to become his shield because if Asher goes down, the chances of her going down together with him were extremely high.
Thinking all that, Seraphina sighed, then, she glanced at Asher and,
"I take it that you came here with a plan?"
