When you're making a deal with someone, knowing your value and understanding your opponent's value are crucial factors. These considerations shape the negotiations and help you make informed decisions.
"Headmaster Seraphina," I began, allowing a small smile to form on my lips. Her demeanor remained composed, a clear indication that she was expecting my next question.
"What is in it for me?"
And the moment those words left my mouth, Seraphina's expression hardened slightly, but at the same time, a knowing glint appeared in her eyes as if she anticipated my practical approach.
"Rest assured, Callius," she responded with a slight smile, "your efforts will not go unnoticed. Your role in the student council will naturally connect you with influential individuals, provide you with opportunities, and amplify your impact."
Her words were aligned with my expectations. Just as I considered before, she also thought I would blindly believe that the opportunity to form connections would be simply enough.
Yet, while I saw the potential, I wasn't about to accept blindly. "It's indeed an enticing opportunity," I acknowledged, my tone measured. "But I also recognize that such chances can be obtained through other means."
My words simply implied that while knowing this opportunity was good for me, I could easily make such opportunities whenever I wanted. After all, I was the first-ranked student inside the academy, and even if I was banished, the blood of Augustrides was still flowing through my veins.
Seraphina's gaze remained steady, a testament to her understanding of the intricate dynamics at play.
"I'm sure you're aware, Vice Headmaster, that there are various paths to influence and connections," I continued, implying that I could achieve similar gains without necessarily committing to the student council.
Seraphina, ever composed, didn't let my subtle challenge unnerve her. "Of course," she replied, her tone holding a touch of bluff, "you're free to explore your options as you see fit. But don't underestimate the depth of what the student council can offer."
Her words held an air of confidence as if she had something up her sleeve that could sway even someone of my caliber.
But, it was a bluff. Even though the reason she called me here was probably in favor of the princess, she also needed me to put a leash on those nobles.
"Vice Headmaster, you should also not overestimate 'the depth of what the student council can offer.'"
With my words, I can see her face hardening again. As I said, she was a woman that I had an improving relationship with, but this is how the nobles' world worked. Business is different from private life.
"I appreciate the offer, Vice Headmaster, and I'll give it due consideration. However, keep in mind that in a world where influence is currency, I'm already wealthy enough."
Of course, those words were also not that wrong, but they were not that true either. I didn't have an incredibly strong backing aside from Aliya's money, which is not that powerful in the world of raw power; however, I am already on my way to forming it.
But, from an outside perspective, this is by no means true.
I am a person who was banished from my noble family at the age of 13, and I was a person who was not awakened both as a knight and as a mage while I was at that age.
However, suddenly, I appeared inside the academy, acquired the first rank with my skills alone, and displayed an immense amount of magical prowess.
Even though it was not that common, there are some cases when a person awakens at a later age or a person's blessing activates later than the age of 10.
What would you think as an observer from the outside?
But, even with this, my rank was still 4-star, which meant either I had a strong backer, or I was a genius that would come very rarely.
And both cases have their own advantages. If I had a strong backer, then I would not be in a hurry to make connections, and if I was a genius, then I would also not be in a hurry to make connections unless someone was targeting me openly.
This is how the business works; sometimes, you need to take the risk.
And with that, I turned and was about to leave the room.
"What do you want?"
Only to hear those words.
Four simple words, spoken with a directness that matched the weight of the situation.
I pivoted back to face Vice Headmaster Riftwind, surprised by the sudden shift in her approach. She was relinquishing her initial position and seeking common ground.
From this point, she was acknowledging that I held a certain advantage, and by meeting me on this level, she aimed to find common ground.
A small and short play of words was enough to make her think in such a way.
With a brief pause to collect my thoughts and put more pressure on her, I met her gaze evenly. This was the most important moment.
"Headmaster, you do know that there are eyes everywhere inside this academy, right?"
I asked, looking at her with a smile on my face. This was the time when I could finally push one of the things holding me back.
"Yes? Of course, it is the academy's policy to observe students and supervise them."
As expected, the first answer that came was the formal one expected from the vice-headmaster.
"But, is the only one that is observing the student's academy?"
The moment my words sank in, I reminded her of the words she had first spoken to me when she called me here.
At that time, she reminded me that there were clearly people who held some significant power inside the academy belonging to another faction.
Seraphina's gaze held a flicker of understanding, and her subsequent question carried a more genuine curiosity. "What do you intend to gain by mentioning this?"
The opportunity I had been angling for was finally at hand. My smile deepened, lacing my words with purpose. "I want to have a special bracelet that can't be tracked by any means inside this academy, just like yours. I also request unfettered access to the library's restricted section."
I allowed my words to hang in the air, their implications clear. This wasn't just about acquiring knowledge; it was about securing my autonomy creating a space where my actions and research wouldn't be scrutinized.n0VElUsb.c0m
I needed to develop my knowledge of other magical affinities, and I also needed to know about other restricted magical knowledge.
The way of chants made me feel suspicious from the start, and it was now time to observe that.
Seraphina's expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and skepticism. "You ask for quite a lot, Callius. Unrestricted access to the restricted section and a bracelet akin to that of the instructors... These are privileges that come with responsibilities. Are you prepared to handle the weight they carry?"
I met her gaze without hesitation, my resolve unshaken. "Yes, I am fully aware of the responsibilities and consequences that come with such privileges. I believe in a fair exchange, Headmaster. In return for my commitment to the student council and my efforts to bridge the gap between commoners and nobles, these provisions would facilitate my role effectively."
Of course, both she and I knew that those words were not that strong, but in the end, I was a person who believed in fairness. I was not someone to cheat and stab others from behind.
There was a moment of silence as Seraphina considered my words, her fingers lightly tapping against the armrest of her chair.
It was evident that she was weighing the pros and cons, evaluating the potential benefits of having me play this unique role within the student council.
Finally, she let out a soft sigh, her gaze shifting to some unseen point in the room. "You are a shrewd negotiator, Callius. Very well, I will agree to your terms, but with one condition: you must uphold the values of fairness and equality that the academy stands for. Use your position to guide, not manipulate."
Hearing this, I couldn't help but smile inside.
Guiding and Manipulating can be the same from one perspective; after all, manipulating is guiding under disguise.
It was quite an ironic choice of words, but it didn't matter. In the end, the important thing was the fact that my conditions were met.
For the time being, that was enough.
I nodded in agreement though, looking like I was recognizing the significance of her condition. "I understand, Headmaster. My intention has always been to bridge the divide, not widen it further. Rest assured, I will approach this role with the best interests of the academy in mind."
The play of words was the way people lived as adults after all.
Seraphina's gaze returned to meet mine, and I could see a mixture of expectation and curiosity in her eyes. It was the curiosity that was not there at first, but it seemed my proposal somehow made her curious about my intentions.
"Very well then, Callius. You may consider your terms accepted. I will arrange for the necessary arrangements regarding the bracelet and library access."
With those words, the negotiation part of the talk met its end, but there were more words to it.
"I will contact you after everything is ready. Then, you will meet with Student Jasmine."
The time to meet another villainess came....
