Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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The smell was heavy despite the light breeze, and it took me a moment to pick up a vague medicinal scent.

"Is there something in the water?", I asked.

Aldus confirmed. "There is a toxin. If anyone tries to reach the castle by swimming, they will suffer greatly no matter how good of a swimmer they are as soon as the water touches the skin. Muscle spasms, difficulty breathing…" He paused and gave me praise. "Good catch."

I beamed, happy that my average sense of scent (according to human standards) was acknowledged, and I decided to fish for another compliment.

"It seems that there are arrays for preventing flight."

Aldus nodded. "And teleportation. The only way in is by walking over this bridge that is being watched."

Aldus pointed up and I observed the gargoyle statues above the massive wooden door. Well, I guess they are not statues because their heads moved to follow us.

The staff member ushered us through the hallway toward the great hall where the guests gathered.

There were long tables and several sitting areas defined by sofas and chairs arranged around low tables.

We were not the first to arrive, and I was glad that there was no person at the door to shout our names as we entered even though I liked the 'Lady Seraphina Mezzanotte' how the man at the previous event announced me. It sounded exotic and royal.

Councilwoman Elena was the first one to greet us. This time, she was without a date, and based on the smile she directed at Aldus, I could guess that her intentions went beyond handshaking.

I clearly remember that three years ago, Aldus told me how science is his mistress, but since then I confirmed that he is either cheating on his mistress (aka science), or she knows that he is sleeping around.

Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against my father having a woman (or women) in his life, but he can't sell himself for a monk who is devoted to science while hooking up with a different woman at every party!

OK. It's not so bad because Aldus doesn't attend parties often.

I wonder how those women would react if Aldus appeared in his real form, the one he showed me once when he looked about my age. Both of his appearances are handsome, but this older one gives him a charm that speaks of an experienced man.

Considering Elena's background, she probably knows how Aldus really looks like. Does that mean she fancies the young version of Aldus?

Oh, maybe I'm looking at my stepmother! Should I call her, 'mom'? I shook those thoughts away. I should focus on other things.

Thanks to Elena we got into this event, and even though she is not into our little plan for tonight, Aldus was confident that she will not be in the way.

I glanced around and my eyes landed on my target.

Councilman Gilbert.

I met Gilbert during the event in the Castle, and during our brief introduction, the biggest impression on me left his third eye that was mostly hidden under his bangs.

Based on the file, no one really knows what Gilbert is. First records about him are 178 years old, and they mention that he descended mount Kailash in Transhimalaya, looking like a man in his thirties. Gilbert claims he was a human who was blessed by Lord Shiva during one of his pilgrimages. No one would believe that story if not for Gilbert's extraordinary strength, longevity, and the third eye on his forehead.

In a short time, Gilbert accumulated numerous followers, mostly among humans, and their sheer number is not to be underestimated. All the offerings and contributions they are making propelled Gilbert to the top of the Council in terms of wealth.

Gilbert is a member of the Council for more than a hundred years, and he is always accompanied by his faithful assistant Mahir.

Mahir keeps to himself and is something like Gilbert's shadow, doing whatever Gilbert tells him with scary efficiency, even though Mahir never showed any abilities that would classify him above human.

I excused myself from Aldus and Elena and grabbed a glass of champagne while making my way toward Gilbert.

"Miss Mezzanotte…", Gilbert greeted me with a small bow as I approached him.

"Councilmen Gilbert…", I nodded in greeting. "I'm honored that you remember me."

"How can I forget such an enchanting young lady? To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I have a budget for the preservation of historical sites. I heard about your efforts on the Sun Temple in West Bengal, and I thought that maybe we can talk about it."

He nodded ambiguously. "I am not in need of money."

I was expecting his haughty attitude, so I had backups.

"The resources I offer are not limited to money, councilman Gilbert. If we discuss the current state of the project and your needs, maybe it turns out that we can help each other. You should know that I am working closely with my father."

The gleam in his eyes told me that I've got him.

His smile widened. "How about we find a more private area so that no one disturbs us?"

I nodded in agreement, and Gilbert called, "Mahir! Make sure that the lounge in the far right corner is free for us." Gilbert gestured in the direction where we should go and Mahir scurried ahead of us.

Internally, I released the breath I was holding.

This is going well.

If this didn't work, my other option was to try my pheromones.

Other than being annoying as I don't want another admirer, there was a danger that the man has some protection or alarms against such influences. Gilbert is not an ignorant human, and he wouldn't survive this long or climb the power ladder if he was not careful. If he discovers that I tried to manipulate him with seduction, it would become awkward quickly.

Like this, I secured some time to chat in private with the man, creating an illusion that we are getting along well.

Aldus's part was to feign ignorance. He will mingle as usually, because if he approaches Egoth, Omniel, or any of their close associates, it would be uncharacteristic and suspicious.

To my surprise, councilman Gilbert was quite knowledgeable about the project. He also told me that he has three more similar efforts ongoing, and he spoke about them briefly as well.

I was glad that I did my research diligently and I was able to hold a meaningful conversation, otherwise, he would see me either as a girl who has air instead of a brain, or maybe he would suspect that I'm sitting here with him due to different agenda (which is true).

About one hour later, I apologized for taking too much of his time.

Councilman Gilbert said that he will send me more details later, and I promised to be in touch after reviewing the information.

Mission one was a success.

I glanced at Aldus who was talking with a few people, councilwoman Elena flanking his right side. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and I made my way outside of the great hall, content that Aldus is aware of my movements.

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