After breakfast, Vahn was on his way to find his next prey: Vienna Castros.
There were only two ways to upgrade his Main Skill.
The first was to evolve his Soul by one Order, something typically very difficult to accomplish.
The second was to use the skill repeatedly until its mastery reached 100.
Both methods were hard to achieve in a short period of time.
But Vahn knew of a cheat that would greatly aid him in leveling up his Main Skill.
It was something originally meant to fall into the protagonist's hands, but Igaris would steal it from Fate as well.
Until then, he would train the skill at a natural pace.
His Main Skill was already at proficiency level 3, and with consistent daily training, progressing further wouldn't be too difficult.
As he was strolling through the hallway, Vahn suddenly picked up some shouting.
Curious, he followed the source and found something quite interesting.
"Tell me, Hilga, why have you put Archon on this kind of dirty work?" Vienna demanded, shielding Archon like a protective hen.
"You would just waste his handsome face like this."
Hilga kept her head low, saying nothing, while Archon stood silently behind Vienna, looking nonchalant.
His forehead was covered with sweat and grime.
Vahn, for some reason, felt a strange satisfaction watching Archon suffer. Maybe it was jealousy that had been simmering for a long time, or maybe it was instinct. Archon could become a threat to his plans after all.
"I'm really sorry, Madam! This will never happen again," Hilga said, bowing her head.
But her clenched fist told a different story. She clearly couldn't accept Madam Castros barking at her on behalf of a lowly slave.
Vahn's eyes narrowed. He was naturally displeased. Now that Hilga was under his influence, seeing her scolded didn't sit well with him.
A sly, lewd grin played on his lips.
One day soon, after thoroughly brainwashing Vienna Castros... he would punish her by spanking her.
The tension in the hallway slowly faded as Vienna Castros dismissed Hilga with a wave of her hand.
"Go. I don't want to see you right now," she said coldly.
Hilga bowed her head in shame and turned away, her footsteps heavy.
Vienna remained, arms folded tightly over her chest, jaw clenched in frustration. Archon stood nearby, still dirty and breathless, but Vahn could tell she barely noticed. Her anger was simmering beneath the surface.
That's when Vahn stepped forward.
"Madam Castros, you seem... tense," he said smoothly, his voice low and calm.
"...."
Vienna turned, her crimson eyes locking onto his.
"And what does that have to do with you?"
"Ah, that's because I don't want you to see you in such a stressful state, Madam," Vahn said, flashing a gentle, almost harmless smile. "I've recently laerned a new massage technique. It is said to relieve stress and improve one's mood. Given how tirelessly you work to keep the estate running... I thought you might appreciate a moment of peace."
Vienna raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Ohh? A new massage technique? Are you certain? Or is this just another motive to touch me?"
Her words were laced with teasing danger, her eyes narrowed with a glint of amusement and warning.
Vahn met her gaze with a soft chuckle, lowering his eyes humbly. "No, Madam Vienna. I wouldn't dare such audacity. It's my heartfelt wish to serve the one who saved me." His voice oozed sincerity, with just the right amount of subtle charm.
Whether she truly believed him or was simply amused, Vienna exhaled with a smirk.
"Alright then," she said, turning her back toward him, "Let's see what you've got for me this time."
Her heels clicked on the marble floor as she strutted ahead toward the inner lounge, hips swaying with elegance and confidence.
Vahn followed, his expression composed, but his mind racing in triumph.
Behind them, Archon stood dumbfounded.
Since when did Vahn get so close to Vienna?
He narrowed his eyes, watching them disappear down the corridor.
The casual, almost familiar tone between them struck him oddly. Had he missed something? The Vahn he knew was always quiet, distant. Now he was talking smoothly with the most powerful women in the mansion?
Archon clenched his fist unconsciously.
"What's going to happen to me now? I don't want to give up. I will have to take revenge for my fallen family. Father, mother, grandfather, and the ancestors—I don't want to disappoint them."
---
Inside the Private Lounge.
The room was softly lit by enchanted crystal orbs, bathing the chamber in golden hues. Velvet sofas lined the sides, and floral fragrance lingered in the air.
Vienna sat with poise on a low-backed couch, her back hair cascading down one shoulder as she tilted her neck slightly.
"I'll allow ten minutes. Impress me," she said, crossing her legs.
Vahn bowed deeply. "As you wish, Madam."
He knelt behind her, his fingers brushing lightly against her silk robe before resting on her shoulders.
"Serenity's Touch."
The moment his palms pressed down, a subtle magical pulse spread through her nerves like ripples in still water.
Vienna blinked. Her body shivered briefly. Not from cold, but from the strange, sudden sensation of peace.
"Oho..." she murmured, eyes half-lidding. "This is really… different."
"Yes, Madam. I call it a focused channeling technique," Vahn said smoothly, but his eyes glancing at the twin peaks with fervor.
"It stimulates the flow of spiritual energy through the body while releasing tension." he said.
He worked slowly, drawing out the knots in her muscles with precision. Her breathing eased, her posture softened.
"It's gentle... but firm. You've learned some tricks, haven't you?" she said, her voice mellower now.
"Hehe... Only for the right people, madam" he replied softly.
She let out a breathy chuckle. "Flatterer."
Vahn kept his rhythm steady, letting the enchantment do its work by slowly lowering her guard, letting calmness seep into her deeper mind.
The Serenity's Touch wasn't instant brainwashing. It was influence of deep layered. The process requires patient, control.
"Are you always this helpful, Vahn?" she murmured, tilting her head slightly to give him more room.
"Only when I feel appreciated," he said. "You've done so much for this mansion. It's only fair someone eases your burdens now and then."
Vienna let out a small, surprised laugh. "You're getting good at this. Perhaps too good."
For a moment, her eyelids turned heavy.
And slowly as the conversation went, her eyes closed completely.
She had finally entered Hypnotized State.