Mob Sorcery 2 - Ch29

Chapter 29

“I think you’d have better luck convincing Houou to surrender and rejoin Knightsgate,” Vince said.

Mei’s expression flashed with fury, but she swiftly disguised her emotions with a long mouthful of her wine. The deep red wine could pass as blood as it ran down her gullet.

Ally remained studiously quiet. Curiously, she drank much more water than wine. But she’d taken a sip at least, so Vince doubted he’d drop dead if he tried some himself. It tasted divine. Far beyond any wine he might order himself.

“Again, I’ll forgive you for your faux pas,” Mei said. “I have no reason to seek the return of such a pathetic group. They forsook their people, the country, and their race. Knightsgate and Japan have no place for them. Not even in the ground.”

“Okay. But you still have no chance convincing Alessia to let the Lionetti Family join another organization,” he said.

“We could offer them much more than mere protection. A return to their glory days, even.” Mei smiled and left Vince uncertain of whether it was genuine or fake. “But leave the negotiations to me. I have more than enough experience to handle a young, lost woman struggling to hold her legacy together. Plenty of sympathy, as well. The reverence she and the Lionettis show their origins is worthy of respect. Others could learn from their example.”

The ancient fox almost sounded convincing. As if she truly cared about how hard the Lionettis tried to maintain the link to their heritage. He recalled the sight of Alessia in that room, staring up at the painting of La Lupa and speaking of the importance of her history.

But Salome’s words floated to the top of his mind. A warning not to trust Mei. That she’d happily spew lies, only to spurn them once she got what she wanted.

Because who else could the head of the Yakuza be? Although Vince realized he hadn’t confirmed that.

“You’re the new kumicho of the Yakuza, correct?” he asked.

Mei’s eyebrows shot up and her smile thinned. “I’m curious who you heard that from. Not many know of my presence here.”

“Then you’re underestimating the intelligence gathering abilities of Aulfair’s conglomerates. Everyone knows something is up due to the foxes—sorry, kitsune—at the conference.” He corrected his use of “fox” when Mei’s smile slipped. “But if you think you can seriously remain hidden in the territory of so many powerful beings, you’re… Well, underestimating them.”

He’d nearly called her delusional. Only a strong sense of self-preservation stayed his tongue.

Mei laughed in response and held her glass out, as if proffering it for a toast. Vince clinked his glass against it. Immediately, she slammed back the remaining wine, before signaling for a waiter to bring more.

“Your bluntness is refreshing,” the fox said. “You quaked in your boots when I entered, yet you’re still willing to call me out when I’m wrong. Yes, I’m the kumicho. Consider me Alessia Lionetti’s equal in title, even if the Yakuza is a far, far greater entity. Where she rules one organization, in one city, with no further significance, I am part of a sprawling set of chivalrous organizations that stretch from the cold climes of Hokkaido to the violent volcanoes of Kyushu.”

“And this is Aulfair, the US’s bastion of magic.” Vince matched Mei’s gaze despite the butterflies in his stomach. “Alessia isn’t going to agree to meet you if you don’t offer something more reasonable. Hell, I’m unwilling to bring it up with her if this is all you want. Houou may be a common foe, given their vendetta against the Lionettis, but I’m certain both Alessia and Pola would sooner die than forsake their family.”

“Hmm.” Mei paused as the waiter topped up her glass.

The silence lingered well after he left. Vince took the opportunity to survey the room. He’d been so focused on his company that he’d lost awareness of what took place in the restaurant.

The few other customers shot him furtive glances, but none appeared openly suspicious save the catgirl duo. Kiyoko sat by the bar and faced in their direction as well. If she had any concerns about the catgirls beside her, they had been soothed. Or perhaps never existed to begin with. They might be Yakuza agents.

Damn. When had Vince become so paranoid?

Maybe it was after Juliet’s assassination attempt. Or because an incredibly powerful enforcer broke into his home. Just maybe.

“I must admit, you’re a curious one,” Mei said. “Your history is nondescript. A thug whose only real claim to fame is a sealed police record and nearly burning down main street. Yet you’ve caught the eye of so many due to your recent feats. Crushing the enforcers of an entire organization in one night, then escaping police pursuit. Seizing their most important institutions. And then brutally crushing a highly capable assault on Lionetti Tower, including besting one of the city’s more infamous assassins.”

“Juliet’s infamous for all the wrong reasons,” he drawled.

Ally giggled. “Even I’ve heard of her behavior as the ‘revenge night’ or whatever she calls herself.”

“Leaving aside the vampire’s… curious behavior, she is an expensive and effective assassin.” Mei covered her face with her folding fan as she looked at Ally. Hiding her annoyance, perhaps? “But there is one thing that truly fascinates me about you, Vince. Do you know what?”

If he could feel his legs, Vince would make a wisecrack about his dashing good looks. Yet while he retained a confident exterior, openly flirting with this immortal galled him.

Not that he had the slightest clue what she was talking about.

“My… dragon?” he asked.

Ally snorted for some reason. She wasn’t the only one who reacted, and Kiyoko stared at him.

“The magical one,” he clarified.

Mei rolled her eyes. “Yes, I realized. But I’ve heard that you tend to be… flirtatious.”

Ally looked away with a somewhat sour expression, which she tried and failed to cover up with her glass of water. Did the little fox not understand that only worked when the liquid was opaque, like wine?

More to the point, Mei knew his behavior that well? How long and deeply had the Yakuza been spying on him?

“But no, it’s not your spells that interest me. It’s your magic,” the elder fox said.

Mei’s tails shifted slightly, and Vince felt the tiniest pulse of magic from them. The only reason he knew she’d cast a spell was because it affected him. The tiniest invisible thread penetrated his chest and a barely perceptible discomfort extended throughout his entire body.

He stood up immediately. “Whatever you’re doing, I’m not playing your game.”

The other Yakuza stared at him in surprise, while Kiyoko slid off her seat. Ally saw the reaction and anger warped her face. Spotting a fight looming, the restaurant staff retreated into the kitchen.

Shock apparent on her face, Mei raised her hands, palms out. “This isn’t a game, Vince. And I apologize that my magical probe caught you off-guard. You shouldn’t have been able to detect it.”

“Probe?” He scowled. “You cast a spell on me, and I felt it extending inside my body. Given your power and age, I’m not taking chances.”

“You don’t have to. Sit, sit.” Mei’s calm expression had collapsed, and he saw frustration in her eyes. “I’ll explain everything. Just remain with Ally and I and enjoy your meal.”

Vince looked at Ally, and she bit her lip.

“Mei, you promised Vince could leave whenever he wanted and that nobody would stop or threaten him,” the younger fox said, eyes gleaming with betrayal. “Is that still true?”

A sigh escaped Mei. “Yes. Kiyo, sit. And if anyone else disobeys my orders, they won’t have a second chance to do so. Including you, Kiyo.” The fox didn’t bother turning to face the men and women she’d threatened to murder.

Not that she needed to. Kiyo practically teleported back onto her seat. While her mask prevented Vince from seeing her face redden, the pale skin of her neck flushed all the same.

“Sit, please.” Mei once again gestured for him to calm down. “I’m here to talk of an alliance, not murder you or any other questionable behavior. I have other people to do that for me.”

He believed that. Despite his concerns, he sat down and slugged back most of his wine. Mei once again gestured for a waiter, then noticed they hadn’t returned.

Before she could say anything, one of the Yakuza enforcers slipped into the kitchen. The staff returned to their positions, including one with a wine bottle. He topped up Vince’s glass before rushing off.

Their food arrived around the same time, preventing Mei from explaining herself. His salmon looked mouthwatering, especially compared to the granola he’d eaten for breakfast. The salad Ally ordered contained plenty of crab, while Mei deftly cut up the fish she’d been served together with a golden cream sauce of some sort. As he probably should have expected, the ancient fox’s dish looked the fanciest, and could pass as fine dining.

“The food is delicious here, is it not? French is one of my favorite cuisines. The passion, labor, and talent its chefs pour into the food isn’t the same as that of my home country, but I can respect it all the same.” Mei’s eyes remained on Vince until he enjoyed a bite of his salmon.

Its taste matched its appearance. All these invitations to fancy restaurants by the rich and powerful might ruin his palate.

“Well?” he asked, not allowing his anger to fade because of some nice food.

“As I said, I cast a magical probe. One that should have remained undetected.” Her brow furrowed. “Even immortals struggle to feel my delicate touch. But now that I have seen what lies within you, it’s less surprising.”

“Is this where you tell me I’m actually a dragon and the secret child of the lost founder of Aulfair.” Vince kept his expression neutral and his voice dry.

Mei snorted. “No. Aulfair and the world in general have more dragons than it needs as is. But your response suggests you’re aware something is off about you, correct?”

Ally looked between Mei and Vince in amazement. Whatever secret Mei kept hadn’t been shared with her.

“I’ve had some interesting reactions to certain things,” he said cautiously.

Was this really the place to discuss this?

As if sensing his wariness, Mei raised a hand. “I shall cast a ward around us. One that shall prevent anyone from penetrating it.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t cast it from the start.”

“It’s tiresome to maintain an unbounded ward. At least one that genuinely keeps eavesdropping at bay. Those with an interest in overhearing me can, as you implied earlier, still manage it.”

Her tails shimmered but Vince felt nothing. She’d been right to say she had a delicate touch.

If Mei wanted him dead or under her sway, he’d be done for before he even knew what she was doing.

“I shall cut to the chase,” Mei said. “You possess what I’d call a powerful core of magic.”

“A… what?” He screwed up his face.

“It’s rare, so I understand your confusion. If this were Japan or any of its territories, I’d ask if you met any mysterious spirits as a child. Your nature is common to one secreting away the power of an evil spirit or great power. The sort we seal away in soul eggs and keep out of the hands of those unworthy.” Mei’s face flickered with fury for a moment, but she returned to normal.

Vince nodded. He followed so far.

“But this isn’t Japan,” she continued. “Which makes your nature mysterious, but more likely to be a product of magic than possession.”

“I still don’t understand what’s wrong with me.”

“Nothing, to be precise. It’s a boon. Your body contains an unusually large well of magical power within it. As you know, humans have no magic in their bodies. This grants your race more flexibility, but also a deep vulnerability. Human mages expend great effort and research ensuring their spells are as efficient as possible. You have a natural advantage, if a minor one. Magic runs through your veins, much as it would a demihuman.”

He recalled the demihumans he knew in life, including the one sharing his bed. “So, uh, why can’t I bench press trucks?”

Mei snorted, then covered her face with her fan. Her eyes betrayed the smile she hid. “While the magic in a demihuman’s body grants them inhuman abilities, that’s because it powers the nature of their bodies. You’re still a human. There’s nowhere for your magic to go. Unless you cast spells. Of course, your magical nature allows you to absorb vastly more magic than most.”

“And that’s it?” Vince tried to hide his disappointment.

If he turned out to have some super-secret ability, couldn’t it have been cooler?

“To my knowledge, yes. How you have it is beyond me, but Aulfair doubtlessly possesses its own mysteries.” Mei shrugged. “It does make you a curiosity. No doubt that is why you survived Ally’s infusions.”

What? Vince’s eyes widened and he looked at Ally.

She waved her hands in front of her face in a panic. “Not like that! Mei!” Ally’s shoulders hunched. “My infusions are very powerful and intended for demihumans and immortals. But they should be safe for humans… err, safe enough, at the very least. So long as you really need it. At worst you might feel some aftereffects the morning after drinking one.”

Ah, yes. One.

Vince didn’t recall how many he drank on Friday night, but it had been at least three or four.

His expression gave him away and Ally’s jaw dropped.

“How many did you drink?” she asked. “I should have guessed when you showed up to buy more, but…”

“Maybe three magic-restoring infusions,” he said, going with the lowest figure to assuage her. “Only one healing infusion. Although I was a touch more holey than usual.”

His joke caused her to glare at him. “Don’t joke like that. Even my infusions can’t bring you back to life.”

“But I’m fine. All I felt was a nastier headache and some magic thirst in the morning.”

“Likely due to your magical core,” Mei said. “You can safely absorb the excess magic, where ordinary humans would face medical complications. I understand that organ failure is a common problem when overdosing on magic.”

Lovely.

Ally stared at her salad, despondent at the news she might have killed Vince if he were a normal man. “You did pass out drinking the magic-restoring infusion. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. You saved my life with your healing infusion, and everything’s worked out.” He waved off her concern. Then he frowned at Mei. “How likely is anybody else to detect this?”

“Any immortal talented at detecting magic can, so long as they have some skill at probing living beings,” Mei answered.

Which likely included a lot of Immanuel’s elites and executives.

Had Quintus known all along? Hell, had Salome? Questions he’d fire at them when he met them next time.

Mei’s tails shifted again, acting as the only detectable signal she had used magic. Vince still felt nothing. Presumably she’d lowered the eavesdropping ward.

“Do kitsune and foxes have to move their tails to cast magic?” he asked, staring at the silver clouds of fluff swaying back and forth behind Mei.

Mei smiled at him. “No. Even less talented or powerful kitsune may train themselves to channel magic without visible movements, save for the possible use of a handheld focus. Much like humans and demihumans, we’re at our best using a focus. Our tails simply provide a… backup.”

“But can you cast that backup without moving them?” he pressed.

As if to illustrate the answer without speaking, Mei looked at his plate. It began to levitate. His fork yanked itself out of his hand and dug into his salmon, before hovering in front of his face.

“I’m not—” he began to say.

Only for the fork to barge into his open mouth. He ate the food, despite his resistance. Mei giggled, while Ally covered her face with her napkin, eyes shining with amusement.

The elder fox’s tails remained dead still and had since he’d first spoken. Not even their habitual swaying remained.

Vince scowled. “Alright, so you can.”

Mei’s tails began rhythmically swaying once again. He tried not to stare at them, or else he’d be hypnotized.

“Are you satisfied with the knowledge I’m granting you? Personal enlightenment and even some secrets about my race,” Mei asked. “I’m more than happy to assist with more as a sign of my sincerity about working with you and the Lionetti Family. Or do you want more?”

“Is that all that was? A way to butter me up and agree to get Alessia to meet you?” he asked.

A sigh slipped free from Mei and she chewed on her fish thoughtfully. If somebody painted her right now, it’d be worthy of an art gallery if they captured her beauty.

“Yes, but no. I’m being more forthright than usual, as a—”

“Gesture of sincerity.” Vince resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

Mei’s face flashed with anger at the interruption. “Yes. I can stop being so sincere if you like.”

Something told him that she’d be more sincere instead. Even if that sincerity involved throwing him through a window with telekinesis.

“Not my point,” he said, raising his hands in surrender. “Look, you’re not the first person to approach me and butter me up for a favor. Or a job. Or whatever. You want me to tell Alessia that the Yakuza wants to meet with her. But so far, all you’ve given me is a desire to make the mafia subordinate to you. I’ve only known the sisters for a couple of weeks, but that’s long enough to know that’s a non-starter.”

Mei’s brow furrowed at his words. “I see. Hmm.” She looked at him for several long seconds, before relaxing. “Allow me to expand on my desires, then. It’s not that I want you to tell Alessia Lionetti to meet with me. I want you to ensure she does meet with me. Anyone can suffice as a messenger, but my impression is that you can accomplish far more.”

He waited in silence. Surely she had more to offer.

“And if you believe that the Lionettis will never consider forming a permanent relationship with Knightsgate, allow me to elaborate. Houou is more than a common foe. They’re a cancer that has spread throughout Aulfair, destroying its traditions and very fabric. The Lionetti Family once controlled almost the entire city, and their proud legacy is Aulfair’s meteoric rise in magical affairs. The jewel of North America, one might say.”

This talk of legacies and traditions might go down well with Alessia. Vince felt nothing about it. While he enjoyed the company of the Lionetti sisters and their enforcers, he lacked the attachment to whatever underlaid it.

“You need to come up with something other than a merger,” he said.

“Very well. An alliance, then. One that ensures my mission is accomplished, while allowing the Lionettis to regain the glory they deserve.”

He frowned. If she’d led with the alliance offer, he still might have misgivings, but would have brought that to Alessia.

“Alright. I’ll tell Alessia—”

Mei made a frustrated noise and her tails quivered. “As I said, I need a promise that she will meet with me. Not the platitudes of a common deliveryman.”

“Maybe you’re overstating Vince’s position,” Ally said, shooting Mei a sharp look.

“Perhaps. But I’m doubtful. Worry not, Ally. This is merely a negotiation.” Mei smiled gently at her “friend.”

Vince leaned back, satisfied with his meal. With how much Mei had talked, he’d managed to dig into the salmon. Especially as he doubted he’d want to remain much longer if the fox kept getting more annoyed.

“I don’t control Alessia’s mind and I won’t lie to her about this,” he said.

With a huff, Mei said, “Then allow me to sweeten the deal. I have access to plentiful resources and ensure those who assist me are well-rewarded. Isn’t that what independent enforcers are after? Wealth, magic tools, and huge stacks of cash?” Her tone almost sounded mocking toward the end.

This almost sounded like a repeat of Kaziern’s offer. Except that Mei buttered him up first, instead of trying to intimidate him and then murder him.

Sure, he was intimidated, but that was because of who and what Mei was. Even Alessia showed up with a goon squad when they negotiated his contract.

“I don’t betray my clients,” he said, stone-faced.

“Trust me, connecting me with Alessia Lionetti is the opposite of betrayal,” Mei said.

“You know, one might think you have an ulterior motive if you’re willing to pay me to bring Alessia to you.”

Mei’s tails stiffened. “I shall cut to the chase. I don’t care where I meet with her. It can be in her private sex dungeon, if that’s to her taste. My offer is simple: ensure we meet, and I will reward you as I would any of my most loyal… officers.”

She’d almost said “servants.” Vince felt certain of it.

This conversation was going nowhere.

He finished his glass of wine, but placed his hand over it before Mei signaled the waiter. “I’ll tell Alessia that you want to meet her, and that she can determine the details. I’ll even make her aware of your ‘sincerity.’ But I won’t and can’t force her to meet you. She makes her own decisions, and you’ll need to make your case to her if she’s resistant. As you said, anyone can suffice as a messenger.”

When he tried to stand, a force pushed him down. Mei glared at him. Ally’s body stiffened and her own tails began to shift.

This time, the Yakuza remained seated. Kiyoko watched closely from behind her mask.

“I promised you could leave at any time, but I still demand some level of politesse,” Mei ground out. “Do not disrespect me.”

The force vanished and Vince shot to his feet. He kept his expression studiously neutral. “Is that it, then?”

“Is it? You seem to have made up your mind,” Mei said. “My offer stands, even if you’re only giving a half-hearted acceptance. If you want to serve your client to your utmost, have them meet with me. I’ll ensure you and Alessia Lionetti are very well compensated for your troubles.”

Mei waved a hand toward the door. Nothing happened.

“Should you need more information, you know how to reach me.” She looked at Ally, who glared at the elder fox. “Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed your lunch. Meeting you has been even more fascinating than I expected. Do enjoy your afternoon, Vince.”

Ally bowed her head to him. “Sorry. Um, maybe visit me at the store in an hour or two? I’ll make it up to you.”

Mei’s expression tightened upon hearing Ally’s apology.

“I’ll do that,” Vince said to Ally, then glanced at Mei.

He said nothing before striding out of the restaurant. Kiyoko’s eyes followed his every step, but nobody else paid him any attention.

Now, how the hell was he going to tell Alessia about this?

- - - - -

Commentary: Writing Mei is like writing the other political leaders from other stories, except that she's haughty, prideful, and drops the mask when frustrated or feels slighted. Her personality is intended to represent somebody who is undertaking negotiations herself, but is from a far higher position, used to getting her way, and internally resents doing the work of those she views as beneath her.

As for Vince's special origin, I wanted to give him something special, but more in the sense that it lets him skip a lot of the decades of study and practice human mages typically require (hence Mei's talk of mages creating hyperefficient spells). If he was a dragon or something else, it would both feel a little too similar to shifter stories, but also make his advantage effectively insurmountable for a human. Also, I still want there to be a mystery. In this case, the mystery is "why does he have a powerful core of magic?"

In case anyone's interested in the dishes served, I pulled them from a French restaurant (as I do most of the time with restaurants). Ally's was a crab salad (it had a particular leafy vegetable as the base, but I forget the name). Mei got a fancy trout dish with a traditional French sauce (buerre blanc, or white butter sauce).