Chapter 456: A favour?

Two days quickly passed-

Sitting inside the plane, Brandon let out a soft sigh ’At the end, I didn’t get any information... and couldn’t bring her to Solvyrn either.’

’Should I investigate into Ajumma’s past...’

He turned his head slowly.

Dhayun was sleeping beside him with her head resting on his shoulder.

The blanket they shared had slipped down to her lap, and her cheek was pressed warmly against his sleeve, leaving a faint damp spot where she’d drooled a little.

Brandon’s expression softened instantly and tugged the blanket higher until it covered her shoulders.

---

Next day-

Brandon walked through the Academy halls, stretching his arms overhead with a low groan as his muscles protested.

"What are these women eating..." he muttered under his breath, rolling his shoulders. "They have this much stamina in bed."

"Florence, Elize and Ravene sucked me out so bad..."

Reaching the headmistress’s office, he opened the door and stepped in "Miss Esmery."

Esmery looked up from behind her desk and smiled fondly "I think we’re acquainted enough for you to drop the honorifics... Brandon."

He gave a faint nod and closed the door behind him.

Sitting in front of her, he asked "Alright, Esmery... what help do you need from me?"

She leaned back in her chair and let out a giggle "Mhm. Straight to the point."

She stood slowly, walked around the desk, and sat on its edge right in front of him, crossing one leg over the other.

"Brandon, you know how there are currently Five Great Noble Houses... but one house was obliterated by your dear sister."

"And Florence Bleaufort has also told me about her stepping back from the status..."

Brandon’s expression didn’t change, and he leaned back in his chair as he already knew about that.

"That leaves two vacancies for the Great Noble House position," Esmery continued.

"And there are several Noble houses fighting for those places right now."

She leaned forward slightly "...Including me."

Brandon realized her motive instantly.

Esmery slid a little closer along the edge of the desk and placed both hands on the wood beside her hips, leaning in until their faces were only a foot apart.

"Brandon... as the most influential man in the world right now," she said softly, "if you support me and publicly endorse me... I am sure I can take the place."

"The other Houses fear you. Your word carries more weight than any bribe or bloodline can. One sentence from you could end the competition before it even begins."

Upon hearing this, Brandon frowned slightly.

She nodded her head "I know what it would mean for you. Your name is tied to mine. Rumors and questions. But I also know you don’t care much about rumors."

"And I would owe you. Whatever you need... information, influence, resources, or protection for your family, I would give it. Without hesitation."

Looking at her, Brandon muttered "Didn’t take you for a power-hungry type. One of the Five Great Noble Houses hmm... you are aiming big."

She giggled delightly "Oh Brandon, you misunderstood... I am not power-hungry. Well, I think I am quite competitive."

Hm? Brandon smiled faintly "I sense some rivalry."

With a soft sigh, Esmery spoke "Haa... no reason to hide it. There is this one bitch I wanna beat, that’s the whole reason I am joining this fight."

Huh? Brandon couldn’t help but laugh hearing her reason "Hahahaha..."

Seeing him laugh, she pouted her lips slightly, almost childish expression that looked entirely out of place on the usually composed headmistress

"Oh please, don’t laugh..."

Laughing, he spoke, "I didn’t expect the reason you want to be a Great Noble House would be childish."

She huffed and crossed her arms under her chest, which only accentuated the elegant lines of her cleavage.

"It’s not childish," she muttered. "It’s personal."

Brandon’s laughter faded into a soft chuckle "Okay. Tell me about the bitch."

Esmery exhaled and spoke "Promise you won’t laugh again."

Controlling his smile, he nodded "Yeah, sure. I won’t laugh."

"Sashka Sytheria. Head of House Sytheria. Old money... such a fucking hoe."

Hearing the name, Brandon’s eyes narrowed ’Wait, Sytheria house?’

Esmery rolled her eyes in annoyance "She can’t stop bitching about the Academy... saying that a true nobility should be the one controlling the Academy."

Brandon raised an eyebrow "She said that to your face?"

"To my face. In front of the entire council. Last year’s budget hearing."

He whistled low "Ouch."

Esmery’s pout returned "She’s been undermining me ever since. Blocking funding proposals. Spreading rumors about favoritism. Trying to paint me as unstable."

"And now, with two seats open... she’s campaigning harder than ever. If she gets one... she’ll have veto power over some academy’s decisions. She’ll turn this place into a playground for the noble people."

"Ugh, I hate her so much. I don’t even care if I lose... I just don’t want her to get a position."

"So, what do you say, Brandon?"

With a thoughtful nod, he replied "Alright, I agree."

Huh?

Esmery blinked her eyes in confusion... then blinked again as if she hadn’t heard correctly.

"Wait... what? That easy? There’s no demand or conditions?"

Brandon tilted his head playfully "What kind of demand were you expecting from me?"

She shrugged "I don’t know... maybe a bigger position in the academy for one of your people. Or asking me to sleep with you."

-_- He gave her a blank stare "What kind of image do you have of me in that brain of yours..."

Esmery stared back at him for a second, then burst into quiet laughter as her shoulders shook.

"I’m sorry," she managed between giggles. "I’m sorry, that was terrible. I just... I didn’t expect you to agree so quickly. You’re usually more cautious."

Brandon shook his head helplessly, smiling despite himself at her antics.

"I also have some bad blood with House Sytheria."

What?

Esmery’s laughter cut off instantly, and her eyes widened in genuine surprise "What do you mean? I’m sure you don’t have any problem with that house."

"Are you confusing House Sytheria with a different noble house?"

Brandon shook his head "No, I know who I am dealing with... I do have some unsettled business with Sytheria House, and I hate that family."

Esmery’s gaze lowered "...Okay," she said slowly. "So the house is a common enemy for us, huh."

With a small nod, he replied "Yeah. Let’s just say... they crossed a line they shouldn’t have a while ago. And I haven’t forgotten."

She exhaled softly and extended her hand "Then we have a deal. Your public support. My victory. And when I win... we both get to watch Sashka Sytheria choke on her own arrogance."

Brandon looked at her offered hand and clasped it gently.

"Deal."

A deep breath escaped Esmery’s lips "Thank you for the help, Brandon..."

He stood up from the chair "Keep me updated on the hearing date. I’ll make sure I’m there."

Esmery’s eyes sparkled in relief and excitement "You won’t regret this, Brandon."

He gave her one last look and turned toward the door.

"I better not."

The door closed behind him with a soft click.

Esmery stood alone for a moment, and a wide smile appeared on her lips.

"Just you wait... you cunt."