The Conquerors Path
chapter-500

Marlene's steps were light, her mind calculating as she walked towards the center spot of where Catherine takes her swims. It's been about 2 days since she left, and the first thing that Marlene did was move towards the same place that Austin was called to before he left.

As Marlene walked, all the others around her gave her way, each of them giving her a light nod as she kept walking by. The majesty she displayed had increased from the past, and her path remained smooth and uninterrupted until she reached the end of the very large pool where Catherine lay. Catherine's eyes focused on Marlene, as Marlene stood above the pool.

"You've changed," Catherine replied, her eyes narrowing as she focused on her long-time friend. With just a single glance at Marlene, Catherine could tell that something huge has happened, and her best friend has changed in a very significant manner.

"Things happened," Marlene spoke as she waved her hand to create a bubble between her and Catherine, locking away their discussion from any peeping curious onlookers. Catherine didn't react as she kept her eyes on Marlene, several different scenarios passing through her mind, it says that schemers can understand schemers and now Catherine looking at Marlene understood what kind of changes that might have taken place.

"I love Austin and I will be taking him as my Emperor"

Marlene directly spoke spooking Catherine, her eyes widening, as several emotions passed through her at once, the last of it being dissapointemnet and anger, She understood that Marlene might have some interest in Austin, but just as Austin knew Marlene, Catherine also knew that since she also showed interest, her friend would back down and let her have Austin.

But now, it would seem that things were getting out of hand...

"I guess it would be useless to say for you to give up?" Marlene spoke, a crazy dark feeling of love filling her. The same feeling started to appear around Catherine. In both cases, the two of them went through dangerous situations with Austin. Catherine formed a family with Austin and lost it once, and Marlene went through all situations of emotions she could with Austin.

It was impossible for the two of them to give up on Austin, and that would mean a very delicate situation has now formed between the two of them. Catherine is below Marlene. Catherine is also the second in power of Marlene's faction, be it in the academy or back out there in the world. The two of them are connected to each other and need each other.

"One question, why did you tell me this?" Catherine asked, the current Marlene would have the advantage of keeping Catherine in the dark and make a move when her defenses are down to swoop in for Austin. Her saying it only levels the playing field.

"Because you are my friend," Marlene replied, her answer making Catherine smile as she understood that even changed, the essence of Marlene was still ever-present. The very same characteristic of pride that made Catherine choose Marlene as her liege.

"So, no hard feelings no matter who Austin ends up with?" Catherine asked, her eyes narrowing at Marlene. A sly smile filled Catherine's face as she slowly waddled along in the water.

"Of course, no hard feelings, but before that, don't we have someone to deal with?" Marlene spoke, her eyes sparkling.

"You mean Olivia?" Catherine asked back, to which Marlene shook her head.

"I'm afraid Olivia would be the least of our problems," Marlene said. Her mind flashed towards Celestinia. Austin might have given up on Celestinia, but Marlene's instincts screamed that things were far from over.

"We need a more detailed talk," Marlene said, and Catherine nodded her head, a small alliance soon forming between the two. The alliance of the sea for Austin, the second alliance after the family alliance is now slowly forming.

.....

Austin POV:

'Looks like she will set everything in motion,' I thought as I watched both Marlene walk away. The bond between Marlene and Catherine is special and strong, which is the main reason that I had to go for this type of heart-breaking yet special approach for the two of them. If it was any normal kind of interest, then either Marlene or Catherine would give up their feelings for each other.

But such a thing won't happen now, not with all their current feelings and after everything I have shown. I am sure that Marlene would soon form an alliance with Catherine, not just to take Olivia down but also to deal with Celestinia. From then on, things would really start to roll.

In fact, the alliance of Marlene and Catherine will be very useful for me. I didn't show all those things to Marlene for fun. Each and every word that she will say from now on will be very helpful to my cause. I even gave her the hint of me being a Holy Child, and it wouldn't take long for Marlene to figure out that I am indeed a Holy Child.

Even the illusions I made Marlene go through would subtly build her character in the way I want, and that character that is now added to Marlene would be a very useful spear to deal with some future threats that may head my way.

'Though laying there and letting Marlene watch all that wasn't easy,' The thing that first Marlene watched was the recordings I set in place. I had taken up the part about Celestinia from my memories, while the second woman was another 'actor' that I needed for my play. The connection which began between me and Marlene is from the same experience the two of us went through.

Plus, this would cement for all the sympathies that I will be earning from all the other girls. The best part is that it will never trace back to me. How would it when Marlene would be the one saying it all out? And if any of the girls are interested and look into the second girl, they would find the traces that I left for them to find.

A commoner girl I met on my journey and a very nice story for them to read through. Even if they comb the world for her, they would not find that girl, for she really is dead. As I said before, I can't leave any loophole. All these women are smart and cunning. One small lapse anywhere, and they would dig up the truth.

Hate is the other side of love, after all, a simple flip of the coin to change the deepest love into the worst hate.

'Well, I just hope they take it easy.....' Musing at my thoughts, I started to walk away from my location, my appearance on display. I once again gathered eyes on me, but I didn't mind as I kept walking. I already know my next location, with practiced steps, I soon reached the teleportation center and was soon teleported to the teaching center for the aspiring future generals.

Here I slowly covered myself up with a small cloak, having done so, my steps renewed as I walked into the huge building. My steps light as I reached the auditorium, the door was closed for teaching, but with my authority, I easily got in. And when I did, I saw hundreds of students sitting in a round-centered huge hall, and all their eyes focused on the center figure.

Grace stood before the sea of students, a vision of allure and power. Her luscious blonde hair cascaded in elegant waves, drawn back into a ponytail that revealed the graceful curve of her neck. Her captivating green eyes held an enigmatic spark that seemed to draw everyone's attention.

But it was her military-style dress that truly set her apart. The uniform was tailored to perfection, hugging her curves in all the right places, leaving little to the imagination. The fabric was a blend of strength and sensuality, designed for both battle and seduction.

Her long skirt, reaching down to her ankles, was crafted from a durable yet soft material, allowing for fluid movement while maintaining an air of elegance. Strategic slits adorned the sides, revealing glimpses of her toned legs as she walked, a reminder of her femininity even amidst her battle attire.

A silver buckle adorned her waist, accentuating her slender figure and drawing attention to the dangerous allure she possessed. But perhaps the most captivating feature of her dress was the sword sheathed at her side. The weapon seemed to emanate an aura of power and danger, a clear symbol of her prowess as a skilled general.

As she walked, the skirt swayed with each step, creating an alluring rhythm that mirrored the beat of the hearts in the room. Grace's military dress not only conveyed authority and strength but also an undeniable sexuality that left those around her spellbound.

It was no wonder she had earned the title of the "Blood Rose Princess." Her presence exuded an intoxicating mix of dominance and femininity, drawing admiration and desire from all who had the privilege of witnessing her.

'Looks like she regained her inner self she was suppressing.'

I could feel it, the pride and hunger for battle she had retrieved. You aren't a normal person if you had the same nickname as my mother. Even in the past, I understood that she is a woman that desires war and death, but after having a family, my mother seems to suppress all that away, providing a gentler aura.

But now it has changed, that side of her still exists, it just mixed with this new side of hers, and such a new Grace would be more useful to me, especially with the new future that lay ahead.

'But damn is she sexy.'

I could see several of the male students' eyes glued to Grace. After all, to these young men, the prospects of an older, sexy milf are more attractive, especially if she is single.

'Too bad, she is already mine.'