Chapter 28 - Conditions

Rena's irises gradually darkened over time whilst she pondered over the things that Venn said to her. 

She was stunned by Venn's words as she could not wrap her head around how Venn was privy to such classified information. 

The entire operation to abduct the Beast's clan princess was her own decision. She did not disclose it to anyone other than her guards. 

Furthermore, no one other than her lord Mother knew about the great difference in strength between the Lamia and the Beast clan. All her people and the guards were still kept in the dark about the large amount of casualties that the clan suffered in the minor clashes that erupted over at the borders.

"Did Rin tell him about this?" Rena thought to herself as she shifted her sight to Rin whose eyes were full of concern. She could tell from Rin's expression that she did not know that the Lamia clan was in such a peril situation against the overwhelming threat of the beast clan.

"That could only mean that this human slave had the intelligence to comprehend and deduce all these information by himself, including the reason for the detour and the current situation that the Lamia clan is facing."

"What a dangerous man." Rena's lush eyes glittered with extreme coldness as she observed the smirk on Venn's face. 

She had an intense feeling that she would regret not killing the naked man in front of her. However, she knew that she needed Venn's sperm greatly. 

As the matriarch of the Lamia clan, she needs to abandon her own personal feelings and act for the benefit of her clan. That was what she was taught from young to inherit the title of the Great Devil and it was her responsibility to burden.

"Speak then. I will decide after I hear your requests." Rena spoke in an expressionless tone and waved her right hand. Immediately, the stone pillars that had restricted Venn's body retreated back to the ground where it had extended.

Her attitude towards Venn had become much more serious when she realized Venn wasn't the same as the simple-minded humans in her territory. At the very least, he had the bargaining chip to come to the negotiation table.

Hearing Rena giving him the chance to speak, Venn clenched his fists. He had succeeded, at least for the first step.

"Before I state my requests, I would like to ask a question. What is the use of a clan stamp?" Clearing his throat, Venn asked in a careful manner. Based on the answer received, he would formulate and adjust his future plans.

"..."

"Well, I guess it's not a big secret. The clan stamp is an artifact created by the Gods to rule and govern their creation."

"The Gods crafted the clan stamp when they created the races a long time ago. Each race has their own respective clan stamp. For example, with the succubi stamp in my possession, I can give out any order to any succubi from any corner of the world and they will have to comply with my orders at all costs. If I order them to commit suicide, then they will do it without any hesitation, no matter how much their hearts resist my order." 

After hearing Venn's question, Rena shrugged her shoulders and answered him truthfully. It was common knowledge to all the demons and there was no point in hiding this from Venn.

Nonetheless, Rena found it strange that Venn would ask such a simple question. Though she couldn't figure out what was strange about it. It was as if Venn had lived in a cave all his life.

Upon pondering for a second, she shoved the feeling to the back of her mind, figuring that it was a completely normal behavior for a slave like Venn.

"Is that so… Then for my first request, I want you to give me the possession of the clan stamps of the humans and the succubi." Venn stated.

"Impossible!" Rena stood up from her seat and exclaimed before quickly calming down, and explained her overreaction.

"The succubi clan is an integral part of the Lamia Clan, giving you the power of all the succubi would ruin the clan's operations. Not to mention that the clan stamp for the human race had been missing for a long time. As such, it is impossible for me to grant your request. Think of another request!"

"Ah…"

"Then, is there a way to grant the freedom of just the succubi that are located in this mine?" Venn's eyebrows frowned as he asked Rena. 

After momentarily stunned by Rena's answer, he was quick to compromise. The succubi would play a big role in his grand plan and he refused to give them up so easily.

"Like I have said, it is not possi-"

"The holder of the clan stamp can expel part of its members from the clan and will therefore relinquish control over them."

Just when Rena was about to reject Venn's request, a soft and timid voice abruptly interfered. The voice belonged to none other than Rin who was fidgeting with unease, casting her eyes on the floor.

She knew she would be in big trouble if she had voiced out her opinion to help Venn, but after looking at Venn's troubled face, she couldn't help but assist him despite already having her spell undone. 

After Rin spoke, both Rena and Venn turned their heads towards Rin, but the emotions reflected in their eyes differed greatly.

Ultimately it was Rena who broke the silence.

"T…That is certainly possible. But what do you want with the succubi in the mine?"

'That will lead to my second request. I want you to acknowledge the sovereignty of the lands surrounding the mine and grant me lordship over the people in the mine, including the succubi working here." Venn answered anxiously. He wasn't sure if Rena would allow it but he knew that it had to be done.

After clashing with Rena, he realized that it would be impossible to conquer the 7 Great Devils with his might alone.. Behind each and every Great Devil stood an entire kingdom of their people and resources, and to stand a chance to conquer them would mean that he had to cultivate his own strength.