The Hundred Reigns 260: King of Spiders (2) (Patreon)

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The lie came easily, since it was completely unverifiable.

The Cobweb had spent years propping up the Prince of Spiders’ legend and keeping their identity a well-kept secret, to the point that the people who knew the truth could be counted on one hand. All of them were now in Simon’s pocket or neutralized, except maybe Chrom Cruak and Renal. Both of them showed confusion when they looked at the fake Verney, who simply nodded back at them as if this was all part of the plan.

“The Overlord is the Prince of Spiders?” Voltobauta looked torn between anger and amusement. “This was all a con from the start, wasn’t it?”

“This organization was originally created by Endymion’s Imperial Intelligence service to infiltrate enemy nations and regulate the criminal underworld,” Velvet lied easily. “Since one cannot fully eliminate crime, the Overlord decided to control it.”

“Now this is a welcome surprise,” Granny Radhag said obsequiously. She never failed to see where the wind blew. “Granny is very happy to serve the Lord of Dark, yes!”

“You said Your Majesty’s predecessor has died?” Lord Albert sweated in fear. “So… are the rumors… are they—”

“My father, Balzam Magnos, perished a few days ago under mysterious circumstances,” Simon replied vaguely, knowing the Weavers’ minds would fill in the blanks on their own. They would fear him more if they believed him to be the kind of man capable of murdering his own father for power. “I, Simon Magnos, was granted control of this organization as a form of training so I could sharpen my claws until my time came.”

Voltobauta scoffed. “Prince of Spiders,” he muttered to himself, “Now I get the joke.”

“Why haven’t you claimed the Crimson Throne?” the fake Verney asked, in order to play the role of controlled opposition. 

“Because I already control it from the shadows,” Simon replied. “The people currently in charge of the capital are mere props.”

Renal could see the blood on the wall. “There’s no way you would share this secret if you didn’t plan to silence us.”

“How sharp. Now that I am free from my father’s oversight and stronger than ever, it is time for the Cobweb to undergo an…” His eyes burned with hellfire. “Organizational change.”

He allowed some of his miasma to leave his body in waves of malevolence that cowed most of his audience. All the Weavers save for the fake Verney and Chrom Cruak tensed up. A change of leadership always implied a violent purge, and they could feel his power in the air. 

“None of you are leaving this room alive without swearing allegiance to me,” Simon warned them. “I can’t guarantee that you’ll all keep your Weaver seats, but you will retain your lives and luxuries alongside other benefits. You’ll all be my new lieutenants in the new order.” 

He stood up and studied each of the Weavers in turn, dangling the carrot now that he had shown them the stick. 

“Power,” he told Borsh, his gaze wandering to Granny next, “Youth.” He glanced at Albert and Renal. “Wealth, skills…” He finally turned to Chrom and Voltobauta next. “Revenge, and even a lost friend’s location… all these will be yours.” 

“And all you want in return is our eternal souls?” Voltobauta quipped.

“I already owned them the moment you joined this organization.” Simon met the Necromancer’s gaze. It reminded him of their last encounter on the Musan sea, with the usually laidback pirate king knowing he had just entered a kraken’s den. “I know why you joined us, Voltobauta. The real reason. I can tell you where Alcyone is.”

“A cheap price to pay for a king’s loyalty,” Voltobauta replied with annoyance. He liked Alcyone, but not enough to bend the knee to the Overlord. “I don’t like being short-changed.”

“You are a pirate. Do your victims like it when you rob them?” Simon scoffed in amusement at the irony of the situation. “It is the law you chose to live by that the strong take what they want while the weak suffer what they must. You’re simply on the wrong side of the straits this time around.”

“When you put it like that, I do sound like a hypocrite…” Voltobauta averted Simon’s gaze and noticed the Attic’s door had vanished, trapping them all in the room. He was cornered and he knew it. “I should have jumped ship when I had the chance.”

“I’m afraid your luck has run out, Necromancer.” Simon opened his hand and summoned various Devil Brands, mainly Sloth. “Consider yourself press-ganged.”

Voltobauta studied the demonic symbol for a moment while everyone else watched on. He immediately recognized its implications. “A spiritual brand?” he said warily. “I was kidding about the soul part.”

“I wasn’t… but I might make an exception for you.” Branding the pirate king would likely infuriate Alcyone down the line, and Simon had no wish to make an enemy of her. “I know you to be a man of your word, Voltobauta. Bend the knee and swear an oath of fealty to me.”

Voltobauta’s lips twisted into a dark scowl. “And suppose that I refuse?”

“Then you’ll be my slave rather than my vassal.” Simon chuckled to himself. “Do not think you can trick me either. The White Unicorn’s ‘secret daggers’ won’t dispel my sorcery.”

“The apple didn’t fall far from your rotten tree, Magnos,” Voltobauta grunted, his eyes darting from the Devil Brands and then back to Simon. His knee creaked when it hit the floor. “This is humiliating. The pirate king, bowing before a coterie of ruffians.”

“Consider this a lesson in humility,” Simon replied.

“Keep salting my wounds, why don’t you?” Voltobauta lowered his head with deep, profound annoyance. “I, Amadeus Voltobauta, Pirate King of Portempête, Lord of the Seasonal Seas, and Necromancer extraordinaire, swear to serve you faithfully for as long as you live, Simon Magnos.”

“A very specific choice of words,” Simon mused. 

“I have outlived three of your predecessors,” Voltobauta replied boldly. “I’ll survive you too.”

He was likely right, considering how often he had ‘outlived’ Simon across the reigns. Part of him wondered if Voltobauta’s seriousness about his oaths was connected to the Necromancer Crestone. Perhaps it punished those who broke their promises, especially to the dead? 

The other Weavers didn’t receive the same mercy, but offered little resistance either way. Granny immediately lined up for her brands to better kiss her new master’s ass, as did Albert. Borsh and Renal only went along with it reluctantly because it beat becoming a corpse in a ditch. Simon faked branding Bert again to maintain appearances, and then turned to Chrom and Verney. 

The former did not raise his arms in surrender. 

“Chrom Cruak is no one’s slave,” the mummy said, his voice as deep as an open grave. “But… if your terms are the same as the old one… then we can talk.”

Simon considered his answer a moment before issuing orders. “Verney, Silk, you stay. The rest of you, return to your duties. I’ll contact you shortly with new orders.”

The Attic doors leading out of the room opened up again, and the other Weavers wisely didn’t linger. Chrom Cruak waited for them all to leave and the portals to close before pointing at Verney. “Where is the real one?”

“In a box,” Simon replied as Silk dropped her illusory disguise. It didn’t surprise him that someone as powerful and dangerous as Chrom Cruak would see right through the deception. Voltobauta might have spotted the truth as well thanks to his Necromancer senses. “The Twins’ power is ours now.”

“I see…” If the situation bothered Chrom Cruak, he showed no hint of it. This man was more dangerous than all the other Weavers put together. “The students upstaged the master… such are the wages of overconfidence.”

“What did he promise you?” Silk inquired. 

“Revenge against my kin, for turning their back on me and cursing me to this rotten existence…” Although Chrom Cruak didn’t raise his tone, Simon could taste the malice and spite in his words. “The Ram’s power for my own… and help in restoring my base to its former glory.” 

Simon frowned. “Can’t your pyramid already fly on its own?”

“Its power is… limited.” Chrom studied Simon with a hint of caution. “You know where it is.”

“Of course. I have the means to bring it down too if you trouble me.” That was merely a half-truth, but the likes of Chrom Cruak only respected strength. “I’m quite the talented crafter. I could help you repair your pyramid, and I know where to find the Ram too.”

“Those are mere means to an end.” Chrom Cruak clenched his fist in cold, undead fury. “The elven Tribe must suffer as I did. They must all suffer.”

I must ensure he never meets Lauriane, or they’ll give each other ideas. Although Simon considered the Illusean government and the Oracle in particular as one of his major opponents, he had no grudge against the elven Tribe as a whole. I suppose I can redirect his hatred to the Oracle and the Illusean elites, since they were likely alive to issue his punishment. I can deal with him once our mutual foes are out of the picture. 

“They will,” Simon lied, before snapping his fingers. Summoned demons entered the dark chamber with Malphas’ petrified body. “Here’s a gift to prove it.”

Chrom Cruak didn’t look impressed. “A human?”

“This is Barthandelus, an elven agent sent to infiltrate Endymion with a Beast Vassal Class,” Simon explained, catching Chrom’s full attention. “He’s both the current Merchant, and a direct subordinate of the Oracle.”

Chrom’s head perked up in interest. “Interesting…”

“This elf is yours as soon as I’m finished transferring his Merchant levels to a better wielder, as a token of my good faith. I’m sure you’ll learn useful information that the Oracle wouldn’t want shared with anyone.” Intel that Simon already had acquired anyway. “We share a common enemy.”

“You offer much… but supposedly free gifts are always expensive,” Chrom replied. “What do you want in return?”

“Your strength, your knowledge, your loyalty, and information on a certain eidolon’s location.” The way the sisters perked up at his words wasn’t lost on Simon. “I know you once wielded a Genie of tremendous power.”

“That power was lost to me long ago… but I do know where it is.” Chrom Cruak nodded to himself. “I will not bear your slave brands… but I care not who leads this rabble and our interests align. If you can fulfill Valravn’s promises to me… then allies we shall remain.”

“Then it is settled.” Simon hadn’t expected him to agree to receiving a Devil Brand either way. Having Chrom Cruak in his pocket would be victory enough for now. “To a long and fruitful collaboration.”

The Cobweb belonged to him now. 

—-------

The purge lasted a few days. 

Simon’s first act was to either eliminate or marginalize any Zodiac Fiend cultist, starting with the Fang branch of the Cobweb. Renal was put under the Brand of Pride and demoted to field leader of his division due to his strong ties to Verney, with Shabram taking his place among the Weavers. This would help integrate the organization with Imperial Intelligence. Albert would also be replaced with a better candidate. 

He then seized Bert’s toyhouse as his personal Dungeon and temporary headquarters to keep his activities centered on Muse. He ordered his new minion to put an end to his vendetta with Jym Coil and instead dedicate his resources towards investigating the puppet infiltrators in preparation for their inevitable attack against the Mechanical Tower. 

With the Attic under his control, faraway places like Muse and Telluria were now merely a few steps away from each other. Simon visited the Honorius family to recruit them, then sent Velvet to contact Casval and Vouivre in preparation for a future meeting. For now, she would simply inform the siblings that the Cobweb had a personal interest in Anna Paimon and that she wasn’t to be harmed. That should ensure her safety, as Vouivre wouldn’t jeopardize her alliance with her main financial backers for an inconsequential hit.

Hector, meanwhile, would take over Verney’s corpse and impersonate him. The man’s reclusiveness meant few would notice a change in demeanor, and the sisters could give his replacement pointers to better play the role. 

Finally, Simon and Silk visited a certain person in Magvolia with the potential to replace Albert. Odette Kano looked as if her death had come for her when they walked out of her doorstep and into her office, doubly so when he informed her that the new Overlord and the Prince of Spiders were one and the same, but her dread turned to amazement when he presented her with a certain gift. 

“Your Majesty wishes for me to become the new Merchant?” Odette sounded like she didn’t believe her own words, though the Crestone on her desk was real enough. “Why? Why me?”

“The same thought crossed my mind,” Silk admitted.  

“There are three reasons,” Simon said as he looked at Whispermire through the window, arms behind his back. This place never failed to fill him with nostalgia. “First, I’ll need full access to the Darkwood and its manalith mine. You don’t yet understand the resources this place can provide us. Second, Noble Crestones like the Merchant pick their holders, and you are currently our best candidate.”

This had apparently caused a few issues for Euphemia when she took the throne during the last reign. While she gave the Merchant Crestone to a loyalist, it had briefly tried fleeing to the merchant-princes in the Valne delegation during the treaty signing because it considered them better holders; something it never did when in Odette’s hands as far as Simon knew. She was simply a very good fit for the Archetype, and most importantly, reliable. 

The Merchant was simply the world’s best Class when it came to money-making, especially when enhanced with the Brand of Greed. Granting it to Odette would let the Cobweb quickly accumulate immense resources independent of Endymion or any other state. 

“Finally…” Simon peeked over his shoulder to look at Odette. ”I know the location of the lost city of Rhapta.”

Her eyes widened in shock and interest at this revelation. “You do?”

“Yes. The place has unfortunately become a treacherous Dungeon, and you’re the person most familiar with it. You will help us retrieve the treasures buried inside.” 

“Finding the city would be a dream come true…” Odette clasped her fingers and looked at the Merchant Crestone. “However, won’t it bring troubles to my doorstep? Your Majesty’s opponents will try to hunt it down.”

“I will add you to my Party and strengthen you with Devil Brands. They will boost your experience gains and shield you from divination. You will inherit the previous holder’s levels and continue to practice your craft in secret as my newest Weaver.” Simon shrugged. “Or you can refuse this unique opportunity and forget this entire meeting. The choice is yours.”

“Only a fool would deny a Noble Crestone.” Odette didn’t even hesitate. “When do I begin?”

“Now.” Simon summoned various Devil Brands. “Of course, we were never here. Keep your Class and allegiances a secret, especially from the people in the capital.” 

“Your Majesty can count on my discretion.”

I know, that was rhetorical, Simon thought as he branded her. He kept the fact that he had also recruited Lorimor to work on recreating his Grimoire on fears. No need to trouble her with that information for now. The pieces are finally in position. 

“The treasure you’re searching for in Rhapta,” Silk said once the two of them stepped back into the Attic and reunited with Velvet. “It’s one of the Zodiac crystals, isn’t it?”

“You must have already suspected as much, considering how your side of the organization funded Kano’s expedition,” Simon replied. “Rhapta holds the Archer. The first in the Parade.”

“Securing it shouldn’t be too difficult. Finding the damn ruin’s location in time was our biggest concern.” Silk pulled out her pipe and filled it with dreamshade. “Renal had a plan to nab the Ram crystal in Fablan too.”

“Replacing the Monk’s apprentices with an agent and then using them to access the Royal Mausoleum?”

“How did you learn that?” Velvet asked. “Only Renal and we knew about the plan.”

“Some say the Overlord has a foresight ability similar to the Oracle’s.” Silk frowned at him. “Are the rumors true?”

“Believe it or not, but I am a kind of Visionary.” Simon pointed at his armor’s third eye of darkness. “I can peer into possible futures.”

“Can’t be perfect foresight, or Mardok would be ruling the world by now… still very useful.” Silk let out a cloud of smoke. “Renal’s plan was a good one. I can pilfer the Ram easily enough once we gather more information, and that will put Cruak in our corner.”

“Or we could have Bert replace one of them directly,” Velvet suggested. “He’s been itching to wear some new skin for quite some time.”

Simon pondered the situation for a moment. He had no particular animosity against the Monk’s three students, and he had already slayed them once in the past. Doing so again felt like going back on his self-therapy, and the mere idea of letting another puppet run around wearing an innocent’s face disgusted him.

He knew his objectives for the reign clashed with his objective of improving as a person, but he at least had to try and find a better path. 

“It’d be easier if we captured and interrogated them,” Simon decided. He had defeated them back when he was much weaker, so that shouldn’t be a problem. “I know a spell that can erase memories. We can compel one of the apprentices to tell us everything they know, then make them forget. No blood, no trail.”

“You’re quite the frightening man,” Velvet mused with a sweet, venomous smile. “I like your style.”

“Thank you, Velvet.” Simon mentally prepared himself for her inevitable attempt at sneaking into his bed to better control him. He knew her song and dance by now. “As you can see, I’ve fulfilled my part of the bargain. I hope you’re pleased with our new direction.” 

“Very much so,” Velvet replied. “Everything is going so well.”

“Too well,” Silk said with skepticism. “We’ll need to move carefully to consolidate our gains.”

“Ignore her, she’s always a downer.” Velvet caressed Simon’s chest plate. “How about we celebrate our victories? I can think of a few kinds of… entertainment.”

“I’m afraid business comes first,” Simon replied. “I need you to do a small favor for me.”

“Oh?” Velvet raised an eyebrow while her sister scowled. “What kind?”

“I’ve ordered Bert to put an end to his stupid feud with Jym Coil.” He owed him and Magda that much. “I want you to approach them in disguise as a representative of a powerful and wealthy patron; someone who can make all their money troubles go away if they fulfill a certain order.”

“You want to put that eccentric to use.” Velvet put a finger to her lips. “What commission do you have in mind?”

A strong question. Simon would have loved to put them on an anti-automaton project, but the two of them were under the Crafter’s surveillance. He couldn’t afford to raise their suspicions with something too obvious.

Thankfully, there was a technology Simon could make good use of that required improvement.  

“A device that can capture images in an instant.” Simon smirked in gleeful anticipation at the irony of the situation. “The less noticeable, the better.”

Next Chapter

PS: almost forgot, but here's the link to Simon's updated stats at the beginning of this reign: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tfDykqkQyBt_wlicNRC3wR7gEqenZqq-iosf6oRKYqA/edit?usp=sharing