— What about work?
— There's no construction right now anyway; everyone's out in the forest collecting alchemical ingredients, so get going with Konstantin and get some fresh air, — Alexander interjected, — The forest will be felled without you.
The woman didn't argue further and simply nodded in agreement. Konstantin also didn't refuse the companion, although he thought that such a beautiful girl would definitely cause problems just by being present. Locals, after all, had no respect for women and some didn't even distinguish between them and objects. But maybe it was for the best; there was always a chance to legally drink someone's blood.
Besides the Triumvirate and Olga, the small meeting also included Maria, who had finally concluded her research on food. The results were pleasing, especially in light of some recent statements from Semen, who claimed there was a shortage of blood and that more hunting grounds were needed to collect it. He was also constantly requesting additional workers.
However, the meeting wasn't convened for Maria's report or Semen's problems. The discussion focused on what to do with Marta Tap, a local criminal genius and supreme mage of the barony in one person. Simply handing the girl over to the baron wasn't desirable; such talent was needed for themselves, and remembering the situation with the daughter-in-law, trusting the Savoyardis was sheer folly. Despite the loudest claims, no city resident believed that the death of the young baronetess was in any way unrelated to the knight who had stayed at the castle.
— She has a rare gift for charming people and winning them over, — Konstantin shared his thoughts, — And she doesn't even have to make any effort. We could really use someone like that.
Marta's natural talent wasn't in her magical abilities, though they were far from ordinary, and with certain efforts, she could even aspire to the title of archmage. But her true calling was her ability to enchant anyone she spoke with. It only took a few minutes of conversation for someone to fall in love with her. This wasn't magic or spells; it was just a natural ability some people are born with. Though it was very rare. Much more common was the ability to irritate and get unpleasant consequences.
— Do you want to turn her into a vampire like Stefania?
— I don't think that's a good idea. Stefania was ready to become a vampire and pay any price for it. Marta is happy with her life and has brilliant prospects.
— To become a queen of the penal colony?
— It doesn't matter what her future is. Stefania and I have too many problems; we constantly have to keep an eye on her, and if she weren't Alexander's lover, there would be even more problems. Why do we need another turned vampire?
The former servant indeed drove vampires to distraction almost every night. And she did it without any ill intent. The thirst for human blood or any other blood was so strong it sometimes shut off the girl's brain. For instance, just a couple of days ago, during a logging operation, she attacked one of the prisoners and bit him a bit.
The guy was, of course, healed, but the girl wasn't severely punished, although some demanded it. It turned out that her victim had once tried to rape her, and that fact from their shared past triggered why the well-fed vampire woman attacked the unfortunate soul.
— I think we shouldn't discount the possibility of turning locals into vampires. We're few, and valuable people would be useful to us.
— But only with the Triumvirate's approval!
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