My Vampire Harem Will Dominate Everything

Ezra sat, enjoying the sunlight streaming through the window as he read the paper.

James Harlow's upcoming ball was all any news outlet could talk about. Their entertainment sections all speculated on who would be invited and who would be snubbed.

Some were even speculating on the outfits that would be on display on that day.

He sipped from his cup, coffee this time, chuckling at it all.

Right now, he was relaxing. There was no need to stress himself anymore.

He now had an oracle on his side to help him unravel the mystery. Like all oracles, it didn't speak plainly and preferred to make things harder than it should be.

He chuckled to himself. That was a good joke.

He sipped his coffee.

The future Connell hadn't made an appearance since the time they'd spoken at his office two days ago.

But he wasn't worried. She wouldn't be absent if the world was at stake. When she arrives, they'll discuss the plan.

And so, he drank and read. Olivia was working on her investigation with the human police. Apparently, she was closer to catching the criminal.

While, Red was at the peacekeeper HQ. She had her duties to take care of.

As for him, he was on leave. This should also put James and Alfred at ease. Or make them more suspicious.

It depends on whatever they think he was doing by being silent.

He chuckled. His thoughts turned to Gen. Wherever she was, he hoped she was doing well.

Alfred was still out searching for her and he'd felt James Aura reaching through the city. She had managed to evade them all.

She should keep holding on. He'd solve all this, one way or another.

His ears picked up the sound of feet on the floor as Connell walked out of her room.

"Nice place you've got here." She called out and immediately she spoke, Ezra knew it was future Connell.

"It's about time damn time." He said.

"Missed me?" Connell teased as she entered the room.

"Cut the crap and have a seat." He said, gesturing to the chair next to him.

"What does a lady have to do around here to get some booze?" Connell asked.

"Booze?" Ezra scoffed. "It's not like we can get drunk off the stuff."

"Wait for the future, Ezra." Connell grinned. "If there's anything good to ever come out of those few Monarchy loyalists, it's actually booze."

"Please tell me that's not a joke." Ezra said as he fetched wine and a glass.

"You'll have to wait and see." Connell replied.

He handed her the bottle and she took it, ignoring the glass cup. She popped the cork and took a long swig, sighing in contentment.

"Whoo! That hit the spot." She nodded looking at the bottle. "Sometimes, all you need is some non alcoholic booze to lift the spirits."

Ezra stared at her wondering how shy, quiet Connell had became this.

"So," Connell turned to look at Ezra, "where were we?"

"The plan for Lana." Ezra reminded her.

"Oh, yes. That." Connell took another swig. "Let's see..." She hummed, thinking about it. "What did you say you wanted to do to her again?" She asked. "Sorry but for you it's been days. For me, it's much longer than that."

"Fortunately, I'm also in the past like you but as you already know, I can't come this far back myself. So... what did we want with that bitch again?"

"To know the secret of what the whole Veilbreaker thing is about through Lana."

"Oh, yeah. That." Connell slapped her forehead. "Let me see."

She closed her eyes, humming.

"Alright. I've got it." She perked up, opening her eyes.

Ezra leaned forward. Finally!

"You'll have to wait for James' party to do that."

"Wait, what?" Ezra blinked in surprise. "Why?" He asked. "Why not today? Or tomorrow?"

Connell sighed. "We decided you'll trust me, remember?"

"Yes, but not blind trust." Ezra said. "Give me a reason why I should wait for the ball."

"Because the patient dog eats the fattest bone?"

Ezra stared at her, unimpressed. "You're asking me to make Lana spill her guts in the house of the most powerful vampire in the city while said vampire is in hearing range?"

"Not to talk of the fact that the vampire himself wants that secret to stay buried.

"Alright. Alright." She raised both hands playfully in defeat. "I'll tell you why."

"Look. If you approach Lana now, there's nothing you can do that'll make her spill her guts to you."

Ezra frowned at her words.

"Let me explain better." Connell placed the bottle in her hands on a nearby table. "Lana has no reason to tell you because you have nothing big enough to get her to tell you."

"If you frame her for a crime, she has a get out of jail free card. All she needs to do is wait. Alfred will know of it and if Alfred does, James definitely will. You'll lose Lana and earn the ire of James himself."

"You have nothing powerful enough to make her afraid. But at the ball, that opportunity will present itself."

Ezra said nothing, listening. She wasn't saying anything he didn't already know but he'd been hoping she had an opportunity he could exploit before James's ball.

"What opportunity?" He asked.

"An opportunity that your wife, Gen, has been setting up. Fortunately, it will be useful to you."

"Let me guess." Ezra said. "If I ask about the opportunity, you'll say you can't tell me."

"Yes." Connell said seriously, all traces of humor gone from her body. "I cannot reveal the details of this to you."

"At this moment, all you have is a rock." Connell said "And all you need to do at James's party is put Lana between your rock and a hard place."

"Only at the party will she be scared enough to... spill her guts to you. If we scare her with the information now, she'll disappear from the city but if left alone, she'll stay."

"You need to back off now, Ezra Matten. You'll get your chance to back Lana into a corner."