[center][color=92278f][center][h3]Victor Astorio[/h3][/center][/color][/center]

Victor remained silent through this whole thing, again he found this annoying but still continued to try and learn from it. He had begun to rub his fingers over his hands while he listened and thought about what was being said. Not once did he realize he was manipulating small amounts of blood in his skin. He was after all trying his best to accelerate the blood control ability he was showed some time ago. The count did this so often he sometimes forgot he was doing it in the first place.

The countess surprised him and garnered his attention for a moment at the mention of the queen and the terrorist that attacked. If she was trying to get a reaction he was sure that the Eve would respond but he wasn’t entirely sure how, as Victor did not remember seeing the count at the dance. So many masks even in here. Eris’s recount of the current events seemed to answer his question before he asked. Then there was another remark about Salem. He didn’t want to say much about the underground fighting rumors in front of Eris he already knew that was a bad idea but perhaps he could sway the conversation on a different route.

[color=92278f]“If I may interject for a moment. In regards to your comment about Spellman, I have found that he has grown and adapted quite well to both his new training regimen and the etiquette classes he has been taking.”[/color] He paused for a moment, Victor did like to pause occasionally while he was talking. This time it was a bit more deliberate but only just, mostly to take away the focus off the countess even for a moment. [color=92278f]“If it were not for the leadership skills he has been showing during his training sessions with his fellow mages and his overall actions during that last test of ours. I can assure you he would be on a shorter leash.”[/color]  

Again he paused for a moment and looked toward Ben, [color=92278f]“Benjamin, If you don’t mind my personal thoughts on Miss Dionne, I have been watching her grow from the moment I met her. From my observations I can say that Count Eve here has done a very good job in her physical training as well as her magical practice.”[/color] Again he glanced at the Marivaldi countess for a moment then looked to Varis with a bit of a smile. [color=92278f]“Again these are just my observations purely on combat and physical ability not politically obviously. I would bet on Miss Dionne in a test of swordsmanship that she could beat even the Starag now.”[/color] Another pause before continuing, he was sure this might be a bad idea but he was curious how Varis would act.  

[color=92278f]“You have done a marvelous job retraining the boy to how a Sinnenodel house would be run but I’m curious. Do you intend on letting the boys talents falter in some areas and only use him as a political tool? I have noticed from the first time I saw him that his muscle mass has dropped. I would suggest this could be malnourishment but judging by the condition of his skin and hair I would say this is not the case more so the lack of physical exercise.”[/color] He only paused for a moment this time before continuing again. [color=92278f]“With his light magic and swordsmanship he would be a great protector. It’s a shame really light and metal mages are truly spectacular when trained to be a protector but I’m sure he will adapt to mental magic.”[/color]

Victor wasn’t entirely sure if his insult was too subtle or too blunt, or if Varis would simply scoff at the comment and carry on. This political game was entirely too bothersome and had too many variables. Perhaps he would learn more here than when he is in class. He was well aware that he wasn’t here to make friends but he didn’t mind being the wild card in these situations. He only hoped that Arron was listening to what was said about him, subterfuge could be fun sometimes as well.

Now it seemed that it was time for the next round of blood, a small smirk appeared on his lips for a moment as he could hear the blonde boy prepare the next batch of blood. He got this blood specifically for this gathering, fear and adrenaline brought forth a particular flavor from Spellman. A specific taste for a distasteful gathering one that he hoped would get the two of them kicked out early but now he wasn’t so sure. Thats unless he was so lost in his thoughts that he completely missed salems blood serving. First he had to wait for how the others responded since he did just insult Varis and slightly Eris. Or at least he hoped he did.