The First Vampire

“Today we gather here to offer prayers for His Majesty Reinhardt Saint Lorenzo.

Merciful Lord of Glory, please bestow your mercy and glory upon this great emperor, and let him return to your embrace…”

In the quiet and solemn tent, the devout voice of the Cardinal Mensai echoed.

The nobles of the Empire and military officers were gathered here, praying for Emperor Reinhardt.

Even though this Emperor had many controversies, in the last moments of his life, he fulfilled his duty as a true emperor.

He led his army into the enemy lines and defeated the orc army, a feat worthy of a glorious place in the history books.

Of course, whether dying on the battlefield was Emperor Reinhardt’s intention is unknown.

Although some nobles who were familiar with Emperor Reinhardt had noticed irregularities, suspicions that Emperor Reinhardt had been under control had become unsolvable mysteries with his death.

In fact, many members of the royal family were quite satisfied with this outcome. After all, Emperor Reinhardt’s final sacrificial feat had elevated the prestige of the Lorenzo family.

Only Colin stood among the mourners, his cold gaze fixed on Cardinal Mensai in the front row, his mind filled with unknown thoughts.

“…From dust to dust, return to dust!

May your soul find rest in the hall of the Supreme Lord!”

After completing his prayer, Cardinal Mensai scattered a handful of soil into the coffin.

Then, four Royal Knights stepped forward to close the coffin lid.

Cardinal Mensai turned around and said to everyone:

“His Majesty’s coffin needs to be sent back to Dragon City for burial. However, with the orc war not yet completely over, I suggest you all send representatives to escort it, and the rest should stay here in case of a possible orc counterattack.”

Governor Fred immediately responded:

“The Cardinal Mensai is right. Let’s do this: I and the prince will accompany the return to Dragon City on behalf of the royal family.”

Upon seeing this, Duke St. Rands also quickly stated: “I will represent the South Border in escorting His Majesty’s remains back to Dragon City.”

Duke St. Gregorian glanced at Colin and also stood up expressing his willingness to represent the Westland.

The representative for the Eastland was Count Nicoll.

When it came to the North Territory, Colin also stood up willing to take the responsibility.

Seeing this, Governor Fred said with some distress:

“I understand that everyone does not want to miss His Majesty’s funeral. However, if everyone returns to Dragon City, who will command the Imperial Allied Army in Luwal Valley? Hence, it would be better to leave a noble with weight to temporarily take charge of the Imperial Allied Army.”

He then turned his gaze to Colin and conversely suggested:

“Count Angler, you have shown staggering command capabilities in the Battle of Luwal. Why don’t you stay?”

Colin looked at Governor Fred deeply, shaking his head:

“Didn’t you previously state that the commander of the Imperial Allied Army has to be appointed by the new Emperor? It’s somewhat inappropriate for me to take over now, isn’t it?”

Fred chuckled: “There’s no problem at all. After all, you would just be temporarily in charge and would not need to conduct military actions. This is to prevent chaos in the Imperial Allied Army in case the orcs suddenly return.”

Colin said nothing, seemingly hesitant.

Seeing this, Fred was secretly delighted.

He knew that the more he tried to persuade Colin to stay, the more Colin would be concerned and desire to go to Dragon City himself.

The reason being, aside from Emperor Reinhardt’s funeral, the succession of the new Emperor was even more important in Dragon City.

Therefore, Fred benevolently defused the situation:

“Count Angler, if you really don’t want to miss His Majesty’s funeral, Duke St. Gregorian should stay here.”

Colin glanced surreptitiously at Duke St. Gregorian, giving him an almost imperceptible nod of agreement.

Duke St. Gregorian understood and volunteered:

“If you trust me, then I’ll stay behind and hold the fort.”

Governor Fred was quite pleased internally, knowing that Colin was sure to not oppose this decision.

Brimming with pride, thinking he had Colin under his control, Fred smiled and nodded, “Very well. We’ll be counting on Duke St. Gregorian then.”

Seeing that no one else objected, Cardinal Mensai nodded and said,

“Good, everyone head back and prepare. We leave first thing tomorrow morning.”

Everyone left upon agreement.

Colin walked out expressionless, his conjecture solidifying even more in his heart—

Sure enough, something had happened in Dragon City.

Moreover, the royal household and the Church had teamed up, and their target this time was him!

Returning to Dragon City was clearly a deadly trap.

Without the protection of his army and separated from Duke St. Gregorian, Colin, at this point, was looking like the most vulnerable in the eyes of the royal family and the Church.

The most susceptible to assassination!

Perhaps the North Territory was now a thorn in the sides of many.

What Colin didn’t anticipate was that the Church and the royal family had quickly decided to attack the North Territory.

A decision made so resolutely and decisively; they didn’t care that it might plunge the Empire into civil unrest again.

While they may have defeated the orc army in the Battle of the Luwal Valley and even killed the Orc King, the Westland and half of the Crimson Flame Territory were still in the hands of the orcs.

The war wasn’t over yet, and some people had already begun to eliminate their opposition eagerly?

While shocked, Colin could only feel endless sorrow and anger.

Thinking about Marquis Garcia who was probably “missing” and likely ran into trouble, at this moment, Colin had no hesitation or doubt at all.

If you are so unkind, then don’t blame me for being unjust!

…

The next morning.

A squad of about a thousand men departed from the camp at Luwal Valley headed for Dragon City.

Immersed in the sorrow of the death of Emperor Reinhardt, the atmosphere of the entire squad was understandably somber.

Nearing midday, the team halted to rest near a small stream.

The soldiers lit up a bonfire and began to cook.

Colin came to the edge of the stream, squatted down, and scooped up a handful of water to wash his face.

The stream was crystal clear, and from time to time, a few fishes could be seen leaping out of it.

Just as Colin was thinking about catching a fish to roast, an object as big as a thumb floated past him—a piece of parchment.

He effortlessly picked it up. Opening it, he saw two words penned on it—

Run!

Colin expressionlessly pocketed the note, quickly thrusting his right hand into the water, and grasped a jumping fish.

As he stood, he glanced upstream and saw Scholar Yerug carrying a water bottle, heading back towards camp.

Suppressing his doubts, Colin returned to the camp as well.

Run?

Of course, he wouldn’t.

Perhaps there is a trap ahead.

But who is the hunter, and who is the game?

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