The First Vampire

Chapter 557: 555 emerges_1
 

The sun was gentle and the breeze was light.

In the courtyard, the camphor trees were lush and verdant. A white figure flitted among the branches, occasionally squawking provocatively at Colin on the balcony. It was the long-tailed kite that had been scared away earlier.

Colin, of course, was too indolent to afford attention to the provocation of a bird. He was deep in consideration of the words just spoken by Queen Midela.

Despite having always regarded Queen Midela as someone untrustworthy, Colin believed she wouldn’t deceive him about this matter.

After all, at this moment, their interests were aligned.

Moreover, Colin preferred to observe a person’s actions rather than their words.

Queen Midela’s choice to distance herself from Dragon City at this time probably indicated her pessimistic prediction of the North Territory’s actions.

And she knew well that she couldn’t sway the enraged Marquis Garcia from proceeding with this operation. Therefore, she could only choose to look out for her own safety.

The admonition Queen Midela gave earlier was probably her last glimmer of hope, seeing if Colin could perform a miracle.

Although Colin didn’t trust Queen Midela, the pessimism she demonstrated still put him on his guard.

Maybe it was time to adjust his strategy…

As Colin pondered, he made his way to his room.

Perhaps, due to the immersion in his thoughts, Colin didn’t immediately notice the anomaly in his room, until the other party initiated the conversation, alerting him to an unexpected guest!

“Are you Colin Angler?”

Colin was startled, his muscles instantly tensing.

There was an unfamiliar woman sitting at the long table in the middle of the room!

She was adorned in a splendid suit of fine gold armor, the intricate magical inscriptions highlighting its extraordinary value. Her long white hair cascaded casually, one arm crossed over her chest and one propped on her cheek, indolently watching Colin.

Although she didn’t exhibit any hostility, Colin treated her as a formidable opponent, refusing to loosen his guard in the slightest.

This woman, of extraordinary beauty, had smooth and delicate skin, evenly distributed hair and a body that perfectly defined the word ‘perfection’.

But she was too perfect, so perfect she didn’t seem human.

Queen Midela, who had just parted ways with Colin, also bore an imposing aura, however, it didn’t cause Colin any feelings of self-pity. However, the mysterious woman who suddenly appeared in his room, radiated a heavenly, dazzlingly aura that was difficult to face.

Colin had only ever felt this kind of pressure from two people—Prince Lexie and the previous Duke St. Hilde!

Even Mr. Ji, perhaps because he hadn’t fully controlled his new body, couldn’t exert such pressure on Colin.

So, the identity of the woman in front of him could almost be guessed.

“Yes, Duke St. Gregory, I am Colin Angler. I am flattered by your unexpected visit.”

Colin restrained the various thoughts surging in his heart, bowed respectfully, neatly avoiding the dazzling gaze.

“Count Angler, do you know why I am here?”

As he bowed his head, Colin’s mind raced.

His initial reaction was that the Pope had managed to summon Duke St. Gregory to halt the further approach of the Northern Army, but he immediately realized—

The timing was wrong.

Cardinal Mensai had only just met with Colin. According to the time frame, Cardinal Noputon, who left simultaneously, should’ve just arrived in the Westland. Even if Duke St. Gregory could fly, she couldn’t possibly have made it to Silver Fox City this fast.

Queen Midela had also mentioned significant conflicts between Cardinal Noputon and Duke St. Gregory—so whether or not she could be convinced was a question.

Pope Gregory probably never expected Cardinal Noputon to genuinely persuade Duke St. Gregory to intervene when he sent him to Westland. His aim was more likely to get this threat to his position out of Dragon City to prevent some people within the Church from having improper thoughts.

Thinking so, Duke St. Gregory would only be independently present in the Crimson Flame Territory.

However, the problem was that Westland had always maintained neutrality. Unlike the South Border and the formerly Eastland who leaned towards the Church, or the anti-Church forces of the North Territory and the Royal Family.

Facing the greatest enemy of the Shining Empire—the Orc Empire, Westland needed to secure support from all available factions as much as possible.

Therefore, the St. Gregrian family has always adhered to the policy of neutrality, paving a path between the Royal Family and the Church.

Considering this, Duke St. Gregorian should not take such a proactive stance at this time, let alone come to the Crimson Flame Territory to find Colin actively.

Unless…

A dreaded thought crossed Colin’s mind, “Your Grace, could it be that there is definitive movement from the Orc Empire?”

Duke St. Gregorian raised an eyebrow at Colin’s conjecture, praised, “No wonder you rose so rapidly in such a short period of time, your mind works quickly indeed. Correct, my scouts have reported that the Orc Empire is formally deploying troops. We estimate they’ll cross the Sky Breaking Mountain Range and enter Westland by the end of the third month.

So, it’s time to put an end to this farce.”

Hearing the news, Colin’s heart sank.

He had thought that the Orc Empire wouldn’t invade so quickly, but it seems like the tempestuous Orcs couldn’t wait till the winter had fully receded and launched their attack.

There was likely still un-melted snow on the Sky Breaking Mountain Range.

“Your Excellency Duke St. Gregorian, to you, this might be a farce. But, for us Northerners, it represents a huge humiliation!” Colin’s tone suddenly became defiant, “The unforgivable sins committed by the Blasphemer, Gregory, cannot be overlooked. So, if the Church does not agree to our demands, neither the Northern army—of 200,000 soldiers—nor the thirty million civilians of the North Territory will agree to reconciliation!”

Duke St. Gregorian scrutinised Colin for a few moments and then said,

“Tell me your demands.”

Colin cleared his throat and declared loudly, “We demand only two things. First, Pope Gregory must abdicate! Second, the diocese of the North Territory must be independent!”

“No. These conditions are too extreme.” Duke St. Gregorian immediately frowned, “Count Angler, if you are genuinely seeking reconciliation, then you shouldn’t raise unrealistic demands.”

However, Colin kept silent, expressing his stance effectively through his silence.

He was clear that although Duke St. Gregorian was not necessarily sided with the Church, she would not help the North Territory gain the most benefits without reason.

She merely wished to quell this conflict as soon as possible.

Thus, Colin must demonstrate appropriate firmness to pressure Duke St. Gregorian to exert pressure on the Church’s side.

Seeing Colin’s unwillingness to compromise, Duke St. Gregorian’s expression gradually turned stern.

Tangible pressure circulated in the small space, making Colin feel like an insect trapped in amber, nearly suffocating.