The First Vampire

Under the guidance of the butler, Emon, a young troll strolled down the long corridor to the inner courtyard of the Red Fort.

This troll appeared to be entering a human castle for the first time, curiously looking all around him along the way.

Emon stopped outside a room, nodded slightly at the young troll, and made a gesture of invitation, “Mr. Envoy, the Viscount is waiting for you in the study.”

“Very well.” The troll gave a faint smile, straightened his collar, and walked inside.

Colin looked up just as the door opened, but he didn’t stand up. He just smiled and said, “Welcome Mr. Envoy, please have a seat.”

“Honorable Viscount Angler, thank you for your hospitality! ” The young troll didn’t seem bothered by Colin’s slight rudeness, his face still beaming.

A maid tiptoed in, placed a cup of coffee on the desk in front of the troll, and quietly retreated.

“Please, give it a try. It’s Sudor’s family fond coffee.” Colin made another inviting gesture, “It’s one of the few things they left behind that I actually appreciate. ”

The troll first lifted the mug to his nose, took a few sniffs, then took a sip, closed his eyes, and savored it slowly.

His entire demeanor was elegant and composed, characteristic of a high-ranking troll noble.

“The rich fruity fragrance, raw and unrestrained acidity – it must be Yirgacheffe coffee from the Hidamo region.”

Colin was taken aback, clearly not expecting this troll to be a coffee connoisseur.

“You’re impressive, to even discern that!” Though he didn’t know whether the troll was correct or not, he played along as if he too was knowledgeable about coffee.

Meanwhile, he complained inwardly—weren’t trolls supposed to be brutish oafs who only knew violence and destruction?

Why is this one in front of him so freaking sophisticated?

The young troll took another small sip of his coffee, his restrained expression tinged with a hint of reminiscence:

“More than a thousand years ago, the Hidamo region was part of my family’s territory. Tasting it now…l must say it does taste a bit like home.”

Colin asked curiously, “May I ask your name?”

The young troll stood up and demonstrated a perfect noble’s bow, “My name is

Okamoto Volkin, son of Gumbick Warkin, the Southern Prince of the Troll

Empire…”

“Pfft!”

Colin spat out a mouthful of coffee.

“Cough, cough, pardon me! I choked…”

Using a handkerchief to wipe the coffee off his clothes, Colin managed to conceal the laughter on his face.

Okamoto?

Why not Durace?

Once he’d tidied himself up, Colin regained control of his facial expressions and sat back down.

Although Okamoto wondered why Colin had suddenly become discomposed upon hearing his name, he didn’t actually ask.

“Who would have thought that Prince himself would go to such lengths, even visiting the North territory. We are truly unworthy of such honor…”

Although he was talking about failing to show respect, the way Colin sank relaxedly into the chair’s back clearly suggested he wasn’t putting much weight on the troll prince’s appearance.

Of course, Okamoto didn’t take offense, at least not outwardly.

After all, the wrath of the vanquished is meaningless before the victor.

“No, this is something I should do. For years, the Troll Empire and the North have fought too much, causing heavy losses to both sides. Each time I think of my people who died on the field, my heart aches!

I presume you and Duke St. Hilde feel the same, not wanting to see any more warfare!

Therefore, my trip to the North is built on the hope for peace and the aspiration for friendship between our two groups…”

While Okamoto continued his impassioned speech, Colin had already grasped the other party’s intent.

Despite the lofty words of the newly appointed southern prince of the Troll Empire, professing his unwillingness to see the war continue…

Actually, they have been beaten and are here seeking peace.

Colin rubbed his chin, wondering if the Duke St. Hilde would agree to their plea for peace?

Now that the main force of the trolls has been decimated, they no longer have the strength to resist the invasion from the North Territory. Would the Duke let this prime opportunity for a victorious pursuit slip by?

Even though Sky Ice Plain might not offer much worth occupying, they can still take this chance to ravage the Troll Empire, denying them the opportunity to recuperate.

Just as Colin was deep in thought, a name uttered by Okamoto abruptly brought him back.

“What? Vera? Did you just mention Miss Vera?” Hearing Vera’s name, Colin promptly snapped out of his thoughts.

“Yes.” Okamoto lowered his head, speaking in a grave tone.

The viscount before him had been disrespectful several times, and it was becoming increasingly hard to suppress his anger.

But, taking a deep breath, he returned to his cordial disposition and patiently explained:

“What I said was, I’ve heard that the Duke’s adopted daughter Vera Miss is about to have her coming-of-age ceremony. So, I’ve also prepared a gift and hope to take this opportunity to get to know Miss Vera.”

Colin narrowed his eyes, sensing something amiss.

“Oh? Really? Just the other day, I received an invitation to Miss Vera’s coming-of-age ceremony. Let’s head to Winterfell City together tomorrow then.”

“It would be my honor.”

At this point, Colin was already wary of this young troll prince.

Because he suspected that the other party may be targeting Vera.

Is this guy here for peace talks, or for a union of marriage?

Just as Colin was about to show him the door, Prince Okamoto suddenly noticed the Blade of Judgment hanging on the wall.

He stared at it for a while with an incredulous look in his eyes, “Sir Viscount, may I ask, is that knight’s sword the Blade of Judgment?” “Yes, it is. The Duke bestowed it upon me when I was ennobled.”

A strange look crossed the face of Prince Okamoto.

There was admiration, respect, and a hint of sympathy…

Just when Colin found the prince’s gaze a bit odd, Prince Okamoto suddenly smiled and said: “Sir viscount, I wonder if you have heard of Prince Otto Volkin.”

“Otto?” Colin shook his head.

He had not heard of the name, but judging from the surname, this was also a member of the troll royal family.

“Prince Otto is my kinsman, also the northern prince of the Troll Empire. He recently succeeded in entering the Holy Field!”

Colin frowningly wondered why the other party brought this up, but still congratulated him out of politeness: “Oh, really? Well that is wonderful news, the Troll Empire has finally gained another Holy Warrior.”

“Yes! After a century, the Empire has finally given birth to another Holy Warrior!” Okamoto’s smile became radiant, “However, after successfully ascending to the Holy Field, my kinsman once said that he would soon challenge the wielder of the Blade of Judgment to a duel!”

To avenge the humiliation of our late Emperor Leo being beheaded!”

“…” Colin was taken aback.

A Holy Warrior wants to challenge him to a duel?

Could it be that’s why Duke St. Hilde gave him this sword in the first place?

What a bolt from the blue!