The First Vampire

“Vera, Vera? Are you okay?”

Colin looked worriedly at the girl in front of him, asking gently.

He had just confessed everything to Vera, including that Marquis Garcia was her biological father, the conflicts between her adoptive father and biological father, the reason why Duke St. Hilde sent her far away to the Half-Elf Kingdom, and possibly the hidden conspiracy behind it all…

With Marquis Garcia imprisoned in Shadow Gorge and the time to return to the North Territory rapidly approaching, Colin could no longer keep these things hidden.

He did not want Vera to return to Winterfell City, to the adoptive father who harbored ill intentions towards her, without knowing the truth.

As for Marquis Garcia’s previous prohibition… It could only be said that necessity allowed for flexibility and that he would hopefully understand Colin’s predicament even if he found out later.

But this brutal and ugly reality was still somewhat difficult for Vera to accept for the moment.

At this moment, she was staring blankly at the ground, her gaze out of focus, her body motionless, as if she had turned into a statue.

Colin sighed, held her cold hands, and spoke again:

“I’ve already dispatched an envoy to the East Territory to negotiate the ransom for Marquis Garcia. Once your biological father is safely back, if there is anything you still don’t understand, you can ask him personally.”

Vera remained silent, as if she had become stupefied.

Thump, thump.

Hearing the knock on the door, Colin asked impatiently, “What is it?”

“Sir Knight, Miss Vera, the coronation ceremony of the queen is about to begin.”

“Alright, we’ll be right there.”

Colin held Vera’s chin, directing her gaze towards him, and said sternly, “I know this is hard for you to accept all at once, but now is not the time to grieve.

A storm is coming to the North Territory, and I must return as soon as possible.

And you, it’s best if you return to Ice Rock City with me…”

“No.” Vera finally spoke, her voice incredibly hoarse.

“No?” Colin frowned, “Do you want to go back to Winterfell City?”

Vera shook her head again: “I don’t want to return to the North Territory right now. At least not until I see my biological father and ask him clearly about all this.”

Colin wanted to persuade her further but then thought that it might not be a bad idea for Vera to stay in Silver Moon City: “Well, you can stay in Silver Moon City then, Queen Isa will take good care of you.

Plus, when it comes time to exchange prisoners, the location will most likely be chosen somewhere between the two territories, so you can wait for Marquis Garcia in Silver Moon City.”

Vera nodded, accepting this arrangement.

Only then did Colin breathe a sigh of relief and prepare to attend the queen’s coronation ceremony.

But just as he was about to rise, he found himself being hugged from behind by Vera: “I’m sorry, Colin, I need some time…”

Colin slowly turned around, holding the girl tightly in his arms and comforting her, “It’s okay, I understand.”

“Thank you…” Vera gently pushed Colin away, “You should go attend the coronation ceremony now, don’t be late.”

“Are you really not coming?”

“No, please apologize to Her Majesty the Queen for me.”

“Alright.”

Colin held the girl’s face, gave her a light kiss, then turned and left.

“Isa Miller, today I crown you in the name of the holy ancestors of the St. Lorenzo family.

May the highly exalted Lord of Glory bless you, from this day forth be inviolable,

May our lord guide your way, clear your obstructions…

You should care for your citizens, ensure their livelihood,

You should respect your vassals, bestow upon them honor,

You should uphold the prestige of the Half-Elf Kingdom, prevent it from being tarnished…

Remember, you are the ruler of Silver Moon City, the king of Half-Elves, and also a faithful vassal of the St. Lorenzo family, may you live up to the expectations of Half-Elf citizens, the trust of His Majesty the Emperor, the glory of the Lord of Glory…”

Inside the council chamber of the Half-Elf Palace.

Prince Harrison, draped in a golden robe, solemnly recited an extensive prayer, holding the Half-Elf Kingdom crown. His face was pale and withdrawn, as though he had not rested well recently.

Seeing this, Colin could not help but experience a sense of satisfaction at his successful conspiracy unfolding.

He recognised that he had successfully planted the seed of hatred in the young Prince Harrison’s heart and was now waiting for this seed to blossom and bear fruit, bringing a surprise to the Lorenzo family.

Thinking of this, Colin involuntarily glanced at Queen Midela standing next to Harrison.

This dazzlingly beautiful queen, whose features were somewhat similar to Vera’s, was also looking at Colin.

Upon their mutual gaze, Colin immediately put on a perfect smile and nodded in her direction.

Queen Midela reciprocated with a smile, her large, watery eyes fixed unwaveringly on Colin, as if saying—

Young man, you have successfully caught my attention.

Just then, Harrison placed the Half-Elf crown on Isa’s head.

As the crowned Half-Elf Queen rose to face the audience, all the present Half-Elf nobles unsheathed their swords, knelt on one knee, and declared:

“My queen, I swear my loyalty to you, from this day until forever!”

Queen Isa raised her skirt to return their salutes.

Subsequently, the queen personally dubbed four knights as her sword-bearer, bow-bearer, shield-bearer, and horse-bearer, respectively.

All these knights were members of the Miller family, who would henceforth serve as her protective knights, accompanying Queen Isa wherever she went.

With this, the coronation ceremony officially concluded.

Queen Isa, with the Half-Elf crown on her head, left the council chamber surrounded by everyone present.

She would host a banquet for the Lorenzo royal family and the noble spectators in the banquet hall.

As the evening fell and the initial lights were lit.

The banquet hall floor, made of Red Paulownia Wood, had three long rectangular tables filled with a variety of fine wines and delicacies.

Creamy salmon pies, honey pine nut cakes, smoked salmon salads… and the royal collection of champagne.

Dressed in vibrant outfits, the half-elf maids stood beside the long tables like sculptures, ready to serve the noble guests that came to partake, but scarcely anyone came, and even they only tasted a bit.

When Colin walked into the hall alone, the banquet had not officially started.

He walked straight to the table, ignoring the spread of delicacies and directly aimed for his target—Deer Blood Wine!

Ordinarily, Deer Blood Wine would not be placed on the table at such formal occasions; however, this bottle of Deer Blood Wine had clearly been prepared on Queen Isa’s orders.

Just then, a mature and lazy voice suddenly sounded, “Sir, would you like some lemon?”

Turning around, Colin found tonight’s protagonist—Queen Isa, standing behind him.

She was dressed in a fiery red gauze dress, had a Half-elf crown on her golden hair and, with her brilliant smile that made the Crystal Magic Lamps seem pale in comparison.

“Why not.” Colin smiled, accepting her good intentions, knowing she wanted to help cover the scent.

“By the way, Vera doesn’t want to return with me to Ice Rock City. She’d rather stay in Silver Moon City and wait for Marquis Garcia. So, I hope you’ll help look after her.”

“No problem, it’s my honour.”

“Alright, remember, never let her return to Winterfell City, even if the Duke St. Hilde sends people to urge her!”

“I understand.”

Just then, there was some commotion near the entrance.

Colin looked up to see Queen Midela leading Prince Harrison into the room.

By some coincidence, Queen Midela was also dressed in a fiery red dress, displaying her slender arms and a sizeable portion of her smooth back. As she moved, her waist swayed lightly, manifesting her unlimited charm. This drew the attention of all the gentlemen and nobles in the room.

Queen Isa hurriedly went up to greet them.

The melodious music began just in time, and the banquet officially commenced.