The First Vampire

Upon entering Lion Roar Castle, the butler Derrington personally led Colin and his party into a courtyard.

“Viscount, please rest for a while. When the banquet begins, I will send someone to notify you.”

“Okay.”

Since Joyce was not in a hurry to see Colin, Colin should not show any urgency either.

However, considering that the Dwarf Legion was about to catch up, it was Colin’s side that was more pressed for time.

But Colin understands that the more you can’t afford to wait, the more you should appear calm and composed, or else you would be in a disadvantaged position in the negotiation to come.

Idle, Colin simply removed his armor, bathed, and put on a set of noble ceremonial dress.

By evening, the sky suddenly darkened, and night enveloped the earth earlier than usual.

The occasional lightning that crossed the sky seemed to be dancing silver snakes, with thunderclaps echoing above Winterfell City, causing a faint ache in the eardrums.

“Knock, knock, knock.”

In the rumbling thunder, Colin almost missed the sound of the knocking.

Opening the room door, he saw a young maid standing outside, respectfully inviting Colin to the banquet.

Colin nodded, and together with Scholar Doan, they put on the raincoats prepared by the maid, and stepped into the storm.

This storm made the banquet guests look a bit disheveled, but the Banquet Hall in the main castle was still lively. The sound of laughter and chatter spread far and wide, and even the thunder couldn’t cover it.

Removing his rain-soaked coat and handing it to an attendant, Colin straightened his clothes, stepped onto the thick wool carpet of the Banquet Hall. The soft and comfortable touch gave Colin the feeling of walking in the clouds.

In the Banquet Hall, seven crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, surrounding a central chandelier that was three meters in diameter. The blazing candles inside lit up every corner of the hall as though it were daylight.

On the dark red carpet, only a long table was placed in the middle. The table was covered with white velvet. On it were exquisite food and precious red wine, surrounded by pure gold cutlery and porcelain dishes.

Around the table were elegantly dressed gentlemen and ladies. When Colin walked in, they all cast curious glances his way, seemingly interested in this esteemed Viscount Angler who recently gained fame in the North Territory.

Colin was indifferent to their curious gazes, walked leisurely to the dinner table, and a maid with a bright smile handed him cutlery and whispered what he would like to order.

Colin scanned the table but didn’t see the Deer Blood Wine – such a coarse beverage would not appear on the formal banquet table.

A bit disappointed, he just picked a few desserts.

The mage Cusius who came with him happily filled his plate with food, which drew disdainful looks from the surrounding nobles.

Especially when they saw the mage’s robe on Cusius, their disgust was barely concealed.

However, Cusius seemed to turn a blind eye to these stares, filled himself a large glass of champagne and started feasting.

Colin didn’t bother about him either, he stood idly in a quiet corner, eating his dessert while listening to Scholar Doan introducing the various characters in the hall.

Most of the people here were members of the St. Hilde family, though many were not very important branches. Colin listened absent-mindedly and didn’t remember many of them.

Only two people made Colin’s gaze linger a bit.

One was Knight Thomas St. Hilde, the commander of the Winterfell City Defense Force. The Uman Clan’s army was able to enter the city smoothly, certainly with his help.

The other one was Nina St. Hilde, the daughter of the St. Hilde family for whom Count Morrison wished to marry.

This cousin of Vera’s was striking, emanating an elegant and dignified big family lady atmosphere, which explained why she caught the eye of Count Morrison.

Looking at the cheerful Nina, Colin suddenly recalled the mysterious scene under the clock tower of the Phoenix Butterfly Fort during his night visit to the Morrison Family. He pondered privately whether he should ruin this marriage.

To push such a beautiful young woman into the fire pit of the Morrison Family, Colin felt somewhat reluctant.

Moreover, by preventing Nina from marrying into the Morrison Family, he could also see how the Morrison Family would react.

If they really became anxious, it means that the blood pool under the clock tower may have a necessary connection with the daughters of the St. Hilde family who married there over the years.

Just as Colin was calculating about the Morrison Family, Count Uman came in, followed by Walra.

However, Colin was surprised to find that Walra was actually wearing a Viscount’s ceremonial dress!

It seems that after his break with the St. Sean family, Count Uman has decided to restore Walra’s status as a legitimate son and confirm his right of inheritance.

This banquet was also a great opportunity to introduce Walra formally to the nobility of the North Territory.

Apparently feeling Colin’s gaze, Walra glanced at Colin and then immediately looked away.

“Who would have thought that Walra is in fact Count Uman’s true heir.” Scholar Doan seemed to see some clues and his tone was full of emotion.

“Yeah, who could have guessed?” Colin said with a laugh.

When Count Uman was introducing various gentlemen and ladies to his real son, the Banquet Hall suddenly quieted down.

As Colin was perplexed, he saw a tall woman striding into the hall.

Her chestnut hair as soft as satin was radiant, falling on her lean, fair shoulders. Despite not having any makeup on her clearly defined walnut-shaped face, her perfect facial features coupled with her milky white skin made her look naturally refined and elegant.

She had a pair of peach blossom eyes, naturally blushed around it, slightly upturned at the corners. Even without a clear smile, their charm radiated a captivating allure that made people obsessed.

She was draped in her loose priest’s robe concealing her body, only exposing her tantalizing body curves as she moved: her majestic chest, slender waist, round and plump buttocks, and long legs were subtly visible, leaving much to the imagination.

However, her demeanor was incredibly devout, emanating an aura of sanctity, a trait of austerity that was inviolable, much like a self-abnegated monk from the Church.

The allure of her intrinsic sensuality juxtaposed against her tranquil sanctity created a mesmerizing charm that stirred a wave of upheaval in the hearts of everyone present.

“Who is she?” Colin swallowed quietly, asking Scholar Doan.

“The new Archbishop of the North Territory – Priest Agani.” Scholar Doan’s voice was slightly hoarse, seemingly mesmerized by Agani’s beauty.

“Such a young Archbishop?” Colin looked at Scholar Doan incredulously.

Considering that the title of Archbishop was in charge of the entire Northern Diocese, this woman seemed to be barely in her twenties.

Despite the assumption that age and ability were not necessarily correlated, it was astonishing that someone of her age could occupy such a high position within a perfect system.

Scholar Doan earnestly nodded, indicating that he hadn’t made a mistake: “I heard that she is only twenty-four but the Pope favors her immensely. The speed of her promotion is truly astonishing.

The situation in the North Territory has been unsettled, and the personnel changes in the Church’s North Territory is equally vigorous. Archbishop Agani took office only at the beginning of this year.”

A flicker of understanding crossed Colin’s face, “So, this woman must be supporting Joyce, right?”

“That should be the case.”

As he was gossiping with Scholar Doan, Colin was taken aback when he saw that Archbishop Agani was advancing towards him.

“Good evening, Viscount Angler!”

The beautiful female priest arrived in front of Colin, curtsied, and then smiled charmingly.

In a flash, it was as if a peacock was spreading its tail, the banquet hall suddenly brightened.

All the men present were awestruck, their hearts racing and tongues parched. They wished to replace Colin and to stand before the Archbishop.

But soon, Agani retracted her smile and resumed her previous indifferent and distant expression, like an angel descended to the ordinary world, looking down at her believers.

“Good evening, Archbishop Agani!”

Colin greeted calmly, but his mind was on full alert.

This woman was as seductive as a poppy flower, full of deadly allure. If one were not careful, she may pull them into an endless abyss.

No wonder she became an Archbishop at a young age. She is indeed formidable!

“I heard that you are a kind lord, not only providing food for the slaves during the famine but also arranging for someone to teach the slave children.” Agani’s voice was clear and slight lazy, like a girl who just woke up from her mid-summer nap, acting coquettishly to her lover.

Colin’s eyes shifted behind Agani and predictably found the figure of the retired High Priest. It was evident that the former main priest of Ice Rock City had informed Agani about everything.

“Your Grace has praised me too much. These are just my duties as the lord of Ice Rock City.”

Agani was just about to speak when another small figure entered from the hall’s entrance.

Yet, this small figure caused all the nobles present to bow and salute in unison.

Obviously, the official “master” of Lion Roar Castle – Joyce St. Hilde, had arrived.

Colin hastily put down his food plate and bowed to the host of today’s banquet.

Then, Colin glanced at the clock on the wall – this young man, was tardy.

Was it intentional, or…

“Viscount Angler!”

As Colin was quietly criticizing inside his heart, he heard Joyce calling his name.

“Master Joyce!” Colin quickly stepped forward, feeling a bit bewildered.

With his head held high, Joyce roared angrily, “You went too far!”

Colin’s heart gave a lurch.

What?

Coming to attack right away, huh?