The First Vampire

“Oh merciful Lord of Glory, we gather here today to offer prayers for Duke Cyrus St. Hilde, who has completed his journey in this world and finally returns to our Lord’s embrace…”

In the solemn and quiet mausoleum, the devout voice of Archbishop Agani echoed.

The morning sunlight streamed through the stained-glass dome, casting a rainbow of light within the mausoleum.

One of the most sacred places within Lion Roar Castle, here lays the remains of generations of Duke St. Hilde.

Today, a new member will be welcomed here.

Indeed, the funeral for Duke St. Hilde has been somewhat hastily arranged.

Just as the North Territory was calming down from the turmoil, the new Northern Duke had yet to formally inherit the title, and both nobles and commoners were yet to be placated. But Colin had immediately requested Archbishop Agani to officiate for Duke St. Hilde’s funeral.

After all, each day this “remain” of the Duke was not buried, Colin found no peace in his heart, always fearing that some mishap might destabilize the carefully maintained stability.

Moreover, Colin planned to use this opportunity to summon the various lords of the North Territory to Winterfell City, notifying them of the Duke’s will stating Vera as the first inheritor.

Of course, for Vera to officially become the Northern Duke, she still needs to be conferred by Emperor Reinhardt. However, now with Duke St. Hilde’s will, Vera has been given a decisive advantage.

Furthermore, Scholar Doan had already prepared a response plan for Emperor Reinhardt and the Senate.

From the dust you came, and to the dust you will return!

May your soul find respite in the halls of the Lord!”

As Archbishop Agani finished her prayers, four knights of the St. Hilde family stepped forward and slowly lifted the Duke’s coffin toward the center of the mausoleum.

As he had been a Holy Knight in his lifetime, Duke St. Hilde was entitled to be buried in the central tomb within the mausoleum.

When the coffin was slowly pushed into the tomb, Vera and Joyce stepped forward in turn, scattering a handful of soil on it.

At this point, the funeral was declared over.

Only then did Colin breathe a sigh of relief.

Although he had a tacit understanding with Archbishop Agani in advance, Colin could only be certain that she would not break her word once she had fully officiated at the funeral.

Of course, Archbishop Agani’s cooperation did come with conditions.

Her condition was that the St. Hilde family would no longer pursue the Dawson Family’s betrayal.

Colin could guess what she was planning.

The Marquis Dawson was dead and Count Falcon, the eldest son and heir, was caught trying to commit blasphemy against Archbishop Agani and then captured by the Church.

To Colin, this was clearly a trap.

No matter how desperate Count Falcon was, he would not attempt to violate Archbishop Agani in the church.

The objective of Archbishop Agani should be to let Wells inherit the Dawson Family’s title.

Wells, a fervent believer and super flatterer of Archbishop Agani, would indirectly give her control over Dawson Family.

For this attempt at encroaching on the North Territory, Colin was certainly displeased. But because he needed to cooperate with the Church at this time, he had no choice but to tolerate Archbishop Agani’s little scheme.

Actually, forgiving the Dawson Family was a good thing for the St. Hilde family itself, as the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.

What the North Territory needs the most right now is stability.

The rebellion storm stirred up by the St. Sean family implicated many, some were directly involved in the rebellion, some attempted to curry favor from both sides by remaining neutral, while others had clandestine collaborations with outsiders…

In short, what the nobles of the North Territory feared the most now was whether the St. Hilde family would seek retribution afterward.

And forgiving the Dawson Family would just dispel everyone’s worries—

If even the Dawson Family, who directly participated in the rebellion, was forgiven, would the St. Hilde family continue to pursue other families’ faults?

Of course, in Colin’s view, this was only a temporary solution.

The North Territory is too weak right now and it can’t afford another turmoil, so he doesn’t plan to start another war.

But once they recuperate for a period of time and the North Territory regains its breath, he intends to sort out the North Territory thoroughly.

For instance, the Dawson Family and the Morrison Family…

Thinking about this, Colin spotted Count Morrison among the crowd who came to watch the ceremony.

This young Count maintained his usual demeanor, showing no abnormality beyond the anticipated sorrow.

But Colin knew, with eight parts out of ten certainty, this family must have been behind the theft of the Duke’s remains!

Initially, Colin had been prepared for sudden aggression from them at the funeral, but surprisingly, Count Morrison didn’t pose any threat.

What’s going on?

What did they intend to do by stealing the remains of Duke St. Hilde?

Colin had to suppress his doubts, he held Vera’s hand, and together they stepped out of the mausoleum.

Following them, a group of Northern nobles also filed out.

“Miss Vera!”

Vera stopped in her tracks as Count Morrison came running after her.

“Viscount Angler!” Count Morrison nodded allegorically to Colin.

Colin smiled but did not reply, wondering what the other party would intend.

“Count Morrison, may I help you with something?” Vera inquired softly.

“It’s like this…” Count Morrison seemed a bit awkward, “I’ve long admired Miss Nina, so… so I would like to request Miss Vera give her hand to me in marriage.”

As expected.

Colin’s heart stirred.

So, Count Morrison was indeed here to propose marriage.

But wasn’t he too hasty?

Duke St. Hilde had just been buried, and he immediately proposed marriage, which was somewhat rash.

Besides, Vera hasn’t officially inherited the dukedom yet, strictly speaking, she doesn’t have the right to marry Nina to Count Morrison.

“I’m sorry, Count Morrison.” Vera frowned, “I am not yet the master of Lion Roar Castle, I cannot dictate Cousin Nina’s marriage.”

Count Morrison quickly apologized, “Of course, I understand. So, this time, I just wanted to express my intentions. Once you inherit the dukedom, we can arrange the marriage.”

“Alright, I will consider it and consult with Cousin Nina as well.” Vera did not promise directly.

But Count Morrison didn’t know whether he had misunderstood Vera’s words or had great confidence in himself. He thanked her repeatedly and left contentedly.

“Colin, do you think I should arrange Cousin Nina’s marriage with Count Morrison?” Vera asked hesitantly.

“You can ask Nina for her opinion first.” Colin smiled and said, “Besides, there’s no rush, you can discuss this after you officially inherit the dukedom.”

“Alright.” Vera nodded, “When are we setting off for Dragon City?”

In order for Vera to formally inherit the dukedom, she needs to go to Dragon City to accept the emperor’s decree.

Colin pondered for a moment, “Let me first complete the prisoners’ exchange with the Eastern Territory and bring Marquis Garcia back. Then we can go to Dragon City. Otherwise, I won’t feel at ease leaving the North Territory without a reliable person in charge.”

Vera’s eyes lit up, and she asked in surprise, “Have you arranged a time and place for the exchange with the Eastern Territory? Can I come with you?”

“It was arranged three months ago. I had assumed that I would need to postpone it, but the timing turned out to be perfect.” Colin patted Vera’s small hand. He knew that she was worried about her father, but he shook his head and said, “I can handle the prisoner exchange on my own. You need to stay in Winterfell City. The Northern Territory has just stabilized and needs someone capable of making decisions to ensure stability.”

Vera looked disappointed and a little frightened, “Can I… can I manage the situation all by myself?”

Colin laughed and encouraged her, “Have confidence in yourself. As a St. Hilde and the first heir appointed by the late Duke, you certainly can!

Moreover, you have Scholar Doan. You can consult him on any political matters.

As for military matters, you can trust Sir Shar and Viscount Walra completely.”

Vera nodded her head and asked uncertainly, “What about Sir Nelson? Can’t I fully trust him?”

“Of course, you can trust Sir Nelson. I just meant that in the worst-case scenario, the only ones to whom you can entrust your life are Sir Shar and Viscount Walra.”

Of course, Colin couldn’t tell Vera that Shar and Walra were his bloodline and had no possibility of betrayal, while the others…

Well, it’s hard to say.

Vera nodded, indicating that she understood.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.”

“Yes, be careful on the road.”