The First Vampire

“Good morning, Miss Vera. Viscount Angler!”

“Good morning, Scholar Doan. Did the Prime Minister invite you to dine at his house yesterday?”

“Yes, the Prime Minister was very warm-hearted. I couldn’t refuse.”

“Haha, no problem. I can understand. Besides, I believe the banquet at the Prime Minister’s house couldn’t be worse than that at Phoenix Palace.”

“Indeed, it was excellent.” Scholar Doan couldn’t help smiling, then told Colin that he had spent last night nibbling sweet potatoes on the lawn with the Prime Minister.

Colin and Vera looked at each other. They hadn’t expected the eminent Prime Minister of the Empire to entertain guests in this way…

Of course, such an informal gesture, although slightly inappropriate, could highlight the familiarity and affection. ItLooks like the Prime Minister considered Scholar Doan a dear member of his inner circle.

The maid served a sumptuous breakfast. Colin didn’t overthink the Prime Minister’s quirky hospitality. He cut a juicy steak, chewed it down, then asked:

“So how did your conversation go with the Prime Minister yesterday?”

Scholar Doan didn’t answer immediately, instead telling the maids nearby: “You may step out.”

“Yes.”

When only Colin and two others remained in the restaurant, Scholar Doan began, “Generally speaking, our conversation went well. However, I have both good news and bad news.”

“Let’s hear the good news first.” Colin took a sip of milk and smiled, “A beautiful day needs a beautiful start.”

Scholar Doan set down his fork and knife, wiped his mouth with a napkin, indicating he was ready to share the news that Colin was eager to hear.

“The Prime Minister is willing to step forward at the right time and publicly declare his support for Young Master Joyce to succeed as the Northern Duke.”

Colin nodded satisfiedly at this outcome.

Vera was still somewhat perplexed, as she asked: “How is the Prime Minister’s support for Joyce good news?”

Scholar Doan chuckled and went on to explain the conflict between Baron Heidegger and the Senate.

Now Vera understood. Getting the Prime Minister to support Joyce was actually a tactic to provoke the Senate into unanimously agreeing to her inheritance of the Northern Duke.

Colin continued: “And what is the bad news?”

Scholar Doan’s expression grew grave, “There is a rapidly rising Warsong tribe among the Orcs. Westland has dispatched an expedition across the Sky Breaking Mountains to nip the threat in the bud… but so far no positive news has returned.

The Prime Minister is concerned about trouble in the Westland, but currently, the high-ranking officials in the Imperial Capital largely do not intend to send troops to aid.”

Colin’s face changed. He rifled through the knowledge of his predecessor regarding the Orcs, fully understanding the severity of the issue.

If Westland was not exaggerating, this was definitely the biggest threat the Glorious Empire was about to face.

Hearing this, Vera couldn’t help but ask: “Why are the higher-ups in the Imperial Capital not willing to send troops to assist Westland?”

Colin smirked dismissively, “Before a disaster truly strikes, most people remain wishful, thinking things won’t get that bad.”

Scholar Doan nodded in agreement, “Indeed. Until a real threat is seen, the central empire won’t easily send troops. However, besides that, there’s actually another reason.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“That’s another piece of bad news.” Scholar Doan said in a heavy voice, “Prince Lexie has asked for a declaration of war against Yevir!”

“What?” Vera exclaimed.

Having lived and studied in Yevir for over a decade, she had come to consider it as her second home. Hearing this news now, she immediately grew anxious.

“Why would that happen? Is it because of the ‘Eyes of Judgement’ Forbidden Spell? But…the Empire isn’t afraid of the magicians destroying everything in retaliation?”

Scholar Doan sighed, “Indeed it’s because of ‘Eyes of Judgement’. Prince Lexie is not one to tolerate threats. He’d rather take the risk of magicians’ retaliation and eliminate this terrible threat to the knights.”

Seeing Vera’s anxiety, Colin quickly took hold of her slightly cold hand and comforted her:

“I’m sure not everyone would have Prince Lexie’s resolve and courage. The proposal to declare war on mages may not necessarily pass.”

Scholar Doan nodded, “That’s right. There’s now a strong undercurrent in the Imperial Capital’s political scene mainly because of this proposal. Moreover, His Majesty is clearly reluctant to go to war with mages and deliberately isolates himself not wanted the proposal to pass the Imperial Conference.”

Colin smiled knowingly as he said, “I heard at the banquet yesterday that His Majesty was ill, so that’s why!”

“Most likely it is. However, even if His Majesty hides and does not show up, there is another way for this declaration of war to be implemented.”

Colin asked incredulously, “The Senate?”

“Correct!”

“Would Prince Lexie do that?” Colin asked seriously, “That means he’s completely breaking with Emperor Reinhardt.”

“When Emperor Reinhardt secretly met with Mr. Ji and reached an understanding with him, he completely offended Prince Lexie. So, I’m afraid Prince Lexie won’t care about royal dignity anymore.”

Colin’s face gradually became gloomy.

He also realized why this would be bad news for Vera.

If Prince Lexie wants to pass his proposal through the Senate without the Emperor’s approval, he must win the majority of votes.

This means that he has to convince more than two-thirds of the senators to stir up their hatred for mages.

And Vera was also a mage…

Originally, Scholar Doan’s plan was to influence the Senate’s judgment on the Duke of North Territory’s succession through the Prime Minister. But now, it seems that Prince Lexie’s actions may invalidate this plan.

Maybe Prince Lexie doesn’t care who inherits the title of Duke of North Territory, but he unknowingly stands in Vera’s way.

Moreover, if the Empire truly declares war on Yevir, those mages might retaliate in the most destructive way, regardless of whether the subjects of the Empire or the knight nobility are affected, the hatred for mages in the Glorious Empire will certainly reach a peak.

At that time, can Vera, as a mage herself, inherit the title of Duke of North Territory under such hatred?

Thinking of this, Colin announced sternly, “We can’t let Prince Lexie’s proposal pass the Senate!”

Scholar Doan also nodded and agreed, “Exactly!”

But immediately, Colin felt a headache coming on.

Originally, their plan was to use the Prime Minister’s position and use savvy tricks to win the support of the Senate. But now they found that the savvy method would not work, and they couldn’t avoid dealing with the senators one by one.

This requires incredibly deep political capital and influence.

This, too, is exactly what Vera and Colin currently lack the most.

“What ideas do you have?” Colin asked, now only relying on Scholar Doan.

After pondering for a moment, Scholar Doan spoke slowly, “The Imperial Senate has 117 members, all of whom are well-respected figures from the cadet branches of the major families of the Empire. In terms of numbers, roughly one-fifth are from each of the families of Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern territories and the Crimson Flame Territory.

Therefore, the power of the entire Senate is consistent with the power of the vassals within the Empire. The Senate also has five Governors from the five Holy Knight Families. They can greatly influence the senators of their own vassal families.

To bankrupt Prince Lexie’s proposal, we need to at least secure the support of two Governors, and use them to influence the senators of their own factions. This way, the proposal to declare war on the mages cannot obtain an absolute majority of votes.

I believe that the two most likely Governors to be persuaded by us are the St.Hilde family’s Governor in the Senate – Sebastian, and the St.Lorenzo family’s Governor in the Senate – Lattom.”

Colin’s brow remained furrowed, he knew that Scholar Doan spoke sensibly, but he also knew that these two people will not be easily persuaded.

Sebastian was from the St. Hilde family, technically Vera’s grand-uncle. He can naturally represent the interests of the St. Hilde family, but the interests of the St. Hilde family might not necessarily align with Vera’s, especially since she’s not yet the Duchess of the North Territory.

Moreover, at the dance ball last night, Queen Midela specifically warned him to not easily trust Governor Sebastian.

Although Colin wouldn’t completely trust Queen Midela, such a reminder left a slight shadow in his heart.

As for the St. Lorenzo family’s Governor Lattom… perhaps he would be more easily persuaded by Prince Lexie.

Unless, Emperor Reinhardt personally intervenes, there’s a possibility to change the stance of the St.Lorenzo Senators.

But this unpredictable Emperor… just couldn’t reassure Colin.

“Then we should visit Governor Sebastian this afternoon.” Vera voiced out.

Colin hesitated for a moment, but still did not voice his doubts.

First of all, he wouldn’t believe everything Queen Midela said, he’d rather find out for himself. Moreover, as Vera’s younger generation, it’s only natural to pay a visit to Governor Sebastian upon arrival in Dragon City, otherwise it would be rude.

“Alright, I’ll arrange for someone to send him a calling card first.”