The First Vampire

The entire occasion was quiet, with no one speaking, as if they were all immersed in the sorrow caused by the death of Governor Lattom.

But Colin felt that everyone was probably processing the shocking news that Prince Lexie was the murderer, and what impact his potential conviction might bring.

Undoubtedly, there would be earth-shattering changes in the Empire’s political stage.

Emperor Reinhardt would truly take control of the reins of the Empire, and many noble officials would start considering which side to stand on in the future.

A few people felt that there were still many peculiarities about this murder case.

But with overwhelming evidence, a mere statement from Prince Lexie claiming “I didn’t kill Lattom” would undoubtedly be insufficient to clear his name.

However, Colin knew that before the autopsy of Lattom’s remains, the Queen had already determined that Prince Lexie was the murderer. This was not a guess based on a motive to kill, but because she knew the real cause of Lattom’s death.

Therefore, Colin was certain that this was a premeditated frame-up.

But he couldn’t figure out how the Queen managed to do it, and what the truth was behind the sword mark on Lattom’s heart.

After everyone left, Colin and Vera also left the church.

Upon exiting, Colin saw a splendid horse-drawn carriage parked at the entrance. Seeing the bright flame badge on the side of the carriage, he seemed to have a guess.

As expected, a knight from the St. Lorenzo family came over, bowed and said, “Miss Vera, Viscount Angler, Her Majesty has sent for you.”

“Alright.”

Colin held Vera’s hand as they boarded the carriage.

The interior of the carriage was spacious and elaborately decorated, with a layer of cashmere carpet laid and a soft couch on the inside where Emperor Reinhardt was leaning against. Queen Midela sat next to him, smiling at the two who just walked in.

There were benches on both sides of the carriage. Prince Harrison and Princess Judy sat on the bench on the right.

Vera and Colin hurried forward to greet and pay their respects.

Emperor Reinhardt pointed to the bench on the left and chuckled, “You two don’t have to be formal, sit.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“Vera, how long has it been since we last met?”

“Your Majesty, it’s been almost fifteen years.”

“Hehe, is that so?” Emperor Reinhardt had a nostalgic look on his face. “Last time I saw you was in Winterfell City. You were a little girl then, babbling around everywhere. I didn’t expect that you’d grow up so fast!”

“And you’re even married now.” Queen Midela added with a smile, “However, your wedding was really rushed. We didn’t even have time to prepare gifts.”

“You’re too kind, Aunt. At that time… the situation in the North Territory was too complex, which caused the wedding to be a bit rushed. It’s our fault.”

“I don’t blame you. However, it’s not too late to give the gifts now.” Queen Midela said with a smile, and then lightly tapped on the wall.

The carriage door opened again, and a serious-looking middle-aged knight came in, knelt on one knee and saluted the Emperor and Queen.

Queen Midela pointed to the knight and told Vera, “This is the gift I am giving you.”

Before Vera could understand what she meant, Queen Midela said to the knight, “Knight Fermi, I command you to swear allegiance to Miss Vera.”

“Yes!” Knight Fermi responded without hesitation, then turned to Vera, maintaining his one-knee kneeling posture, took out the sword from his waist, held it above his head, and proclaimed in a loud voice,

“I, Fermi Stone, pledge my unparalleled loyalty to the great Golden Lion – Vera St. Hilde today!

As long as I live, your will shall be my objective, where your sword points is the direction I follow!

I swear in the sacred name of the ancestral generations of the Stone family, my loyalty will forever be to you!”

Vera hesitated for a moment, then accepted the longsword, lightly tapping on Knight Fermi’s shoulder, saying, “I accept your loyalty.”

Queen Midela explained, “Knight Fermi was part of my dowry when I married into the Royal Family, prepared for me by the St. Hilde family. Now that I am returning him to St. Hilde, it’s considered a form of succession.

Also, I was really considering for Knight Fermi too. He was originally a Northern Knight. Now that he is returning to his homeland, he would definitely be able to show his full potential there, which is better than simply being the captain of my guards.”

“Aunt, please rest assured, I will definitely find a proper place for Knight Fermi and won’t waste his talents.”

“Actually, I have a suggestion about where to place Knight Fermi.”

“Please do tell, Aunt.”

“Before he accompanied me to Dragon City, Knight Fermi used to be the deputy commander of the Golden Lion Legion. After all these years, he has always wanted to return to the army. So, I hope you can give him this opportunity.”

“Alright, I will arrange for Knight Fermi to be a part of the Golden Lion Legion, and reassume the post of deputy commander.”

“I heard that the original commander of the Golden Lion Legion, Knight Nelson, has already died in battle.” Emperor Reinhardt suddenly asked.

“Yes.” Vera hesitated and didn’t disclose the real cause of Knight Nelson’s death.

Upon hearing this, Colin looked up, sensing a bad premonition in his heart.

Sure enough, Emperor Reinhardt’s next words made him clench his fists, “Since Knight Nelson unfortunately died in battle, then let Knight Fermi take over the Golden Lion Legion. I believe he is capable of leading this army.”

Vera frowned and hesitated, “But, your Majesty, I have already appointed Knight Kambening as the commander of the Golden Lion Legion…”

Emperor Reinhardt smiled and said, “Is that so? But as far as I remember, only the Northern Duke has the authority to appoint the commander of the Golden Lion Legion, right?”

Vera was left with no choice but to look at Colin for help.

Colin sighed internally, realizing this was the Emperor’s condition.

If Vera wanted to inherit the title of the Northern Duke, then she had to appoint Knight Fermi as the commander of the Golden Lion Legion.

It was clear that Knight Fermi was a pawn planted by the royal family in the North Territory.

With him as the commander of the Golden Lion Legion, it was unclear who this army might listen to in the future.

Ha, the gift from the queen, it’s the thought that counts!

But Colin also knew very well that he couldn’t reject this condition.

Just last night, Queen Midela had just said that the ruler of the North Territory does not necessarily have to be Vera.

Especially now that Prince Lexie had just been dismissed and Emperor Reinhardt held all the power, Vera had to obey his will if she wanted to inherit the title of the Northern Duke.

Therefore, he could only nod slightly, giving Vera a reassuring look, signaling her to agree first.

Vera then nodded and said, “Yes, your Majesty! You are correct, I indeed do not yet have the authority to appoint the commander of the Golden Lion Legion, so Knight Kambening is actually only the acting commander for now.

Since Knight Fermi is about to return to the North Territory, I also think it would be more suitable for him to serve as the commander of the Golden Lion Legion.”

Emperor Reinhardt then revealed a satisfied smile and returned the favor by saying, “I heard that your father left a will before his death, appointing you as his primary heir?”

“Yes.”

“Good, in that case, send the will to the Senate, and once there are no objections there, I will carry out your investiture.”

“Thank you, your Majesty!”

Only then did Colin heave a sigh of relief. After such a long hassle, Vera was finally about to fulfill her wish to become the Northern Duke.

Just then, Emperor Reinhardt turned to Colin:

“You are Viscount Angler?”