The First Vampire

Furthermore, this was Marquis Vincent’s second time entering the palace as a prisoner.

An indescribable disgrace gnawed at the heart of Marquis Vincent like a poisonous snake, forcing him to question—was Colin Angler his destined nemesis?

He had thought that by coming to Silver Moon City, he could wash away his previous shame, but he hadn’t expected…

When Marquis Vincent finally saw Colin in the main hall, he was playing with a baby girl in his arms.

Upon seeing Marquis Vincent, Colin attempted to pass his daughter to a maid so she could be taken to Isa but the little one seemed to love him so much that she instantly burst into tears the moment she left Colin’s arms. All attempts to separate them thus far had failed.

Feeling both helpless and somewhat smug, Colin had no choice but to continue holding his precious daughter while he addressed Marquis Vincent,

“Sorry, the little one’s quite clingy.”

Trissley looked at Colin with a meaningful smile and said, “Dear Count, it seems the princess likes your scent.”

Marquis Vincent simply rolled his eyes in response, choosing not to say a single word.

In his eyes, Colin was deliberately showing his disregard for him.

Rhythmic taps on the back of Sylv eventually soothed her as Colin paced around the hall. He then turned to Marquis Vincent.

“Sir Marquis, we meet again.”

Colin was in an excellent mood. Not only because he had captured Marquis Vincent again, but also because Vincent had “brought” two fifth tier knights with him.

The two knights were now held by the Blood Knight Army, waiting for Colin to turn them into blood slaves.

This significantly bolstered the strength of Colin’s Blood Shadow Guard. With the impending addition of these two, his forces would comprise of two sixth tier, four fifth tier, and over three hundred other ranked professionals.

This formidable fighting force could challenge even the most prestigious Holy Knight Family.

Of course, barring a scenario where the Holy Knight Family has any living Holy Knights.

Moreover, with the capture of Marquis Vincent, Colin could negotiate a rich exchange with the Eastern Territories…

Marquis Vincent’s lips twitched disdainfully. “You just got lucky.”

Colin laughed heartily, pointing at Trissley, “Is that the favor of the Goddess of Fate?”

Trissley, in return, responded reverently, “Yes, Count, you, Her Majesty the Queen, and Princess Sylv are all blessed by the Goddess. You are the hope for the prosperity of the Half-Elf Kingdom!”

Marquis Vincent scoffed, addressing Colin, “I advise you to be careful of this woman, she is a snake, a traitor, one who repays kindness with revenge. She’s devoid of honor and bottom lines. I wonder how the Goddess would have a follower like her!”

Trissley remained unperturbed in the face of Vincent’s disparaging remarks, as if they didn’t harm her at all.

Colin watched Trissley with interest, waiting for her counterarguments and explanation, but to his surprise, the high priestess had no plans to respond.

For a moment, Colin found it hard to discern the high priestess’s intentions.

But, he didn’t pay it too much mind.

Since Trissley had helped Colin capture Marquis Vincent, he would not hold her past mistakes against her.

Of course, this didn’t mean Colin would trust her, nor did it mean he would agree to any of her conditions.

Like a used tissue, once its purpose is served, it can be discarded.

Trissley did not know whether she was unaware that she had no more use value in Colin’s eyes, if by this she had just accepted her fate, or if she was confident in her ability to earn the trust of Colin. In any case, she still kept her silence.

Yet, Marquis Vincent seemed dissatisfied. He asked, “I previously promised this woman the control of faith throughout the Half-Elf Kingdom, but she still betrayed me.

So, Colin Angler, what did you promise her?”

Colin shrugged, saying, “I didn’t promise anything.”

Marquis Vincent sneered as though he thought Colin was lying.

Unexpectedly, Trissley spoke up, “That’s right. This is my gift to Count Angler, not expecting any return.

“This is impossible!” Marquis Vincent couldn’t accept this outcome.

Trissley didn’t say anything more but instead stared intently at Sylv in Colin’s arms, as if that was the real reason for her change of stance and all she sought in return.

Colin may have not known what ultimate plan this high priestess had, yet he didn’t ask more. Instead, he turned to Marquis Vincent and asked:

“Vincent, you’re my prisoner again. Now, what is Eastland willing to give in exchange for your release?”

Marquis Vincent snorted, “What do you want?”

Colin touched his chin, pondered for a moment, and then said, “I want fifteen Heavy Battleships, one hundred eighty Light Sailing Battleships, and two hundred Medium Transport Ships.”

Upon hearing this, Marquis Vincent laughed out loud. Mockingly, he said, “Count Angler, it seems like you are trying to make the St. Prowse Family give the entire Pegasus Navy as a gift.

Colin shrugs and laughs, “I think if the price wasn’t high enough, it would be an insult to you as the first in line to inherit the Duke of the Eastland.”

“Heh, my father has three kids who can inherit the nobility, but the St. Prowse family only has one navy,” sneered Marquis Vincent, “Count Angler, tell me, what do you think my father will choose?”

Colin thought for a moment, seemed to see the reason in Marquis Vincent’s words and suggested, “How about this, you write a letter yourself to ask Duke St. Prowse how many battleships he’s willing to give up for your release.

Just a reminder, if there aren’t enough battleships, I may not release you so easily.”

“Fine.” Marquis Vincent nodded stiffly.

Seeing this, Colin opened his mouth again, “Oh right, Marquis Vincent, as I recall, your younger brother, Count Evan, is currently in the North Territory. What do you think, if he learned about your capture, would he try to find a way to thwart your release?”

The corner of Marquis Vincent’s mouth twitched a couple of times as he became conscious of his dangerous situation. He immediately replied saying, “I will write the letter to my father as soon as possible and request him to give a suitable offer that will satisfy you.”

“That’s more like it.” Colin nodded with a smile.

By this time, he noticed that Sylv in his arms had fallen asleep. He lowered his head and kissed the little guy’s forehead, saying affectionately:

“Alright, it’s nap time now. It’s time to rest.”

Having said this, Colin carried Sylv into the hall, ignoring Marquis Vincent and Trissley.

Marquis Vincent looked at Trissley who was standing next to him, and suddenly let out a cruel smirk, “Trissley, I’ve noted down this score. The St. Prowse family won’t let any traitor go so easily!”

Upon hearing this, Trissley calmly turned around. Stoically staring into the eyes of Marquis Vincent, she said quietly,

“You don’t represent the St. Prowse family.”

This sentence seemed to hit Marquis Vincent where it hurt the most, making his face turn dreadfully grim in an instant.

However, knowing his current predicament, he didn’t flare up. He just buried the hatred deep in his heart and growled,

“Trissley, we will wait and see!”