The First Vampire

“Marquis Vincent deeply regrets it upon hearing that His Majesty the King has unfortunately fallen victim to assassination.

However, he also believes that under your reign, Her Majesty the Queen, the Half-Elf Kingdom will surely have a brighter future.

Therefore, the Marquis has specially sent me to offer you a gift as a token of his respect.”

The Eastern Envoy is a middle-aged man in his forties, with a pale complexion, short beard, and his nobility rank of Viscount is indicated by the ceremonial dress he is wearing.

Viscount Auston placed an exquisite small box in front of Queen Isa, on the desk, and then respectfully stepped away.

Although his manners were impeccable, he barely bothered to conceal his condescension.

However, this kind of attitude is typical of the envoys from the Empire to the Half-Elf Kingdom so Queen Isa had already grown accustomed to it.

“Marquis Vincent is very thoughtful.”

Queen Isa expressed her gratitude with a smile, while indicating to one of her maids to open the box.

When the maid opened the box, she found a banner inside. She promptly took it out and unfurled it.

It was a military flag.

The flag of the Dark Cavalry!

There was fresh blood on it, and there were burn marks on the bottom left corner.

Although it was only a flag, Queen Isa saw in her mind’s eye the grim scene of a fierce battle in the Shadow Gorge.

At the same time, a wave of anger welled up within her.

Of course, Queen Isa had no emotional attachment to the Dark Cavalry, but she was fully incensed by the arrogant attitude of the Eastern Envoy.

By giving her this flag, he was clearly indicating-

The forces in the North Territory have been extinguished by us, be savvy and accept our Eastern overtures.

Viscount Auston maintained his expression, with an irrefutable fake smile on his face, his eyes neither happy nor angry, watching Queen Isa attentively.

A radiant smile suddenly bloomed on Queen Isa’s face. She had sensed malicious intent from this eastern envoy right from the start and she now studied him intensely, praising:

“I never expected that Marquis Vincent, in his tender age, would have such a high level of military expertise. Even the renowned Dark Cavalry was defeated by him. Truly, a young man of valor!”

Viscount Auston laughed modestly, “Your Majesty flatters me. The Marquis was merely concerned that the Dark Cavalry would pose a threat to Silver Moon

City, thus he ambushed them en route.

It was unexpected that they would be defeated so easily. It seems the supposedly invincible Dark Cavalry, are nothing but a hollow reputation.”

Queen Isa’s smile grew even more dazzling, carrying some sort of captivating charm. Viscount Auston quickly lowered his eyes and dared not look any longer.

“On behalf of all Half-Elf Clan, I thank Marquis Vincent for reaching out with assistance and alleviating the threat posed by the Dark Cavalry to Silver Moon City.

As a token of gratitude to the Marquis, if there’s anything he needs, please feel free to mention.’

Viscount Auston raised his eyebrows, his smile unchanged, seriously saying: “There are indeed two matters that the Marquis hopes to attain the consent of

Her Majesty the Queen.”

“Please proceed.”

“Firstly, the audacious invasion of the Half-Elf Kingdom by North Territory is a crude trampling violation of the alliance treaty between both nations. Duke St. Prowse will surely report to His Majesty the Emperor, and give the just punishment to the St. Hilde Family!

I heard that this incident was triggered by Miss Vera’s marriage, so, we hope that Her Majesty the Queen could hand over Miss Vera. Then we will send her to Dragon City to face His Majesty Emperor’s judgment!

Secondly, although the Marquis has defeated the Dark Cavalry this time, there’s no guarantee that any malignant forces wouldn’t pose a threat to Silver Moon City in the future.

Therefore, in order to better assist Your Majesty in safeguarding the citizens of the Half-Elf Kingdom and to ensure long-lasting friendship between the Eastern Territory and the Half-Elf Kingdom, the Marquis is willing to undertake the defensive duties of Silver Moon City, becoming the protector of the Half-Elf Kingdom!”

Queen Isa listened quietly to Viscount Auston’s request and concluded the demands of the East this time were in essence just two – one was to hand over Vera, and the other was to station troops in Silver Moon City.

If Queen Isa agreed to these two conditions, it would mean that the Half-Elf Kingdom had completely fallen under the control of the Easterners. Viscount Auston dared to make such demands, clearly he was confident and unafraid.

In his view, with the destruction of the Dark Cavalry, Queen Isa had lost her external support.

Let alone that Silver Moon City had just experienced a coup, even if the Silver Moon Guards were still intact, could they alone confront the hundred-thousand-strong army of the East?

Queen Isa indeed did not dare to resist, she only spoke with some hesitation:

“Sir Viscount, you might not be aware, Miss Vera was once the target of an assassination attempt in the Royal Palace. Although her life was saved after great efforts, she is still severely injured and I’m afraid she cannot travel a long distance.”

“I see.” Viscount Auston laughed, it was unclear whether or not he saw through the Queen’s excuse, “Please rest assured. When Marquis Vincent went on his expedition, he invited a bishop to accompany his army. When he arrives at Silver Moon City, he will provide Miss Vera with the best treatment.”

“Then I am reassured.” Queen Isa smiled.

“So, do you have any other opinions on Marquis Vincent’s demands?” Viscount Auston continued to question.

He was obviously coercing Queen Isa to state her position clearly.

Queen Isa was furious inside, but her face was still full of smiles: “I have no other opinions. I am extremely grateful that Marquis Vincent is thinking of the welfare of the Half-Elf Kingdom.”

Upon hearing this, Viscount Auston’s insincere smile finally showed a trace of sincerity: “Your Majesty, you have made the correct choice for the Half-Elf Kingdom.”

The arrogant attitude of the other party completely destroyed Queen Isa’s interest in conversation. Thus, she stood up and smiled: “Sir Viscount must be very tired from his long journey. Rest up first, I’ll host a banquet for you tonight.’

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

After Viscount Auston left, Queen Isa sent away the attendants in the hall.

Then, Colin finally came out from behind the curtain.

“Have these Easterners alwavs been so arrogant?” He sat down on the throne without any restraint, his mouth full of sarcasm.

Queen Isa smiled enchantingly and sat directly on Colin’s lap.

Wrapped her arms around Colin’s neck, she said in a half-coquettish, half-venting tone, “Can’t help it, a small kingdom like Half-Elf can only bow down like this before an imperial envoy.”

Colin pulled Queen Isa’s plump body into his arms, taking a deep breath.

The fragrance calmed his vexed mind slightly.

“Don’t be afraid, that Vincent is just a petty man who plays tricks. Watch how I’ll deal with him!”

“Mmm.” Queen Isa pressed her face against Colin’s chest, as if she was listening to his heartbeat.

Colin caressed Queen Isa’s smooth back and suddenly said, “Speaking of which, the envoy from the East didn’t mention the remnants of the Dark Cavalry in their demands, so, they probably don’t know that eight thousand of the Dark Cavalry have withdrawn into Silver Moon City.”

“Mmm, they probably don’t know yet. However, the movement of the Dark Cavalry entering the city was so big, all the Half-Elf nobles know, it’s impossible to keep this secret from the Easterners for long.”

“That’s right. But we can manipulate how this information is leaked to Viscount

Auston.”

“You have another good idea?”

“Yes, but that’s not the focus right now.”

“Then, what is the focus right now?”

No sooner had Queen Isa’s question left her mouth, that she found herself being silenced.

The Half-Elf throne, which had carried a thousand years of power struggles, was now witnessing a battle that was far more primal and intense..