The First Vampire

In Pine Forest Town, the rebellion was not entirely quelled.

However, under the suppression of the Lomba family’s military force, the rebel army’s momentum has been thoroughly crushed. According to this trend, it would not be long before this rebellion would be completely subdued.

Some of the rebelling commoners also perceived the dire situation and flocked to the city gate, preparing to flee from Pine Forest Town with the wealth and food they had looted overnight.

The Lomba family’s military force, seeing this, did not interfere. They were understaffed at the moment and their primary concern was securing the town. They could hardly take care of the fleeing rebels who, in escaping, would actually alleviate their pressure.

However, just as the rebels had successfully opened the east gate of the town preparing to charge out, a low horn sounded in the distance.

Then, the thundering sound of hooves rolled in, making the ground of Pine Forest Town tremble. A densely packed cavalry filled the wilderness outside the town in an instant.

The rebels who had never witnessed such a magnificent cavalry charge were instantly scared into scrambling back into the town. It seemed that compared to these menacing cavalry, the Lomba family’s military was as harmless as lambs.

“The Dark Cavalry is here to quell the rebellion under the command of Viscount Angler!”

Knight Logh, who had charged to the outskirts of Pine Forest Town, roared. Regardless of whether the Lomba family was willing to accept their assistance, he led the densely packed cavalry like a sharp arrow into the town.

The following situation naturally was self-evident.

The Rebel Army that could not even stand against the Lomba family’s military had no choice but to surrender to the more fearsome Dark Cavalry.

However, the arrival of the Dark Cavalry made the Lomba family feel apprehensive.

They did not believe that the Dark Cavalry would be so kind as to assist them in suppressing the rebellion.

Moreover, the timing of the Dark Cavalry’s arrival was too coincidental.

Just like the assassination of Baron Lomba in Ice Rock City, it was filled with all sorts of coincidences.

Once there are too many coincidences, it becomes hard to believe that this isn’t a conspiracy plotted by someone behind the scenes.

When Colin entered Pine Forest Town, the rebellion in the town had essentially been quelled.

The Lomba family welcomed this forceful young Viscount into their castle with trepidation.

“Viscount, we thank you for extending a helping hand this time. The Lomba family will forever be grateful.” White followed behind Colin carefully, expressing his gratitude respectfully.

The wolf-like threats emanating from the Dark Cavalry caused him to feel an intense threat. Therefore, despite being full of doubts about Viscount Angler, White dared not reveal his suspicions at all.

“Knight White, there’s no need to be so formal! As for your father’s death, I too bear the responsibility of failing to protect him, so, this time assisting in quelling the rebellion can be considered my apology to the Lomba family.”

Colin spoke courtesy, but after entering the castle hall, he unceremoniously took the seat at the head of the table.

White’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t dare say anything more.

The careful Lomba family’s butler probed, “Viscount, may I ask how many days you plan to stay in Pine Forest Town? So we can arrange your reception appropriately.”

“There’s no need for any special arrangements,” Colin waved his hand with a smile, “I’m leaving today.”

White’s eyes lit up. He suddenly felt that maybe he had misunderstood Viscount Angler.

But the very next second, he immediately dismissed this naive notion, because Colin continued to say:

“However, Knight Logh will stay, and a portion of the Dark Cavalry will stay as well, to prevent another rebellion from breaking out in Pine Forest Town.”

“Viscount, we appreciate your goodwill, but the protection of Pine Forest Town is the responsibility of the Lomba family. We are capable of handling it ourselves, without your ”

“Knight White,” Colin interrupted White directly, “you’re not yet the lord of Pine Forest Town, are you?”

“I ?indeed am not ”

Although White was the legitimate eldest son of Baron Lomba and the first in line to inherit the barony, strictly speaking, until he was formally appointed by Duke St. Hilde himself, he could not be considered the lord of Pine Forest Town.

Colin spread his hands out and said, “So, your primary task now is to go to Winterfell City to accept the Northern Duke’s appointment, not to prattle around here with me, bragging about your ability to protect Pine Forest Town.

I’m not questioning your ability, but your qualification!”

White opened his mouth, wanting to argue, but Colin gave him no chance. He once again spoke in a menacing tone:

“And besides, Knight White, had my troops not come to aid the Lomba family quell the rebellion, it’s uncertain whether you could have held Pine Forest Town on your own!

According to the Law of the Lord, if you lose Pine Forest Town, what right do you have to inherit your father’s nobility?”

At this point, White could no longer hold back, and retorted loudly, “Viscount! You can’t question the Lomba family’s ability! Even without the help of the Dark Cavalry, we can hold Pine Forest Town! As for whether I’m qualified to inherit the barony, that’s for the Northern Duke to decide!”

Colin chuckled and waved his hand, indicating for White to calm down, and said candidly: “So that’s why I said, your primary task now is to go to Winterfell City to meet the Duke. Rest assured, I have no intention of competing with the Lomba family for ownership of Pine Forest Town.”

“If you have no intention of occupying Pine Forest Town, then please take your army away.”

“Knight White, you are truly narrow-minded. The reason I am leaving the army here is genuinely to help you hold Pine Forest Town. Don’t rush to refuse! Don’t you need your family’s army to escort you to Winterfell City? You should know that the North Territory is not very peaceful now.

If the family’s army is taken away, aren’t you worried that the rebellion in Pine Forest Town will resurface?”

Only then was White rendered speechless, seemingly feeling that there was some truth in Colin’s words.

Seeing this, the long-standing butler of the Lomba family quickly stepped forward and said, “Viscount, thank you for your kindness. However, the Lomba family also don’t wish to owe too many favors so it would be best for us to sign an agreement and determine the conditions and compensation for your help in protecting Pine Forest Town.”

Only then did White react, nodding repeatedly and saying, “Yes, yes! Viscount, let’s sign an agreement.”

Colin giggled inwardly, seeing through the Lomba family’s intentions at a glance.

They wanted to put the conditions of the garrison agreement into writing, so that Colin could not openly plot to take over Pine Forest Town.

However, what the Lomba family doesn’t know is that Colin had no intention of occupying the small town in the first place.

“Very well. However, as compensation for this campaign to suppress the rebellion and the subsequent aid in maintaining stability, I need ten years of logging rights in the northern forest area of Pine Forest Town.”

“Ten years?” White exclaimed, shaking his head repeatedly, “Too long, Viscount, I can only give you three years of logging rights!”

The northern forest area of Pine Forest Town could be considered the Lomba family’s money tree. The red pine trees produced there could serve as excellent construction timber, and a kind of pine resin they produce is an extremely expensive medicinal ingredient.

“Knight White, until you accept the Duke’s appointment and become the lord of Pine Forest Town, you don’t have the right to bargain with me. For the time being, Pine Forest Town will be guarded by the Angler family.”

White had to swallow his humiliation and anger, and bowed his head, “Alright, we’ll trouble you then Viscount. I will set off for Winterfell City and meet the Duke!”

Only then did Colin reveal a satisfied smile.

Looking past the Lomba family, he looked in the direction of Winterfell City, thinking to himself–

Duke St. Hilde, it’s time for you to receive guests now.