The First Vampire

“Another war?”

Scholar Doan cried out with surprise.

Baron Heidegger nodded emotionlessly, explaining, “Prince Lexie wants to declare war on the Mage Council and attack Yevir.”

Scholar Doan fell silent.

He also understood the motivation behind Prince Lexie’s actions.

The appearance of the “Eyes of Judgement”, a Forbidden Spell, had unsettled all the knights of the empire, most notably Holy Knight Lexie.

Having personally killed Mr. Ji, he now appeared to wish to completely eradicate the Mage Council once and for all.

“Yevir won’t just give up, hasn’t Prince Lexie considered the consequences of his actions? Doesn’t he worry that the mages might choose to take him down with them in a desperate final act?”

Baron Heidegger let out a sigh, “You haven’t dealt much with Prince Lexie, so you do not understand him.

He is not someone who can be intimidated!

When Emperor Reinhardt secretly reached an agreement with Mr. Ji, thinking he could use the power of the mages to counterbalance Prince Lexie.

But alas, he did not understand — or maybe he understood but did not want to acknowledge.

If someone were to hold a sword to Prince Lexie’s throat, his first reaction would not be to compromise but to draw his own sword and strike! Even if doing so put his own life at risk.

This…this is the pride of a Holy Knight!”

Scholar Doan was momentarily speechless.

Indeed, if Prince Lexie could have been threatened into submission, he would never have overcome all the obstacles to enter the Holy Field.

So, upon learning that Mr. Ji had used a Forbidden Spell to kill Duke St. Hilde, Prince Lexie immediately went to the North Territory and resolutely executed Mr. Ji, without any concern about whether his actions might provoke retaliation from the mages.

And now, he even thought about completely eliminating the Mage Council.

Perhaps, he has already prepared for the possibility of himself being the next target of the “Eyes of Judgement” Forbidden Spell.

The mages may threaten to self-destruct, but aren’t Holy Knights known for their absolute resolve in the face of death?

Scholar Doan felt a heavy weight on his heart as he asked again: “So, has Prince Lexie’s proposal been discussed at the Imperial Conference? What was the outcome? What’s the opinion of the Senate?”

Baron Heidegger shook his head: “It has not yet been submitted to the Imperial Conference, so the attitudes of all parties are still unclear.”

“When is the Imperial Conference to be held? Was this proposal just recently made?”

“No, Prince Lexie proposed the declaration of war half a month ago, just after returning from the North Territory, but it has not yet been discussed at the Imperial Conference.”

“Why not?”

“Because…” Baron Heidegger’s brow furrowed, “because the Emperor has not attended the Imperial Conference. A matter this important cannot possibly be decided by me.”

Scholar Doan’s brow also furrowed.

In the past, he had heard that Emperor Reinhardt was not inclined to manage affairs, giving military matters to Prince Lexie, administrative matters to Baron Heidegger, and foreign affairs to Queen Midela…

In short, the Emperor seemed to be engrossed in the way of the knight, or busy chasing after the noble ladies of the Imperial Capital..

But Scholar Doan had not imagined that even with the impending declaration of war against the mages, Emperor Reinhardt would still refrain from attending the Imperial Conference. This seemed utterly absurd.

Immediately, Scholar Doan realized that Emperor Reinhardt’s absence at the Imperial Conference was likely intentional.

He clearly did not want to declare war on the mages, as he was hinging his hope on the mages to counterbalance Prince Lexie.

Therefore, faced with Prince Lexie’s domineering behavior, Emperor Reinhardt chose to—

Hide…

“Will this continue indefinitely?” Scholar Doan felt that Emperor Reinhardt’s choice was not prudent.

Baron Heidegger caught a mocking smile at the corner of his mouth, “How could Prince Lexie let this proposal be delayed indefinitely? There’s another way to mobilise the Imperial Central Army apart from having the Emperor’s command.”

“The Senate!” Scholar Doan quickly realized.

Then, he furrowed his brow even more.

The establishment of the Senate was essentially meant to limit royal authority.

There needed to be an organization capable of countering the actions of an extremely absurd emperor.

The Brilliant Constitution stipulates that as long as the Senate passes a resolution by an absolute majority (over two-thirds), the resolution can take effect directly without the emperor’s approval.

Therefore, as long as Prince Lexie could secure the support of more than two-thirds of the Senate, he would then be able to wage war on Yevir by bypassing Emperor Reinhardt.

But Scholar Doan also realised that if Prince Lexie really did this, he would be declaring an open break with Emperor Reinhardt.

“Would the Senate support Prince Lexie on this matter?” Scholar Doan asked with a heavy tone.

Baron Heidegger shrugged and made a helpless gesture, “You’re asking the wrong person. I have no way of ascertaining the true intentions of those old men in the Senate.”

Scholar Doan then realized that in his confusion, he had asked a silly question.

“However, recalling the conflict between Baron Heidegger and the Senate, Scholar Doan remembered the real purpose of his visit this time.

‘Prime Minister, in fact, I came to see you this time, hoping that you could support Lord Joyce in inheriting the Northern Duke at the right time.”

Baron Heidegger paused, about to say that he had no say in the matter of the Northern Duke’s succession, but then, he understood the real purpose of Scholar Doan’s visit.

‘Ha, so you want to use me to influence the Senate’s decision? It’s a clever move, hmm, alright, I will look for a suitable opportunity to support…’

As he was speaking, Baron Heidegger suddenly stopped, as if he had thought of something crucial.

‘Prime Minister?’ Scholar Doan called out in confusion.

‘Ahah, your way of thinking has given me a great inspiration!’ Baron Heidegger returned to his senses, his face full of excitement,

‘I was thinking, if His Highness Lexie insisted on declaring war on the mages through the Senate, I would have no way to influence the decision, especially since you know that the Senate and I are like fire and water.

But now, you have given me a new idea.

Perhaps, I really could influence the Senate’s decision in this way…’

Scholar Doan’s eyes flashed, and he too understood the Baron’s implication. He then cautiously asked: ‘So, do you support Prince Lexie’s declaration of war against the mages, or oppose it?’

‘Oppose!’ Baron Heidegger said without hesitation, ‘Now is not the best time to deal with Yevir!’

Scholar Doan nodded in agreement. He also didn’t think it was the right time to provoke Yevir.

The North Territory had just stabilized, and there seemed to be trouble brewing in the Westland. For the Empire to provoke the Mage Council at this time was not a wise move.

What’s more, Vera is a mage, and Scholar Doan is also worried that this anti-mage trend could affect the succession of the Northern Duke.

Then, Scholar Doan thought of another problem: ‘By the way, if Emperor Reinhardt always refuses to attend the Imperial Conference, he probably isn’t going to meet Miss Vera, right?’

Baron Heidegger shook his head: ‘Probably not. I’ve heard some rumours that His Majesty is ill and that the Pope himself is treating him. But it’s unclear whether this is true, or just an excuse to stall.’

Scholar Doan felt heavy at heart.

He began to feel that he and Vera and the others might have to wait a long time in Dragon City…

They would at least have to wait until the contest between Prince Lexie and Emperor Reinhardt is resolved.

This was nothing short of a dangerous political whirlpool!

If they were accidentally caught up in it…

Scholar Doan felt a headache coming on.

It seemed that Baron Heidegger had noticed Scholar Doan’s worries and asked, ‘Worried about being stuck in Dragon City for too long and the North Territory becoming chaotic again?’

‘The North Territory should not become chaotic. Marquis Garcia is in Winterfell City.’

‘That’s good.’ Baron Heidegger looked into Scholar Doan’s eyes and said seriously, ‘However, I would remind you, it’s best not to rush to arrange for Vera to see His Majesty before this fight is concluded.’

‘Why?’

Instead of giving a direct answer, Baron Heidegger slowly asked, ‘Who can most easily break free from a whirlpool?’

After thinking for a bit, Scholar Doan suddenly realized, ‘Someone without burdens!’

Baron Heidegger nodded in satisfaction with a smile, and wasn’t saying more. He just meticulously peeled a sweet potato.

His expression seemed to be like he was carefully carving a fine piece of work.

‘Did you know? The yield of sweet potatoes is far higher than wheat. I’ve always wanted to promote sweet potatoes as a substitute for wheat as a staple food, but I can’t get enough recognition.’

Scholar Doan laughed, ‘Because everyone can’t tolerate a day without bread.’

Baron Heidegger hummed lightly and said leisurely,

‘In not too long, they might not have the luxury to be picky.’

Scholar Doan nodded in deep thought, seeing Baron Heidegger eating a sweet potato with big mouthfuls, he couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity: ‘Prime Minister, tonight, Queen Midela will host a banquet in the Phoenix Palace to entertain Miss Vera and Viscount Angler. Aren’t you going?’

Baron Heidegger shook his head: ‘Not going. The food at the nobles’ banquet makes me nauseous. Only this crude food like sweet potato suits my taste.’

Scholar Doan smiled faintly and did not persuade him further. He reached over to the grill and picked up another roasted sweet potato, blowing on it while beginning to peel it.

Baron Heidegger asked when he saw this, ‘What? Aren’t you going either?’

Scholar Doan bit into the fragrant sweet potato and replied with a laugh, ‘No, I think your banquet is more attractive!’

Baron Heidegger roared with laughter, boasting,

‘You’re the second person in the entire Glorious Empire to have such a taste.’

‘Oh?’ Scholar Doan asked curiously, ‘I’m curious, who’s the other one?’

Baron Heidegger smiled faintly and named, ‘Turennes.’

Scholar Doan was taken aback.

He knew that this was the name of a Cardinal in the Glorious Church, and moreover he was the first in line to succeed among the three Cardinals!