The First Vampire

Today, Emperor Reinhardt Saint Lorenzo of the Empire of Glory will confer the title of Duke of the North Territory upon Vera St. Hilde at Phoenix Palace.

Furthermore, the Emperor will bestow the guardianship of the North Territory upon Colin Angler, in recognition of his exceptional contributions in combating the Trolls and suppressing the Northern Rebellion.

Of course, Colin knew that his appointment as Guardian of the North Territory was made possible by earning the trust of Queen Midela the previous night.

In this way, Colin would become the second most influential figure in the North Territory, empowered to control various Lords without invoking Vera’s authority.

This move was perceived as necessary, as the Emperor was concerned about Vera’s inclination towards the Church, prompted by the influence of God’s technique.

At 9 a.m., Colin and Vera began their inspection of Dragon City, escorted by the Glory Knights.

Though it was called a city inspection, they simply circled around Phoenix Palace.

The City Defense Force had already blocked off surrounding roads, prohibiting passage for vehicles and pedestrians. The children of the Imperial Capital’s nobility and family attendants could only gather on both sides of the road. All eyes were on the soon-to-be-appointed Duke of the North Territory.

Today, Vera wore a magnificent Duke’s ceremonial dress. Her hair was stylishly twisted into a popular noblewoman’s bun, adorned with an exquisite necklace of round, translucent pearls around her velvety neck. Her delicate, radiant complexion and dignified charismatic demeanor immediately drew the attention of numerous young noblemen.

Perhaps these fellows were cursing Colin in their hearts. How was it that a graceful woman, who possessed both beauty and power, had been claimed by the son of a country baron!

It wasn’t that Colin was narrow-minded and deliberately making up these interpretations about the Imperial Capital’s nobility. The glances occasionally being thrown his way from both sides of the street were admittedly full of blatant envy.

After their city patrol, Colin and Vera proceeded to Phoenix Palace.

Four knights in exquisite armor, each holding a ceremonial spear, stepped forward to flank Colin and Vera as they walked upon a carpet of golden wool.

As they entered the Main Hall, six statues of sword-wielding Angels crafted from White Glazed Rock greeted them. Their wings folded and heads bowed in reverence, these angels seemed to be paying their respects to Colin and Vera as they entered.

Passing the Angel statues, both wings of the Main Hall were filled with noteworthy figures of the Empire of Glory. Slowly, they all turned their heads towards the door, giving a nod of respect to the couple.

The Main Hall was silent aside from the echoing footsteps of the Guard of Honor knights and the upper crust couple, leading to a solemn atmosphere.

Halfway through, Colin halted and let Vera advance towards Emperor Reinhardt on her own.

The sunlight filtering through the ensuite crystal skylight in the hall’s ceiling formed a pure column of light, perfectly illuminating Vera and Emperor Reinhardt.

Surrounded by a faint golden halo of sunlight, Vera unsheathed her sword and knelt on the steps. She bowed her head, offering her sword in outstretched hands.

Emperor Reinhardt accepted Vera’s sword, placing the blade over her shoulder and said aloud:

“I, Emperor Reinhardt Saint Lorenzo of the Empire of Glory, on behalf of the Lord of Glory and our Holy ancestors, hereby appoint Vera St. Hilde as the Duchess of the North Territory. May you guard this honor with loyalty, courage, and wisdom!”

Then Vera’s clear, albeit slightly immature voice, rang out across the Main Hall:

“I, Vera St. Hilde, swear upon the noble spirits of my Golden Lion ancestors, to dedicate my loyalty to the Lord of Glory, to the great St. Lorenzo!

Your will is my guide, and your command is the belief I adhere to!”

Emperor Reinhardt nodded and returned the sword to Vera, then bestowed upon her the Duke’s seal from the tray carried by a knight standing aside.

With this, the coronation ceremony of Vera was declared concluded.

Finally, the matter of the Northern Duke was settled.

Observing the scene before him, Colin heaved a long sigh of relief.

Of course, being a duke didn’t mean everything was perfect. Colin knew that more arduous challenges awaited.

With Vera stepping aside, Colin strode up to Emperor Reinhardt and knelt down before him on one knee.

Emperor Reinhardt gazed thoughtfully at the young knight kneeling before him. His eyes flashed with a complex expression. It didn’t brighten until he heard Queen Midela cough gently behind him, and then he proclaimed aloud:

“I, Emperor Reinhardt Saint Lorenzo of the Empire of Glory, on behalf of all the Empire’s Lords and Nobles, in this holy place, grant the authority of the Guardian of the North Territory to Viscount Colin Angler.”

Subsequently, Emperor Reinhardt presented a golden dagger symbolising the Guardian’s status to Colin.

With both hands, Colin accepted it and loudly declared:

“I, Colin Angler, on this sacred land, under the gaze of the Lord of Glory, take up the duty of guarding the North Territory, and take this as an honor, from this day onwards, until the day my life ends!”

Then, Colin stood up, ready to step down, but was stopped by Emperor Reinhardt:

“Viscount Angler, the sword you wear at your waist is the Blade of Judgement, isn’t it?”

Colin paused for a moment, immediately stopped, and bowed slightly, saying, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“May I have a look?”

“Of course!”

Clang

Colin slowly drew his sword and handed it to Emperor Reinhardt.

Emperor Reinhardt held the sword with one hand, his other hand slowly gliding over the dark blade. As he skimmed across it, the flame-like pattern on it actually emitted bursts of golden light.

“Three emperors have died under this sword, haven’t they?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Indeed, three of them – the “Dark Emperor” killed by the “judge”, Duke St. Sean three hundred years ago, the Troll Emperor Murdoch killed by Duke St. Hilde five years ago, and the Troll Emperor Modo the Second who just died at Colin’s hands early this year.

Emperor Reinhardt stared at this knight sword for a while, then suddenly asked: “Do you know what the regicide said before he killed the Dark Emperor three hundred years ago?”

Colin shook his head, not understanding what Emperor Reinhardt was trying to do.

The nobles who came to observe the ceremony were also puzzled. Only Queen Midela flickered her eyes, as if pondering something.

Emperor Reinhardt suddenly made a move, the long sword drew a golden light in the air, and in the blink of an eye, it was pointed at Colin’s throat.

There were exclaims in the hall, and everyone was frightened by the Emperor’s move.

Vera was about to rush over in a hurry, but was held back by Queen Midela.

However, Colin remained still, not even blinking, as if the instrument of death in front of him that was stained by the blood of three emperors was nothing more than a harmless stick.

Seeing Colin’s calm reaction, Emperor Reinhardt flashed a hint of approval in his eyes, and said, “He said – ‘on behalf of my Lord, I give you the judgment you deserve’!”

Colin blinked, waiting for the Emperor’s next words.

As expected, Emperor Reinhardt asked again: “Do you know how the Dark Emperor responded?”

Colin shook his head again: “Please forgive my ignorance, Your Majesty.”

Emperor Reinhardt would of course not blame Colin, in fact, this part of history has been taboo all along, and none of the nobles present knew what had happened at that time.

Everyone knew that the “Judge” killed the “Dark Emperor”, but the detailed process and detailed causes have all been deliberately concealed.

Now, for some reason, Emperor Reinhardt wanted to reveal this buried history.

“The Dark Emperor said—” Emperor Reinhardt’s mouth slightly tilted, “‘You do not represent my Lord, you only represent yourself’!”

Colin narrowed his eyes, pondering the meaning this Emperor wanted to express.

After Emperor Reinhardt finished his words, he returned the Blade of Judgement to Colin and left without uttering a word.

Vera came running up, took Colin’s arm, and asked, “Colin, are you okay?”

“I’m absolutely fine.” Colin patted Vera’s arm lightly, and then headed out.

The noble guests came forward one after another, expressing their congratulations to the two rulers of the North Territory.

After dealing with this crowd, Colin took Vera out of the main hall, only to see a familiar figure in front of the stairs.

A smile of unknown meaning arose from the corner of Colin’s mouth, greeting:

“Good day, Governor Sebas!”