The First Vampire

With this, he had gained the second sixth-rank blood slave in his Blood Shadow Guard, a cause for celebration indeed.

Frankly, he had indeed harbored intentions towards Capen previously, otherwise he wouldn’t have sent the blood slave, Lucien, to Alfalfa City in an attempt to capture a fifth-rank blood slave. Unexpectedly, Capen had kept his true strength hidden.

Regrettably, due to his overconfidence, Capen had fallen into the trap set by Orlando alone, and even chose the most foolish method to contend with Lucien. Otherwise, Lucien alone, though unlikely to lose to Capen, would have had no assurance of capturing him.

After looking at Capen for a while, Colin suddenly felt that this man might be an important chess piece the Eastern Region has placed in Alfalfa City.

After all, sixth-rank warriors were not commonplace, and even Duke St. Prowse could not ignore such people. It’s important to note that the Eastern Region had no Holy Field powerhouses.

The sixth-rank is the pinnacle.

Looking at it this way, Alfalfa City did hold an extremely critical role in the Eastern Region’s plans. Otherwise, Capen wouldn’t have concealed his strength and resigned himself in such a place.

With this in mind, Colin suddenly felt that Orlando may not easily fool the Eastern Region and replace Capen as the leader of Alfalfa City’s underground forces.

However, he didn’t care about these matters now.

Alfalfa City has never been a strategic point in Colin’s plans. Even if the Eastern Region regains control, it won’t make a huge difference. The fact that he was able to gain a sixth-rank blood slave this time was already a massive win.

As for Orlando, it will depend on his own fate. If he can overcome the hurdle, it would certainly be a pleasant surprise for Colin. If not… it simply meant he was out of luck.

In such a strictly hierarchical world, it is indeed difficult for commoners to rise in rank.

Colin wouldn’t change his strategy or waste his resources for a mere thief leader.

In short, Orlando’s next moves will depend solely on himself. Colin hopes to see another pleasant surprise in the not too distant future.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Capen had already put on a full suit of armor under Colin’s direction, concealing himself completely.

Thump! Thump!

Slapping the helmet on Capen’s head twice, Colin revealed a triumphant grin.

Now with two sixth-rank warrior blood slaves, Colin felt ready to consider the plan of hunting a sixth-rank knight.

Of course, before that, Colin first needed to ensure control over the Half-Elf Kingdom.

After settling Capen, Colin left the basement.

The basement led directly to the Queen’s study, but, considering Queen Isa was nearing her time to give birth, Colin forbade her from working and sent her to rest.

Only Kathy Savoy, Colin’s half-elf maid, was left in the study at this time.

During this trip to Silver Moon City, Colin had brought Kathy along, to give her an opportunity to visit home once again.

However, this half-elf maid did not visit the Savoy family’s manor even once after arriving in Silver Moon City, as if she had completely severed ties with them.

Seeing Colin ascend from the basement, Kathy hurriedly poured him a cup of coffee, and reported, “Sir, Duke Modewen came looking for you earlier. Since you were not around, he left a note.”

Colin nodded, acknowledging that he understood.

Although Queen Isa had returned to Silver Moon City, she was about to give birth, and most of the affairs of the Half-Elf Kingdom were still being handled by Duke Modewen.

However, Duke Modewen reported to Colin every day.

Obviously, he knew very well whose hands the power of the Half-Elf Kingdom currently lay in.

Colin sat down at the desk, sipped his coffee, and began reviewing the note left by Duke Modewen.

In it were listed all the kingdom affairs handled by Duke Modewen, with a repeated warning to Colin that a not insignificant rebellious force had gathered in Silver Moon City and were scheming.

Reading this, Colin couldn’t help but smile inexplicably.

Duke Modewen had warned him about the rebellious force numerous times, even suggesting they be arrested before making a move, so as not to disturb the Queen’s childbirth.

But, Colin did not agree, instead asked Duke Modewen to remain calm and patient.

This time, Colin’s indulgence towards these rebels was meant to lure all Half-Elves disgruntled with Queen Isa into the open. Then, Colin could capture them all at once, preventing future problems.

Moreover, with the Blood Knight Army in the city, Colin didn’t worry that the situation would get out of his control. Even if the Silver Moon Guards were completely subverted, Colin was confident he could suppress them by force.

What he was somewhat anxious about now, was whether someone might attempt to harm the Queen and the child about to be born.

Because of this, Colin had replaced all the Queen Isa’s bedchamber guards with the Blood Shadow Guard.

Given the current combat power of the Blood Shadow Guard, unless a figure from the Holy Field appeared, or tens of thousands of soldiers stormed into the Half-Elf Palace, no one would be able to approach Queen Isa.

The only thing he needed to be vigilant of were the doctors and maids who would deliver Queen Isa’s baby.

However, these doctors and maids were personally selected by Isa, so they should all be loyal and reliable.

With that thought, Colin put down the letter, about to leave the study, when he saw that Kathy still stood there, apparently wanting to say something.

“Kathy, is there anything else you want?”

“Master, there’s something I need to report to you.”

“Speak.”

Kathy carefully raised her head to look at Colin and timidly said, “Master, yesterday, Baron Savoy tried to make contact with me.”

Colin knew the Baron Savoy Kathy spoke of was probably her cousin. When Kathy previously helped Colin lure the Pegasus Army to attack Silver Moon City, Colin had promised to reward the Savoy Family with a barony once the plan succeeded.

However, Kathy preferred to be Colin’s maid than to become a Baroness of the Half-Elf Kingdom. Consequently, her cousin assumed the role.

“What does he want with you?” Colin smiled, seemingly realizing something.

“He…” Kathy hesitated for a moment, but she honestly replied, “He is asking me who the midwife for Her Majesty the Queen is.”

Colin’s eyes narrowed immediately.

Seeing this, Kathy quickly explained, “Master, rest assured, I didn’t tell him anything.”

Colin nodded approvingly, “You did very well. However, I suggest you go back to the Savoy family once. If Baron Savoy asks again, tell him the identity of the midwife.”

“But… but…” Kathy hesitated, clumsily stammering.

Smiling, Colin walked up to Kathy, lightly patted the small maid’s shoulder and said,

“You can go and do it without worry, I have already made arrangements. Actually, I am also very curious to see what tricks they can pull.”

“Yes, master.” Kathy nodded, though her eyes were inevitably filled with desolation.

Understanding that Kathy was worried about her family, Colin comforted, “You’ve been with me for so long, you should understand that I’m not a murderous man. So, your Savoy family’s lineage will not be severed.

Rather, after weeding out some bad elements, your family could have a better development.”

“Master, I understand now!” Only then was Kathy relieved, and she left after nodding.

Watching her retreating figure, Colin laughingly muttered,

“I have given you an opportunity, but please, don’t disappoint me too much!”