The First Vampire

The news of the Duchess’s death swept through White Dew Fortress like a whirlwind.

Wherever it passed, it was met with people, shocked, horrified, and at a loss at what to do.

Especially the nobles gathered at the entrance of White Dew Fortress, in their shock, they all began to worry about their own safety.

First, Count Angler was assassinated, then Marquis Vincent was killed, and now even the Duchess has not been spared…

In their eyes, White Dew Fortress had become an extremely dangerous place, and the idea of escaping could no longer be suppressed.

“Please open the gate and let us leave!”

“Exactly, if the St. Prowse family can’t ensure the stability and safety of White Dew Fortress, what right do they have to keep us here against our will!”

“I intend to leave today, who dares to stop me!”

Faced with the surging mob of nobles, some of whom had even started to violently storm the gate, the guards were at a loss.

Sir Warren, the captain of the White Dew Fortress guard, had also left to investigate upon hearing the news of the Duchess’s death.

Without Sir Warren, and with the news of the Duchess’s death causing panic among the guards, they dared not stop the nobles, allowing them to storm the castle gates and leave.

Once they were outside, the nobles finally seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, but before they could get far, they saw a figure standing in the middle of the street as if waiting for them.

“Count Evan?”

“Distinguished guests, has the St. Prowse family failed to serve you well? Why are you leaving so hastily?” Count Evan asked with a broad smile.

The Eastern nobles exchanged glances, and then, one of the viscounts stepped forward and said:

“Count Evan, it’s not that we do not wish to stay in White Dew Fortress, but it is evident that the St. Prowse family has… some issues within. To avoid further chaos and unnecessary misunderstandings, we have decided to leave first.”

“Issues? What issues have arisen within White Dew Fortress?”

The nobles retold all the incidents of death that had occurred in White Dew Fortress.

After listening to their accounts, Count Evan’s expression remained unreadable, and he simply said:

“You all, the St. Prowse family is indeed facing some difficulties now, but are you all planning to abandon it because of this? Have you all forgotten your oaths of loyalty?” ṙ₳Ν𝘰₿ЁṦ

Such questions instantly caused the Eastern nobles to stir.

Some were ashamed, others indifferent, and some remained silent, pretending not to hear…

Count Evan’s gaze slowly swept over the Eastern nobles, taking in their expressions.

He was neither disappointed nor angry, because he was well aware that loyalty, in essence, is like a beautiful vase; It adorns the surface well, but when the storm comes, it often shatters to pieces.

However, not all vases are destined to fail at withstanding the storm, as long as you can show them benefits and hope.

“What are you panicking about? The St. Prowse family has weathered all sorts of storms, are you losing confidence because of these minor issues?”

Count Evan’s gaze once again swept over the Eastern nobles, but this time, besides scrutiny, there was encouragement and expectation.

“I have confidence in stabilizing the situation in White Dew City, but I need your help.

Those who trust me, can stay. Those who don’t, can leave.

It is your choice.

Of course, to those who choose to stay, I, on behalf of the St. Prowse family, solemnly promise—

Loyalty will be rewarded!”

After saying these words, Count Evan turned his back to the nobles, indicating that he would not interfere with their choice.

The nobles immediately stirred.

Many seized this opportunity to sneak away.

But even more stayed.

Because they realized something from Count Evan’s confident attitude and his implied promise—

Count Evan is now the first-line successor to the Duke of the Eastern Realm!

If they were to lend a hand now, they would certainly receive substantial rewards once Count Evan successfully assumes the duchy.

Contrarily, if they leave now, they would be seen as traitors. Once Count Evan becomes the Duke of the Eastern Realm, retribution and suppression would be unavoidable.

If the Duchess were still alive, many of the Eastern Realm’s nobles might hesitate. But, the likelihood of Count Evan’s succession is greater than ever before.

A moment later, Count Evan turned around revealing a sincere smile to the remaining Eastern Realm nobles, declaring:

“Congratulations, you’ve made the correct choice!”

A noble came forth, declaring:

“My lord, we believe that you can bring stability and prosperity to the Eastern Realm, so, whatever you need us to do now, just say the word!”

Count Evan gave a small nod, not beating around the bush, and bluntly stated:

“I need you to immediately gather your armies and attack the Pegasus Army!”

All Eastern Realm nobles present were taken aback.

“My lord… Are you mistaken? Shouldn’t we be suppressing the betrayed Nicoll Family’s army instead of attacking the Pegasus Army?”

Count Evan shook his head and solemnly said:

“No. The real traitors are the Pegasus Army, and the Nicoll Family is the force that remains loyal to the St. Prowse Family.”

At this point, the more perceptive nobles finally understood—

The Pegasus Army consists of forces loyal to Duke St. Prowse, Marquis Vincent, the Duchess, and even Sir Evan, but none of these forces were loyal to Count Evan.

Therefore, this main force of the St. Prowse Family, is fundamentally not an aid to Count Evan. On the contrary, it may even hinder his succession to the duchy of the Eastern Realm!

After a round of discussion, even the slower nobles understood. One by one they agreed with Count Evan’s proposal.

They were fearful of engaging the Blood Knight Army, but were indifferent about dealing with the Pegasus Army, especially given its recent rebuilding and weakened battle power.

And so, at Count Evan’s command, the nobles dispersed, each returning to gather their respective armies.

Count Evan stood alone before the White Dew Fortress, hesitating momentarily before deciding against entering.

Now that he had convinced the lords to gather their troops and attack the Pegasus Army, Count Evan felt there was no need for him to venture into the White Dew Fortress.

The situation inside the castle was too complicated, too dangerous. At least until he had stabilized the situation within White Dew City, Count Evan would not take the risk.

As Count Evan turned to leave, he noticed a familiar figure.

“Anna? Why are you here?”

Anna coldly looked at her brother, questioning: “Brother, do you still deny your betrayal of the family?”

Count Evan was taken aback, and patiently explained:

“Anna, listen to me. The Pegasus Army has long been the root of White Dew City’s unrest. I must…”

Anna seemed indifferent to Count Evan’s explanation. She drew her greatsword from behind and charged directly at him!

“Sister! You…”

Whoosh!

The menacing arc of the massive sword grazed past Count Evan and headed towards the shadow in the street corner!

Boom!

In the burst of crushed stone, a huge figure was forced out.

He was enveloped in blood mist, his face obscured. A pair of black bat wings stretched out more than ten meters on each side. Their enormous shadow almost covered half of the street.

Only then did a startled Count Evan turn his head, uttering in surprise:

“A Winged Knight!”

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