The First Vampire

Silver Moon City returned to its former prosperity and noise, as if the previous coup and bloodshed hadn’t occurred.

However, observant individuals were able to notice a drastically different aura on the faces of the Half-Elf citizens. Compared to before, it seemed like they had completely changed their race.

Lawrence Uman noticed this change.

As the eldest son of the Uman Clan and the first successor to the count’s title, Viscount Lawrence had visited Silver Moon City a few times. Back then, the Half-Elves bowed low when they saw him, unlike now—although their attitude remained respectful, it held a taste of equality that was not there before.

“I apologise, my lord Viscount, all our food reserves have been previously booked by the Angler family.”

It’s the Angler family again!

Viscount Lawrence was vexed. He had visited numerous trade companies in Silver Moon City in the past few days, only to unexpectedly find that all of them had already been snapped up by the Angler family.

Thinking back to his previous visits to a few Half-Elf nobles—with their respectful yet distant attitude, and their vague hints—Viscount Lawrence stroked his chin and sighed quietly:

“Colin Angler, are you the true ruler of Silver Moon City now?”

“My lord Viscount, a man claiming to be Viscount Lawrence, the eldest son of Count Uman, has requested an audience with you.”

Colin was taken aback, apparently he didn’t expect to encounter a member of the Uman Clan in Silver Moon City. After a moment’s hesitation, he gestured casually for the man to come in.

Viscount Lawrence was a handsome and elegant young man, around twenty years old. He had wine-red pupils like his father, Count Uman, and an impeccable smile on his lips. Every move he made was respectful and mannerly, he certainly lived up to his distinguished standing as the eldest son of a count.

However, Colin felt irked as he looked at him. He didn’t forget that this Uman Clan was highly suspected to have conspired his assassination.

Of course, on the surface, Colin still disguised himself with a friendliness,”Viscount Lawrence, welcome to Silver Moon City!”

“Viscount Angler, thank you for your hospitality!

My father always said, you are a military genius, and it was soon proven. After the battle of Silver Moon City, your glorious victory against the East Territory’s Pegasus Army with the remnants of the Dark Cavalry and the Half-Elf Silver Moon Guards have echoed throughout the North Territory. Countless bards are singing your name!”

Complimentary words came from Viscount Lawrence. His handsome face adorned with a sincere smile, even if you knew that it’s all flattery, the recipient still felt its sincerity.

“You’re giving me too much praise. The victory in Silver Moon City was majorly due to my warriors fighting bravely. I really didn’t contribute much.” Colin invited him to sit at the round table, and had a maid bring coffee.

As Viscount Lawrence was sipping his coffee, he took in the hall’s decorations, seemingly deeply engrossed in the murals and sculptures. He revealed a satisfied smile after a while, as if he received tremendous gratification from admiring the artwork.

Colin did not have such an appreciation. To him, these famous paintings and sculptures were not as good as gold coins…

“I wonder, Lord Lawrence, what brings you to Silver Moon City? If there’s anything I can assist you with, feel free to speak.”

“Actually, it’s like this. You must have heard that the North Territory is currently suffering a famine. Naturally, the Uman Clan’s territories are no exception, hence, my father sent me to Silver Moon City this time to purchase food provisions to tide over the crisis.

However, after visiting every major trade company in Silver Moon City these few days, I realized the food was all snapped up in advance by you. Therefore, I had no choice but to compound upon my thick face and ask to buy some food from you.”

Colin put down his coffee cup and deliberately revealed a difficult expression:

“Oh, I see. I actually wish to help the Uman Clan. After all, our families are related by marriage. However, the food shortage in the Angler family territory is quite severe. Even with the current food reserves in Silver Moon City, it’s just enough. Therefore…”

Listening to Colin’s deflection, on the outside, Viscount Lawrence maintained his smile, but inside, he was already cussing—

The Half-Elf Kingdom’s agricultural level is world-renowned, and Silver Moon City has always been known as the empire’s granary. In the past, the food produced by the Half-Elf Kingdom was more than enough to supply half of the North Territory. Now it’s barely enough to supply a viscount’s territory?

You’ve got to be kidding!

“Viscount, I understand your predicament. However, the Uman Clan truly needs help right now. Here’s an idea, if you’re willing to spare some food to sell to us, I can accept any price.”

Colin’s heart leapt up, he had been waiting for these words!

He had monopolized the food in Silver Moon City and aside from supplying his own territory, he planned on selling the surplus to make a fortune. Now that a generous buyer had shown up, he certainly wasn’t going to be courteous.

“Ahem, you’re too kind. Seeing that the Uman Clan is so short on food, I can’t just stand by and watch. However, I won’t take advantage of your situation, so I will just sell it to you at the market price.”

“Thank you so much Viscount,” Viscount Lawrence quickly expressed his gratitude.

However, he understood that this so-called “market price” was surely not the market price of Silver Moon City, but of the North Territory.

But the cost of food in the North Territory had already skyrocketed…

And he still had the audacity to say he “won’t take advantage of his situation”?

Colin calmly picked up his coffee cup and said, “I will assign someone to negotiate with you. You can discuss the specific details of the deal with him.”

“Okay,” Viscount Lawrence had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Then, he asked, “Viscount, may I ask when you’re planning to return to the North Territory?”

“Queen Isa’s coronation is tomorrow, I plan to return after the ceremony.”

Viscount Lawrence didn’t seem surprised, he just smiled and reminded, “Viscount, there have been some disturbances in the North recently, please be extra careful on your journey.”

A sarcastic smile crossed Colin’s face, “With the Dark Cavalry providing protection, I would like to see who dares to cross me.”

“Ah, of course! I’m worrying too much,” Viscount Lawrence smacked his head and chuckled.

After a sip of coffee, Viscount Lawrence ventured, “Viscount, have you heard of the rumor circulating in the North recently?”

“What rumor?”

“The rumor has it, the famine in the North Territory is actually a scheme by Duke St. Hilde.”

Something stirred in Colin’s heart, understanding dawned upon him, but he kept his countenance steady, “What scheme?”

“When the trolls broke through the defense line and invaded the heart of the North Territory, it was actually a staged play by the Duke. His purpose was to lull the trolls into complacency, lure them out, and thus provide the Dark Cavalry with a decisive victory.”

Colin sipped his coffee silently, cursing in his mind, wasn’t this scheme first proposed by your father Count Uman? How come now you want to pass the buck to Duke St. Hilde?

“Didn’t you just say that it was just a rumor? There probably isn’t much credibility to it.”

“Yeah, true. However, if this rumor turned out to be true, then Viscount, do you think Duke St. Hilde should be held responsible for this famine?”

Colin blinked and after a moment of silence, he said gravely, “If it’s true, then yes, Duke St. Hilde should indeed be held accountable.”

Hearing Colin’s answer, a sincere smile finally appeared on Viscount Lawrence’s face.

The two chatted casually for a bit more, and then Viscount Lawrence took the initiative to bid farewell and leave.

Watching the receding figure of the other party, Colin was already certain

A storm was about to sweep across the North Territory!