The First Vampire

“Colin, are the slaves in Ice Rock City always so dedicated in their work?”

Viscount Lawrence, walking in the streets, asked Colin in amusement.

The way he called Colin was indicative that the two of them have become quite well-acquainted.

One was keen on building an intentional friendship, the other was in need of help, thus, the relationship between Colin and Lawrence rapidly warmed up, quickly becoming as close as brothers who have grown up together.

“Haha, that’s because I feed them meat!”, said Colin, laughing. He didn’t disclose the real incentive for these slaves? the point system? to Lawrence.

“You really are too kind,” laughed Lawrence, then a hint of envy flashed across his face, “and too rich as well!”.

Colin shook his head, mockingly saying, ” Rich, me? I still owe the Tulip Chamber of Commerce three hundred thousand gold coins.”.

“Speaking of which…” Lawrence’s expression suddenly turned serious, “Colin, I heard that your subordinates have sealed the Tulip Chamber of Commerce’s station in Ice Rock City and arrested all those in charge there?”.

“Oh, did that happen?” Colin asked, his face full of innocence, then he turned to the knight Rego standing behind him,

“Rego, what happened?”.

Rego, a knight, scratched his shiny bald head and laughed, “Sir, indeed it happened. It was under the orders of Sir Quincy, who suspected them of tax evasion.”.

“Is that so…” Colin’s frowned in pretence, then immediately reassured Viscount Lawrence with great sincerity, “Lawrence, don’t worry, when I go back, I will definitely investigate this thoroughly and ensure that no innocent people are wronged.”.

“That puts me at ease.” Lawrence Viscount did not reveal if he saw through Colin’s trick, and coughed lightly, “Colin, my father has always valued you highly and hopes that the relationship between our two families can be even closer.”.

“I think our families are already quite close.” Colin winked, laughing , “Didn’t my sister marry Knight Walra?”.

“Yes, indeed,” Lawrence’s eyebrows wrinkled noticeably as the name Walra was mentioned.

It was as though this illegitimate son’s name had tainted his ears.

“In fact, the relationship between our two families could be even closer,” Lawrence said, his eyes filled with undisguised eagerness.

“What do you mean?”.

Lawrence suddenly chuckled suggestively, saying, “I have a younger sister who is yet unmarried, a beauty with an elegant and modest character. If you are interested, Colin, I can discuss it with my father. I’m sure he would be delighted to have a son-in-law like you.”.

After spending these days together, Viscount Lawrence determined that Colin held significant value in drawing closer. As the North Territory was on the verge of great change, he couldn’t help but make the premature offer of extending an olive branch.

Colin’s eyebrows raised, he was clearly taken aback.

The Uman Clan wanted to form a marriage alliance with the Angler family again.

What was that old money-grubber, Count Uman plotting?.

Of course, Colin didn’t know that this was actually a notion that Lawrence had on the spur of the moment, not something that Count Uman had endorsed.

“Sorry, Lawrence. As you should know, I have always had an admiration for Miss Vera, so “.

Colin declined quickly.

The Count’s daughter did not compare to the sweet-smelling Vera.

Moreover, his vigilance towards the Uman Clan hadn’t diminished at all.

“Oh what a pity,” sighed Viscount Lawrence, seemingly genuinely regretting.

But he quickly pulled himself together and wished, “Then I hope your wooing of Miss Vera goes smoothly.”.

Colin hurriedly voiced his appreciation.

As the two left the city, Viscount Lawrence laughed, indicating, “Colin, you can stop here.”.

“Alright. The North Territory has seen frequent rebellions recently, be careful on the road.”.

Viscount Lawrence waved his hand carelessly, “Don’t worry, how can those rebelling slaves be a match for the Uman Clan’s guard team.”.

Just as Viscount Lawrence was about to leave, Colin suddenly held him back and casually commented:

“Speaking of Knight Walra just now, I realized that it’s been quite a long time since I’ve seen him, my brother-in-law. I heard he was injured in the Troll War, and I was worried about him for a while. I wonder if I could invite Knight Walra, and of course, my sister, to be guests at Ice Rock City?”.

“Sure. Once I return to Fallen Eagle City, I will deliver your invitation to Knight Walra and Miss Kaitlin right away.”.

Hearing this, Colin’s smile grew even brighter.

Afterwards, the two reluctantly said their goodbyes, seemingly finding it hard to part.

Once the Uman Clan’s motorcade gradually disappeared from the city, Colin let go of his fake smile and turned to ask Sir Lyle, “Has the manager of the Tulip Chamber of Commerce spoken?”

“Yes, my lord. According to him, the hoarding of food and price increase initiated by the Tulip Chamber of Commerce were orders decreed by the headquarters.

In addition, the slave rebellion in Ice Rock City, and even in the whole of the viscount’s territory, were intricately linked to the Tulip Chamber of Commerce.”

“Hmm,” Colin pondered for a moment and then ordered, “Arrange for a meeting with him.”

“Yes, sir.”

Colin then turned his horse around and headed back into the city.

As he was passing through a residential area, he abruptly halted.

” ?So, this morning’s points still go to Cripple!” A soldier announced loudly while recording it with a goose feather pen.

“Thank you, my lord! Thank you, my lord!” Cripple’s face turned red with excitement as he expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

Upon noticing Colin standing in the middle of the road, he froze.

Cripple didn’t recognize Colin and certainly didn’t know how to distinguish nobility from the style of ceremonial dress, however, he figured out from the guards following him that the young man in front of him was important!

With quick wit, he prostrated on the ground and respectfully exclaimed, “Greetings, sir!”

The leading soldier who recognized Colin immediately stepped forward and bowed, saying, “Viscount, sir!”

Cripple’s eyes bulged out in surprise as he realized he had indeed come across a lord.

He slightly lifted his head and carefully glanced at Colin with peripheral vision, his heart filled with gratitude and awe.

The other slaves, catching on late, knelt on the ground and bowed to Colin.

Looking at Cripple, Colin curiously asked, “So, you’re called Cripple?”

“Yes yes, my lord!” Cripple felt his heart was about to leap out of his chest.

“But it doesn’t seem like you limp?”

“My lord, my father had a lame right leg, so he was called Cripple, and he passed the name down to me after he died.”

Inheriting names it may seem absurd, but it’s quite normal amongst slaves.

“Oh, then you should be called ‘Cripple II’.” Colin made a joke, however, sadly, the slaves did not understand, making the moment somewhat awkward

“Yes, my lord, from now on I shall be called Cripple II!” Cripple obliged immediately, showing consideration by prostrating and thanking Colin.

Chuckling, Colin waved his hand and said, “Forget it, just continue calling yourself Cripple. Otherwise, other nobles might not take kindly to a slave daring to call himself II, they might send you to the scaffold.”

“Yes, my lord.” Cripple didn’t care, as for slaves like him, naming was a nonchalant matter, and many slaves did not even have names.

Observing this rather quick-witted young slave, Colin suddenly smiled, “Cripple, now I have a task for you, are you willing to do it?”

Without hesitation, Cripple replied loud and clear,

“Absolutely, it’s an honor to serve you!”

“Good, follow me.”

“Yes, my lord!”

The other slaves watched with envy as Cripple joyfully followed their lord.

Suddenly, one slave shouted to the leading soldier, “Sir, since Cripple has left, what about his points?”

The soldier scratched his head, feeling that Cripple, having caught the viscount’s attention, would no longer need to worry about points. So, he nodded and said, “Alright, I will reallocate his points.”

“Thank you, sir!”

The slaves instantly cheered.

The favor of a lord seemed a bit too unrealistic for them; after all, immediate points were more valuable.