The First Vampire

Mori lay on the ground, puzzled.

All he felt was the infinite hoofbeats behind him, countless cavalrymen charging into Huorong City.

He didn’t know how long he had been lying on the ground, Mori’s head was dizzy, his ears buzzing, and he felt groggy.

But he dared not stand up, he didn’t even have the courage to look up.

Since no one had come to check on him, Mori thought his dead man’s act should be successful.

As long as he continued to play dead, he wouldn’t have to face the terrifying Blood Knight Army… right?

Unfortunately, Mori’s wishful thinking was shattered.

Because, a warhorse stopped beside him.

The warm breath from the horse’s nostrils blew on Mori’s head.

He wanted to continue to play dead, but he didn’t dare to.

“You, get up.” A young yet authoritative voice commanded.

Reluctantly, Mori raised his head and saw a young general in blood-red armor riding on a tall horse, looking at him coldly.

Two half-grown children, a boy and a girl, escorted the young general, each wearing exquisite armor, their nobility obvious at a glance.

However, the flame crest on their armors looked a bit familiar…

While shivering and crawling to his feet, Mori was confused.

“Ro…royal…”

With a thud, Mori, who had just stood up, knelt down again.

Obviously, he had finally recognized the crest on the children’s armors—it was the crest of the St. Lorenzo Royal Family of the Empire.

Mori was stunned.

Why would the Royal Family appear here?

Colin watched the bewildered Mori with spinning eyes, then asked casually: “What’s your name?”

“My name is Mori.”

“From your appearance, you’re a merchant, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Mori nodded honestly.

Merchants in this world were easily recognized. Dressed in lavish attire but devoid of family badges, fat but lacking any noble bearings, especially when facing true nobility, their obsequious and humble natures were ingrained.

Seeing Colin’s gentle manner, Mori finally raised his head to examine carefully the young general before him. Then, recognizing the white bear badge, he hastily asked with a flattering smile:

“You must be Lord Colin, the Count of Angler! I am the chairman of the Iris Commerce Association from the East. It is an honor to meet you here!”

Colin nodded, somewhat surprised.

The Iris Commerce Association was quite famous in the East. Unexpectedly, he had captured their chairman so casually. Knowing he had a plan, Colin smiled and said:

“Mr. Mori, you are now my captive. What are you prepared to offer for your ransom?”

Mori’s face stiffened, but he immediately forced a flatteringly grin: “Lord Count, what do you want? Please feel free to command.”

“How about this, you do me a favor, and I will let you go.”

“Please feel free to command.” Mori had thought Count Angler would take this opportunity to extort a large sum of money from him, but he surprisingly only wanted Mori to do him a favor. Relieved but also wary, he knew this task wouldn’t be easy.

Clearly, this matter certainly wouldn’t be easy.

“I know that the Iris Commerce Association has extensive contacts in the East. So, I want you to spread the news about today’s events.”

“Today’s event? You mean…” Mori asked carefully.

“That is, the Brugen Family voluntarily opened the city gate of Huorong City and warmly welcomed the arrival of the Blood Knight Army.”

Mori blinked, immediately understanding Colin’s plan.

But he also understood that this was not going to be easy to handle, and if mishandled, The Iris Commerce Association would have to face the dual pressure of the Brugen Family and the St. Prowse Family.

Colin seemed to see through Mori’s hesitation and said without any emotion, “If this news doesn’t get out, another version will.”

“What version?”

“That the Iris Commerce Association colluded with the North Territory to open the city gates of Huorong City.”

Mori’s flesh quivered at this thought, and he couldn’t help but think of the rumors about the fall of Riverside City.

The half-elf merchants could always escape back to Silver Moon City, but he couldn’t.

The Iris Commerce Association was rooted in the Eastern territories. If he left, his life’s work would turn into nothingness.

Would sacrificing the Brugen Family or sacrificing the Iris Commerce Association be the right course of action?

Mori, of course, knew what to choose. He quickly responded, “Have no worries, Count, I will complete the task you have given me!”

Colin smiled slightly, patted Mori on the head, as if a teacher praising his obedient student, “Well done. Keep it up!”

He then rode his horse forward.

Leaving Mori standing alone at the city gate, his face solemn and thoughtful. Eventually, he sighed.

…

At this time, a strange calm had fallen over Huorong City, following a period of panic.

Of course, panic was inevitable when the North Territory’s cavalry entered the city, causing distress among the Easterners.

However, the townsfolk quickly discovered that the Northern Riders were not on a rampage. In fact, they were quite disciplined, given you do not resist.

Since the Huorong Army had been destroyed, there weren’t many city guards left, the city gate was broken, so only a few brave Easterners would dare to resist the terrifying Blood Knight Army.

As a result, after the initial panic, Huorong City returned to its tranquil state.

Once Colin entered the City, he headed straight for the Brugen Family’s castle.

However, upon his arrival he was taken aback by the sight of the castle gate wide open.

Moreover, the Brugen Family members were standing at the entrance, seemingly waiting to welcome their guests.

For a moment, Colin almost believed that he wasn’t invading, but had arrived upon an invitation from the Brugen Family.

Caught in confusion, a young man dressed in a Viscount’s ceremonial dress stepped forward and said out loud,

“Honorable Guardian of the North Territory, Count Angler, welcome to Huorong City! Unfortunately, my father is away and cannot personally welcome you; on his behalf, I offer you our sincerest apologies!”

Hearing this, Colin instantly realized that there was a misunderstanding.

They must have thought that the Blood Knight Army had bypassed the Huorong Army by using the speed advantage of their cavalry to reach Huorong city first and opened the city gates through a sneak attack, therefore the Brugens presented themselves as welcoming guests.

Firstly, to project confidence and remind Colin not to misbehave.

Secondly, by doing so they intended to bide time waiting for the Huorong Army to return.

Therefore, Colin smiled and said, “You cannot represent Count Brugen.”

The young man was startled and said, “Count, I forgot to introduce myself. I am the eldest son of Count Brugen and the first heir to the title, Viscount Grimm. When my father is not around, it is certainly within my right to represent him…”

“No, you misconstrued my words.” Colin said, shaking his head with a smile, “What I meant was, Count Brugen is already dead, why would you represent a dead man?”

“Father… My father… is dead…” The voice that Viscount Grimm forced out of his throat was filled with disbelief.

“Yes.” Colin wore a brilliant smile, “I have taken care of his body too, would you like to see it?”

“No… It can’t be, it can’t be!” Viscount Grimm seemed unable to accept this reality, and shook his head in denial like a malfunctioning machine.

Colin clapped his hands, and four soldiers brought up a coffin.

Thud!

The coffin landed, and Colin made a gesture of invitation while being on horseback. He said,

“Viscount Grimm, have a look for yourself.”