The First Vampire

More precisely, it was Emperor Reinhardt’s authority that was affronted.

As he saw it, since he had brought Emperor Reinhardt’s War Order to White Dew City, there should be no more infighting of any sort, and preparations to mobilize the troops to aid Westland should commence at once.

Yet, the sounds of fighting echoed in White Dew City.

As though Emperor Reinhardt’s War Order was of no more than blank paper.

“Your Royal Highness Harrison, I think it’s time you showed Easterners the majesty of the Royal Family! Otherwise, who knows how this farce will end?”

Knight Andy made the proposition standing before Prince Harrison.

Prince Harrison seemed unsure and hesitated for a moment before responding, “Sir Andy, you are the envoy appointed by my Father to the Eastland. Shouldn’t you be the one to display the majesty of the Royal Family in this situation?”

That left Knight Andy dumbfounded.

He had already tried in vain to “display the majesty of the Royal Family” to the Easterners. Regrettably, the Easterners dismissed him, paying lip service to restraint and a refusal to disobey Emperor Reinhardt’s War Order by stirring up conflict, but in actuality, they quarreled fiercely behind his back.

So in his desperation, Knight Andy sought help from Prince Harrison.

“Your Royal Highness Harrison, I am not, after all, a direct descendant of the St. Lorenzo family; those despicable Easterners disregard me.

But it’s different with you!

You are Emperor Reinhardt’s eldest son, the first in line to the throne.

Once you make a move, the Easterners will surely not dare to misbehave!”

Seeing Prince Harrison still hesitating, Knight Andy added, “Your Royal Highness, don’t you want to find out the truth about the assassination of Count Angler, your tutor?”

This time, Prince Harrison seemed finally moved, asking, “Sir Andy, what do you think I should do?”

Seeing this, Knight Andy finally breathed a sigh of relief, and also understood the standing of Count Angler in Prince Harrison’s mind.

Thus, feeling both jealous and regretful he thought, if Count Angler hadn’t been assassinated, given Prince Harrison’s profound respect and trust for him, his future prospects would have been limitless.

What a pity.

Shaking off such useless thoughts, Knight Andy hurriedly advised,

“Your Royal Highness Harrison, I think the current chaotic situation in White Dew City is due to the lack of a strong leader!

After Duke St. Prowse’s death, the Duchess is nominally the mistress of this city, but it is clear she cannot control the situation, and she may have her own ulterior motives.

As the Archbishop of the Eastland, she is hostile to the Royal Family; it is quite likely that she’s the one stirring things up, deliberately opposing the Emperor’s War Order.

Therefore, we must find a new leader in the Eastland who can replace the Duchess, someone who can stabilize the current situation, unify the power of the Eastland, and respond to the Emperor’s War Order.”

Prince Harrison nodded repeatedly, then asked, “Who do you think will be a suitable candidate?”

“Marquis Vincent would naturally be the first choice if he were in good health, but now that he is seriously injured and bedridden, it cannot be him.

As for the son and daughter of Duke St. Prowse, they are not in the White Dew Fortress, so they are also out of consideration.

Among the remaining nobles of St. Prowse, I think Sir Ivan fits the bill.

Given that he is the brother of Governor Emoson, he has substantial prestige and connections within the St. Prowse family, and also has a good disposition towards the Royal Family… ”

“Wait.” Prince Harrison interrupted, “The entitlement to inherit the duchy would never fall to Sir Ivan, wouldn’t it?”

Knight Andy smiled, explaining, “Your Royal Highness, we are not choosing an heir for the Duke of Eastland right now, all we need is a temporary leader who can stabilize the current situation.”

“As for the new Duke of the East, well, I’m afraid he’ll have to wait until the orc invasion is repelled before he can be officially endorsed by His Majesty.”

Prince Harrison pondered for a long while, before finally nodding and saying, “Alright, do you know where Knight Ivan is? I would like to see him first.”

Upon hearing this, Knight Andy’s face lit up, and he hastily replied, “I ran into him just now on my way here, let me go and find him for you.”

After saying this, he quickly left.

Before long, Knight Andy and Knight Ivan returned together.

Prince Harrison narrowed his eyes immediately.

Although he was young and inexperienced, he was not a fool. Having grown up in the Royal Family, he was accustomed to the machinations of politicians with differing motives. Moreover, he had been exposed to many stratagems under Colin’s tutelage, so how could he not understand now—

Knight Andy and Knight Ivan had coordinated their actions long ago!

Of course, Prince Harrison wasn’t angry.

He remembered his mother once saying—don’t expect those below you to not have their own schemes. What you need to do is make use of their schemes and make them serve your purposes.

“Your Highness, the honorable Prince Harrison! Please allow me, on behalf of the St. Prowse Family, to express our sincerest apologies to you! The situation in White Dew City…sigh! It’s truly terrible!”

“So we need a strong leader here to stand up, to stabilize people’s hearts and quell the turmoil!” Prince Harrison straightened his back, imitating his father’s demeanor, and said in a grave tone.

Knight Ivan felt invigorated, instantly understanding Prince Harrison’s intentions, and quickly bowed and said:

“Your Highness, you are absolutely right! If you don’t regard me as stupid, I am willing to do everything I can to help you stabilize the current situation!”

Prince Harrison didn’t immediately nod, but further asked: “Knight Ivan, are you confident?”

“Your Highness, I should let you know that among the five commanders of the Pegasus Army, one is the son-in-law of my brother, Governor Emoson, and another one, well, happens to be my good-for-nothing son.” Knight Ivan said with a tone of pride, but immediately revealed a humble smile and continued.

“As for the remaining three commanders, as long as you step in, Your Highness, I believe they will understand what putting the greater good first really means!”

Prince Harrison looked deeply into Knight Ivan’s eyes, and then nodded his head.

“Very well, if you can stabilize the situation in White Dew City and help me find out who murdered Count Angler, I can promise, on behalf of my father, to let you temporarily take charge of the East.”

Suppressing his inner ecstasy, Knight Ivan solemnly knelt on one knee and said confidently:

“I thank you for your trust in me, Your Highness!”

Immediately after, Knight Ivan said: “Your Highness, Prince Harrison, our most urgent task is to first take control of the situation inside White Dew Fortress.

The key figure in this is Sir Warren, the captain of the Fortress Guard, who happens to be the sworn knight guardian of the Duchess and a fervent believer of the Church, which might make things a little tricky…”

“I recommend you meet with him first. If he proves to be obdurate, we definitely cannot afford to be merciful!”

Watching the murderous intent seeping from Knight Ivan, Prince Harrison felt a chill. He realized he was about to become a part of an inevitable, bloody battle for power where there was no room for kindness or hesitation.

Taking a deep breath and just about to probe further, a flustered guard ran over and reported to Knight Ivan:

“Sir Ivan, something terrible has happened! Lady Beryl has gone mad and killed Marquis Vincent and the Duchess!”

Knight Ivan was momentarily taken aback, but then, instead of being shocked, he was delighted. He quickly said to Prince Harrison:

“Your Highness, this is a golden opportunity!”

Prince Harrison, too, gave a start. When he regained his senses, he quickly said:

“Good! Let’s take action!”