The First Vampire

 

“Are you preparing to lead the troops yourself to invade Westland?”

In the study, Lady Grace looked surprised at Marquis Garcia.

Marquis Garcia nodded, saying, “Yes, aunt.”

“What about Count Angler?”

“He will stay in the North Territory.”

Seeing Lady Grace frown, Marquis Garcia seemed to guess her thoughts and hastily added:

“Aunt, I know you want the Phoenix Butterfly Army to go to Westland, to take this opportunity to contribute to the resurgence of the Morrison family. Therefore, if you trust me, you can let them follow me on this expedition.”

“Of course I don’t doubt your military abilities,” Lady Grace stared at Marquis Garcia directly, “It’s just that your body isn’t fully recovered…”

“Rest assured, aunt. Even though I can’t charge ahead as zealously as before, I still got no issues handling strategic command.”

“Why not let Count Angler lead the troops instead? He has proven himself multiple times as an outstanding commander equal to you, why insist on this unnecessary risk?”

Marquis Garcia hesitated for a moment, gave a wry smile and said, “Aunt, please consider me too anxious for excitement. I’ve been away from the battlefield for too long, long enough to be unable to suppress my thirst for victory and fear of… becoming truly useless.”

Lady Grace fell silent for a moment, then suddenly asked in a deep voice:

“Garcia, do you think we might lose this war?”

Marquis Garcia’s eyes flashed; he opened his mouth to speak, but in the face of Lady Grace’s sharp gaze, he nodded and said haltingly:

“Aunt, I just received news that the Emperor will personally lead this war.”

Lady Grace’s face changed, snapping irritably, “That block-headed lunatic wants to lead the war himself? Are there no sane people left in Dragon City? What about Midela? Doesn’t she persuade him?”

Marquis Garcia sighed, “That’s why I need to personally lead the troops. But don’t worry, aunt, I will do my best to preserve the Northern Army, even if it means contradicting the Emperor’s military orders… Such a situation, only I can handle it properly.

As for Colin, it’s better to let him stay and guard the North Territory.”

Lady Grace’s face darkened, clearly infuriated by this news. She had thought that this Orc War would be a phoenix rebirth opportunity for the Morrison family. However, now, a disaster is more likely due to that damned Emperor.

Just as the atmosphere in the study sank into silence, the door was suddenly knocked.

“Come in.” Marquis Garcia said casually, then watched as the butler opened the door.

“My lord, the Cardinal has come to visit.”

“Turennes? He wants to see me?”

“Yes.”

Marquis Garcia frowned in bewilderment, and said:

“Very well, bring him in.”

“Yes.”

Taking advantage of the situation, Lady Grace rose to her feet and excused herself, “I’ll leave first, won’t disturb your meeting.”

“Alright.” Marquis Garcia nodded, and added, “Aunt, if you are worried about the war in Westland, you don’t have to send the entire Phoenix Butterfly Army to the battleground…”

“No.” Lady Grace shook her head firmly, “This is the best opportunity for the Morrison family. If we don’t give it our all, it can only lead to a loss of morale… Once the morale is scattered, it will be difficult to regain it.

Therefore, the Phoenix Butterfly Army will all follow you to Westland, whether we can restore the honor of the Morrison family will depend on the arrangements of the Supreme Lord.”

Having said this, she turned and left.

Marquis Garcia watched the receding figure of the other party, falling into deep thought.

It wasn’t until the door was knocked again that Marquis Garcia came back to his senses, only to see Turennes standing at the door, smiling at him, and saying:

“Marquis Garcia, I apologize for my abrupt visit, please forgive me.”

“Sit.” Marquis Garcia nodded expressionlessly, seemingly uninterested in dealing with the Cardinal of the Glorious Church.

Turennes did not mind Marquis Garcia’s indifference, and unceremoniously walked into the study, sitting down on the sofa.

The maid stepped lightly, bringing a cup of tea to Turennes, then she picked up the cup Lady Grace had just used, and quietly left.

Turennes naturally noticed Lady Grace’s used teacup, his eyes flashed but he didn’t ask any question.

He picked up the teacup, took a small sip, then asked: “Marquis Garcia, did I interrupt your meeting?”

“No.” Marquis Garcia casually replied, “What’s the reason for your visit?”

Turennes put down the teacup and openly said: “Marquis Garcia, I am here to visit the North Territory on Pope’s behalf, to investigate the matter of the eastern nobles diverting the tithe tax to military funding.”

Marquis Garcia’s expression did not change, seemingly not surprised at all, and replied indifferently:

“Did you come to the wrong place then? You should go to White Dew City, not Winterfell City.”

Turennes slightly smiled, and said: “Marquis Garcia, I am here with unlimited sincerity to see you, so you don’t have to beat around the bush with me, right?”

Marquis Garcia nodded, he was straightforward and did not like beating around the bush, so he directly stated:

“You have come to see Count Angler, right? But why do you want to see me?”

“Count Angler is the one you hand-picked and promoted, and you personally gave even the most precious Dark Cavalry to him. Is it wrong to say he’s your successor?” Turennes said seriously, “Now that he has caused trouble, I naturally have to ask for your opinion.”

Marquis Garcia laughed noncommittally, and said: “If what you want to know is my attitude towards the eastern nobles diverting the tithe tax, I actually support it.

At least under the current situation where the Orcs are about to invade, the Eastland needs to rapidly mobilize and organize, which naturally requires some unconventional means.

I also believe that as the spiritual leader of the Glorious Empire, the Pope surely will understand and support the actions of the eastern nobles.”

Turennes’s smile remained unchanged on his face, seemingly not surprised at Marquis Garcia’s statement, but he also didn’t continue discussing the topic, instead asked:

“Then, what are your thoughts on the series of new policies implemented by Count Angler in the North Territory?”

“New policies?” Marquis Garcia’s eyebrows furrowed, and he said, “I’m not proficient in the governance of the country, those are all matters initiated by Count Angler and carried out by Scholar Doan and Scholar Sunny, I did not participate.

However, judging by the rapid recovery of the North Territory from the turmoil, I think these new policies were rather effective.”

Turennes nodded, indicating that he understood Marquis Garcia’s stance, but then, his face became serious, and he said solemnly:

“Marquis Garcia, but in my eyes, Count Angler’s new policies are completely blasphemous!”

“Where did they blaspheme?” Marquis Garcia scoffed, and asked.

“The lottery! It is an evil thing that arouses deep greed and desire in humans, it is a temptation from the devil! If this continues, everyone will lose the motivation to work and just think about winning the lottery!”

Marquis Garcia shrugged, and said with an indifferent face: “Since you think there is a problem with this policy, I will discuss it with Count Angler and see if it can be cancelled…”

“No! That’s not enough!” Turennes put down the teacup, got up to stand in front of Marquis Garcia, stared into his eyes, and coldly said, “As a blasphemer, Count Angler must pay the price!”

“What price?”

“The price of life!”

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