The First Vampire

“Why do you want to help me?”

Colin asked directly.

Duke St. Rands immediately answered:

“Because I believe that only you are qualified to continue leading the Imperial Allied Army, recover the lost lands, and completely drive the Orcs back to the west of the Sky Breaking Mountain Range.”

Such a high-sounding reason was obviously not the real intention of Duke St. Rands.

Colin asked with a smile:

“Really? That’s it? You don’t have any other plans or demands?”

Duke St. Rands lowered his head to avoid Colin’s burning gaze and respectfully said:

“Of course, my doing so is actually more for your friendship. I hope that when the St. Rands family needs help in the future, you can extend a helping hand…”

Colin laughed, knowing that this so-called “extend a helping hand” was actually a condition of exchange, he replied:

“Alright, Duke St. Rands, tell me what kind of help the South Border really needs.”

Duke St. Rands hesitated for a while, but finally confessed:

“Count Angler, independence has always been the St. Rands family’s long-cherished wish!”

Colin instantly narrowed his eyes.

As it turned out, Duke St. Rands was willing to help Colin keep control of the imperial situation in exchange for the independence of the South Border.

If it was before, Colin might agree.

After all, the independence of the South Border has little impact on him, and he doesn’t have any interests in the South Border.

On the contrary, the independence of the South Border could greatly weaken the position and prestige of the Royal Family and allow him to become the uncrowned king of the empire more smoothly.

But now, after witnessing the epic life of Emperor Gana in the Illusion Realm, Colin’s state of mind has undergone a tremendous transformation.

He didn’t know if it was because he had personally ascended the throne stained with Emperor Gana’s blood in the Illusion Realm, Colin suddenly felt a sense of responsibility for the Glorious Empire.

It was as if he was the owner of the empire.

And now, someone was planning to split his empire?

“I refuse!”

Hearing Colin’s resolute voice, Duke St. Rands was taken aback for a moment, then raised his head and sincerely persuaded:

“Count Angler, perhaps you don’t know, Governor Fred has already approached me. If you are unwilling to cooperate with me, then Prince Lexie will definitely become the regent.”

Colin smiled lightly, seemingly not caring about that at all, and asked with interest instead:

“Really? What are the conditions that Governor Fred promises in exchange?”

Duke St. Rands hesitated for a moment and then said:

“He didn’t propose any conditions. But remember, Prince Lexie’s wife is my own sister! Helping him become the regent, and even ascend to that supreme position, is only natural.”

Only then did Colin remember this and asked:

“If that’s the case, why don’t you help your brother-in-law?”

“Because now is the best opportunity for the South Border to declare independence! And that is the St. Rands family’s greatest dream!” Duke St. Rands said firmly.

Colin stared into Duke St. Rands’ eyes, his intuition told him that Duke St. Rands’ true reason was probably more than that.

Seeing that Colin seemed unmoved, Duke St. Rands opened his mouth again and preached:

“Count Angler, you should believe in my sincerity. After all, if it were not for declaring independence, there is no need for me to meet you alone.

I tell you this in all honesty, just to let you know that we have a basis for cooperation.”

But Colin shook his head firmly and said:

“No, I refuse.”

Duke St. Rands thought Colin was stepping back to advance, trying to squeeze more benefits from the South Border. Feeling a bit of dissatisfaction in his heart, he still managed to say:

“Count Angler, if you have any other conditions, we can talk.”

Colin’s gaze was cold, and he said decisively:

“I am not bargaining with you, and I will not tolerate any act of splitting the empire!”

Only then did Duke St. Rands realize that Colin was serious, and he became anxious and hurriedly said:

“Count Angler, don’t blame me for not reminding you. Prince Lexie and Governor Fred will not be soft-hearted towards you, after all, your current prestige and controlled forces pose a serious threat to the Royal Family’s position.

Under such circumstances, even if you have no other ideas, the Royal Family will not let you go!

So why don’t you cooperate with me?

The authority of the empire is right in front of you, what on earth are you still hesitating about?”

Colin stood up, looked squarely into Duke St. Rands’ eyes, his body emitting an unbeatable aura:

“To me, the authority of the empire is at my fingertips!

I don’t need your offer, and I certainly won’t join you in splitting the empire!”

Duke St. Rands looked at Colin, who was blatantly arrogant, and his face turned red with anger. He coldly said:

“If that’s the case, then take care of yourself!”

After he finished speaking, he left the tent in large strides.

“My Lord Duke.” The attendant Scholar Yerug, who had been waiting outside the tent, hurriedly greeted him. Seeing the gloomy face of Duke St. Rands, he frowned and asked quietly, “Did Count Angler refuse?”

Duke St. Rands shook his head and was indignant:

“He did. I really don’t know where this kid gets his confidence from. He even dared to say that the imperial authority is within his reach!

What arrogance!

Does he really think that by winning one battle he can become the master of the empire?

Just a son of a rural baron, how many of the empire’s nobles truly respect him? I want to see how long this brat can hop under the suppression of the Royal Family…”

Hearing Duke St. Rands’ complaints, Scholar Yerug frowned and said:

“Count Angler doesn’t seem to be arrogant, he likes to act with a set plan. His refusal this time, I’m afraid he really is confident…”

“What confidence does he have?” Duke St. Rands sneered. “By refusing my goodwill, the Senate will certainly elect Prince Lexie as regent this time. By then, the command of the Imperial Allied Army will surely change hands. What confidence can he have?”

Scholar Yerug seemed to think of something, took a deep breath, and said solemnly:

“My Lord Duke, I fear the storm is coming!”

“What storm?” Duke St. Rands was surprised.

Before he could finish his question, a commotion was heard from the camp.

The two looked at each other and quickly walked up to stop a panicked attendant and asked:

“What happened?”

“His Majesty… His Majesty has passed away!”

“What?” Duke St. Rands opened his mouth wide, seemingly finally realizing why Colin had dared to refuse so firmly just now.

He turned his head and looked at Scholar Yerug beside him: “Is… is this the storm you were talking about?”

Scholar Yerug nodded solemnly:

“Yes. My Lord Duke, the real struggle has just begun.”

(End of Volume 5)

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