Academic gathering with Lich colleagues

"There are more blood servants now..."

Beatrice's voice rang in Lyle's ears, a simple harbinger of trouble.

Two large doors, adorned with angel reliefs, blocked their path. A thick, indelible stain of blood now formed the backdrop of the once pristine angel statues. The doors opened, and Lyle and Beatrice found themselves in what could be considered a dining room or a meeting room—it was difficult to distinguish, as vampires might not have designated these two areas for their own purposes.

On the long tables on either side, the vampires who were eating turned their necks together, their gleaming eyes focusing on the two of them like searchlights.

Directly ahead, in the main seat by the dimly lit stained-glass window, a pale nobleman holding a wine glass looked at Beatrice's cold face and smiled with satisfaction. That was Duke Delaris, whom Lyle had met once before. Lyle's impression of this vampire duke was still frozen in the Nathlan Tomb, when he was being chased by Mr. Raymond.

It sounds ridiculous, but that doesn't mean this vampire duke is someone who can be easily manipulated. Even now, with Lyle having advanced to the third rank and possessing the power of an evil god, the vampire duke's intimidating presence remains as vast as the ocean. Lyle is no match for him, and what's more, right on either side, no fewer than fifty vampires are watching the two in the center with bloodthirsty smiles, observing their every move.

De La Ris's words and actions are like a living opera.

“Welcome home, my child, Beatrice.” The Duke’s gaze lingered on Lyle for only a moment, clearly the last encounter with Mr. Raymond had left a deep impression on him. “Oh, dear, you’ve brought a gift. It’s time for dinner now, so you can share it with your new sisters.”

Several nearby vampires, having received permission, extended their sharp claws, like daggers, with a smile towards Lyle.

A loud bang made the situation even more tense. The vampire, who had been slowly approaching like an elegant predator, was sent flying back and crashed into the long table, knocking the bloody raw meat and blood from the bowls and plates to the ground.

Beatrice held Lyle in her arms, her ferocious arms becoming smooth and jade-like again. Her eyebrows were raised, and her two sharp teeth gleamed in their neat sockets. The lady of Naslan roared like a lioness protecting her cubs.

"Don't put your filthy hands on my family. He belongs to me, you bastard."

Chapter 459 Marriage Contract

Lyle was deeply moved by Beatrice's protectiveness, but was now truly the right time? The fanaticism in the eyes of the surrounding vampires vanished. Beatrice's actions were like a bloody whip lashing their faces. The vampires were stirring, preparing to swarm forward and tear Lyle and Beatrice apart together. All it took was one command.

Applause, the only applause in the deadlock. Duke Delaris clapped his hands lightly, a pleased and indulgent smile on his handsome face, looking at Beatrice as if she were a lively and lovely child.

“You’re still the same as before, my dear, still so pleasing to me—noble, cruel, and beautiful.” The Duke’s gaze lingered for a moment on the fallen vampire, whose body had been pierced instantly by Beatrice’s claws. Three deep, bone-revealing claw marks nearly tore her chest apart. She screamed on the ground, her blood making the carpet even more vivid. The others kept their distance, swallowing hard. “Take her away, heal her, or get rid of her.”

Duke Delawares brought the atmosphere back to that strange aristocratic gathering, like wiping away an unsightly stain with a rag, and the wounded vampire was dragged into a dark corner and disappeared.

“Of course, my child. You can enjoy your family, this male concubine from Nathlan or somewhere else… Whether you intend to use him or convert him, that is your freedom.” Duke Delaris took out a handkerchief and lightly touched the area below his left eye, wiping away imaginary tears. “My child, I am truly delighted that you have returned at this time. My family is complete again and will prosper like never before. Come, Beatrice, I will offer you some assistance.”

At the Duke's signal, two vampires brought out a blood-red chalice filled with an unknown liquid. Its original golden base was visible, but the liquid overflowed as it was shaken, leaving a trail of black liquid on the outer wall of the hemisphere, staining the gold. That liquid had polluted the gold, turning it into a dark red stone.

The intense stench of blood filled the room the moment the crimson Holy Grail was brought out. All the vampires gasped for breath, dozens of swallowing sounds accompanied by low growls, and their suppressed, crazed gazes were all focused on the Holy Grail.

"What...what is that?"

“A blood artifact,” Delaris held the wine glass in his palm, his fingers tracing the rim, his face full of ecstasy, “our artifact, its power surpasses everything we have ever possessed before. The Crimson Grail, it can grant us the purest ancient bloodline.”

A vampire's power comes from blood; as empty, dark creatures, blood is their sole source of existence. A powerful bloodline directly determines a vampire's future. For example, Beatrice's Embrace came directly from Duke Draris, thus ensuring she would be one of the most outstanding children in the room. Duke Draris is likely the highest-ranking vampire currently existing, possessing what he calls the oldest and purest bloodline.

"The bloodline of the True Ancestor?"

Delawares's eyes turned fervent and dangerous.

"No, silly child, the bloodline of the True Clan cannot move me. This is the origin of the Blood Clan, this is an unparalleled blessing, this is the blood of the gods."

"Antichrist...you actually succeeded?" Disbelief shattered Beatrice's cold expression. The distraught girl stared at the ominous-looking Holy Grail with a bewildered look, her instincts tempting her.

“Antichrist? That’s impossible. But, my dear, drinking the blood of God will allow your bloodline to transcend its shackles. You will no longer be bound by me, you will no longer be bound by the vampire nobility. Even the True Ancestor cannot command us, for we have become the inheritors, the inheritors of the Antichrist.” Delaris swirled the goblet, the blood of God flowing onto the ground from the tilted chalice. But the vampire duke didn’t care. He held the chalice forward, its rim facing Beatrice, the overflowing black liquid gushing out, the blood seemingly growing automatically.

“My child, come and enjoy this gift.”

Beatrice reached out her hand.

He grabbed Lyle's arm.

"Thank you for your blessings, Father, but I would prefer to be treated the same as my family."

“Of course, Beatrice, this person can share this blessing with you.”

"...You are willing to let Lyle drink the blood of God."

The vampire duke smiled. "My child, this is a privilege for you. Yes, you can enjoy it with him." His white teeth looked even more menacing against the duke's pale face. "But not everyone is capable of enjoying this power."

"That's reasonable; all power has a price."

Delaris nodded, drinking the blood from the Holy Grail before his eyes. The spilled liquid stained his beard, his robes, and the floor black. He wiped his mouth with satisfaction and continued, "The Holy Grail's conversion efficiency is not high; even vampire counts may face failure. My power is sufficient to bear this blessing, as are my offspring, Joshua, and others, and you will likely be as well. However, others are not; they were not fortunate enough, forsaken by the gods."

What happened after they drank these liquids?

"That was the most exciting part. They turned into monsters that kept bleeding and never stopped howling, becoming quite delicious blood bags. It was a perfect artifact."

Lyle sensed intense malice. Although he had no interest in becoming a vampire, the thought of turning into a blood bag that kept oozing blood if he drank the liquid in that cup was terrifying. And these vampires clearly wouldn't give Lyle the freedom to choose.

“Beatles, my child, come, embrace your future, together with Loshutal.”

Duke Delawares opened his arms, awaiting Beatrice's response. His smile remained bright, but a chilling coldness was already settling in his eyes.

Accept the grace and pray that Lyle will not fail in the transformation and become a blood bag.

Or refuse him, once again pushing the vampire grand duke's limits of anger.

Beatrice released her grip, picked up the hem of her skirt, lowered her head, and bent her knees to almost kneeling.

“I am sorry, Father, for repeatedly refusing your favor. My conscience is burning in my blood. But please forgive my wickedness once again. I need time to consider using the Holy Grail. After all, it is too important. Please give me some time.”

The sounds in the hall ceased, and all the vampires' gazes were focused on the crouching Beatrice and the gloomy Duke Delaris. Time seemed to freeze for about three seconds, until the vampire duke exhaled a throbbing breath from his throat.

A smile returned to De La Ris's face.

“Of course, my child. I will keep the Crimson Grail here. Beatrice, you and your manservant can use it at any time.”

For now, we've escaped the cold wave.

Beatrice stood up again, a mask-like smile on her face, and she and De La Riss staged a comedic scene of fatherly affection. Only Lyle, who was nearby, saw the bloody scratches on her palms from gripping so tightly.

“Father, if there is nothing else, please allow me to take my leave. Lyle and I have traveled a long way and need to rest.”

"Of course, darling."

Lyle breathed a sigh of relief. Was it finally over?

An untimely figure stepped forward. His face, which bore a striking resemblance to Delawares, and the pressure he exuded indicated his special identity. Lyle happened to recognize his face.

Joshua, son of Delawares, is a vampire who was rescued from the Nathran Mausoleum.

He knelt on one knee, facing his father, and his next words froze the scene once again.

“Father, now that Beatrice has returned, I beg you to grant my wish.”

“I request to honor my previous marriage vows and I wish to marry Beatrice Naslan.”

Chapter 460 Sealing

A marriage contract? A word never mentioned before easily tugged at Lyle's nerves.

Beatrice had never mentioned this, and Lyle's peripheral vision shifted to his sister-in-law, whom he knew fairly well, standing beside him. Her expression was hidden in the darkness, and he couldn't see her face.

“Indeed, my child, when your father Alvis was still alive, the marriage we made together, the marriage between you and Joshua.” Duke Delaris reached out to help his child up, watching Beatrice’s retreating figure. “We once agreed that you would marry when you reached marriageable age, and that the bond between Naslan and Loshutar would become even closer. My child, even now, though we have all become vampires, and Alvis is gone, I am still very happy to see that promise fulfilled.”

"What's your opinion, Beatrice? My child?"

Frustration gripped Lyle from the moment Joshua began to speak; every word and every movement pressed down on his nerves. The pungent smell of blood filled the room, and Lyle felt as if he had become a vampire, anticipating bloodshed and violence.

I'm really curious, if we summon Mr. Raymond right here, will De La Riss and Joshua be able to escape this calamity?

Lyle's thumb slowly stroked his ring, letting the holy light devour everything. Searching for Karen in the ruins was the same to me.

Now, with just one sentence, I can end this mess.

"thunder……"

Two supple arms wrapped around his hands like nooses, softly colliding with his triceps. The sudden impact stunned Lyle for a moment, and then in the next instant, Lyle was completely lost.

“Since it’s our fathers’ agreement, I’m willing to abide by it.” A silvery laugh rang out in the dimly lit hall, brightening the atmosphere and sinking Lyle’s heart. Beatrice gripped Lyle’s wrist, her vampire strength immobilizing him, while her face beamed with a smile. “Lyle is my brother-in-law, the only man in Naslan right now. An elder brother is like a father; he can completely stand in for my father to witness all of this. I’m very happy, Lord Delaris.”

A smile, a pure, joyful smile, appeared on the Duke's face. His expression softened, like a loving father squinting his eyes. "My daughter, Beatrice, your wedding will take place in ten days, in conjunction with Joshua's ceremony. You have chosen the most perfect partner, lucky child."

"Your fiancé will become the leader of the vampires and the Antichrist in ten days."

"ceremony?"

De La Riss quickly responded to the question raised by her future daughter-in-law, who was also her most beloved daughter.

“Yes, the research on the Antichrist ritual is complete. We recently obtained all the necessary materials. After the baptism ceremony in ten days, my child will become the sole leader of the vampires,” the Duke smiled. “And your husband.”

Lyle didn't hear a word she said, numbly watching Beatrice clench her hands tightly, her fingers interlaced, the Andrei Ring tightly covered by her fingers.

When Lyle came to his senses, he was already being led out of the hall by Beatrice. The wedding was set. Ten days later, he would hold Beatrice's hand like this and send her off as a member of Lorshatur.

"Why?" Lyle suddenly felt his hand being held too tightly and wanted to get out of Beatrice's arms.

Lyle felt powerless again. Beatrice leaned on his shoulder like a pendant, moving forward step by step, but in reality, he was the one being held hostage and dragged along.

The low growls of the Blood Servant filled the silence along the way, which Lyle found extremely grating.

Beatrice dragged her to a guest room, completely baffled by the vampires' minds. They had arranged for the future vampire bride to be with Lyle.

Upon entering the room, the strange hostage situation didn't end, but Lyle's mind had calmed down. He began to observe Beatrice's profile, trying to spot her eyes through her disheveled long hair.

Beatrice dragged him to the bench, and the two sat side by side in this troublesome position, silent as if time had stood still.

A flippant voice came after a deep breath, and Beatrice's eyes were filled with mockery.

I thought you would be more excited.

"If you had let go just now, you would have seen me even more excited."

"When did you find out?"

“On the way back, your grip on my arm was so tight it went numb. I think the lack of blood flow and the numbness made my irritated brain momentarily lose focus. Then, I sensed that you weren’t interested in Joshua.” Lyle looked into those eyes, the blood-red pupils clear as jewels. “But why did you do that?”

Beatrice squeezed Lyle's arm, rubbing the numb muscles. While Lyle felt the tingling sensation, he noticed her fingers were trembling; Beatrice was afraid.

“Summon Nia, you bastard.”

Lyle raised his right hand, looking at the shadow on the edge of his sleeve.

"Nia".

There was no movement; the silence made Lyle look like a madman talking to himself.

Nia has disappeared, and unease creeps up Lyle's spine.

“My power has vanished!” Lyle understood Beatrice’s concerns.