Academic gathering with Lich colleagues

The captain scratched his head. "I have a son. He doesn't cry much, but he's always fussy. I guess all kids are pretty much the same. Well, I'll tell you my secret."

"When my child is being noisy, I will carve a doll for him..."

"Then I took my knight's sword and chopped the doll to pieces in front of him, and finally burned it. Every time I finished, my son would stare at me with wide eyes and stop fussing. He must have really admired me."

"..."

“…A genius! You are truly a genius in the field of education.” Joseph looked at his captain with admiration.

Rosa looked at Karen, whose eyes were empty. "But we don't have the wood or the time to carve a puppet for Karen."

Joseph and the squad leader seemed to have entered into a frenzied discussion.

"Fool! The little angel is a paladin! How can a doll satisfy her? Let's use what's readily available! This is the vampire's lair! Let's use a vampire!"

"Dismember the vampire and burn it in front of the little angel. The vampire's blood and screams will surely make the little angel happy!!!"

"Make the movements bigger, that's right, like an exaggerated performance! To make the little angel see the impact, it's best to control the direction so that the blood and flames can be clearly felt by the little angel!"

"To bathe in the blood of evil and to hear the cries of sin—this is what a paladin should enjoy!"

"No! I don't want to! You're devils! You're demons! I regret it! I want to go home!!!" Karen showed resistance; these judges were terrifying!

"Little angel, the Holy Light is your home, and we are your family."

"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and go find the vampire!"

"Yes."

Joseph and Rosa are searching for materials to make Karen "happy".

Joseph couldn't help but chat with his friend.

"Rosa, don't you think that His Majesty Raymond's artificial purifiers might have some psychological problems?"

"……Why?"

"Because several Crusader leaders, apart from the perfect Lord Raymond, all have some psychological flaws. Look at that bunch of gay Guardians, Lord Raphael definitely has problems too, and the Fallen are insane, and the new little angels seem a bit silly as well."

"...So what do you think our problem is?"

“We judges have no problem, but don’t you think His Majesty St. George is a fool? And getting more and more foolish.”

"To be honest, I'm still very glad that His Majesty George never led the Legion, otherwise we would definitely not be able to remain unscathed in the Crusades as we are now."

"Maybe."

Chapter 507 The Road

The fire that ignited in Dagonris resembled a hellish scene of swirling dust and sulfur, turning the castle into a massive incinerator. The faint screams of inhuman creatures could be heard as the black-armored knights celebrated their revelry around the enormous bonfire.

In the darkness, where the smoke and dust couldn't reach, in the quiet nourishment of the night, Sheriwu sat on a withered old tree branch, gazing at the distant firelight. The turmoil caused by Kevin had dissipated, and his appearance remained that of an angel descended to earth.

A bat-like shadow burning with fire coalesced in front of him, his cloak mostly burned away, and the weary-looking Duke Delaris stared at the fire.

“You have failed, Your Grace. I am surprised that you have returned safely; that wrathful angel was more merciful than I had imagined.”

"My dragon escaped, my family was wiped out, my children died, and you call this mercy? Messenger, they destroyed everything I had!" Delaris threw his tattered cloak aside, revealing his muscular upper body. His clothes were torn in the battle, and his naked torso was covered with wounds from corrosion and burning. His pale vampire skin had been replaced by charred flesh, which was still hissing as if corroding with strong acid.

Mr. Darkness did not hold back, but Delawares still managed to escape from his grasp, bearing fatal wounds.

“Rebuild what is destroyed, take back what is lost. You are still alive, Your Grace, you still have hope. Not rejecting us now seems to be one of the few right decisions you made.”

Delaris turned to stare down at Sheriu, the blood in his eyes turning into a dangerous light. The vampire duke's lips were tightly pressed together, his fangs growing rapidly in his jaws like two unsheathed daggers.

“You’re right, Envoy. It will only take some time for me to rebuild the new Loshutar family. I will still be the vampire duke, so I will receive the respect I deserve.”

Sheriu shifted his gaze from the firelight to the Vampire Duke, and he smiled. “Of course, Your Grace, you will receive the respect you deserve, with our help. As for my personal attitude, I apologize, the power dynamics have shifted. This doesn't mean those bloodthirsty burdens are so important; in fact, you haven't lost much power. The real difference lies in my perspective. Please forgive me, it's my nature to unconsciously despise those losers; it's just my nature. Delaris, please accept it, and you must accept it.”

Gurgle.

That was the sound of bubbles bursting. In the air, some bubbles rose in the sea created by Sheriu, and the shadows of the deep sea followed Sheriu, smiling at the vampire duke.

The temperature has dropped.

After a long period of eye contact, De La Ris closed his eyes.

“You are more pragmatic than any believer I have ever met. No, you are not a believer, you are a… businessman. There is no reverence for God in your eyes. Even I once believed in the Holy Light, but you do not, even though you have witnessed the power of the Sleeper.”

Sheliwu pinched his chin and nodded repeatedly.

"A merchant of trading power—I like that term. You can hardly imagine what I see, so you probably can't understand my point of view either. Just consider me a merchant, Your Grace. So, do you want to trade? Trade with us."

"Making a deal with madness is a foolish decision, but I don't have many options left. What do you want from me?"

“Everything… I’d like to say that,” Sheriu joked, “but everything you have isn’t worth that much, Delaris. We need your intelligence network, your dark web that has infiltrated the human kingdoms and the Holy Light.”

"What will I get in return?" Delaris looked at Sheriu. The envoy's price was not low. The fall of Loshutal had not changed the fundamental nature of his former noble power; he maintained contact with those old acquaintances, even some bishops. This was the reason Degonris had survived to this day. But the Crusaders were an exception. These warriors, including angels, did not obey any cardinal, not even the Pope. The Crusaders obeyed the angels, and the angels obeyed Raymond—this was a privilege granted by the Pope to the Angel of Light, an angel who brought the Age of Light.

“I will replace your fear, Your Grace. What you fear most, what you least want to face, is the angel.” Sheriu’s eyes gleamed with madness and excitement, the light seeming to devour everything. “I am quite interested in the angels, the three remaining Crusader leaders.”

“You’re insane.” Delaris didn’t think much of it. Countless people had tried to extinguish the Holy Light over the years, but the only power in the world that could exist openly was the Holy Light. Sheriu’s suggestion only made Delaris laugh.

"Your rationality didn't bring you victory, did it?" Sheriu stepped down from the tree branch, the black bubbles rising from the ground becoming his steps. With each step, a slimy, tentacle-like monster would fall from the bursting bubbles.

"Then why not give it a try, believe in my power, believe in the Lord behind me?"

“Raymond Merlock, the Leader of Light. He is special, and I am certain that he will not be defeated by you.”

Sheriwut's smile remained unchanged.

“A week ago, you were also certain that you wouldn’t fail, that you wouldn’t wait for my charity like a stray dog, Your Grace.”

“…Raymond represents this era, and you must overturn it.”

"Why not? The wheels of history always move forward, and there are always some bones crushed under the wheels."

“...You are not like a naive calf, and I hope your strength can match your madness, Sheriwu.”

……

The Wanderer's carriage first stopped at Cassandra Cemetery, where Lyle bid farewell to Kevin and Mr. Unknown.

“Lyle, you always surprise me.” Kevin smiled and winked at Lyle.

“That’s what I wanted to say too, Kevin. Thanks to the surprise you brought, we were able to escape Dagonris and, incidentally, destroy him.”

The two smiled at each other, and before leaving, Kevin called out to Lyle.

"Lyle, I intend to inherit Hamlet, and everything from that land. I may not be suited to be a dutiful nobleman, living a peaceful life guarding my ancestors' wealth. This journey has taught me that even if I pretend nothing is wrong, mystery will find me. I yearn for adventure, for experiencing those bizarre and wondrous tales, which may even be of help to you. What do you think?"

Kevin's eyes were sincere; he was earnestly seeking his opinion. Lyle even believed that Kevin would take his advice even if it went against his own preferences. Although it might disappoint him, Cassandra was definitely safer than Hamlet, and as a true friend, choosing the safe option was never wrong.

“We’ve had our arguments, Kevin. I still remember that one thing I said to you in a fit of pique, and I find it very relevant now.” Lyle stepped into the carriage, bringing those memories from the past back to the present.

"Kevin is always right, you lucky bastard."

Chapter 508 The End of the Vampire Era

Outside Narancia's private office window was a meticulously cultivated flowerbed, the work of the Bennet family gardeners. When Sharon Bennett was a police inspector, the vibrant colors bathed in sunlight always lifted her spirits during her busy workdays.

Today, brocade curtains have become mere embellishments with vibrant flowers, but the new governor clearly pays little attention to them. Ralph Bouler's office is like a dimly lit icebox; although the flowerbeds outside the window are still carefully tended, they are only seen by passersby from the police station.

Thirty minutes ago, the wanderer's wagon reached the border of Narania. After the unusually cold wind scared away the tenant farmers, the two sheriffs returned home. Perhaps for Ralph, the sheriff's office was his home.

Inspector Ralph is a respectable sheriff, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to associate with him.

This view was widespread throughout the entire police station, and almost no subordinate was willing to knock on that bright orange nanmu door, except for the former owner of that office.

Violet leaned against the office bookshelves, which were mostly filled with books on humanities and geography from various places that she had collected, as well as revised versions of the constitution.

Reading was just a cover for her; her gaze leaped over the top of the pages to look at Ralph, who was flipping through official documents on his desk. Reading seemed to be the only reason Ralph wouldn't kick her out.

“I thought you would leave Lyle behind, Naslan family, you and I both know what that means.”

“I tried.” Ralf’s eyes didn’t leave the words, but he still answered the woman’s question, because if he didn’t reply, Violet would intensify her interference.

"You tried it? You walked off the carriage with quite a flourish."

“I glanced at the kid, but he didn’t get off the bus with me.”

"That's it? A wolf's unique way of inviting me? If you invited me like this on our first date, I definitely wouldn't go with you."

“…Lyle has his own ideas, he has his own pursuits.” Ralph put down the paper in his hand. “I know him better than he does what happiness looks like. He has found a new home, a new family.”

“Speaking of which,” Violet slowly moved behind Ralf, massaging his shoulders and pressing the burden on the back of his head, “Ryle, didn’t you say he had a child, a lovely little girl named Nia? What is she like? I want to meet her. She must be very cute. Just looking at that beautiful sister-in-law, I can understand how excellent Naslan’s bloodline is. It’s a pity Nia didn’t go to Dagonliss, no, it’s a good thing she didn’t. It’s too dangerous for a child to go there. Nia must have been left in that legendary castle.”

"Nia is right next to Lyle."

"?"

“I could tell that Nia was also in the carriage at the time. Perhaps it wasn’t convenient for her to meet us.”

"Is Nia... also a child from that side?"

“Ariana’s sister is a vampire, and Naslan’s gem exists in the archives from a hundred years ago. But in any case, Nia is indeed of Lyle’s blood, of the Bühler family.”

“Darling…” Violet tiptoed, letting Ralf rest his head on her stomach. “Aren’t you afraid? I mean, our deceased parents. If one day you grow old and leave no offspring, I’m actually quite worried that you’ll be scolded by them.” I, Violet, have no other thoughts than worrying that you, Ralf, will be scolded.

Ralph tapped his fingers lightly on the table, seemingly considering the scene carefully.

“That’s impossible. I believe my brother, who died first, must have told them in detail about Lyle’s eldest grandson. All I need to do is bring a record of Lyle’s growth and a portrait of Nia, and they should forgive me.”

An arm gripped the wolf's neck, and Violet dropped her disguise.

“In that case, I will not forgive you, so Mr. Ralph, I hope you will take the initiative and not force me.”

"..."

Violet loosened her grip on his wrist and jogged to lock the office door. Just as Ralf thought she was about to do something and was about to jump out the window to escape, the female sheriff shyly approached Ralf.

"Honey, I have a slightly embarrassing question I want to ask you."

"...Go ahead and ask, but don't go too far."

"It's just that... when you transform into a werewolf... do some of your body parts... also become... extraordinary?"

Ralph paused for two or three seconds.

Ralf covered his face and stood up. "Violet, I regret it a little. I regret telling you that I love you."