The First Vampire

Chapter 578: 576 Gifts_1
 

The following morning.

After having breakfast, Colin headed to the residence of Marquis Garcia.

Knock knock.

He knocked on the door twice. When he heard a voice saying “Come in” from inside, Colin opened the door and walked in.

“Good morning, Marquis.”

“Good morning, Colin.” Marquis Garcia displayed a rare radiant smile, even personally pouring Colin a cup of tea.

Colin knew in his heart that Marquis Garcia was probably expressing his apology for the events of yesterday’s conference.

And sure enough, he heard Marquis Garcia say:

“The incident at the meeting yesterday was not that I didn’t want to help you. It’s just that since the Church has learned about Vera’s awakening, there won’t be any significant concessions given anymore, and insisting would only be a waste of time.

And at this crucial moment, the Glorious Empire doesn’t have much time to waste.”

Colin smiled and said, “I understand, Marquis. This was actually my fault for trusting someone I shouldn’t have.”

Marquis Garcia’s expression suddenly became somewhat complex.

He hesitated for a moment and then reminded him:

“Midela… is not someone you can’t trust, but … you’d better be careful with her…”

“Why?” Colin immediately questioned.

Marquis Garcia took a sip of tea, and then slowly said:

“After all, Midela has married into the Royal Family and all her children bear the surname of Lorenzo, so you can’t expect her to always consider the interests of the St. Hilde family.”

This seemed reasonable, but Colin somehow felt that Marquis Garcia was hiding something. Just when he was about to probe further, he saw Marquis Garcia deliberately changing the subject, asking:

“Alright, you came to see me so early, what is the matter?”

Seeing that Marquis Garcia didn’t seem to want to discuss Queen Midela in detail, Colin had to suppress his doubts and said:

“Marquis, I came here to discuss with you about the deployment of troops to support the Westland.”

“Oh? Do you have any suggestions regarding this deployment?”

Colin measured his tone and asked, “Are you planning to lead the troops yourself, Marquis?”

Marquis Garcia looked up at Colin and replied, “Yes, I am. Why, are you planning to compete with me for the position of commander?”

Colin awkwardly rubbed his nose and laughed, “Marquis, I certainly wouldn’t dare to compete with you… I just wanted to see a battle involving a million-strong army.”

Marquis Garcia grinned, seemingly seeing through Colin’s little trick, and said:

“This time, supporting Westland will be my responsibility. As for you, you should go back and defend the North Territory. I worry that the Trolls of the Sky Ice Plain might descend south again, taking advantage of the Empire’s weakness.”

Seeing Marquis Garcia’s firm attitude, Colin did not say more.

Although he also agreed with the worries of Duke St. Gregorian, he certainly wouldn’t risk offending Marquis Garcia because of it.

Besides, the overall commander of this Imperial Allied Army is Emperor Reinhardt, and Colin certainly does not want to follow the orders of this foolish Emperor.

Colin had no experience with Orcs, nor did he know what kind of power the invading Orc army possessed, but if they were as fierce as documented in history, Colin doubted whether the Human Allied Forces could win under the command of this inept Emperor.

So, Colin was not really eager to go to Westland, and he could only ignore the request of Duke St. Gregorian.

“Alright, Marquis, I will head back to the North Territory right away.” Colin thought for a while, then asked, “By the way, are you planning to take the army of the Morrison Family to Westland this time?”

Marquis Garcia shook his head and said, “No, since they have pledged their loyalty to you, they should follow you. With the Phoenix Butterfly Army and the Blood Knight Army, even if the Trolls dare to head south, you will be able to deal with them easily.”

Colin hesitated for a moment, but still advised, “Marquis, the Morrison Family has just lost its nobility, they have pinned great hopes on this Orc War, if we don’t take them to Westland…”

“I will talk to Lady Grace myself.” Marquis Garcia seemed to have made up his mind and rejected Colin’s suggestion again.

Then he added significantly, “Besides, following you, the Morrison family may still have the opportunity to distinguish themselves.”

Colin was taken aback and was about to ask in detail when he saw Marquis Garcia standing up and saying,

“Alright, go back to the North Territory as soon as possible. Take good care of Vera for me.”

“Yes, Marquis.”

Once he left, Colin looked back at Marquis Garcia’s gaunt and lonely figure in the room, always feeling that the Marquis was plotting something without his knowledge.

Moreover, intuition told Colin that Marquis Garcia might hold a pessimistic attitude towards this trip to the Westland…

“Count Angler.”

Colin hadn’t gone far when he was interrupted by a call that brought him out of his thoughts.

When he turned around, he saw Duke St. Gregorian slowly walking from the other end of the corridor with a swaying figure.

“Good morning, Duke St. Gregorian,” Colin greeted politely with a slight smile.

“Good morning, Count Angler,” Duke St. Gregorian approached a few steps, “I regret the outcome of yesterday’s conference. However, I didn’t speak up for you not because I was unwilling, but because under the circumstances, even if I did, I could not have changed the situation.”

Colin waved his hand, “You don’t have to feel guilty, Duke. I understand your position and I don’t mean to blame you.”

Hearing this, Duke St. Gregorian began to console Colin, “Count Angler, although the North Territory did not gain an advantage in this conference, the commitment I made earlier is still valid.”

Colin was stirred, quickly said, “Duke, are you saying…after this Orc War, you’re still willing to cooperate with the North Territory and force Gregory to abdicate?”

Duke St. Gregorian nodded seriously, “Yes. Gregory’s actions make him unfit to be the spokesperson of our master. We have a responsibility to oust him!”

Colin took a deep look at the Duchess in front of him, hesitated for a moment, but finally divulged, “Duke, I’m afraid Marquis Garcia will still be commanding the Northern Army in this war.”

Duke St. Gregorian frowned, “Didn’t you try to dissuade him?”

Colin shrugged, helplessly said, “I have just tried to persuade him, but the Marquis is determined. Moreover, he is worried that the Trolls might take advantage of the Empire’s weakness and invade from the south again. He has asked me to return to Winterfell City immediately and take charge of the defense of the North Territory.”

Duke St. Gregorian remained silent, looking as if he was contemplating a countermeasure.

Then Colin asked, “Duke, if I can’t go to the Westland, will you still be willing to help me deal with Gregory after this Orc War?”

“Of course,” Duke St. Gregorian responded immediately. “This is a promise to you, not a condition for blackmail.”

Now Colin was the one feeling slightly embarrassed – the goodwill of Duke St. Gregorian made him feel he had been somewhat narrow-minded before.

So, he advised, “Don’t worry, Duke, Marquis Garcia is far more superior than me in military talent. It actually makes more sense for him to go to the Westland.”

Duke St. Gregorian also appeared somewhat helpless and could only nod and say, “I hope so.”

“Then I wish you success!” Just as Colin prepared to leave, he was stopped by Duke St. Gregorian again.

“Count Angler, I have a small gift for you.”

Colin accepted the small box Duke St. Gregorian handed over, asked in curiosity, “What is this?”

For a moment, a blush appeared on Duke St. Gregorian’s face. He said, “It’s the mistletoe from the Ancient Oak.”

Colin blinked in surprise, “But…isn’t it not yet the harvesting season?”

“It’s leftover from last year. I asked the manor butler for it. It’s for you,” Duke St. Gregorian said before turning to leave.

Leaving a bewildered Colin standing still for a long time.

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