The First Vampire

Chapter 704: 702 River Crossing_1

Before the sunset, Colin finally set foot on the land of the Eastern Territories once again.

For this river crossing, he chose Alfalfa City as his landing point just as before.

Stepping down from the pier onto the damp sand of the harbor, Colin felt as if he could still smell the blood from the past.

At this time last year, he successfully incited a rebellion within the Howell Family, setting the Pegasus Navy ablaze here, thus officially starting the conquest of the Eastern Territories.

Now revisiting the old place, Colin was filled with a myriad of emotions.

Count Howell followed close behind Colin, trying to speak several times but holding back each time.

...

Colin stood still on the dock, looking at transport ships packed with soldiers and war horses on the Angry River, before turning to ask Count Howell:

“How much longer until the entire Blood Knight Army has crossed the river?”

“Your Grace, if we keep shipping all night, we estimate that we can complete the task by noon tomorrow at the earliest.”

“Good, then the warriors will have to work hard.”

“It’s our duty.” Count Howell glanced at Colin, finally voicing the concerns he had been harboring, “Your Grace, after Eckert’s death, Molly did not send back a single letter! It’s just too unusual. I suspect… she might… be under house arrest, or even…”

Colin turned around, patted Count Howell’s shoulder, and reassured him:

“Don’t worry, Count Howell. Your daughter, Lady Molly, won’t be in danger. Moreover, your grandson, Eckert, was my student, and I will thoroughly investigate his death.

No matter who orchestrated this conspiracy, I will make them pay!”

Count Howell nodded heavily, saying:

“Your Grace, thank you for your concern for the Howell family. Recently, I have used my old contacts to gather some information that may be of reference to you.”

“Oh? Do share.”

“Yes.” Count Howell took a deep breath and began his account, “Firstly, the mastermind behind Eckert’s assassination should be Marquis Oberth.”

“Marquis Oberth?” Colin frowned, apparently unfamiliar with this name.

“Yes, this man is the clan uncle of the former Duke of the Eastern Territories. He was once a well-known high-ranking Knight in the Glorious Empire, but now he’s already over a hundred years old. I didn’t expect this old man, who is one step away from the grave, to stir things up…”

“Do you have solid evidence that it was this man?”

“No. But just before Eckert suddenly fell ‘seriously ill’, the Marquis Oberth, who has long since stopped concerning himself with worldly affairs, unexpectedly began to meddle in the affairs of the St. Prowse family. He even assembled a meeting of many old nobles of his generation.

After this meeting, these old nobles from all the major families of the Eastern Territories suddenly stepped back into the limelight and began to meddle in family affairs.

As you know, at this time, most of the Eastern Territory’s lords have led their armies to the frontline at Luwal Valley. The families are at their weakest.

Seizing this opportunity, Marquis Oberth and a group of old men who should have retired a long time ago took control of the family’s power. Currently, the Eastern Territory has fully entered the ‘Era of Elder Politics’!

That’s why I say, Eckert’s death must be related to these strange changes!”

“Old men?” Colin stroked his chin, deep in thought.

It seems, Mr. Ji has bewitched these old fellows who should have retired long ago, making them come out to seize power.

But the question is, how exactly did Mr. Ji persuade these people?

These old men don’t have long to live, why would they be interested in power struggle?

Unless…

Colin immediately realized, for these old men who are one step away from the grave, the only thing that could possibly tempt them is longevity.

So, Mr. Ji must have offered these old men the hope of prolonging their lives, which is why they were willing to risk stirring things up!

Did Mr. Ji develop a new forbidden spell that could prolong these old men’s lives?

Thinking of this, Colin called over to the accompanying Mage Cusius, and asked:

“Do you know of any magic that can extend a person’s life?”

“Extend life?” Mage Cusius scratched his head and shook it, “Actually, many Mages in Yevir have researched the problem of lifespan. After all, the temptation of eternal life is immense.

But these researches, without exception, all ended in failure.

Alas, the length of life is sacred territory, it’s not something mortals can touch.”

However, Colin asked again:

“Do you know if Mr. Ji ever conducted related research?” @@novelbin@@

“Mr. Ji…” Mage Cusius thought for a moment and then shook his head again, “As far as I know, Mr. Ji has not conducted related research. His focus has always been on the Eyes of Judgement.”

Colin nodded silently, not asking any further.

In retrospect, it makes sense. The arcane research on elongating life, which could certainly be classified as a forbidden spell, would definitely require a tremendous amount of effort and energy. It was unlikely that Mr. Ji would have the spare energy to create a longevity spell while conjuring a genius forbidden spell like the Eyes of Judgement.

Seeing Colin silent for a long time, Cusius curiously asked:

“My Lord, why the sudden interest about this?”

Colin then recounted the information uncovered by Count Howell, along with his own speculation.

Upon hearing this, Cusius also appeared puzzled, however, he didn’t really see it as a big issue, and soon laughed, flattering:

“My Lord, no matter why these old chaps decide to assist Mr. Ji in opposing you, they are doomed to their wishful thinking. As long as the Blood Knight Army led by you arrives, it is certain to sweep away all obstacles in the East!”

Colin merely smiled in response.

He too, thought the same.

The East possesses no forces capable of challenging the Blood Knight Army. Even if Mr. Ji temporarily gains control of the East through these old chaps, it is essentially a castle on the beach that will crumble when the tide hits.

…

The next day.

The river crossing progressed more smoothly than Count Howell had anticipated. By just past ten in the morning, all thirty thousand of the Blood Knight Army had reached the east bank of the Angry River.

Colin didn’t immediately give the order to march. Instead, he let the warriors rest a bit and planned to set off after lunch.

Soon, smoke billowed above Alfalfa City.

While Colin sat in the lounge of the Church, preparing to dine, Scholar Yerug entered quickly.

Ever since Colin was ennobled as Duke St. Chapman, Scholar Yerug formally resumed his own surname and became Colin’s vassal. He had also volunteered to accompany Colin on this trip to the East.

“My Lord, I just received some news. Camila St. Prowse and Grace Brugen announced their engagement.”

Upon hearing this, Colin was taken aback.

After all, Grace was his lover, and they had spent a wonderful time together in Huorong City.

“Who is this Camila?”

“He is the grandson of Marquis Oberth and is rumored to be the nominee for the new Duke of the East…”

“When did the Duke of East become his to nominate!”

Colin chuckled coldly, stuffing the remaining bread into his mouth and ordered:

“Inform the entire army to set off immediately after lunch, the target is, Huorong City!”