Gospel of Blood

Chapter 419: The Ceremony Begins

Upon hearing Charlotte’s words, Yurst immediately grasped her meaning.

Despite True Ancestor’s uncovering of the Roman Royal Family’s plot, they did not intend to alter their previous plan. Even though with True Ancestor’s power, it would be easy to thwart the conspiracy.

Yurst quickly realized why. True Ancestor’s willingness to cooperate with the Nez Clan and assist in stripping Prince Henry of his inheritance was likely due to more than just the territorial benefits the Nez Clan offered.

The True Ancestor must have a deeper purpose in mind, possibly related to the Roman Sword.

“Could it be that True Ancestor is also interested in the Roman Sword?”

Yurst pondered.

Reflecting on the elders’ council’s anticipation of retrieving the Roman Sword, his feelings were mixed. If True Ancestor’s interest lay there, then perhaps the Nez Clan might inadvertently serve True Ancestor’s broader goals.

At that moment, Yurst realized how deeply complicated the situation was and grew worried about how to handle his clan’s potential reaction.

He felt that True Ancestor’s objective was more intricate than it appeared.

But he quickly pushed these thoughts aside. He was not just a Blood Count of the Nez Clan but also a blood servant of True Ancestor.

His loyalty to the latter took precedence, especially since his life was now in True Ancestor’s hands. He would follow True Ancestor’s directives precisely.

Regardless of the outcome, he followed his clan’s instructions meticulously, ensuring no mistakes. If anything went awry, he could not be blamed.

As for the Nez Clan’s potential loss, if True Ancestor had moved past past grudges and no longer sought power through devouring other bloodbornes, supporting True Ancestor might be the best course for the clan’s future.

Of course, this was merely Yurst’s current speculation. He knew the idea was bold and unconventional, one that would be hard for other bloodbornes to accept, and even he had his doubts. Yet, he had no choice but to strive for the best possible outcome for the Nez Clan under True Ancestor’s guidance.

Yurst’s feelings were complicated, while Charlotte remained pragmatic. She weighed the pros and cons and saw no need to expose the Roman Royal Family’s plot. Instead, she decided to proceed with the original plan, allowing events to unfold naturally.

The Roman Sword was an artifact with a mind and significant power. Facing such a force required caution, and any mishap could be blamed on the Roman Royal Family.

With this decision, Charlotte summoned her shadow demon.

Though not powerful, the shadow demon’s spatial and shadow attributes made it an excellent messenger. Under her gaze, it trembled, receiving a crystal vial of her blood.

“Deliver this to Albrecht. He knows what to do.”

Charlotte commanded.

The demon, though tempted by the vial’s contents, fearfully complied and vanished.

Yurst, watching, realized his previous blindness.

No ordinary human could command a demon so easily. His realization of Charlotte’s true identity made him uneasy.

Uncomfortable staying in the same room, he cautiously asked.

“Cou… Your Excellency, I have other clan tasks to attend to. May I be excused?”

“Go ahead. Continue as planned.”

Charlotte replied.

Relieved, Yurst bowed deeply and hurried out, needing time to process and compose himself.

“Hey, Lady Charlotte, he seems quite scared of your true identity.”

Nice remarked, watching Yurst’s retreat.

Charlotte ignored Nice’s amusement, recalling how the cat had once reacted similarly upon discovering her identity.

“I’ll go check on the ceremony’s array and see how he’s doing.”

Nice said, sneaking off.

“Go on.”

Charlotte sighed.

…

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Outside the dark room, Yurst finally breathed easier.

Knowing Castell’s true identity was overwhelming, each second felt heavy with pressure.

He needed time to digest the revelation and regain composure to interact with “Countess Castell” again.

“Hey, Yurst, your nerves are weak! Scared just because of knowing Lady Charlotte’s identity? I knew the truth and still clambered around her bed like a cat!”

Nice teased.

Yurst turned, glaring at the smug cat.

“Oh? Clambered around and ended up as a pet, signing a servant contract, huh?”

Nice’s face froze, unable to retort.

Seeing the cat’s reaction, Yurst knew he had struck a nerve. However, he didn’t continue with the mutual antagonism and instead sighed.

“So, you’ve actually known her true identity for a long time, haven’t you?”

Nice snorted.

“Of course, I knew at least two years ago. I even witnessed her resurrection firsthand!”

Hearing Nice’s words, Yurst fell silent.

His expression changed several times before he couldn’t help but ask.

“Sir Nicholas, what do you think of the current True Ancestor?”

Nice glanced at him and replied.

“Completely different from the her I used to know, but… in a positive way.”

“To be honest, when the contract was first signed, I thought I was doomed. But as it turned out, things weren’t as bad as I imagined.”

“No… to be more accurate, sometimes it even excites me.”

“If it’s her as she is now, I’d be happy to see her regain her power.”

“After all… not everyone gets the chance to personally be part of mythology and epic.”

After hearing Nice’s words, Yurst muttered to himself.

“So you think so too…”

Seeing Yurst in contemplation, Nice guessed what he was struggling with.

He chuckled and said.

“Yurst, don’t be so anxious and hesitant. After all… you’re already on her side.”

“You can’t change anything. Instead of trying to change, why not adapt?”

“In my opinion, this isn’t a bad thing for you or the Nez Clan. She’s nothing like the terrifying existence we knew.”

“Some say every resurrection of mythology could be a complete rebirth.”

“I think… it’s the same for her.”

Hearing Nice’s words, Yurst mused.

“A rebirth, huh…”

With that, he let out a long sigh.

“I hope so.”

He had to admit that he had no complaints about the current True Ancestor.

His fear was only rooted in the past.

He genuinely hoped that the True Ancestor from history, who suddenly changed character and massacred her kin in pursuit of power, would never return.

…

“So… this is your response.”

“It seems you don’t want to escalate things.”

Receiving the crystal vial from the submissive shadow demon, Albrecht looked surprised and contemplative.

He examined the crystal vial containing the translucent red blood, his eyes reflecting an uncontrollable greed.

The blood of the True Ancestor!

This was blood imbued with the highest level of power, the source of the bloodborne’s strength!

Even with just a drop, he could clearly feel the awe-inspiring and intimate power within.

It was the divine power of the True Ancestor!

“Though her personality seems different, she is indeed the True Ancestor. This is true blood! Even purer and nobler than the power in the Faceless Statue!”

Albrecht muttered to himself.

Suppressing the insane thought of claiming this drop of true blood for himself, his expression took on a tinge of jealousy.

“To be able to use a drop of true blood as a key for activation, the Roman Contract Book is truly fortunate.”

“Lucky indeed!”

After saying that, he glanced at the controlled puppets around him and sneered.

“And lucky for you all too! Free pass to survival!”

With that, Albrecht prepared to hand the crystal vial to the controlled Count Corimo.

But just as he reached out, he paused, struck by a thought.

He scrutinized Corimo’s figure and then smirked, stroking his chin.

“Come to think of it, my illusion skills aren’t bad either.”

…

Roman Square.

As the guests took their seats, the grand ceremony officially began.

The “recognition” ceremony of the Starfall Crown Prince drew an enormous crowd.

Despite being politically sidelined in the Starfall noble circles, for the common people, such a grand festival was a major event.

The vast square was packed with people, both inside and out, possibly numbering in the tens of thousands.

And with the nearby congested streets included, the number of spectators was even higher.

The Ancestral Recognition Ceremony had three parts.

The first part was a speech, where Prince Henry, as the Roman family’s successor, would appear before the people to take an oath and give a speech.

The second part was the Grand Priesthood, a ritual of ancestor worship, serving as a prelude to the recognition ceremony.

The third part was the formal ceremony itself.

According to tradition, the Roman family would awaken the Roman Sword, initiating the recognition and strengthening of the Roman bloodline.

The ceremony proceeded smoothly.

Though young, Prince Henry was a competent noble, and while his speech wasn’t outstanding, it was fitting for a crown prince.

The Grand Priesthood also went without a hitch.

As a ritual sanctioned by the Holy Court, the Roman family’s Grand Priesthood had long lost its mystical significance and had become purely symbolic, posing no risks or difficulties. The problem lay with the yet-to-begin critical part.

“Is there still no news from the palace?”

Backstage on the viewing platform, Duke Conte asked the royal knight anxiously.

“No, Your Grace.”

The royal knight replied respectfully.

“The decoy is in place, and the person has been sent to the palace. How hard is it to draw some blood?!”

“Go check again and see what’s taking so long. The Grand Priesthood is almost over, have them bring the stuff quickly!”

Duke Conte urged, frowning.

The knight respectfully acknowledged and left.

Duke Conte paced back and forth anxiously.

Just as he was about to urge them again or even go himself, the royal knight finally arrived with someone.

It was Count Corimo.

“Apologies, Your Grace. The palace is vast, and I got lost, hence the delay.”

Count Corimo said with a smile.

Seeing his leisurely demeanor, Duke Conte was furious.

“Lost? You’ve been to the Roman Palace countless times, and you got lost? Do you know the consequences if our plan is delayed?!”

Suppressing his anger, he took a deep breath and asked in a low voice.

“Do you have the item?”

“Yes, I have Castell’s blood.”

Count Corimo handed over the crystal vial with a smile.

Seeing the red liquid in the vial, Duke Conte’s expression softened.

He looked deeply at Count Corimo.

“Good. Make sure to handle the follow-up.”

With that, he strode towards the viewing platform.

The Grand Priesthood had just ended.

There was a ten-minute break before the formal ancestor recognition ceremony began.

On the viewing platform, Prince Henry clutched an ancient book, looking restless.

Until he saw Duke Conte hurrying over.

Prince Henry’s eyes lit up as Duke Conte quickly approached and discreetly handed him the crystal vial.

“Your Highness, we have Castell’s blood.”

Receiving the vial, Prince Henry finally felt at ease.

Thinking of the beautiful figure he saw at the banquet last night, he couldn’t help but ask.

“Is she… alright?”

Duke Conte paused, realizing who he meant. He glanced at the other “Castell” and replied.

“Rest assured, Your Highness. We did not harm her, merely sedated her. Even the blood extraction was done gently.”

“Good. After all, she will be the future queen.”

Prince Henry nodded.

The break ended quickly.

The Ancestral Recognition Ceremony was about to begin.

The nobles took their seats again, and the Roman family’s elder announced the ceremony’s commencement.

“Your Highness, the ceremony is about to begin. Please proceed to the altar and summon the Roman Sword!”

The elder said solemnly.

Having made all necessary preparations, Prince Henry took a deep breath and, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, stood up.

He held the Roman Contract Book, hid the crystal vial, and walked towards the altar at the center of the square with a mix of nervousness and anticipation…