Gospel of Blood

“Countess Castell, are you sure you want to go back? Wouldn’t you like to stay a few more days in Roman?”

In the noble inn of Roan City, Yurst hesitated as he watched the busy maids of the Castell family pack the luggage. Carefully, he asked the question.

Charlotte leaned casually against the window.

Looking down at the bustling city, she shook her head and said,

“No need. The Ancestral Recognition Ceremony has already failed, and there are many things that need to be dealt with in the North. There’s no reason for me to stay here any longer.”

She smiled at Yurst and added.

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m actually very busy.”

The golden sunlight streaming through the window bathed her in a glow, making her already beautiful face seem even more ethereal under her sweet smile.

Even Yurst was momentarily stunned. But knowing her true identity, he quickly snapped back to reality, bowing his head in respect and fear.

“Yurst, Prince Henry is dead. Our contract should be considered fulfilled, right? When you go back, remind the Nez Clan to honor their agreement with Castell.”

Charlotte tilted her head and smiled at the bowing Yurst.

Yurst gave a wry smile and nodded.

“Rest assured. Although the process was unexpected, the Nez Clan has always been a clan that honors its contracts. Once we formally take power, the clan will transfer the sovereignty of the Roman Duchy to the Castell family.”

After speaking, he hesitated for a moment and then sighed.

“However, you might have to wait a bit longer, at least until the political situation in Starfall stabilizes.”

“Although Prince Henry’s death has fundamentally severed the inheritance of the Lilac family, it has also caused us to completely break with the current royal family. Some nobles who were originally inclined towards us might now distrust us. Therefore, the clan might need more time to stabilize internally.”

Charlotte nodded slightly.

“I understand. Do you need my help?”

Yurst was startled.

“No… no need! While your willingness to help the clan is greatly appreciated, it’s best not to. After this ceremony, the origins of your current body might soon be fully revealed. Given the special status of Countess Castell, it’s not advisable to get involved in the turmoil during the Starfall’s power struggles. The clan itself wouldn’t welcome it either.”

“Although Lord Yorok convinced the Elder Council to ally with Castell, many within the clan are quite wary of the ‘God’ behind Castell.”

“To be frank, the clan still harbors great fear about the return of the True Ancestor. One of the main purposes of preparing for the Divinity Descent is to prevent possible retribution from the returning True Ancestor…”

“So…”

Charlotte nodded.

“I understand, more time is needed, right?”

Yurst breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Worried that Charlotte might misunderstand, he quickly added.

“However, rest assured, I am already your blood servant and have witnessed your benevolence. I believe… if it’s the current you, with enough time, you’ll surely gain the support of the clan.” �

Charlotte smiled.

“I’m not in a hurry. With my current strength, I don’t plan to take any action for now. After all, power is fundamental.”

“However… I heard that the Nez Clan still retains some blood divine power and even possesses artifacts made from the Faceless Statue. Do you know about this?”

Yurst hesitated before responding.

“Are you referring to the clan’s Star Crystal?”

“The clan did create a divine artifact from the Faceless Statue. No, it should be called a wisdom artifact, currently controlled by Lord Yorok.”

“As for the blood divine power… I’m not sure, but it should be preserved by the Elder Council, as even the artifacts left by His Eminence Casey are also safeguarded by them.”

“Um… Countess Castell, are you planning to reclaim these items?”

Charlotte glanced at him.

“Can you do it?”

Yurst awkwardly replied.

“I’m afraid not, as I’m just a minor Blood Count.”

Charlotte smiled.

“Doesn’t matter. I have no intention of controlling the Nez Clan right now. You just continue to remain undercover within the clan. Of course, if you can find more supporters, that would be even better.”

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“After returning, I might go into a period of slumber, giving you plenty of time to prepare within the Nez Clan.”

Yurst’s heart skipped a beat.

“Slumber… Are you going to further restore your power?”

Charlotte smiled enigmatically.

“Lady Charlotte, the carriage is ready. We can leave at any time.”

A gentle knock on the door accompanied the voice of the maid, Sherry.

Charlotte nodded.

“Alright.”

She turned to Yurst and smiled.

“Yurst, I hope the next time I see you, you’ll have a pleasant surprise for me.”

With that, Charlotte left the guest room accompanied by Eudoxia.

“Your Exc… No, Countess Castell!”

Yurst hesitated before hurriedly calling out to her.

Charlotte paused slightly.

“Sir Yurst, is there anything else?”

Charlotte asked.

Yurst appeared anxious, wrestling with himself before shaking his head.

“No… nothing. Safe travels.”

Charlotte glanced at his clearly troubled face and asked.

“Sir Yurst, is there truly no issue within the Nez Clan?”

Yurst was taken aback.

He hesitated before shaking his head.

“No… no issue, at least… not for now.”

Charlotte gave him a deep look.

“If there’s any difficulty, feel free to seek my help. After all, we are ‘allies’.”

Yurst bowed respectfully.

“I will.”

Leaving the inn, Charlotte boarded the carriage, and the Castell entourage slowly set off towards the port.

They arrived by ship and would leave the same way.

Charlotte waved, signaling Yurst to stop seeing her off, and then closed the curtains.

After the curtains were drawn, a silvery light appeared, and a phantom miniature elven dual-handed sword slowly manifested beside Charlotte.

“Hey, he definitely wanted to ask about my whereabouts just now. His thoughts are written all over his face!”

“Your Majesty, the True Ancestor, are you really not planning to seize control of the Nez Clan? This is the perfect opportunity. They are likely to face big trouble this time!”

This was the spirit projection of the Roman Sword, visible only to its master, Charlotte.

Looking at the gloating Roman Sword, Charlotte raised an eyebrow.

“Oh? How so?”

“Because the one who killed the heir of Roman is a blood descendant from the Nez Clan’s Luna Island. There’s already a tendency for division within the Nez Clan. Luna Island and Starfall have always been vying for control of the clan. This time… things will get lively.”

“Don’t you think this is the perfect time to take advantage of the situation, whether for the Nez Clan or the Roman family?”

The Roman Sword provocatively suggested.

Charlotte glanced at the gloating artifact, aware it was taking pleasure in others’ misfortunes as well as its own.

This thing held grudges, likely blaming the Nez Clan and the Roman family for its predicament, and was now stirring trouble.

Seeing Charlotte’s indifferent expression and meaningful look, the voice of the Roman Sword gradually diminished. It coughed lightly, retreating sheepishly.

Charlotte shifted her gaze elsewhere.

“Albrecht, what are your plans?”

Opposite her, black mist slowly coalesced into the shape of Albrecht.

“Great True Ancestor, I plan to return to the Crescent Kingdom, rally the bloodborne within the cult, and continue to serve you!”

Albrecht spoke with a solemn expression and respectful demeanor.

Charlotte gave him a half-smile.

“This time, not seeking peace and tranquility?”

Albrecht stiffened slightly, chuckling awkwardly.

“You’re… joking.”

Charlotte applied no further pressure.

Lazily changing her posture, she nodded.

“Go on, don’t disappoint me. Additionally, I have a new task for you. I want you to investigate the divine artifact within the Blood Demon Cult that can locate the cursed pages. Find it, and then… acquire it.”

“A divine artifact that can locate cursed pages?”

Albrecht raised an eyebrow.

He pondered, then bowed to Charlotte.

“Great True Ancestor, I obey your command…”

With that, Albrecht turned back into black mist and quickly dissipated.

Charlotte slowly withdrew her gaze.

Looking at the approaching dock and the prepared family fleet, she murmured.

“Returning this time… I can peacefully integrate the statue.”

…

On the 5^th Day of the 9^th Month, 1446 of the Holy Calendar, crown Prince Henry of the Starfall Kingdom was assassinated during the Roman Ancestral Recognition Ceremony.

The Roman family’s ancestral artifact, the Roman Sword, pursued the killer and disappeared.

It was rumored that Prince Henry was assassinated by a fervent supporter of the Red Lilac family, possibly connected to the Bloodborne.

When the news reached the Starfall Kingdom, the entire nation was in an uproar.

…

Starfall Kingdom, Starfall City, the Royal Capital.

Within the royal palace, the strong smell of herbs was overwhelming, and the knights guarding the palace wore solemn and grim expressions.

Maids in red and white uniforms surrounded the bed, carefully wiping the body of Edward III.

“Cough… cough cough…”

His intense coughing was intermittent and weak, each bout aggravating the hideous wound on his chest, causing more blood to seep through the white bandages.

The maids were flustered, their faces growing paler as they tried to stanch the bleeding.

Amidst the commotion, a middle-aged nobleman dressed as a knight entered the chamber, looking deeply worried.

He approached the bed, hesitated, and then slowly stepped back.

As he was about to leave, Edward III suddenly opened his cloudy eyes, speaking weakly.

“Is that… Sir Samolet…”

“Your Majesty, it is I.”

The middle-aged nobleman stopped and respectfully bowed.

Edward III coughed violently again and asked.

“Is there… any news from the investigation?”

The nobleman hesitated, glancing around.

Edward III weakly ordered.

“Everyone… leave us.”

The maids and knights hesitated before bowing and exiting, leaving only Edward III and the nobleman in the chamber.

Edward III struggled to sit up, prompting the nobleman to carefully assist him.

After taking a few breaths, Edward III’s cloudy eyes gradually sharpened.

“Speak, Sir Samolet, how did Henry… die?”

The nobleman sighed and said.

“We have preliminary results. His Highness died from magic unique to the bloodborne. According to our covert investigation, many of his entourage were infiltrated by the bloodborne…”

“Cough… cough cough… bloodborne! Again, the bloodborne! These lingering wretches… cough cough…”

Edward III coughed violently.

“Your Majesty!”

The nobleman, startled, instinctively moved to call for help but was stopped by Edward III.

“Enough, no need to call anyone. I know my condition… I won’t last much longer.”

“Your Majesty…”

The nobleman’s face was filled with concern.

Edward III shook his head, gesturing for a glass of water. After taking a painful sip, he asked.

“What about the Red Lilac family…?”

The nobleman hesitated, then said.

“They have proposed to the council for the third time to re-establish the line of succession. The council has approved the proposal and will likely pressure the cabinet soon…”

Edward III sneered.

“Heh, re-establish the line of succession… cough cough…they just want to seize the throne… cough cough…”

“Do they… think I don’t know? If it weren’t for… cough cough, those bloodbornes supporting them… cough cough…”

“Humph, conspiring with the bloodborne for the throne…cough, I will never hand Starfall over to such people! Cough cough cough…”

“Opposing the unification, conspiring with the bloodborne to poison me, and now assassinating Henry… these vile creatures will not get my throne!”

“The more they seek to detach from the Church, the more I will deny them! The more they desire the throne, the more I will ensure their disappointment! Cough cough… cough cough cough…”

Edward III’s face contorted with rage, his expression intense as he coughed up blood.

The nobleman was frightened, quickly saying,

“Your Majesty! Please lie down! I will call the priest and the physician…”

“No need.”

Edward III shook his head.

He took several deep breaths, calming himself before asking.

“The Roman… Sword?”

“No news yet.”

“My niece… how is she?”

The nobleman paused before saying,

“She has returned to her territory. After investigation, she seems uninvolved in the assassination.”

“However, it cannot be ruled out that she may also have connections with the bloodborne, though given her position in the Church, it is unlikely.”

“However, it’s said she was quite angry before leaving. His Highness apparently did not follow your instructions and went to the North himself, altering his plans and indeed planning the abduction, even hiring mercenaries from Eastern Yuette…”

“We seem to have underestimated her. She managed to quell the rebellion and repel the invasion not just by relying on family heritage and luck.”

Edward III’s face darkened.

“Hmph, was it because of nobles slander again? I know what he’s worried about. He fears being stripped of his inheritance…”

“Foolish! So foolish! He’s my son, how could I strip him of his inheritance! And now, he lost his life because of it! Cough cough cough…”

Edward III’s expression was filled with disappointment.

After a long exhale, he slowly closed his eyes, reopening them later filled with malice, madness, and ridicule.

“Sir Samolet…”

“Your Majesty, I am here.”

“Listen to me… draft a decree… I will speak, you write…”

“Your Majesty… you mean to…”

“Cough cough cough… the heir… must be established. Since they care so much about bloodlines, then… then I will give them… an ‘appropriate’ choice!”

Edward III’s eyes reddened, speaking through gritted teeth.