The First Vampire

At the break of dawn.

The rising sun shone gently through the dense clouds, with waves of mist rolling over forests and expansive wilderness.

A sizeable caravan was advancing on a forest trail, treading on the morning dew.

At the front of the group, a flag embroidered with tulips fluttered in the wind.

After traversing a rugged path, the axles creaked in the bumpy ride. Suddenly, the curtain of a carriage was lifted, revealing a round, chubby face.

“Master Oliver, do you have any instructions?”

A mercenary standing beside the carriage asked with a smile.

Oliver carefully studied the winding trail ahead, frowning as he asked, “Why did you choose this route?”

“My lord, although this route is slightly rougher, it’s much shorter. We estimate that we will reach Swan City in three days.”

“The captain is ahead…” The mercenary was speaking when he suddenly noticed a figure approaching quickly. He promptly added, “Master, the captain is coming now.”

Turning his head, Oliver saw Captain Jack, who had a thick beard, had already arrived beside the carriage.

The captain of the mercenary group had a deeply furrowed brow, seemingly filled with worry.

“Master Oliver, I’ve just received news that something happened in Swan City!”

“What?” Oliver’s heart skipped a beat, his face changing abruptly as he hurriedly asked, “What happened?”

“Rumor has it that Lord Lucien, Count Schultz’s husband, has plotted against Bishop John and is now being pursued by a large army!”

“How could this have happened? Why would Lucien plot against Bishop John?”

“I don’t know.”

“Can we still get into Swan City?”

“We should be able to. Swan City has not been sealed off. But, I advise you to reconsider, as the current situation in Swan City is rather unstable.”

Oliver’s brows knitted tightly, his round, chubby face filled with worry as he wrestled with conflicting thoughts.

Seeing his reaction, Captain Jack offered more news, “Additionally, I heard that Viscount Angler is now in Swan City. He was the one who exposed Lucien’s crime.”

“Viscount Angler is in the city?” Oliver suddenly perked up, as if the name had a unique magic to it.

“Yes,” Captain Jack nodded, then cautiously askd, “I heard that you had dealings with the Viscount before. Is that true?”

Oliver immediately puffed out his chest, his face displaying boundless pride as he boasted:

“Of course, it’s true! Back when the Viscount hadn’t yet inherited his title, we knew each other. We’ve even shared a tent, gone to battle together…”

Just as Oliver was passionately bragging about his prestigious days with Viscount Angler to Captain Jack, the ground suddenly began to tremble slightly.

“Is it an earthquake?” Oliver asked dimwittedly.

But soon, the trembling of the ground grew more intense, even the blades of grass began to shake violently.

Crack…

It was as if rolling spring thunder had blown apart the ground, or a raging flood was sweeping over. The broken gravel on the ground danced as if an invisible hand was picking it up and putting it back down. From a bird’s eye view, it resembled boiling water.

“It’s the cavalry…” Captain Jack, pointing towards the front, his voice trembling.

Countless shadows appeared instantly on the horizon, filling the landscape.

The thick ranks of cavalry surged forth like a tempest, crushing the pebbles and withered grass on the ground under their hooves.

Oliver and his party stood numbly on the spot, shivering in fear and completely taken aback.

Running was impossible, they could only privately pray in their hearts that this formidable cavalry force was not an enemy.

“It’s the Blood Knight Army!”

Someone spotted the blood-red flag fluttering against the wind and immediately cried out.

Upon hearing this, Oliver’s eyes lit up. He tumbled and scrambled out of the horse-drawn carriage, looking at the cavalry squad charging towards them. He yelled hoarsely:

We are from the Tulip Chamber of Commerce, Tulip Chamber of Commerce! I recognize Viscount Angler…”

Before long, a squad of the Blood Knight Army arrived in front of Oliver. The leading military officer sat high on his warhorse, his sharp gaze peering coldly at Oliver through the small holes in his helmet. His coercive aura made the entire caravan silent.

“What is your name?”

“I…I am Oliver, the president of the Tulip Chamber of Commerce… May I ask if Viscount Angler is ahead?”

The Blood Knight Army officer nodded, saying, “Follow me, the Viscount wants to see you.”

Upon hearing this, Oliver’s spirits lifted. He hastily ordered his men to bring over a horse used for pulling carriages, and awkwardly climbed up due to his bulky figure.

Seeing Oliver struggle, the impatient officer stepped forward, grabbed Oliver by the collar and lifted him onto his own horse. He then rode towards the bulk of the Blood Knight Army.

By the time Oliver was brought before Colin, he was almost out of breath due to the jolting journey.

“Viscount Angler…ugh…”

He vomited as soon as he dismounted from the horse, before even greeting Colin weakly.

Colin looked at the familiar chubby face, had his attendant pass a pot of water, and asked with a broad smile, “Oliver, I heard you are now the president of the Tulip Chamber of Commerce?”

Oliver took a sip of water, finally regaining his strength, and quickly answered, “Yes, my lord. After Ms. Penny’s death, I was seen favorably by Count Uman and took over the Tulip Chamber of Commerce.”

The Count Uman Oliver referred to was Walra.

Of course, this appointment was at Colin’s discretion. He had a good impression of this chubby merchant, and after gaining control of the Uman Clan through Walra, he suggested that Oliver be promoted to the president of the Tulip Chamber of Commerce.

Afterwards, the obedient and understanding Oliver started to clear the remaining powers of the St. Sean’s family in the Tulip Chamber of Commerce under Walra’s guidance. The progress was reportedly going smooth.

“Are you on your way to Swan City?”

“Yes, my lord.” Oliver’s small eyes shifted, took the opportunity to ask, “I heard that the situation in Swan City is currently a bit turbulent. I’m not sure if it would affect our journey…”

“Go ahead without worries.” Colin reassured, “The Schultz Family has stabilized the situation, you won’t face any problems.”

“That’s great.” Oliver immediately sighed in relief, he had an inexplicable trust in Colin.

Colin looked at his old acquaintance and suddenly asked: “I heard that major merchants in the North Territory are planning to unite and form a Northern Merchant Association?”

“Yes, my lord.” Oliver glanced at Colin’s face, answered carefully, “The Tulip Chamber of Commerce plans to join the Northern Merchant Association too. Count Uman is also aware of this and has agreed.”

Colin nodded, then asked, “Who is the president of this Merchant Association?”

“My lord, the candidate for the presidency has not been decided yet. But we plan to hold a general meeting in Winterfell City at the end of this month to decide on the candidate.”

Colin stroked his chin, seemingly deep in thought.

After a while, he asked, “Oliver, do you want to be the president of the Northern Merchant Association?”

Oliver’s fat body began to tremble. It was unclear whether it was due to nervousness or excitement.

After hesitating for a moment, he came up with a slick answer: “I will follow whatever you command!”

Colin gave a faint smile and did not comment on Oliver’s answer. Instead, he said:

“Help me spread the news – tell all the merchants and chambers of commerce in the North Territory that the St. Hilde family intends to take out a large loan to get through their current difficulties. If any merchant is interested, they should come to Winterfell City before the end of the month.”

“Yes!” Oliver immediately agreed.

However, Colin did not mention the presidency of the Merchant Association again. Oliver was itching to know more but didn’t dare to ask.

“All right, you go ahead to Swan City. Remember to come to Winterfell City to see me at the end of the month.”

“Yes, my lord!”

Subsequently, Colin nudged his horse and joined the bulk of the Blood Knight Army under Oliver’s disappointed gaze, heading northward.

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