Drinking Blood

The sound of singing gradually began to drift out. The time for silent mourning seemed to have come to an end, and the music reached the vocal section requiring lyrics to be chanted. People sang in the ancient language of the Royal Court, the waves of their voices vibrating through everyone's souls.

Miss Movella leaned against the window. Her voice was distant and ethereal, adding a touch of desolate atmosphere to the collective chorus. Clo glanced at Li Yue. Li Yue was still staring at the corpse inside the coffin before her, her expression not exactly solemn, yet lacking her usual indifferent attitude.

“The lyrics mean... May the Divine Lord protect you through the long journey of the shadow of death.” Li Yue didn't know what she should do. As the Divine Lord in their songs, she didn't know how she was supposed to protect or bless them.

She silently offered a blessing for the deceased principal in her heart, hoping that within the River of the Dead, his shattered soul might find a sliver of solace. However, what concerned her more was why a soul that died naturally would be shattered... and why fragments of that shattered soul still remained within his body.

Strange...

Li Yue frowned slightly. Even as the music came to an end, she couldn't think of any natural explanation. As for the remaining possibilities, only human factors were left.

Li Yue lowered her eyes. In the somewhat dim environment, her eyes emitted a terrifying, blood-colored glow, even though they usually appeared so dull.

“It really is lamentable and sad. It is a pity I do not know the language here...” Clo sighed, placing one hand over her chest to silently express her condolences.

“You need not feel sad for this. Everyone dies; it is only the manner of death that differs. For the principal to pass away so peacefully in his sleep is already the best possible end.” Movella smiled thinly and gave Night Dew, who was beside her, a look. The latter understood immediately, turned, and walked out the door.

“To die in one's sleep... if death is not for the sake of something, then what is its meaning... to simply mark the end of one's life... that sounds nice...” Li Yue said suddenly. Her expression didn't change much, but a complex emotion flashed through her eyes for an instant, as if she were harboring some unspeakable feeling.

“However... was it truly such a peaceful death?” Li Yue whispered softly. “So, how will you handle the body? A burial?”

“It will likely be placed in a specially established memorial hall. We will wait for an appropriate day to conduct the funeral ceremony.” Movella thought for a moment and poured red wine into her own glass, then filled a third of Clo's glass, skipping Li Yue's glass entirely.

“I have thought of a fine drink. I would like Miss Li to try it in a moment. I believe its flavor will surprise you.” Movella smiled thinly. Just then, Night Dew, dressed in formal attire, walked slowly back into the room from outside. She held a bright red bottle in her hands, which appeared to be a special kind of drink.

“This is a wine previously gifted by the royal family. We have never tried to drink it, as its flavor is quite unique. Those who like it will probably love it intensely, but of course, there are many who loathe it.” Movella smiled and gave a casual command. Night Dew, with a suit jacket draped casually over her shoulders, gently opened the bottle. Waves of scarlet wine aroma immediately began to drift out.

“Such a metallic, sweet smell...” Clo slightly covered her nose. Being well bred, she truly did not like this peculiar scent.

“Beside the Phibilans blood crystal mine in the Royal Court, there is a very famous vineyard. Perhaps influenced by that location, the grapes from that vineyard have a distinct flavor.” Movella lightly covered her nose as well, seemingly not particularly fond of the strange smell either.

“It is said that Prince Dmitry vomited immediately after trying a sip, for which he was mocked by His Majesty the King.” Movella said softly. “Prince Dmitry is an exceptionally outstanding prince. He is the most capable of succeeding His Majesty... or rather, the current Royal Court needs a sovereign of civil governance...”

Movella whispered softly. She suddenly seemed to realize she had misspoken and instinctively looked toward Li Yue to gauge her reaction. After all, based on her words just now, there was a slight hint of irreverence.

In reality, Li Yue hadn't paid any attention to what Movella said at all. An intense appetite had been completely enticed. At this moment, the voices urging her to feed began to echo in her mind again. She took the bottle and, with as much poise as she could muster, poured herself a full glass and drank it all.

“Delicious...” Li Yue wiped the scarlet liquid from the corner of her mouth. A sliver of a smile appeared on her habitually tense face, but this smile added a touch of the uncanny to her small, pale face.

She pressed her hand to her forehead. Her reason and thoughts seemed to start boiling. A red light flashed in her eyes for an instant, as if she had returned to a bit of her past self. Dark red memories began to flash back. She set down the glass, the viscous scarlet wine still clinging to its walls.

I... I was supposed to... do what... what was it...

Right... protect my believers...