The so-called vassals, the so-called believers, and the so-called royalty—none of them truly existed as they were described. The so-called special bloodlines were merely a group of unique humans who had been influenced by their own magic but had not been turned into blood demons. However, such humans did indeed possess their own unique strength.
While they could not adapt to death like Li Yue, their vitality was incredibly powerful. To a certain extent, they could achieve the effect of "rejecting" death, which they called "God's grace." However, Li Yue had never cared about such things before.
It was only now, seeing those who regarded the gods as their spiritual pillars, that her thoughts shifted slightly. When the gods of the previous generation died, did they truly cease to exist? No, they would exist forever, unless...
Never mind... They will be wiped out by my own hands, vanishing forever. No one will ever need to know about them, their great achievements, their joys and sorrows... or even their names.
Li Yue looked at her clothes; they were still perfectly dry. Askat's weaving technique was undoubtedly world-class, though it hadn't been preserved. The outfit she wore, modeled after Clo's attire, had a formal, dress-like style. Perhaps because it was exquisitely crafted and offered strong protection, Li Yue hadn't asked the tailors of the Raven's Beak Covenant to prepare many extra clothes for her.
A drop of water rolled down Li Yue's cheek. She reached out to touch it, momentarily stunned with disbelief.
“A tear?” Her heart trembled. Then she realized her magic barrier had become slightly unstable while she was lost in thought, allowing a single drop of rain to pass through and fall.
“It's just rain... Of course. Facing a scene like this, how could I possibly shed tears?” Li Yue gazed at the pitch-black castle, silent for a long time. She had been here before in the form of a giant snake. Now that she had returned, perhaps she would bring even more death this time.
“Whatever... It ends here.”
...
“Your Majesty, a successor of one of the families... she has exited her carriage and arrived at the banquet hall.” Carlo returned from the window and looked at the monarch sitting on the throne. The King seemed to be in a state between dreaming and waking, so Carlo decided to remind him in a low voice.
“Which one?” Mordred opened his eyes. He stood up and walked slowly to the window.
“It's... the successor of the Raven's Beak Covenant.” Carlo paused. “The original successor was supposed to be Norton. As for this Miss Li Yue... we have almost no information on her.”
“However, her blood does indeed carry the aura of the Phantom Crow Art.” Carlo thought for a moment, recalling the young girl walking through the torrential rain and mist. For some reason, he felt a sense of dread, a mysterious cramping in his gut that caused his breathing to stall for a brief second.
“A blood sacrifice ritual is indeed an excellent way to test someone, but...” Mordred gave a cold laugh. “There are no 'buts.' I'm a bit tired; leave me alone for a while.”
“In half an hour, we must—” Carlo tried to say more.
“I know. You may leave.” Mordred waved his hand impatiently. Carlo didn't know how to lead into what he really wanted to say, so he could only withdraw for now. The rest would have to be planned later.
It didn't matter, though. He had always been known for his patience.
...
“Royalty... this identity... seems much more powerful than any family successor.” Li Yue leaned against the window, quietly watching the increasing number of family heads or representatives gathering in the banquet hall. She narrowed her eyes slightly. She could see many things—the activity of life, the messages of death—but the human heart was truly difficult to fathom.
A white-haired old gentleman walked out from behind a revolving door. His white hair lacked luster, looking completely different from Li Yue's snowy white; it was likely the result of natural aging. He looked very old, yet he still possessed a certain vigor.
“The aura of death?” Li Yue touched her delicate chin. She had intended to wait quietly for Helen and Clo to enter, but the surrounding crowd seemed to be whispering about her from time to time.
“No... it's not inherent to him.” Li Yue scanned the ripples of life energy around Carlo. In her vision, that spark of life was stained with the scarlet hue of death. Her thoughts began to wander until, in a daze, she suddenly realized the formally dressed man was looking at her intently.
“Miss Li Yue of the Raven's Beak Covenant, His Majesty the King wishes to meet with you.” Carlo cleared his throat. “The appointment of every marquis must be personally confirmed by the King. Since you are to take over this position, you must pass His Majesty's assessment.”
Carlo felt his throat tighten. Though he called it an assessment, it was a bit of an exaggeration; in reality, it was just an audience with the King to establish familiarity. This autocratic King never feared the power of the nobles. After all, the strength of the royalty was overwhelming compared to any noble faction. The gap between a Calamity and a mortal was simply too vast.
“Don't I need to stay here and listen to your opening speech?” Li Yue spread her hands, her expression relaxed. She smiled slightly, appearing not the least bit nervous, showing no signs of dread or being overwhelmed by the honor.
“Your entourage can stay here and listen to my nonsense. You have more important matters to attend to.” Carlo smiled and made a gesture of invitation. Li Yue did not refuse. She hadn't expected to get a chance to meet that legendary being so easily. Then again, technically speaking, she was a mythological existence herself...
Does me taking the initiative to see him lower my status? Never mind, why am I even considering such things... Whether it's these identities or existences... I should have been completely indifferent.
She gave a self-deprecating laugh as she walked up the spiral staircase. Every step here was carved with dense monitoring and reinforcement formations.
Even I am starting to act superior. Truly... ridiculous.
Li Yue pushed open the closed doors. Carlo dropped to one knee, performed a salute, and then withdrew. Li Yue pondered for a moment—what kind of etiquette was one supposed to use when facing an emperor? She had thought she wouldn't have the chance to meet him in person for a couple of days and had planned to study up.
This was a bit outside her preparation.
Li Yue lifted her skirt and performed a slight curtsy. Mordred wasn't one to care much for formalities. He stood up slowly, pointed toward the window, and snapped his fingers. Two rattan chairs instantly appeared by the window.
He stood up and walked slowly past Li Yue, taking a seat.
“Sit.” Mordred patted the spot next to him, propping up his head with his hand, looking quite casual.
Li Yue didn't hesitate and sat down. The two remained silent, neither saying a word to the other.
Rate on N.U.
