Gospel of Blood

Charlotte looked at the elegantly poised Yurst with a strange expression, inwardly admiring this bloodborne noble’s adaptability.

Clearing her throat, she nodded and said,

“Of course, Sir Yurst. Everything you’ve done has been noted, and all your efforts will be remembered.”

Count Yurst was very pleased with Charlotte’s words, his smile becoming even brighter.

Glancing around expectantly, he then asked.

“Countess, I would like to pay my respects to the Great Progenitor. Could you arrange for an audience?”

Instead of answering, Charlotte raised an eyebrow and asked.

“Oh? Is there something you wish to report, Sir Yurst?”

Count Yurst awkwardly touched his nose.

“Well… not exactly. It’s just that since I’m here in Castell, as a vassal of the Ancestor, I naturally wish to pay my respects in person…”

He then added nervously.

“Of course, if it’s inconvenient, I understand. I know the Progenitor’s identity is still a secret…”

Seeing his cautious demeanor, Charlotte smiled.

“If it’s necessary, you will be summoned.”

“Alright, I understand.”

Count Yurst sighed and nodded.

Then he asked.

“So… is there anything else you need me to do? As you know, the extraordinary beings I brought cannot stay here too long, lest they be discovered.”

Charlotte pondered for a moment and then smiled.

“Of course.”

“Sir Yurst, while the war between Borde and Castell is likely decided after last night’s battle, the rebellion in Castell is not yet over.”

“More than ten days ago, I dispatched troops to suppress the rebellion. Recently, I received news that my troops have advanced into the heart of the rebel-held area. However, the rebels have not given up and are defending their positions, so progress is slow…”

“I’ve already ordered the Mage Tower to broadcast the results of last night’s battle. The rebels should soon know the outcome, but given their support from the Blood Demon Cult, I’m not sure if they will continue to resist.”

“The Blood Demon Cult?”

Hearing this, Count Yurst narrowed his eyes with interest.

Charlotte nodded.

“Yes, exactly.”

“Considering we still have to negotiate with Borde and Violet Duchy, manage many captives, and pursue the fleeing remnants of the defeated army, we’re stretched thin…”

“So, I hope you can lead your troops north by ship to assist my forces in quelling the rebellion in Castell.”

This was an excuse.

The truth was that Charlotte didn’t want to mobilize more troops northward. It cost her money every time, and given the long and narrow terrain of Castell, reinforcements would take time to arrive. It was quicker to let Yurst handle it by ship.

Since they were here and mostly extraordinary beings, it would be a waste not to use them.

Count Yurst seemed to understand and asked.

“Is this the Progenitor’s will?”

“Indeed.”

Charlotte nodded.

Yurst nodded slightly and agreed.

“I understand. I will lead my people northward. Whether it’s for the relationship between Nez and Castell, my connection with the True Ancestor, or my enmity with the Blood Demon Cult… helping Castell through this crisis is my duty.”

Charlotte smiled.

“Then… I look forward to your good news.”

After meeting with Charlotte, Count Yurst took the extraordinary beings of the night raid coalition and continued northward by the oar-sail warship.

They left behind all their spoils and captives.

“These mercenaries… it’s surprising they left all the spoils to us.”

Watching the departing fleet, Viscount Leon-Castell remarked in amazement.

Charlotte smiled.

“Perhaps the mercenary leader is an upright person.”

Viscount Leon-Castell: …

He gave Charlotte a strange look but refrained from commenting.

“Countess, the coalition has been defeated, and the lost lands of Northport Viscounty have been reclaimed. Should we march south to counterattack?”

The old viscount asked.

Charlotte pondered and said,

“Let’s move south, but don’t deploy too many troops. Just reclaim the fallen territories.”

“Countess, shouldn’t we invade the Violet Duchy? They suffered heavy losses and this could be a good opportunity!”

A noble couldn’t help but ask.

Charlotte shook her head.

“No, the Violet Duchy only used the Duke’s direct forces. Most noble vassals didn’t participate. Invading would mean a full-scale war with them.”

“We don’t have the energy for that now. Keep an eye on the captives and wait for their envoys to negotiate.”

Then she asked.

“Where is the Third Prince? Any news?”

The nobles looked at each other, embarrassed, and shook their heads nervously.

“Still… still no news…”

After the battle, they seemed to respect Charlotte even more.

Charlotte thought for a moment and said,

“No news doesn’t matter. He’s not important anymore.”

…

The Third Prince didn’t know how long he had been running. He only knew he kept fleeing.

With news of the coalition’s defeat and total collapse, the southern Castell territories that had been occupied were also rebelling, raising Castell’s flag under the local nobles’ leadership.

Along the way, the Third Prince saw northern nobles everywhere rising up, rebelling, and slaughtering the remnants of the coalition.

“Damn it! Those damn bastards!”

The Third Prince cursed angrily.

He continued his desperate escape, avoiding the rebelling nobles and Castell’s pursuers.

Finally, under his soldiers’ escort, he reached the border between Castell and the Violet Duchy, gradually recovering from his terror.

By then, it had been a week since the Battle of Northport.

“Open the gate! I am Prince Philip!”

At the Violet border fortress, the disheveled Third Prince, supported by soldiers, hoarsely shouted at the closed gate.

After a moment, the gate slowly lowered, and well-armed knights emerged.

Seeing the well-equipped Violet knights, the Third Prince sighed with relief, his anxious heart finally calming down.

“Prepare a carriage and take me to Linte City. I need to see my grandfather.”

He commanded.

However, the Violet knights did not move.