Renault broke the silence, giving the Speaker a slight nod, and asked, “The situation on the floating lands has not been favorable. It seems that thoughts of abandoning and withdrawing have come up?”
The Speaker gave a faint smile without responding. He simply gestured slightly, urging Renault to continue.
Seeing the shift from a resources war to annihilation warfare, Renault said impassively, “Thus, calculation of warfare achievements should be adjusted based on annihilation norms. Princes oversee, inspect annihilation warfare but aren’€™t held to victory or defeat in major battles.”
“That should be decided,” replied the Speaker. Seeming pensive, he followed up, “Though someone as exceptional like the First Son, Hai mi, who faced against Prince Edward in annihilation contests, human强者 mature far quicker. Perhaps there might be merit to treating them differently?”
“There is no requirement within annihilation customs for us to choose adversaries beneath them,” remarked Renault, unfazed. “The young shall hone themselves within defined boundaries—do we tailor opponents strictly inferior?”
The Speaker responded with laughter, saying, “You may be correct, my concern perhaps exceeds its due. I concur with your opinion.”
With nods of agreement, Xia Sikka and Amiro aligned themselves to Renault’s view.
Turning to Medina’€™s and Habu’€™s direction now, with a simple flick of his fingers in midair, a crimson mist began to rise—a domain formed by the blood of his lineage. Across the table other powerful leaders politely redirected their eyes, an indication of respect for vampire internal negotiations.
Renault spoke, “All spoils acquired from battle shall belong completely to Lord Habu. The clans shall contribute a tenth of profits obtained directly to the Spurks clan, with Habu also permitted one specific wish as additional remuneration.”
Medina commented coolly, “This merely involves another bout of annihilation warfare, yet negotiations resulted in oversight-only responsibilities given…”
Cutting across, Renault interjected calmly, “If you wish not Howard to gain advantages, allocate benefits to Lord Habu instead.” He proceeded to turn toward Habu. “What shall your recompense be?”
The vampire stayed mute, his gaze finally setting upon Medina, before articulating slowly, “In the territory claimed by Fe’den — Rom, I desire ownership his ‘essence of vampiric blood’” — requesting control another’s vampiric essence, tantamount to sentencing their demise.
A sudden fury arose within Medina who accused sharply, “Lord Habu! He’is’ Duke! He occupied Duke rank only two years from now!”
Cool as a gem encased winter’s breath, eyes deep with stillness reflected no hint of light. “Such marionettes — replacements require only effort.”
A slight raise marked Renault’s brows pondering over ‘Fe’den’ whose house he failed to recall from memory—surely an underling house, maybe under Drákla? Normally leaders of these attached houses remain as Viscounts or Marquises unless their achievement ranks extremely high to earn titles listed to him via his descendancies, with the said house subsequently gaining prominence under scrutiny from ruling lords within the vampiric hierarchy.
Though recognized as one among Twelve Ancients himself, even for the most elite clans, fading blood signs render leaders unable to elevate beyond Marquez positions in cases wherein renewal fails.
Now Fe’dens house somehow concealing elevation from Viscounty to Dukehood hinted underlying issues. Likely culprits: questionable pedigree or impure descent unrecognized through house ceremonial baths reserved solely for noble inheritance.
Further thought lingered over implications regarding Habu’€™s suggestion. Producing Duke-grade individuals proved far from effortless—the extensive energy extraction required exceeded any but those accomplished within ancestral blood-baths found specifically among the eldest vampire kindred. Understandably aware of the hidden meaning in exchanges between leaders, Renault intervened.
“Habu…justify your demand.”
Whatever origin of rank, once a Duke, even high rulers needed rational basis disposing them.
Habu’ voice maintained calm. “Acute damage from battle faced during combat with QingYang Wang demanded quick remedial action best served through acquisition another’ essence.”
Though not a justification openly stated, both high Lords instinctively accepted rationale—akin practices familiar throughout perilous histories where lives frequently teetered between perilous edges.
“ Why ‘Rom’, specifically?” The matter held neither fascination nor intrigue for him regarding Rom’s association with humans or demonic bloodlines… yet curiously, every time this man gained hints regarding his movements, misfortunes on opposing battlelines arose soon after. Just recently during Rom’s presence in Xiandu — a city belonging to the Qin Dynasty, Qins’ celestial sovereign ZhangBoQian displayed unprovoked violent responses toward him…that incident coincidently involved Medinazo Emperor alongside Emperor Celsus and Lozan, also present.
A mixture strange emotion settled over Medina’s countenance, his words hesitant to follow his lips, almost at a loss for appropriate rejoinder.
Though many inaccuracies lingered inside that claim of the vampire’s claim if challenged rigorously—the reality lay deeper in nature than logic. And this was precisely why Lords needn’t require faultlessly airtight reasoning. This was Reno’€™s mind at this moment, anyway.
Noded approval, calm. “Granted. I shall notify ‘Fe’den’ household immediately—send Rom into Habu’ possession right away.”
Medinazo shifted with restrained hostility:” You better ensure clean operations. Don’t allow slip-ups. If things surface…” He left unfinished threats hanging.
“I’ll ensure that.” Smiled Habu toward this, expressionless, eyes like cold gems reflected nothing.
Then finally Renault concluded calmly.” Upon finishing annihilation contest, I shall retreat into dormancy.”
Mutual silence followed soon. Accord achieved, their conference ended.
Departure begun. One-by-one—the Speakers and major powers withdrew—until merely the two rulers remained. Finally Medinazo’s dissatisfaction bled freely.
“Dearest Renault, my old friend, have you overindulged children once too often?”
Expression of icy frost swept across Renau’ face, tone hardening at this: “Dear Medina’, My kind regard has limits. Our young friend—Master Habu now shares equal dominion in our circle. A perception, I might add, likely coincided with Queen Lys’ view, if she shared thoughts.”
This remark made Medina’ stiffen momentarily—an action nearly forcing him to snap upright before refraining.
“You give too easily… this lad might someday challenge nighteyed princess herself”
Renault sighed audibly, tone turning softened:
“Dear friend — moments when souls sit thus in open camaraderie—those dwindle fewer and far between between us older beings.
Despite my speaking might provoke discontent inside—a few words must be ventured. Have feelings toward Habus been dismissive all these years? Or might your investigation over his true birth dates been somewhat neglected?”
A brief astonishment spread over Med’s features.
“In records provided, reports suggest approaching maturity at approximately twenty-five… Yet still you see not discrepancies here? Perhaps his origin parallels Edward under House Pass?”
A brief moment silence between both.
Suddenly, a paleness surfaced across Med’s complexion — stirred were suppressed pangs of ancient wounds, bringing hints metallic taste at mouth’s interior. Lys’ meeting had taken place previously – and Renault’s awareness could hardly escape Lys’s notice—unless…perhaps concealed intentionally?
He finally asked, “Could this be one of the ancient consciousness awakened?”
Renault shook head negatively, slight shrug, and answered quietly:
“No evidence indicate this phenomenon.
Aches, too countless, plague our ancient races—so many remnants scattered across the sacred rivers—how could anyone possibly preserve the full tapestry intact? Memories of yours and mine, too, are incomplete.
Yet friend—among many matters you might retain clarity on, are two undeniable certainties.”
He paused momentarily as if weighing his words.
“First—Vampiric marks’ potential is unbound limitations once held by prior progenitory sources. Moreover—Crowfire embodies the darkest elemental flame itself—their intrinsic potency considerable… Long ago Samal halted growth voluntarily merely to prevent absorbing the sibling closest unto him.”
“Furthermore—though now all vampiric memory of original tenets faded—still, you and I—holders of first generation authority retain recolloection: Rankings attributed via Blood Seals remain unfixed variables—my own blood lineage maintains standing #10 historically at last recalculation…but precisely *how* many cycles ago?
Centuries upon centuries—two perhaps? Remember Andoo? Then still a hothead youth!” Laughter rumbled low within Renau’ chest—yet this lull was unfelt nearby.
Rise to full height, Renault patted gently the shoulder of his fellow elder noble.
“Our respect paid unto potential is noble—not shameful. If Habus age corresponds closely to young Edward’s—he boasts a potential run extending fully into a full hundred years active strength—should his trajectory hold course unbroken.”
This, the crux in this discourse. Perhaps, at last, Med’s resistance softened. Both faded silently, receding into corridors behind.
But young Habu? No abrupt disappearance.
He traversing slowly—each step calculated—stepped fully across grand temple gates—followed by deliberate pace through ninety-nine ceremonial steps descending.
Arriving at base—hand drifted instinctively towards chest—where rested an embedded Blood Amber gem, one most durable substance known among creation, essence accumulation drawn over countless years—heart of vampiric Lords’ eternal life-source encapsulated here. Minute fracture lines previously etched themselves briefly here—before miraculously restoring as silently, so perfectly sealed anew —as though merely illusions conjured in fleeting thoughts—his very form untouched by such rupture.
But Habu’ awareness penetrated deeper—something deep in the world—yet again touched the string vibrating between fate threads—the so-called命机—or better described under Eternal Darkness cosmology as——”the destiny lattice”…
A long-brewing query surfaced from his depths, voice echoing softly through mental space…
“Lin—vision bearer of preordained fates—yet still scorn fate’s design, as though powerless to affect you?”
Returning to Qin Central—Five afternoons since Master Zhang’s return.
At this hour—Lin Xiting restored mobility gradually, after month’s immorality within Tian Ji Ge chambers—the internal court servants had just recently cleared dining remnants while attending physicians still unarrived for their next schedule.
Lying idle until rising cautiously from couch—took cautious stretch within joints—daily rituals, administered manually by palace medics, helped maintain sinews in functional state despite disuse over full month—gait somewhat unsteady upon first steps, but recovering.
Traverse began through Tianjis閣, unhindered according to High Emperor’s decree. Beyond the lower slopes—crossed intervening 50-metre barrier beyond prohibition zone. Progressing deeper emerged district reserved for Tianji scholars’ residential sanctuary provided by Royal decree.
Midway passage—a mysterious carriage awaited at checkpoint.
Plain style without marks, elegant simplicity marked it.
Figure standing respectfully beside awaited—opened door with silent efficiency upon Lin’s appearance.
No surprise shown, rather calm inquiry followed, “To destination?”
Bowed silently, attendant answered politely, “Order delivered—may convey honorable sir any chosen destination.”
A soft chuckle, calm acceptance.
“AzureSun Prince mansion.” Seated—calm and assured as if routine travel.
Silent confirmation followed as door closed precisely, figure seated driver’s ledge. Journey initiated like ordinary errands executed under normal conditions.
Palace complex’s Weiyang—lesser halls within grand chamber, nearing conclusion discussions within private counsel hosted by Emperor Hao himself.
Within chambers—adjacent tables, the dual Chancellery civilian service heads worked rapidly, inscribing finalized points raised amidst dialogue previously while shaping further implications into formalized drafts. A full day following announcement made across Weiyangs compound yesterday remained dedicated to military affairs, until afternoon today allowed attention refocusing on critical bureaucratic matters held in abeyance.
Small circles of nobles discussed lighter matters idly as discussion winds eased—AzureSuns mighty presences stood near open windows along chambers perimeter drawing their attention towards towering trees outside.
Beyond pearl bead curtains stood Emperor himself—revisiting study desk occupied during normal course, brows occasionally flipping idle pages between brush strokes adding small annotations within flowing script.
A eunuch figure sidled in soundlessly via secret passage—bowing reveringly as whisper conveyed some details against royal master’ ears.
Headnod. Another page dismissed for another figure, brought by original messenger.
Crouching figure relay low—barely distinguishables voice:
“Lord Duke has woken……Indeed. Proceeding. Destination Mansion. ” Frenetic hissing tones lost clarity toward the end. Precise name obscured. Was his final word really “王府” – Mansion ?
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage