Chapter 254: More shores

Cael spent the month exactly the way he promised—mostly dealing with vampires. They needed someone who would help them get used to their new dwellings, and someone who would help their new subjects to get used to them.

At first, the only land given to vampires belonged to a small, and now ownerless, estate in a remote and monster-infected area of the kingdom. It was a harsh place with harsh people, who didn't welcome the Prime Minister's decree and their new lords.

They wouldn't dare to speak up vocally, because they knew better than to offend powerful mages, but an unhappy peasant would find a way to pay their annual tax with the worst parts of the produce they grow.

But with the Archbishop's help, and the proof of their competence and power, the locals changed their opinions. Vampires made quick work of the monsters and bandits that commonly attacked the local settlements, and the people there gave their begrudging approval.