For the help of my fellow readers.....

For BSing 

Doing only for nothing at all

"Maybe... I Am a villain for Slaughtering all of my Kin and half the world's population to become it's undisputed ruler, But songs and plays are written to please me so it won't be the history that will be known or talked about after a century or two What will be known is I, Adrian Neveri Dracule am the Immortal Vampire King who unified the world as One, ushering in the era of World Peace" were the words of Adrian Neveri Dracule, That's the Name of the legendary being, Who stands atop the food chain as the supreme creature and reining over every other sentient beings with indifference as Their Crowned Vampire King, After conquering every piece of land he could find, He decided to uncover the mysteries the world contained and looked for ways to enhance his powers furthermore As He spent most of his time in his Grand Black Castle, Studying over Alchemy, Magic, Honing his Sword Skills, Creating New artifacts, Battle tactics, gathering knowledge of everything he could get his hands-on When he spent years living in the castle and achieved perfection of everything he could, He was undeniably bored and felt empty from the bottom of his heart as he laid down in his glorious dark throne, alone, pondering over what to do next with his limitless time and so he decided to roam the world he once conquered to find answers to his heart's distress On his journey to find a purpose for to dissolve his boredom, He stumbled upon a Ruby Crested Beautiful Silver ring, that forcefully Teleported him to an Unknown world completely different to the one he once resided, Where he discovered that there were powerful beings like himself, Particularly the One called the Demon Lord, who ruled the new plane as The Sovereign Adrian walked the New Unknown Plane with an excited smile at the thought of conquering another plane and remembered the excitement he once had when he conquered his own world As he allied with the mortals in his conquest of overthrowing the Demon Lord from the position as the Sovereign of the Plane Unbeknownst to him the mortals he allied with started influencing his ideals and actions in ways he couldn't wrap his head around or understand As he became someone or something unknown to himself Maybe a Hero..

I was reincarnated into another world, without much of my memory, reborn as Tang San's identical twin.
I know being a Spirit Master is cool and all, but I wanted to become an Immortal.
So what about it?

Word count: 1500 - 2000 words/chapter

Release rate: 1 chapter/day

In the world of Douluo, spirit masters would first awakened their dormant spirit essence at the age of six, and then refined the natural spiritual energy of the surroundings into spiritual power. And keep training your spirit essence and sharpening your skills till you reached and ascend to the God's Realm. 

===Novel Details===
Word count: 2000 - 2500 words/chapter
Release rate: 1 chapter/day

This is a fanfiction story based off of Tang Jia San Shao's Douluo Dalu series.

"Father," Ellendise called out, bowing formally to the Count. She raised her head and smiled.
"Ellen." The Count acknowledged. He sat on his chair, resting his hands on his office table. The stacks of documents on it made it obvious that the Count was a very busy person.
Ellendise inwardly felt slight pity for her father. 
It was never a good thing to see a bunch of paperwork waiting for you to finish. When she was still Rianne, she dealt with this kind of thing. Being a mafioso's daughter was hard and her restrainer, Leslie, always ensured that she finished her work before stepping out of her office.
Many times, she wished that she could escape that life. Now that she was given a second chance, she realized that being idle was not her style. She was an ambitious person filled with pride.
"I'm sorry, Father. Did I come at a bad time?" Ellendise motioned with her eyes to the documents on the table.
"No. These things aren't that important."
Ellendise smiled. 
Using magic to enhance her vision, she was sure that she saw a subjugation about wyverns in one of those documents. That kind of thing was not important?
The Count was really funny. A subjugation that concerned the death and lives of the knights of the county wasn't important.
"Are you sure, Father? I can wait until your work is finished. I don't want to get in the way of your..."
"Ellen." The Count said, stopping her.
"Nothing is more important than my daughter."
Ellendise didn't think that the Count would say this but these words made her more convinced. 
It convinced her that the Count truly did see her as his daughter no matter what the elf priest said. While he was keeping in mind what the elf priest said, he was a good man and he truly cared for her.
'Ah...'
For a moment, Ellendise wasn't sure how to continue. No one has ever said these words to her. She never even heard these words from her own mother when she was still Rianne.
But as Ellendise, she was blessed enough to be on the receiving end of a father's affection.
Her heart felt a little warm.
"Thank you, Father." She said in a soft tone.
"Please, sit down." 
Ellendise sat down on the couch. The Count left his table and moved to the seat across her. The two of them were quiet for a few moments.
The tension from their last argument was still fresh in their minds.
Finally, it was the Count who spoke first.
"Ellen.. You must remember that everything I do is for the family. Above all else, my family comes first. That is what I promised your mother and that is what I swore infront of the Goddess Mortia." 
Ellendise nodded in understanding. "I understand, Father. I would also like to apologize for what I said before... They were words spoken in a moment of anger and confusion so please, I hope you can forget about them."
The Count looked at her, his gaze was a little desolate. "You need not apologize. I know that I have hurt you. They were necessary actions and you may even hate me for it. Ellen, what you felt was justified. Therefore, you do not need to apologize."
"It was me who I should apologize. My actions endangered your life. I almost lost my.." His expression became serious. "Ellen, you are my daughter. No matter what other people say or do, you are my flesh and blood, a child of the proud Vitron family. I promise you, I would not allow this kind of thing to happen again. I have deceived you before but believe me when I say that I only want what's best for our family."
Ellendise listened to this while hiding her emotions. She appeared to be smiling but inwardly, she felt a bit confused because the man before her was truly confusing.
But at the same time, he was a very principled person.
Ellendise decided to follow her instincts instead.
"I believe in you, Father. Father is the kind of man who wouldn't do something unreasonable. Father, rest assured, that as your daughter, I would not disgrace our family. I will live with honor and place our family first above everything else." Then she became a little serious.
"But I sincerely hope that Father would stop spying on me."
The Count crossed his arms. "Is it wrong for me to want to know what my daughter is up to?"
Ellendise laughed demurely and covered her mouth, raising her eyes. "Father, I would like it if you could respect my privacy. Even Big brother Nitense wasn't monitored like I was."
The Count shook his head. A daughter was different from a son. A daughter was an angel while the son was expected to be an heir. Naturally, he would protect and care more for his daughter.
▪▪▪

A romance novel gone wrong. 

She reincarnated into the body of the three year old Ellendise Ariadne Mielle Vitron, the lonely villainess of the novel, "Robin The Songbird".

The fluffy romance novel filled with sunshines and rainbows became a horror themed novel with cruel scenarios and evil villains much worse than the villainess Ellendise.

The impassive Ellendise who wanted to live a peaceful life chasing after her own happiness witnessed a man being cursed death for the first time!

The novel certainly did not have this kind of scene! 

What's even worse, she discovered the temple's most hideous secret and found herself the target of the Archduke's obsession.

"Lady Ellen is indeed amusing. You are the only woman capable of rejecting the Tower Master and the Emperor's only brother. "

"..."

Ellendise has forgotten that her character was not the only villain in the novel.

The final boss was no joke!

▪▪▪

"Have you ever thought of settling down, your grace?"

"No."

"As for me, I have thought about it before and I definitely will not die single in this life."

"What are you saying? You already have me."

"But you're my master. A master is different from a lover."

"Then we'll get married tomorrow. End of story."

"No..I already have someone else in mind."

"Then we'll get married today."

"..."

A fantasy based medium-burn romance between a mage and his rabbit girl.

▪▪▪

Reminding my readers that this book's rating is [Parents Strongly Cautioned] which means it contains content that might be disturbing and not suitable for young readers.

Read at your own discretion. 

This also includes gore, violence, abuse and explicit content due to the power struggles in the story.

The MC is a a scheming and manipulative person who does not hesitate to lie and smile for her own gains.

If this bothers you, feel free to drop the book.

There is no major misunderstandings between the characters. Face slapping is reduced to a minimum and there is no exaggerated or draggy arguments.

I only write happy endings :)

My third language is English--hoping that the Grammar Nazis would be gentle with me
Cover photo not mine. I only edited it.

The day of the National Assembly right after the tea party. 
The young Count was feeling an unprecedented tension in life. 
'Is what I'm going to do right?' 
But I was curious to step forward in front of young count, and I couldn't stop asking if I could. 
Moreover, he had included other noble friends who would support him. As a young man with less than a year of experience, he couldn't present the agenda alone at the state affairs meeting. 
'Yeah, so many young aristocrats suggest in one voice what's going on.' 
The young Count was not there at the time of Clexton's dismissal, so he was unaware of the reason for his dismissal. 
Had Clexton known exactly why he was stubborn, no matter how much women had moved their backs, he would never have come forward. 
'And it's a good enough agenda to come up to the National Assembly. Such a vicious, empty-headed woman is the Empress. That's ridiculous. Rather, the queen's highness suits the position.' 
Robelia, when I thought of that evil woman, my heart was boiling. 
It is ridiculous to bring tears to the eyes of the Queen, who persecuted the Queen and dared to be sublime and orphaned. As a young man who thinks of the country, he could never sit still. 
The young Count admired himself for his patriotism and loyalty. 
"I will start the 137th National Assembly." 
The meeting began with the words of the secretary. 
The Count felt instinctively that the time had come for him. 
"Your Majesty the Respectful Emperor. I would like to say something before the full-scale meeting begins." 
"What's going on, Count Drape?" 
His uncle and mentor, Marquis Jaco, asked embarrassedly at the unexpected remarks. 
"Didn't you always ask me to get confirmation before you came up with an agenda, count!" 
But the young count was firm. 
'I have to take this opportunity to show clearly that I am not a child who always follows my uncle's opinion.' 
He didn't even look toward his uncle, looking only straight ahead. 
Since all the nobles were standing, I saw the black crown of Alexander sitting and reading the papers. 
"I have an agenda for our seven young nobles to propose as the subject of this conference. It is about Her Majesty robelia." 
"We will share the report we have investigated with all the female employees." 
"Count Drap! When the hell is this... How can you prepare for this without a word from your uncle?" 
The embarrassed Marquis of Jaco tried to block the Count's remarks, but such actions only incited repulsion. 
"No, Marquis Jaco. Stay still." 
A low but far-flung voice shook the conference hall. 
"This is interesting. It is an agenda for public debate and punishment for the empress's atrocities." 
It was the emperor. As he lifted his head, the golden eyes flashed. Even the Count, who was full of strength and courage, looked stinging and intense. 
"Is this really your opinion, young nobles?" 
"Yes, that's right." 
"I see. Let's keep going." 
Alexander's mouth, saying so, was slightly curled up, and the Count interpreted it as a positive meaning. 
'Your Majesty is interested in our opinion. It's a good sign.' 
The Count, who thought so, got a little courage. 
'I am at the bottom of the seat now, but I might be able to get my ability and wisdom recognized for this incident! Then I can be as good as my uncle.' 
He coughed and opened his mouth. 
"Yes, then, let me tell you, according to our research....." 
The count announced the atrocities of Robelia that he had been investigating. In particular, the focus was on assaulting the Marquis Wilhelm, which was the most controversial in society, and entrusting the inside affairs of the palace to outsiders. 
"Huh, that......" 
"Young people these days....." 
The old guards muttered with confused faces, but the Count didn't take it to heart. It was obvious that they were typical old generations like my uncle anyway. 
On the other hand, the emperor is a young man like himself. It is also a person who cares for queen Aisha more than anyone else, so his opinion will be different from other old vassals. 
'For that proof, His Majesty was laughing throughout my presentation. You must have considered my presentation meaningful.' 
As he felt, there was a light laugh all over Alexander's face. 
After reading the report at a rapid pace, he was looking straight at himself. It's a sign that he's concentrating on his presentation. 
".....It's a prize." 
After finishing the presentation, he bowed. 
The conference hall was quiet. Nobody clapped their hands. 
However, the old guards looked at each other with faces that couldn't be helped, and my uncle, Marquis Jaco, was looking at the emperor's eyes with a pale face like a sheet of paper. 
The low voice broke the silence. 
"Good job on your presentation, Count Drape." 
It was Alexander. 
"You said this was your opinion. Are you sure no one else's breath was included in the opinion?" 
My heart was filled with wonder if I would be praised. The count drew a line with his uncle as if he had waited. 
"Yes, it is. This is only what I and six of my close friends have investigated and prepared together." 
"That's fortunate." 
"Haha, I'm like that...." 
"The fact that there are only seven stupid guys in this place." 
what? The count immediately doubted his ears. 
With the sound of pulling the chair, Alexander got up from his seat. 
Even though it was so far away, the size and pressure were enormous, so the Count almost stepped back. 
It wasn't just that. A pair of gold-an resembling a wild beast touched him. The Count shuddered without knowing it. 
"The Empress assaulted the Marquis Wilhelm in a public place. Have you thought about why the Empress did such a thing?" 
"Yes? Oh, no.... That's... " 
Terrified by the rapidly changing atmosphere, the Count rolled his head desperately. 
However, no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't tell why Robelia did it. The Marquis Wilhelm's reputation among male nobles was not bad. 
"Secretary." 
"yes." 
When Alexander called, secretary Robert brought him a pile of documents that he had quickened. Alexander sprinkled it as if tossing it. 
"If your head isn't attached as a decoration, read it. All the lords." 
Countlessly picked up the papers and read them. According to what is written on the document.... 
'Marquis Wilhelm's military material leak and tax embezzlement charges?!' 
It wasn't just the Count who was shocked. 
"What did Marquis Wilhelm do?" 
"But this evidence is perfect. Huh.... Marquis Wilhelm, I didn't know that he was...." 
Each participant at the conference was shocked to read the papers that Alexander had sown. 
It was surprising, but Alexander's evidence was so perfect that I couldn't help believing it. 
"The Marquis was about to flee to the Rutican Kingdom. The Empress knew this in advance and made her own efforts to prevent the Marquis Wilhelm from escaping. even with the expense of fading her own reputation." 
"No, that's the meaning of Her Majesty's actions.....!" 
"That was an amazing idea." 
No one doubted Alexander's words. Originally, the scariest thing is to mix some lies with the truth. 
"I didn't know that her Majesty had done such a thing with such a deep will." 
"Her Majesty would not have known that such an act in public would do a great harm to her reputation." 
"What a noble sacrifice is this? Her Majesty, who considered the security of the country rather than personal fame, is truly a patriot." 
The vassals admired with one voice. 
Meanwhile, the Count's head was all white. 
'What, the empress's actions meant that? Well, then the things that I announced.......' 
But he could not back down. If he does, he'll be done today! 
The count hung on another agenda. 
"Wel... how about hiring an outsider for the palace's internal affairs? This is a huge outflow of state coffers, a breach of duty as an empress!" 
Alexander smirked. But in the count's eyes, his laughter no longer seemed hopeful. 
"You know what the palace was like when Queen Aisha was in charge of the interior affairs of the palace, right?" 
"I've prepared some information about her, so open your eyes and watch." 
Alexander threw another document. It didn't seem to have given much strength, but the papers flew away and fell in front of the Count. 
"The Empress realized then. How unreasonable it is for only one or two people to manage the affairs of the palace. Outside the palace, a number of ministers and deputy ministers share their duties, but the current interior of the palace prevents the empress from doing business. It is a dangerous situation where the entire work is paralyzed." 
"The only way to break this situation right now is to use the power of outsiders. The Empress foresaw such an emergency and prepared a preventive measure. Do customs matter to you? Is it important to come up with safety measures to ensure that the palace's internal operations run smoothly at any time?" 
"tha, that's....." 
I couldn't keep my mouth shut. My throat was suffocated as if I had blocked up with something big. 
The count felt his eyes turning yellow. 
"Now the problem is one." 
The count saw Alexander walking toward this side. The overwhelming atmosphere, which grew every step he took, weighed down on him. 
"The question of how to deal with these seven idiots who defamed the empress with their tongue without knowing what's going on." 
"your, Your Majesty!" 
The Marquis Jaco hurriedly stood before the emperor. 
"This is something that happened due to my lack of education. I will teach him about the laws of the court, so please forgive him for his young age and blood... Ugh!" 
With one gesture of Alexander, the Marquis fell too easily. 
"I can't take the blame of a young man who passed the terms and conditions and held an adult ceremony as a young man. He is old enough to take responsibility for his words and actions. Isn't it?" 
At some point, his enormous shade fell over the Count's head. 
The teeth cracked and my body trembled. It seemed as if the sky was spinning. 
"Your, your, your majesty. Please forgive me..." 
"You seem to have no intention of taking responsibility for your words anyway." 
Alexander said disappointedly. 
"A word can save and kill people. Do you think anyone who doesn't know its weight needs to have something so dangerous?" 
An instinctive fear that cannot be controlled by reason. It was as if I was facing a huge beast. 
Tears and sweat trickled down the side face. Neither honor nor courtesy was important anymore. The count tightened his head on the floor. 
"ple, please forgive me! If you forgive me once..... again.....!" 
"The Knights Commander." 
"yes." 
However, Alexander did not pretend to hear the Count's words of dire forgiveness. He said in a harsh voice. 
"Drag and cut Count Drape's useless tongue." 
"I accept your request." 
Those lowly and grim words were like a bleak power to the Count. 
"Ahhhhhhhhh! Your Majesty, Your Majesty! Please forgive me! Please forgive me..... Nagh!" 
A rough grasp gripped the count by the collar. Without mercy, the count was dragged out of the meeting in a miserable way. 
"And I order all the 7 members who participated in this job to be sentenced to jail. The period..... hmm, let's think slowly." 
"yes." 
Young nobles were dragged out by the knights. 
Meanwhile, the vassals couldn't even cheep. There was an uncomfortable and heavy silence in the conference hall. 
As the knights left, said Alexander, who seemed to have had nothing to do with him, returned to the top seat. 
"What are you doing? Let the meeting continue." 
There was a delicate smile on his face who said so.

In the novel of Rofan, she was in possession of the Empress. 
Isn't that good? The problem is that the empress was pushed by a crafty queen, beaten by the emperor, and eventually died of disease. 
I could not die waiting for my master to arrive in the freezing cold like the original Empress. I need to be a villain to get divorced. 
She was so extravagant, talked to others and bullied her husband. 
But the more I act tough, the more obsessed you are, Are you perv?!

***
SORRY GUYS’ ENGLISH IS MY SECOND LANGUAGE AND I’M NOT FLUENT AT IT, EITHER CHINESE OR KOREAN. BASICALLY I USED GOOGLE TRANSLATION FOR ALL OF MY TRANSLATED.  THEREFORE PLEASE FORGIVE MY MISTAKES AND MY GRAMMAR. MY GRAMMAR IS HORRIBLE, I RECEIVED SOME MANY COMPLAINTS AND I CAN’T HELP IT SINCE I’M STILL LEARNING AND PRACTICING MY ENGLISH. I WROTE THIS NOVEL RELYING ON 20% OF MY ENGLISH SKILLS AND ALSO 80% ON GOOGLE TRANSLATE. IF YOU HAVE A GRAMMAR COMPLEX, I ADVISE YOU NOT TO READ MY NOVELS. THANK YOU

Love is not always there when you want it. It is not always rainbows and butterflies, not always going to be convenient, or easy, or practical. But when you find it, you have to fight for it, because if you don't you risk losing everything.

When Count Vladimir announced her name, Princess Kathleen felt that her world crumbled to pieces. Her mind that keep on replaying the time when she met Prince Kael in the garden and their midnight talk for the whole week, and now she finally realize that she has fall in love with the mysterious prince.

But it's too late for her now, she will soon marry the devil, she didn't even get the chance to tell him about her feelings. Kathleen wanted to cry for her fate, but she know very well that it won't change anything, it has been decided. Her love story has ended before it even get a chance to bloom.

Kathleen take a deep sigh, calming herself and trying to be brave for the people she love and for the kingdom. She look around to see everyone's faces, some if them look shocked, some were sad, her family especially her grandmother has started to cry again. Her sisters were embracing her tightly as if they don't want to let her go. 

The king and queen were look pale, they couldn't even uttered a word. King Lionel was still in shocked, he couldn't find a word for his daughter Princess Kathleen. He knew that one of his daughters will be chosen but it still surprised him. His daughter Kathleen is the prettiest amongst the princesses, as well as well verse in knowledge and etiquette. He wanted to let Kathleen marry to a crown prince of a strong kingdom, and that will be Prince Henry as he has made a verbal promise to the young prince. But now, King Lionel was speechless with the situation.

"Count Vladimir, please reconsider the choice, my daughter Kathleen is now engaged with another prince, it would be rude for me to take back my words" begging the king to the vampire Count.

"oh my, don't you think you will be rude to my young master by taking back your words from our agreement, King Lionel?" the Count answered with a question.

"I'm very sorry, but a verbal words were made a fews days ago, and only today your side decided to make my daughter Kathleen's as thr bride" said King Lionel.

"I guess that the verbal agreement between you and the other prince were made after the banquet celebration since that is the only time the prince and princess can see eye to eye, did I guess it right?" the Count asked again.

"That is correct Count Vladimir. Which mean Princess Kathleen is no more eligible to be the bride's candidate the next day after the celebration" said the king. King Lionel hopes that the bride can be change for he couldn't afford to offend such a strong kingdom as the Volkenshire Kingdom. Though sending off one of his daughter for the devil sadden him, he don't want to add more trouble by offending Prince Henry.

"I'm afraid I can't help you with your problem, your majesty. You see, my master has made his choice on the day of the banquet, and your lovely daughter has accepted it" the Count said it while turning his malice gaze to Princess Kathleen.

"I didn't remember receiving any proposal, far from accepting anything from the devil" said Kathleen confused.

"Allow me to enlighten you, princess. Do still remember the black rose in your bedroom? That was the Devil's mark" smiling slyly, the Count look straight to her eyes. 
"The bride has been decided way earlier than any proposal from another prince" added the Count.

King Lionel lose his words. Princess Kathleen couldn't believe her ears. All this time, she thought the mysterious black roses were from Prince Kael because the first black rose she received was on the night of when Prince Kael visit her. Thinking that it was a special gift from the prince, Kathleen was blooming with happiness for the whole week that she looks forward to receive a rose every night. 

But when she think about it, she didn't see the prince left the roses personally, and she didn't even see Prince Kael after that one night. Kathleen scolded herself for being so stupid by growing her foolish hope of love for the prince.

"Now, enough with the talk and tears, we don't want to let my master wait any longer. Shall we, princess?" said Count Vladimir raising his hand inviting the young princess to escort her out of the palace.

Devastated, Princess Kathleen raise her hand and hold on to the Count's. His presence was intimidating that she was sweated cold sweats. Count Vladimir lead her to the main door of the palace.

Her family and all the people in the palace send her with tears and wish for her safety. Kathleen walks with heavy heart, she was never ready to let go her life, but this has to be done. She smile sadly and wave everyone goodbye. Kathleen bowed respectfully to her parents and grandmother, and then to her sister.

Count Vladimir on the other hand, rolled his eyes to the scene surrounded them. "It seems like they were sending you out as if you were dying, princess". Kathleen could not rebuts to his remarks. Her feelings right now really as if she was dying.

She took a small steps in a slow pace hoping to drag more time but the man who was escorting her keep his steady pace that forcing her to fastens her pace. The double main door look closer in every steps.

'Once I step inside the carriage, it will be the end of me' she said to herself. Her beautiful wedding gown and the diamond tiara on top of her hair couldn't give any help in making her feel better. Instead, she feel miserable and sad to her own life.

"Don't make yourself cry Princess Kathleen, or your will scare away your future husband" snickered Count Vladimir right when she lift her left leg to step inside the carriage. She rolled her eyes when she hears his words.

"I wonder if there is anything in this world that can make the devil scare, I would love to try" she replied, trying to be brave. Moreover, what else can she lose now? her whole life will soon be in the devil's hand. 

Count Vladimir chuckled to her replied. 
"You are one very interesting daredevil person, princess" he said while stepping inside the carriage and closed the door.

"I don't know whether to be flattered or offended" said Kathleen to the Count's words.

"Let's just go with flattered" he said while giving off his signature smile.

They stop talking when the carriage started to move. Kathleen couldn't see clearly outside for the carriage glass windows were in dark shade, but she still wave her hand to her family hoping that they could see her.

The carriage was large in full black color, pulled by two huge strong werewolves. Another two were guarding from each side of the carriage, while another two behind. Even if Kathleen want try to escape, she will be caught  back in a second.

They drove passed the town and straight to the Dark Forest. Once they entered the forest, a group of 6 werewolves joined the procession with a loud howls, as if informing the whole forest about their arrival.

"Scare?" asked the Count who had been sitting silently in front of her.

Nodding her head, she asked "why did another group came and why did they howls nonstop like that?"

"Of course it is because they were celebrating this happy occasion, it will be very rude of us if we didn't welcome you properly, your highness" 

"They didn't sound happy to me"

"What, do you prefer trumpets and drums instead?"

"No"

"Get used to it, princess"

She looked outside and she saw the Black Castle standing tall not far from where they were right now. 'My life will be over soon' she said inside.

Hundreds of red eyes can be seen outside, in the darkness of the forest and it scares her, she close the curtain and fixed her eyes to her fingers, counting for how much longer she will be alive in this world.

Remembering to what had been discussed by her father and the ministers, that the bride can only give birth to one child only, she hope that she can beg the devil to let her go once she successfully give the devil a child.

Bracing herself, she inhale a deep breath and let go when the carriage stop moving. Count Vladimir help her out of the carriage carefully, not to trip on her dress.

The Count bowed and followed by a group of people who had lined up in two line, making a way on the red carpet to the main entrance of the palace, when he said,
"Welcome to the Black Palace, Princess Kathleen"

The Hemsford empire, a kingdom ruled by King Lionel Rosenberg. A long time ago, the royal ancestor of Rosenberg, made a blood contract with the devils a century ago by offering a princess to be the devil's bride for every 100 years, in exchange for the safety of the kingdom's citizens from the dark creatures. A century passed, it's time for another bride to be selected.

By the time Shirley was busy ignoring the orders, the Central Army led by Count Ferrero was still in the defensive. 

"Sire, we can't keep this up!"

"The damage to the soldiers is severe! We need to move ahead and order the suppression!"

Officers and knights begged Count Ferrero. It was because the soldiers were falling down as well because of the constant stones coming at them. 

In addition, the people were using stolen weapons and arrows at them. 

'…'

The request of his men only irritated Ferrero further.

He thought that if the army didn't act hostile toward the people, they would avoid the battle or forceful methods. However, that didn't seem to happen. 

The people, who had seen the blood and pain because of the Central Army and the Knights of Guards led by Viscount Dick, weren't ready to calm themselves. 

"Die, you Emperor's dogs!"

"Show me how you'll kill me! You burned my sister in there. Kill me like that if you can!"

As time passed, the emotions of the people only burned brighter, leading to many intensive attacks.

"We can't let things go like that."

"That is true, Sire. We need to go ahead and give order…"

Clink!

When Count Ferrero abandoned his sword, the lieutenant's eyes that didn't understand what to think of it opened wide. 

"Sire, what did you do?"

"Shut up. Hold on tight and see!"

Ferrero got off his horse and walked toward the people. 

"Residents of Nemesis! I am the Count and Commander of the Central Army, Ferrero! Would you like to have a discussion to calm this havoc?"

"Shut up, you killers!"

"Just die, you crazed Emperor's dogs!"

Along with the swearing, the stones were all diverted on Ferrero. 

The knights, who saw that, were ready to attack the people. However, on the gesture of Count Ferrero, they stopped. 

"I know the feelings that you have in your heart, but all this will only make things worse!"

Ferrero continued to move closer to the people to persuade them. 

He took off his helmet and armor then he threw it to the ground. 

Even in the midst of that, the stones continued to fall. However, Ferrero didn't try to avoid or protect himself. 

It was natural for that act to cause bruises all over his face and body. Blood began to come out of his scars. 

Puck!

'Kuak!

"Commander!"

It wasn't long before an arrow struck the left side of his face. 

Despite the anger and shock of his knights, Ferrero hadn't ordered any of them to move. 

He casually pulled out the arrow and continued to move forward with his arms wide open. 

"If you want to release your anger, go ahead and release it all on me! This is my responsibility for misrepresenting His Majesty!"

The crowd was stunned and the stones began to fade. 

The bloody appearance of Count Ferrero seemed to be like a holy figure; a reminiscent to a martyr who was trying to show his faith when being persecuted. 

Sometime later, the stones stopped, and Ferrero stood right in front of the people.

As the people took a step back, Ferrero knelt down with both of his knees and bowed his head to them. 

At that sight, the Central Army and all of the people were at a loss of words. 

Count Ferrero. They knew about him. The best man in the Baroque Empire. Someone who would never even kneel in front of the Emperor himself. 

If he wanted to, he could have killed all of the people there by himself, but why would such a man endure such humiliation and wounds?

As the silence went on for a long time, a young man yelled from the crowd. 

"Just because you're doing that, everything will be solved! My dead brother isn't going to come back!"

"Your words are right. I haven't saved innocent patients. Acting cowardly, I let it happen. And that insidious act let to today's result."

Ferrero raised his head. 

Blood was flowing from the arrows which struck him a moment ago. 

"However, I will not act cowardly from now on. I promise to run to His Majesty right away and unblock the streets to the north and release any remaining survivors, so trust me this once and hold onto your emotions. Preserve your comfort."

Preserve one's comfort. 

In other words, he was asking people to stop the riots and go back. 

If things go on at this rate, the patience in the people would reach its limit and the same for the knights too. Also, the ones at a disadvantage would be the people. 

No one in the public was stupid enough to not realize what he meant. 

And there was no one brave enough to ignore Count Ferrero's personal request—a man who had abandoned his armor for them.

"Tch, I will believe the count and go back."

"Please, save my family!"

One after the other, people began to put down the stones and voluntarily let go off their weapons. 

The young man, who spoke out first, remained till the end and spoke with a voice full of hatred, "I believe the Count, but I will never get myself to believe that mad Emperor."

"…"

"It would have been better if you could stand on our side and fight."

The young man, who spoke his words, stepped back and left. 

After hearing the young man's grief, Ferrero felt bitter. 

It wasn't like the thought of fighting for the people hadn't crossed his mind. 

However, he didn't want to be declared a traitor.

And since he had respect for the Emperor, the strongest knight in the continent, he wanted to bring the Emperor back to the right path. 

'Maybe I walked too far to change this back, but…'

He had already promised the people, and he planned to keep his promise. 

Thinking so, Ferrero moved in the direction of the Imperial Palace. 


"What is it, Count Ferrero?"

Emperor Rudolf had been receiving the reports for the messengers while staying in the Imperial Palace. He looked at Count Ferrero who had come to meet him. 

He didn't like meeting the commander of the Central Army, who was supposed to be subjugating the riots, but ended up getting beaten all over. 

Whether the Emperor was pleased or not for seeing him there, Ferrero begged him. 

"My Majesty, it's not too late. Lift the blocked streets to the north and save those who survived."

"That is impossible. You also know that there is no other way to get rid of the epidemic, right?"

"If we look hard enough, there will surely be another way, so ple…"

Kwang! 

The Emperor pushed his sword into the marble floor to cut off Ferrero's words. 

With a fierce gaze, Rudolf sternly spoke to him, "You have been objecting to the spread of Vers from the beginning, right?"

"Yes. I thought that if anything went terribly wrong then…"

"So now you are dissatisfied and determined to stand on Reichard's side?"

At the words of the Emperor, Ferrero couldn't comprehend. 

"W-what are you talking about?"

"Wasn't it because of your feelings towards him that you sneaked Vers inside and used it on the capital... to destroy me and my army."

Ferrero's voice rose because of the height of misunderstandings that took place in a second.

"I never even had such thought, Your Majesty! I would never betray Your Majesty and this nation!"

"And such a person would kneel down in front of everyone!"

At Rudolf's words, Ferrero realized that an Emperor's man was keeping a watch on him. 

If not, then did a messenger reached Rudolf before he even left the barracks? 

"Your Majesty, it was to dismiss the people from…"

"I don't want to hear any more of it! What are you doing? Get him out of here and lock him up in the prison!"

The knights around the Emperor surrounded Ferrero. 

"Majesty, please listen to my words! Uh! Let go, you men!"

Ferrero tried to get rid of the knights, but all the knights, including Kurian, were Sword Masters. 

Unlike Ferrero, who wouldn't pull out his sword in the room, they pulled out their swords without a hitch and pointed at Ferrero's limbs. 

"Keuk! Your, Your Majesty! You must not abandon the people of the capital! If they lose their reasoning, the nation will… Auk!"

"Drag him out quickly!"

The knights dragged out Ferrero, whose limbs had been removed, out of the throne room. 

At that time, Marquis Vanden, who was in the room, spoke to Rudolf to strengthen his ties, "Your Majesty, do you really think that Count Ferrero has released the Vers?"

It was right to sternly oppose. 

However, Count Ferrero had no social network in the Imperial Palace. 

In addition, since the Emperor himself had planned everything for the operation, the likelihood of Ferrero to intercept the disease and spread it was extremely low. 

"I don't think Ferrero did it."

"Then why di…?"

The Emperor answered Vanden who was puzzled. 

"In terms of being valiant, Ferrero is the best in the Empire. But as stubborn as he is, I too had the same level of stubbornness."

Rudolf, who had already experienced rebellion from his nobles, thought that he should put his servants on a tight leash. 

Of course, he did give them some opportunities to disagree. However, it was absolutely unacceptable to disregard those who didn't care about the Emperor's name.

"There is no way to know when such a man would betray our men. I had to use my hands in this opportunity that had presented itself."

Rudolf answered Vanden with a sad expression. 

"But Count Ferrero is a talented man. There are surely many talented knights below Your Majesty, but I think that it would be a huge loss to execute a Sword Master who is experienced in war."

"You are right. With the Libiya Kingdom and Symphonia, it is a pity to get rid of thrilling fighters. However, Ferrero needs to be broken first."

Whether in jail or in exile, Rudolf was planning to make Ferrero miserable. 

He wanted to show who was the law and whose words were orders in his Empire.

"Marquis Vanden, keep this in mind. How you behave in the future will determine your life."

At Rudolf's warning, Vanden nodded his head. 

He was anxious inside. It was because the Emperor knew that Vanden was a man who had already betrayed Butler in the past. 

However, without letting his anxiousness take over, he wanted to follow the Emperor. 

He wanted to go ahead and quickly destroy the Libiya Kingdom and restore the Emperor's trust by slashing Butler's throat.

Shaymon, the man who has achieved the apex of dark magic, is framed as being a Demon King and is killed.

'I will not let it end like this!'

He finally achieves new life but reality was cruel. Being born after 500 years, he was born as the descendent of his rival, the Sword Emperor!

A lowly child beggar, a noble prince, a monster viewed as the enemy of the entire world. If you possess all three identities at the same time, which identity would you choose to help you earn a better ending?
Thales did not have the answer.
He only knew that he came to a different and magnificent world, and he had to face a future that was as difficult to handle as a nightmare. The glorious Empire had already been destroyed for one thousand years, the dying royal family suffered many problems, the legendary sacred battle had plenty of conspiracies, the divided world was in chaos.
But Thales had nothing. 
The only thing he had left was an unswerving determination to preserve his own identity, bravery which would allow him to survive in a perilous situation, and a belief that he would never submit to principles he did not believe.
“A King does not gain respect by virtue of his bloodline. The bloodline's glory rests on the deeds of the King.”
Darkness will baptize light. Fire will create true steel. The forbidden prince’s story starts here.

- ... Juliet Montagu! - Princess Priscilla shouted sharply.

Her face, at that moment, became brightly red with humiliation.

- Yeah, how dare you talk to me so arrogantly? Do you really believe that Duke Carlisle is so attached to you that he will turn a blind eye to your cheeky behavior?

- Yes.

- Ch... What did you say?

- Yes, that's right. I believe the Duke will turn a blind eye to it, so I'll act as I think it is necessary. - Juliet said with a charming smile on her lips, but her gaze remained cold.

Priscilla was shocked by her words. This was the first time a princess was so insulted and humiliated in crowded.

- Juliet Montagu! Even if you don't care about someone's favor, there are still boundaries that you shouldn't cross...!

Juliet did not respond as Priscilla expected, who enjoyed humiliating Duke Carlyle's mistresses.

But Juliet's words were not impressed at all, she remained completely calm and the expression of her face did not change at all throughout the conversation.

- I don't understand what you mean. I just answered the princess's courtesy.

- Yes, how dare you...!

Priscilla stared furiously at Juliet. She realized that her own tricks turned against her, but still did not want to accept the same disrespect.

- ... You'll pay for it!

Priscilla realized that this time she lost, so all she had to do in this situation was retreat.

- P-Princess!

Some ladies, not knowing how to react, rushed after Priscilla. Juliet watched their retracting backs, completely relaxed.

The reason for Priscilla's slight defeat was simple.

All Lennox Carlisle's previous mistresses were of low status and remained ignorant about the social rules of conduct. Frightened by Priscilla's high status, they had no choice but to run back to the Duke and complain. Or, worried that they might lose his affection, they remained silent.

None of these cases were applicable to Juliet.

"I thought she'd grab my hair."

"If she had done it, I'd answer her the same thing... but it all ended unexpectedly peacefully."

Juliet looked around. The remaining audience, struck by what had happened, turned away whenever her eyes met their eyes.

- Hmm! - She coughed slightly, and soon they broke up.

Juliet smiled widely, looking after their moving figures.

To tell the truth, people could mock and laugh at the Duke's mistresses as much as they wanted, because Lennox Carlisle was completely indifferent to them. In other words, it meant that Juliet could behave in society as she wanted, and he wouldn't blink his eye.

No one wanted to turn the Duke into their enemy, unless that man was too stupid.

But as it turned out, there was soon such a man.

It happened when Juliet was leaving the temple. A man waiting outside in the hallway furiously grabbed Juliet by the wrist.

- I heard that Duke Carlisle has a vulgar taste. And looking at you, I can now understand what these words meant.

Hearing his sarcastic comment, Juliet tried to free her hand from his grip, but could not, so she only measured him with a cold look.

- I don't understand what you're talking about, Count Caspera.

It was Count Casper, Princess Priscilla's fiancé.

- Ha! Maybe you want to find some excuse? - The Count asked, leaning closer to her. - Don't bother yourself. I've heard everything before.

What... What is he talking about?

There weren't as many visitors in the corridor as in the temple itself. But Count Caspera, noticing several people around him, lowered his voice and whispered:

- Tell me, what secret magic trick are you using?

Juliet was very surprised to hear his question. She's heard something vague about heretics before.

- There's no secret," Juliet said sighing quietly.

She's already guessing what the rumors are.

- Did you lure the Duke into a trap? Yeah?

He talked about vicious black magic.

Juliet frowned. The feeling of his finger stroking her wrist was disgusting.

- Or it's... Are your skillful actions with another part of his body?

Juliet easily read an open desire in Count Caspera's cloudy eyes.

She wasn't even surprised by it. This has happened to her several times in the North. Although it was a long time ago, everything was much more serious then than it is now. There were also men who looked at her frankly and lustfully.

"But what happened to them in the end?"

Juliet, suddenly thinking about this question, looked at the count in front of her. If you think about it, she didn't remember ever seeing men who dared to get closer to her.

- You think you're a real Duchess, don't you?

While Juliet's thoughts were wandering, the count seemed to dare even more. He must have thought she was scared.

- You must already understand what I'm talking about. Lennox Carlisle isn't that decent, so you'll be over when the Duke changes his mind. You know that, don't you?

- Oh, that's how you finally showed your true intentions.

Juliet raised her head.

- You ask me if I thought I'd ever become the Duke's wife?

Even thinking about it seemed strange to her. It was easier for her to understand, Princess Priscilla, than to think about it, because her desires were transparent and simple.

However, people like the princess who wanted to humiliate her were not close enough to her to have a personal dislike for her. And since they were afraid and despised Lennox Carlisle, they had no choice but to resort to bullying Juliet.

Duke Carlisle was scary, so it was easier to torture a helpless woman.

"Damn panties."

Juliet laughed at them deep down. They lacked the courage to ridicule Duke Carlyle directly, so they directed their anger at an easier target.

It seems that this count was also not delighted with the Duke of Carlisle as much as the others.

- And what are you going to do? Are you going to cry to the Duke? Huh? - Count Caspera noticed mockingly, although he seemed to know she wouldn't do it.

Juliet looked at him and asked:

- Count, are you jealous?

- What are you talking about?

- Oh, I'm so sorry. To the best of my knowledge, His Highness the Duke is not interested in people of the same sex as him.

- What are you doing...

Count Casper didn't immediately understand Juliet's words and just blinked stupidly.

- But if you're all counting on something, you'll have to sweat," Juliet looked him head to toe.

Only then did Caspera's face blush.

- Oh, my God, you're a crazy bitch...! - Count Casper cried out and already raised his hand to hit Juliet on the cheek when something unexpected happened.

People who watched what was happening from afar were confused by the events taking place. All they saw was the scene when the Count Caspera raised his hand furiously against Juliet Montagu.

However, a blue butterfly was flying in the air from this couple, but few people here paid attention to it.

And the next moment...

- Kuke!

With a loud sound, the Count Casper fell to the floor.

People couldn't believe what had just happened before their eyes.

Juliet, who was closest to him, came first to the Earl of Casper.

- Oh, Count? - Juliet asked in surprise.

At that moment, she looked like the most vulnerable and innocent creature in the world. Everyone saw that she didn't even touch the count with her finger.

It was obvious that the Count of Casper fell on his own.

- Oh, my God, are you okay? - Juliet kindly extended her hand to Count Casper.

From the outside, her gesture was like help, but...

- Aeuuuk!

With a frightened expression, the Count Caspera tried to crawl back. Juliet followed him with an indifferent expression on her face, as if she was going to help him rise, but when she caught up with him, she grabbed Count Casper by the breasts and leaned over.

- Count Casper," whispered her red lips in the man's ear, but so quiet that they wouldn't be heard by yawners. - Shut up and listen. If I were a count, I'd keep an eye on my tongue.

Despite the fact that Juliet's heel was soaking into the Count's right hand, he seemed too scared and shocked by what happened, so he even noticed it.

In fact, the Count didn't even understand what had happened to him. He was just trying to teach this bitch a lesson in good manners.

But suddenly a blue butterfly appeared and touched his forehead.

And, and...

Aghhhh.

The count had a hard time suppressing the moan. A few minutes ago, she ordered him to close his mouth, and he still couldn't talk because he was shaking with fear.

As soon as the bizarre blue butterfly touched the Count's forehead, the image of the most terrible and huge creature he could imagine arose from nowhere in his head.

- It's over this time, you understand that, don't you? But if you meet this "crazy bitch" next time and...

Saying this phrase, Juliet smiled coldly.

- ... Distrust her, you can become a man who jumps off the roof in the middle of the night, performing a magic trick.

“Your Grace, there’s something I’d really like for my birthday.”

“What is it?”

“Will you promise to listen?”

Then the man blatantly laughed.

But who would point out his arrogance – a young Northern Duke who’s not even afraid of the Emperor? He could even get a throne if he wished for it.

But it was just a sweet lover’s birthday wish.

“Alright. I swear.”

So, Juliet spoke lightly,

“Please break up with me. I don’t love you anymore.”

A fiancé just for show. A succession of meaningless nights.

Now is the time to end seven years of unrequited love.

__________
update every Wednesday!!
__________

Disclaimer: I AM NOT THE AUTHOR OF ANY OF THESE BOOKS!!!!!!!!

original author: cha-yulo
translation made by myself
please if you can support the original author ♡

Within his Dome Shield artefact, Claud stayed motionless as what seemed like every single capable fighter in Licencia surged towards him. All of them stopped outside the hemisphere that surrounded him and the twitching Rodrio, their eyes glaring daggers at him.
Like little Moons.
For a moment, the master thief wanted to flee on the spot, such was the intensity of the gaze. He didn't get why everyone was staring at him so hard — Claud could swear that he had changed his appearance and was even wearing a mask. No trace of his overpowering good looks should have remained. Therefore, why was everyone staring at him and not, say, Rodrio?
The silent crowd continued to stare at him, but Claud stayed rooted to the spot. He didn't know if he could trust those people — anyone with a working set of eyes could see the signal he had sent out, not just the Moon Lords. The best course of action was to wait for someone he knew to arrive on the scene, before making a graceful exit.
"Coming through! Get out of the way! Official business by the Moon Lords!" A clamour came from the back of the crowd, along with the regular cadence that Claud associated with the city guards. Like water, the mass of people that had surrounded the hemisphere parted into two, revealing Schwarz and…Count Nightfall.
The count himself had arrived. It didn't make sense for Count Nightfall to actually be here, but again, things were barely making sense nowadays. Claud didn't have the brainpower to ruminate on unexpected changes and actions that didn't make sense to him, so he opted to remain impassive instead.
City guards and his personal guards flanked him alike, but they were literally of no threat compared to the tri-folder in front of him. Count Nightfall, as a tri-folder, boasted of extensive physical might; it was possible that he could shatter the dome of energy around him with a punch or two. A normal human would not be able to withstand such an attack…in fact, Claud had a feeling that as he was right now, an unblocked attack would turn him into mush.
Claud could feel a faint oppression radiating off his youthful countenance, in stark defiance of his ordinary looks. It wasn't all that much compared to Zulan Patra's presence, though, and Claud ignored the towering presence to look at the count directly.
"Who are you?" Schwarz took a step forward and asked.
"A passing passer-by who helped at someone's request. This person here was the one that fled from the charity event that led to the poisoning of quite a few people," Claud replied, his voice extra-gravelly.
"Where's Claud, then?"
"We split up," Claud replied. "Fair warning. This man seems to be…odd in the mind. It would be better to restrain him or something; he knows not pain or fear."
At those words, Claud deactivated his Dome Shield artefact.
"Friend," said Count Nightfall, "I would like to invite you to my palace for—"
"My apologies, Count Nightfall," Claud replied, making sure to add as much subtle posing as possible into his words and tone. The more overbearing he seemed here, the less likely anyone would suspect him. More importantly, he was planning on never using this persona again, so being arrogant here wasn't going to bite him…probably.
"I see."
"Allow me to take my leave, then." Activating both Absolute One and Flight, Claud dumped his infinite mana into the latter's spiritual structure. A thunderclap followed as he shot up into the skies, stirring up a huge cloud of dust in his wake.
In the opening moments of his incredible ascent, Claud activated his Presence Nullification, before cutting off his ascent by turning sharply. With a control that could only be borne from years of training, he touched down in a nearby alleyway
The alley was dank and stank of all kinds of human waste, but Claud didn't quite care for that right now. Removing his mask and the cloak that had covered his clothes earlier, Claud folded the latter up and stuffed both items together, in his shirt.
Fortunately, the cloak was made of a thin fabric, which meant that no one would notice it unless they were as observant as Claud himself. Once done, Claud reverted his identification factors to his default, semi-disguised state, before tapping a random drunk on the back to dispel his Presence Nullification.
All these had been done in less than a minute. There was a very good reason for his rush — he did not want to be outed as the person who left earlier. If less than a minute separated his persona's departure and his arrival, no one would suspect him of anything whatsoever. The less people thought of him, the better.
Breaking into a run, Claud returned to the alleyway in which he had fought Rodrio in. The crowd of warriors were still milling around the area curiously, but Schwarz waved at him before he could slip into the crowd, forcing Claud to approach him.
Count Nightfall glanced at Claud a moment later. At the same time, his personal guards took up a wary stance — clearly, none of them actually knew who he was, at least by appearance.
"He's one of ours," Schwarz stepped in. "Count Nightfall, this is one of the Moon Lords' leaders, Claud Primus."
"I am flattered to be in your presence, Count Nightfall."
Claud didn't extend his hand, however. He didn't know what proper etiquette for meeting nobles were like, and he had a feeling that Lily and Farah had been very informal when it came to talking.
Count Nightfall chuckled, and the master thief felt his spirit lift. Few things were more effective than flattery; it would seem that this axiom still held even for a tri-folder and a noble to boot. With some luck, the count might just consider him to be a sycophant or something, and therefore assume that he was some small fry.
Which he was, in the grand scheme of things. However, Claud knew that in the City of Trades, he was considered half a bigshot or something, but if he played his cards right, the count shouldn't think all that much of him.
"I've heard witness testimony about the sordid affair at your gates," said Count Nightfall. "This is…unfortunate, to say the least. However, judging from the state of the culprit, it would seem that there are other forces at work."
"Other forces?" the bartender asked.
"Yes. Other forces." Count Nightfall narrowed his eyes. "This person…seems to be under a very strong mental compulsion. His will has been completely overridden, replaced with a staunch fanaticism."
"How do you know that?" Schwarz asked, his words quiet. "And how can we guard against it?"
"That's a very good question." The count narrowed his eyes. "For something like this to happen so close to Ruler Istrel's investiture…this does not look good. I believe that my investigations will make this even clearer in the days to come. Schwarz."
"Yes?"
It was odd to see the bartender being so direct in his speech, but maybe that was what the count liked. Either way, Claud played his part as a pebble excellently, putting in his absolute best to look very unimportant.
"I'll be taking this…person back," said the count. "Rest assured, master, that I will make a public announcement to absolve you and your people of any crimes."
From how Count Nightfall called him 'master', Claud knew that the count was apparently now a patron of the bartender's pub, although what Night saw in those overly-potent drinks was beyond Claud's comprehension.
"He's that important?" Schwarz asked.
The count smiled, and for a moment, Claud could swear that flowers bloomed all around him. The hallucination vanished after he shook his head, but the dumbstruck looks from everyone else around him probably meant that those flowers weren't a trick of the mind.
"V-very well, then." The bartender cleared his throat. "You can have him…although I at least want to know what exactly caused Rodrio to become like this. I will not stand by and let my employees be harmed."
"Huh." Count Nightfall furrowed his brows briefly, as if he was confused by something, and then relaxed. "Very well. I will invite you and anyone else you deem of importance to my palace three days from now. Is that acceptable?"
"Thank you, Your Grace."
"It is the least I should do," the count replied. "And besides, I fear that you and your people will play an integral part in the years to come. Best for me to prepare you for it. I will be leaving now. A messenger bearing my invitation will come by tomorrow morning, latest."
With that, the count took to the skies before Claud or Schwarz could ask him about his ominous parting words. At the same time, his personal guards picked the unmoving Rodrio up by the limbs, ferrying him away into depths unknown.
The two men glanced at each other, and then at the crowd.
"Brave warriors of Licencia," said Schwarz, raising his voice, "thank you for coming to my summons. By way of thanks, I hereby invite you to my establishment, Triple-D…where a round of drinks will be on the house."
Amidst the roars and cheers, Claud found himself deep in contemplation.
It would seem that trouble was coming.

[This work is also being serialised on RoyalRoad under the name Xel Vi Coronata]
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Book 1: The Legend of Tot

Synopsis:

Claud Primus, a self-declared master thief, has a simple goal. To live forever. It's a rather easy task, for miraculous objects called lifestones are able to extend one's lifespan. These lifestones are best found in the treasuries of nobles, lovely resorts that Claud pays a visit to every so often. Unfortunately, one of those nightly visits go awry, and Claud is forced to escape with just a single lifestone and a box in hand.

Normally, that's when things die down. The guards yawn, the gates close, and the night continues.

But this time, the night isn't that forgiving. A dozen schemes result in the murder of someone important, and with a convenient scapegoat — Claud — at hand, it doesn't take long for him to be framed as a heinous criminal, wanted for the indirect murder of someone high up...and it just gets worse from there.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Book 2: The Moon Lords' Rise

Synopsis:

As ordered chaos sweeps across Licencia, Claud leaves for Julan Barony, intent on making some profits there. Accompanied by the erstwhile heiress of Julan, a fellow member of the Moon Lords, the two plot against the barony's wealth...as well as a promise to bring about its downfall. Meanwhile, back home, the Moon Lords have busied themselves with digesting their gains. Eyes, however, are beginning to turn to this proverbial fish in a small pond.

The fishermen are coming.

When they cast their hook, what will Dia and the others do?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Book 3: Murders under the Moons

Synopsis:

In the sleepy town of Nachtville, where Claud and Lily are forced to stop at, a set of nasty murders occurs. Victims scream out in fright, before a spear falls from the sky to end their suffering. Cowed and cautious, the master thief and his partner slink in the shadows, their objective that of home...

A new task, however, has fallen on Dia. With a trusty helper at her side, she has to set off towards Nachtville itself, to solve the mystery Claud had abandoned. Faced with an enemy whose sole skillset is geared towards killing, how will they succeed? 

And what dark secrets will they find?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Book 4: In the Dark of the Moons

Synopsis:

The year has ended. The four months of the full moons will soon be followed by two months of the new moons. Duke Istrel's ascension is around the corner.

Amidst this political upheaval, Count Nightfall, Licencia's strongest defender, has been called away. The Moon Lords' largest task yet — to protect Licencia in the absence of its ruler — has begun.  And yet, trouble is unrelenting. A distinguished personage, one that Claud fears, has been found dead in the county, his brains dug out and his body disemboweled. The inquisitors of the White Church have been dispatched to investigate and apprehend the murderer...as well as the person behind this puppet. 

Tormented by a call to fight, Claud directs his eyes out of the city, looking for the puppetmaster. Skulking in the shadows, the master thief will soon confront his greatest foe yet.

A foe just like him.

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