The First Vampire

The entirety of Dragon City is covered in a silvery blanket of snow, compelling its residents to huddle around warm fireplaces, leaving the vast streets mostly devoid of pedestrians.

In the biting cold wind, a grand horse-drawn carriage was slowly advancing towards Phoenix Palace.

Marquis Klick, the Minister of War, extended his hand to steady the curtain which struggled against the howling northern wind. Although there was a brazier burning inside the carriage, he was still feeling the piercing cold.

Lately, Marquis Klick had felt exceedingly fatigued, with dark circles under his eyes that even makeup could not entirely mask.

Ever since the confirmation of the establishment of the third Orc Empire, the war machine of the Glorious Empire was set into immediate motion.

Though there had been no real sighting of an orc army crossing the Sky Breaking Mountain Range, nobody in the Glorious Empire dared to take anything for granted.

For the first thing the orcs did following the establishment of their united empire on the two previous occasions was to invade the Glorious Empire.

The Glorious Empire had tried in the past to send envoys in order to explore the possibility of peaceful coexistence between the two great empires, but unfortunately, the previous envoys met their end as skulls dangling on the orcs’ army banners.

They are a barbaric race, whose innate lust for slaughter makes it impossible for them to comprehend the idea of peaceful coexistence.

When this race is fragmented into countless orc tribes, carnage is brought forth in endless infighting. As soon as a powerful tribe defeats all its rivals, the unified Orc Empire invariably fails to halt its warpath. It must find a fresh adversary to unleash its irrepressible savagery upon.

And that foe can only be the Glorious Empire.

Therefore, this time, instead of sending envoys, the Glorious Empire immediately commenced war mobilization.

As the Minister of War, Marquis Klick hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in over a month. Emperor Reinhardt, in anticipation of the impending Orc hordes, was determined to mobilize an army of a million.

An army of a million!

This staggering figure would make anyone dizzy. The extensive preparations required could overwhelm the nerves of even the most dedicated workaholic.

More exhausting for Marquis Klick was the fact that Emperor Reinhardt, seeking to showcase his authority and capability, continuously interfered with the war mobilization efforts. Far from relieving the burden of the Marquis, this only added to his troubles manifold.

Ever since Prince Lexie was banished from Dragon City, Emperor Reinhardt had become exceptionally diligent.

Unfortunately, diligence does not always equate to efficiency.

Marquis Klick even began to miss the Reinhardt who used to focus solely on cuckoldry and paid no attention to politics.

But he also knew that after banishing Prince Lexie, weakening the Senate, and leaving the Church distracted by the turmoil in the East, how could Reinhardt, possessing unbridled power, take pleasure merely in womanizing?

The taste of power is undoubtedly far more alluring than beauty.

This is a realization that every man who has truly wielded power will come to.

If only Emperor Reinhardt had the capability to wield the reins of imperial power, that would be acceptable. Unfortunately, it seems that after spending too much time entertaining women, he has grown rusty in the affairs of the empire. Now that he has interfered, far from lending any substantial assistance, he only contributes to the confusion.

Of course, these thoughts were kept only to himself by Marquis Klick.

Dragging his tired body, Marquis Klick entered the Grand Hall of Phoenix Palace.

Several Cabinet Ministers had already arrived, though their spirits were evidently low. Clearly, the war order and the reinstated Emperor had taken a toll on them all.

Marquis Klick nodded as a sign of greeting to the assembled Ministers and took his designated place.

After resting his eyes for a little while, he saw Emperor Reinhardt stride confidently into the hall.

Compared to several extremely tired cabinet ministers, this middle-aged emperor seemed full of vitality and fighting spirit.

He stood there, cool and sturdy, his sharp eyes emanating a captivating charm.

Emperor Reinhardt sat on his throne, waving his hand to signal the ministers to sit as well.

A company of young and beautiful maids steps lightly into the hall, serving a cup of steaming coffee in front of everyone.

The hall was instantly filled with a delightful aroma.

Marquis Klick grasped the coffee cup, warming his palms before setting it down.

Raising his head, he watched as Emperor Reinhardt had already finished his coffee in one gulp. His hawk-like gaze then swept across the room, he spoke loudly:

“Since everyone’s here, let’s begin. Let’s discuss the wartime preparations for dealing with the orc invasion. The task of assembling a million-strong army by next March, as previously decided, can it be accomplished?”

Upon hearing this, everyone’s gaze focused on Marquis Klick, after all, he was the Minister of Military Affairs and the main person responsible for this war mobilization.

Marquis Klick felt bitter in his heart, but still retorted:

“Your Majesty, winter war preparations are a military taboo, not to mention war mobilization on this scale involving a million-strong army. Various lords of the Empire have written letters expressing their hopes to delay the assembly time slightly to allow them more ample preparation…”

“Rejected!” Emperor Reinhardt swiped his broad hand, mercilessly interrupting, “I have already said numerous times, once a plan is decided, it must be strictly adhered to. Otherwise, if we keep pushing it back, when will we ever get our war preparations in place?

Keep in mind that the orcs won’t give us the luxury of time to prepare for war at leisure!”

Marquis Klick tried to make his tone less harsh while advising:

“But Your Majesty, the path through the Sky Breaking Mountain Range is currently blocked by heavy snow, utterly impassable. Even if the orc army wishes to advance, they must wait until spring next year. Including travel time, the earliest they could reach the Westland would be around April or May, we really don’t need to be in such a hurry…”

“You’re questioning my decision?” Emperor Reinhardt’s eyes bulged as he shouted.

Only after Marquis Klick couldn’t withstand his imposing presence and lowered his head did Emperor Reinhardt continue:

“War preparations should be early rather than late!

You say that heavy snow blocks the mountains making them impassable, but that only applies to our human army. How can you be sure that those crazy and barbaric orcs will be limited by this too?

Moreover, if we assemble by March, even if the orc army hasn’t arrived, we can still use the additional time for joint operations training.

You agree, don’t you?”

Emperor Reinhardt’s words seemed sensible at first listen but for the cabinet ministers, it seemed very impractical.

Upon hearing that Emperor Reinhardt plans to assemble the million-strong army ahead of time and conduct joint operations training, Count Lloyd, the Finance Minister, finally couldn’t help but advise:

“Your Majesty, the daily expenses of a million-strong army are enormous. If battle training is enacted, the cost of food would have to increase, and the expenditure would be even more terrifying. If the orc army is late in arriving, I fear the empire’s finances wouldn’t be able to bear it…”

“Nonsense!” Emperor Reinhardt roared, “Is the empire’s finance such fragile!”

Count Lloyd signed inwardly and reluctantly nodded his head.

Emperor Reinhardt’s chest heaved several times, his eyes narrowed, suddenly, he said:

“I heard that the lords in the eastern territories have borrowed some money from the Church…”

At these words, silence descended upon the hall.