Chapter 227: Can’t you make an exception?

The air above the crumbling city was marked by smoke signals, announcing the arrival of foes. The army of vampire knights, clad in black armor, had orderly organized themselves into a formation and withdrew from the barren, infertile ground in succession.

Although the rear troops were uncertain about the exact reason for ceasing the citys extermination, they understood the importance of obeying orders. As vampire foot soldiers, their only purpose was to act as a sharp blade, with the method of application left to the discretion of their wielder.

Are you planning to return just like this, your Excellency? How will you explain yourself to Your Grace? A clerical staff spoke in worry.

I dont have much of a choice here, do I? I cant defy the Queens order. Jinxuan trailed behind the troops with an indifferent look on her face.

As someone who handled things decisively, she did not fuss over the minor details. After all, ruminating on this matter would only vex her. She would rather ponder on her next steps after her return.

In cases where someone failed to complete the mission assigned by their family head, they would often shift varying degrees of blame to others.

However, it was simply out of the question for her to shift the blame on the Queen or the direct descendants of the Royal Family.

Even though the royal court no longer decided things purely based on the wishes of the royal family, their influence remained immeasurable, whether it was among the populace or the government.

It would not be an overstatement to say they were the spiritual cornerstone of the entire vampire race, with their symbolic importance completely overshadowing their practical contributions.

After all, the vampire race would have a shot at making a comeback as long as they existed. However, were they to disappear, the decline of their entire race would swiftly follow.

Every vampire commoner was intimately familiar with this truth, so why should the nobility be an exception?

Once the authority of the royal family was undermined, self-destruction was all but guaranteed.

Hence, regardless of whether they championed for the separation of power or upholding the status quo, the nobilitys respect and loyalty to the royal family remained unquestionable.

Those advocating for separation were only interested in diminishing the authority and privileges held by the royal family.

Their intention was crystal clear: All the royal family had to do was play the role of a beloved mascot and willingly step into a gilded birdcage. The latter would continue to shower them with the same respect and affection as before.

There was no need for them to worry, whether it was a new palace, exquisite silks, fine tea, or gourmet delicacies. The faction would be committed to meeting their every wish. Even if they could not fulfill them right away, they would still find a way to make it happen.

However, they would have to put aside their authority and privileges and refrain from any political involvement from then on. A life of retirement would then await them and their offspring.

While ideals were always perfect, the harshness of reality proved to be unforgiving. Their desire for a Queen to emerge; One who would heed their advice, willingly let go of her authority, and become a charming mascot had gone unanswered.

Instead, the generations of Queens that followed proved to be even more defiant, delivering a never-ending series of slaps to the decentralization faction.

This resulted in them moving from mere words to concrete actions, as they abandoned passivity in favor of a more proactive approach.

If the royal family had trouble relinquishing their authority and privileges, they would take it away from them, bit by bit.

Sigh The clerical staff of the army shook his head in exasperation.Updated chapters at novelhall.com

What do you think was the main reason for our failure this time? Jinxuan brought up this question seemingly out of nowhere.

Id say its likely due to House Lefornos uncanny ability at detecting discrepancies. The clerical staff stroked his chin.

Mhm. While their canine noses are indeed pretty sensitive, thats not the key issue here. An enigmatic smile appeared on Jinxuans lips.

So Does your Excellency believe

We have a spy in our midst.

? You mean that?

Those dogs planted a spy in the Domain Lords castle. Jinxuan grinned, revealing her sharp fangs in the process.

In the outer district of Nolan City.

I see. Ji Bai slightly contemplated, his eyes fixed on the figure preparing to lead the army into the inner city. Without uttering another word, he grasped her wrist and, capitalizing on her momentary lapse in attention, pulled her towards him until they were face-to-face with each other.

Is there really no way to make an exception?

You Xun was filled with humiliation and anger.

However, as her eyes traveled along the seams of his helmet, the conspicuous scarlet glow which had been deliberately emitting overbearing might, froze her hand that was reaching for her longsword.

Cant you accommodate?

You audacious vermin! How dare you! Ji Bais action infuriated the crowd of vampire soldiers, who unsheathed their swords in succession, intent on tearing apart the insolent offender who dared provoke Her Excellency Xun.

Stay your hand, all of you! Xuns stern voice prompted the group of armored soldiers to halt one by one. They exchanged uncertain glances before directing perplexed looks at Xun, whose complexion had taken an odd turn.

Recognizing that Xun had already caught on, Ji Bai or rather, the individual concealed within the armor gradually released her hand and took two steps back.

Get on your knees! Xun drew in a deep breath before issuing a command.

This The assembly of armored soldiers found themselves befuddled by the situation. Still, they were well aware that disobeying an order was not an option. They didnt dare to be negligent, stowing away their swords and spears in a confused manner before kneeling down on one knee in unison.

Xun placed a hand upon her chest and slightly composed herself. Just as she was about to kneel along with the others, the armored individual intervened in the nick of time.

You

The armored individual shook their head and gestured towards a nearby corner.

Understood. Xun caught on to the implicit meaning and slightly nodded.

The armored soldiers kneeling on the ground were inwardly gobsmacked. They secretly wondered why their leader had become even more docile than a hamster.

They were curious about the background of this armored individual.

The Asiatic Cats were equally perplexed as well. Due to them being somewhat far away, they could not make out the conversation between the two figures and only saw the group of armored soldiers kneeling on the ground.

Whats going on??

Continue kneeling. Ill be back soon. Xuns chilly order interrupted the armored soldiers thoughts.

Understood!

Amid the sea of puzzled looks, Xun assumed a role akin to that of a devoted spouse as she carefully followed behind the armored figure, slipping behind a corner that remained hidden from everyones view.

I pay my respect

Stop. The armored figure shook their head, stopping Xun just as she was about to kneel and offer her salutations.

Yes. Xun hesitated for a moment. After thinking that it might be an order from the other party, she stood at ease.

I never thought you would actually show up here. May I ask your highness to punish me for the impropriety earlier Xun stood at the side, a sense of unease gnawing at her. No matter how she looked at it, it felt somewhat awkward to speak with the individual before her.

No matter.

If I may speak, your highness. Your Royal Mother misses you a lo-

Theres something Id like to ask of you. The armored figure quickly intervened and assumed control of the conversation.

How may I be of service?

Is your mistress Tina Leforno, the second young lady of House Leforno?

Your Highness, are you acquainted with her? Xun asked, slightly surprised.