Chapter 10: Father's Prestige - Strange movements

A silver goblet smashed against a white stone wall. The impact destroyed its shape and left a dent in the wall. A frustrated breath left the lips of a handsome male with silver hair and dull red eyes.

In contrast to his current state, the other people in the room knelt, trembling, a group of over seven males in a dark suit and pale skin. However, they showed complete submission to this male and didn't make a sound to his actions.

"Who was that bastard last night?" The male's lips parted, an elegant voice distorted by his current emotional state. "I want to kill him! No matter the rules of our society!"

"Lord Faust! You must not!"

"Master, we cannot. You would be cast out!"

"Therefore, find a way to kill him that won't cause me to suffer! Idiots!" Maximilian Faust complained, his eyes tilting to gaze at the men, who seemed more like thralls than actual vampires or squires.

"!!!"

Maximilian felt annoyed because the battle had almost ended. He was going to be victorious. His trusted Squire Marcus, someone he trained and helped grow since being a child... Yet somehow, that squire who turned that night defeated him.

'No... he tore him apart and treated him like a toy without using any blood arts!'

"My Lord Faust! Please forgive us."

"We'll find a way!"

"Yes! We won't fail you."

Maximilian scoffed. "In either case, do not return until you have at least beaten him to a pulp."

"!!!"

Maximilian didn't know how it happened, but it was infuriating. Marcus was a weakling when turning. Even though he fed him the best blood, his Squire took months to awaken the most simple blood art; that sword turned out to be quite effective.

Although other squires could make magic or summon blood beasts, Marcus solved many issues for Maximilian... Initially, helping him win the next patriarch's seat, so to lose him caused a significant blow to him.

'Whatever, I will train the backup. Thankfully, I did have a secondary squire prepared. I just need to bite her and then create a story about that dog that makes her fulfil my every desire.'

He watched the shadows of his thralls vanish, wondering if they would achieve anything significant. The only thing he could count on was the fact that freshly turned Squires would first need to adjust to their changes before they could adapt and use their skills without issues.

'I just need to find a way to catch that bastard off guard. Afterwards, I can feed him to my Squire and have a new, stronger pet!'

Maximilian's lips curled into a vicious expression that was unbecoming of such a handsome vampire.

***

While two people were making his future difficult and harsh, Nikolai himself seemed oblivious. After returning from the cold, wet alley, he felt a mixture of emotions. In short, he would have to drink the blood from Selene to avoid himself losing control or becoming some kind of lustful beast. Honestly, it felt impossible to him, at least at that moment.

"Huh?"

He walked into the living room only to find a note on the table... Its letters were a little shaky, but he knew they were his father's. But even so, the content made him feel confused. 'How can dad be alright to travel outside without his oxygen machines and medicine?!'

—Nikolai

I'm alright, son. I have decided to visit an old friend, and I won't be back for a short while. Though I want you to know I am proud to have you as my son, no matter what anyone might say. I have seen your efforts and hard work since the day your mother left us.

However, I regret watching you lower your standards and choices because I failed to provide for you. Therefore, I will go somewhere and fix the issues of my past and solve my sickness.

Consequently, you probably have many questions and feel confused about what is happening to you right now, and I promise we will have a proper talk over a cold soju and beer with a grilled beef barbeque once I return, as a healthy father and son. So I beg you to wait for my return and, in the meantime, spend the money I send from my savings to enjoy your life, okay?

Your dad wants to see you shine like the diamond you are; don't hide the beauty your mother gave you in second-hand clothes anymore!

'Dad...?'

I have also talked with my old friend's daughter, and she has offered to watch over you here in my stead, and you are to move out of this place. Her name is Selene Aria Tepes. Here is her number: xxx-xx-xxx-xx

Ensure you aren't rude to her. She is under a lot of pressure, and with any money she gives, don't feel the need to save it, find a nice apartment in the city, get a trendy haircut and show your dad when he comes back just how amazing his son has become!

At least, this way, your old man will not drag you down.

I am proud of you, my son.

Show them the might of a Volkov man!

—

Nikolai couldn't help but feel his chest hurt. He had always put up a front because he didn't want his father to worry about him, but his father knew everything: his issues of pride and frustration when getting full marks in the national exam but failing to get the scholarship, meaning he took a lower level school that offered one so he could save on education... Everything.

And Nikolai never noticed... 'Why is dad the one apologising?!'

The young man felt embarrassed because he did nothing for his father, who did everything for him. Nikolai didn't even know the reason his father was sick!

"Shit..." Nikolai held the paper close to his chest and bit his lower lip.

However, the connection between his father and Selene reminded him of his strange claw and the hybrid bloodline shown on the crystal screen. He realised that maybe his father was sick for a reason other than heart failure...

"First, I'll sleep... but my bed is ruined, so I'll take the sofa tomorrow. I will do as Dad told me and at least buy some new clothes and bedding, maybe look for an apartment. It might help with that woman calling me all the time, but I won't let this place go either."

Therefore, before Nikolai slept, he opened his phone and switched to the banking and loan apps used over the past five years to sustain their home, and used the money from Selene to pay off their debts and pay an advance on their rent, water, electric and gas for six months.

"I guess Dad did have money but knew his heart couldn't be treated by modern medicine... It's a little frustrating that he did. Though it's not my money, maybe I should just be grateful. I imagine he planned to pay off all our debts at once. I'm not half the man he is, but I will surpass him one day!"

As he fell into darkness, Nikolai thought only of his father while clinging to the silver oxygen tube before fading into a deep sleep.

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