Chapter 180: Interruptions

Chapter 180: Interruptions

The next day, Nero sat in the atrium of the cathedral twisting his new engagement Blood Ring on his finger.

“This should be my proudest accomplishment. To be engaged to a BloodStar empress. And not just any empress... Xenia Victoria BloodStar. One of the, if not the strongest empress in the history of the BloodStar name.”

Nero leaned back and sighed, “Instead, I am plagued by my own failure to provide my empress with an heir.”

He clenched his fist and grit his teeth, “But I will not allow my failure to persist!”

At that moment, he heard a loud knock at the cathedral front doors. He shot a sharp look towards the door and carefully approached. He then opened the door.

“Ah, BloodStar Immortal Nero. Thank you for welcoming me.” St. Michael stood in all white robes at the door with no less than twenty Holy Knights accompanying him.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

Nero shot a death stare from knight to knight and then finally looked at Michael, “Just because I have answered your knock, does not mean you are welcome here, St. Michael.”

Michael smiled as to keep the mood light, “You are right. I must apologize for not giving notice. After all, this is an independent region, and you are the governing sovereign. Nonetheless, I was hoping you might welcome me in, so we can discuss a few concerns people around the empire are having. May I?”

Michael motioned with his hand to the door, and Nero grunted but ultimately stepped aside, “You may enter, St. Michael. However, these knights are not allowed entry. If I find one snooping around, or if I find any reason at all to distrust your men... I will kill them swiftly. All of them.”

The knights gulped and felt an immense amount of menacing aura radiating off of Nero. They knew his bark carried a bite; however, it was only at this moment that they realized they stood absolutely no chance against a man of his caliber.

Michael stepped through the doorway and turned back to his men, “Please wait in the cars for me. Nero means our empire no harm.”

The knights gladly retreated to their convoy of armored cars, and Michael and Nero entered the cathedral.

Nero led Michael through the cathedral proper towards a meeting room. Michael gawked at the opulence, “My God, Nero. I am the Pope of the Holy Light Empire. I live in a holy basilica. However, your cathedral bests our finest in every way down to the last detail of the stained-glass windows.”

Nero ignored him as he cleared his thoughts to convey a message to Xenia who he assumed was always listening in, “My empress. Forgive the intrusion as I know you are meditating; however, we have company.”

He immediately received a response from Xenia, “I know. St. Michael has arrived. This is interesting. Entertain him. I am keen to know what he has to say.”

The man nodded his head and smirked, “I have utmost respect for these lands and this cathedral. How could I not? I served the late empress Xenia BloodStar up until her dying day. Much like you, I never defected to the other side, and I have come to speak with you regarding our empress.”

Nero frowned as he had never met the man, “Who are you?”

“My name is John Vand. I ran the Holy Light Empire economy while Xenia reigned though currently I serve as head of banking for Scorched Shadow.”

Nero hesitated for a moment thinking, “The man’s story is plausible, but...”

An intrusive thought from Xenia then reached Nero, “John Vand is a friend. Let him in. But do not tell him anything of my existence.”

Nero nodded to himself, “Very well, John Vand. Let us talk.” Nero turned and walked towards the same meeting room he and Michael had just recently used.

John let himself in as he quickly followed Nero’s fast step. He had never laid eyes upon the interior of Bella Domina, and as he admired the interior’s architecture and detail, his breath was literally taken from him in awe.

However, he had little time to admire the cathedral as Nero quickly disappeared into a hallway. John double-timed after him so as not to get lost in the numerous hallways and staircases beyond the cathedral proper.

John tailed Nero until finally they reached a beautifully opulent room with walls of solid oak and plush leather couches.

Nero sat down, and John sat across from him as he admired the marble coffee table running his hand along the surface, “This marble, I recognize it. So exclusive that not even I dare to make an offer on it. The most beautiful in the world, coming from a very limited quarry. $100 million per tile was the last known sale. I had always wondered who was crazy enough to spend that much money on marble... now I know.”

John gazed at the table which cost well over $2 billion as he smiled, “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised; Xenia never did spare any expense.”

Nero unfolded his arms and leaned forward, “No. She didn’t. And I hate to spare my time. Why are you here, John Vand.”

John leaned back in the couch and rested one of his arms outstretched along the back of the couch, “I am glad you ask, BloodStar Immortal. First let me say that Xenia never spoke more highly of anyone other than yourself. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I have always grasped for remaining connections to Xenia, and there is no stronger connection than you.”

Nero merely stared John down awaiting the answer to his question.

John got the message and finally answered him, “But enough small talk. Why am I here, you ask?” John smiled and stared back at Nero, “I am here to make a deal.”