[Translator - Helga ]
[Proofreader - Lucky]
Chapter 163
"At some point, the restrictions completely broke down. Perhaps it’s because you reached the fifth stage of Blood Rune: Blood Pact."
"Of course. We’re connected, aren’t we? Didn’t I tell you I’d lift your restrictions?"
Kane’s voice inspired confidence.
Desdemona nodded unconsciously.
"So, I’ve decided to follow you around from now on."
"All these vampires, every single one of them?"
"Just me alone."
"Not bad. Too many people would only slow us down."
A smile of joy appeared on Desdemona's face.
The thought of accompanying her master made her heart race.
"The rest can come out of the Shadow Isles and move to Rehinar. That place will serve well as a strategic base."
"Won’t the people of Rehinar feel uneasy about it?"
"They might at first, but they’ll get used to it. After all, Blood Tigers also live there, and in time, it won’t matter."
Kane’s proposal reflected a vampire's dream.
Everyone on the continent calls vampires monsters.
Yet, their appearance is more human-like than any other race.
The label of 'monster' is simply because they feed on blood and are active only at night.
Some nations recognize vampires as a distinct race, but many still regard them as abominations.
The Fresia Empire is no exception.
Still, living together would eventually ease their fears.
"By the way, about your meals—if you drink the animal blood, does it weaken you?"
"While it’s true that human blood strengthens vampires, it doesn’t matter for us. Your mana compensates for our deficiencies."
"Then we can obtain blood from animals moving forward."
"Just hand over the bad naughty ones to us."
"That’s an interesting idea."
Wherever humans live, crime inevitably follows.
From petty offenses to severe crimes, there’s a wide range.
Those guilty of capital crimes could be handed over to the vampires.
This would instill fear in people—crime would mean being fed to vampires.
As a result, crime rates could drop dramatically.
Any unintended consequences could be addressed later.
For now, the plan was to settle the vampires in Rehinar.
"Proceed immediately."
Desdemona returned to the vampires.
At her words, bright smiles spread across their faces.
They weren’t abandoning the Shadow Isles entirely.
It would now serve as a military stronghold.
Most importantly, they could finally live alongside humans.
This was the dream they had always wished for.
"Young Master, simply sending them off might cause trouble. Let’s stop by Rehinar briefly before we proceed."
The next destination was the House of the Sun.
After wiping out their elite forces, the clan leader would likely act personally this time.
"We do have the fastest means of travel at our disposal, don’t we?"
Mikhail glanced at Chrysalis.
Whether flying or using spatial teleportation magic, speed was assured.
There was no harm in a brief detour to Rehinar.
"Let’s make a quick stop, then."
Kane carefully left the Orchid Kingdom.
With Caspian busy managing the field, Kane left with just a brief goodbye.
* * *
On the top of the Tower of the Sun
Before a statue of the goddess, First Star knelt in prayer, his eyes closed in solemn meditation.
When he opened his eyes, he leaned back in his chair.
“Gestel is gone as well.”
His gaze burned with an intense murderous intent.
Gestel had been his most trusted subordinate.
A loyal servant who had devoted himself solely to the House of the Sun.
And now, he was slain by Kane Rehinar’s hand.
“Unforgivable.”
It was time for First Star to act personally.
“Is there anyone outside?”
To serve the divine was to become an apostle.
In other words, a proxy.
First Star had once been a proxy of the Celestial Realm, but now he had ascended to godhood himself.
“No one can deny it.”
“How could mere humans ever comprehend the mind of a god?”
The priests chattered on, deluded into believing they too had been elevated.
Servants who had once performed menial tasks now imagined themselves as divine beings, merely because First Star had become a ‘god’.
Rehinar was developing at an astonishing pace, with new buildings sprouting up seemingly overnight.
The population had grown significantly, with bustling activity everywhere.
The Black Crow exchange played a pivotal role in Rehinar’s growth.
They had established an official auction house and various commercial facilities.
One standout was the jewelry store.
While the territory only had one such store, it was a massive building capable of accommodating countless customers.
“Hehe, this will be my crowning achievement,” said Gillip Tegelo, who had constructed the empire’s largest jewelry store near the main gates of the Rehinar estate.
This development drew wealthy noblewomen from across the continent to Rehinar.
Transportation played a significant role in this influx.
“Another group of guests has just arrived from the port,” remarked Hano, the second in command of the Black Crow exchange, with an exasperated tone.
“What do you think of my strategy?” Gillip asked smugly. “Creating a waterway from Philaec straight to Rehinar, where they can then ride carriages directly to KaraShi Jewelry store?”
“When it comes to the smell of money, no one can compete with you, brother,” Hano said, half in jest.
Gillip shook his head modestly.
“There’s someone else.”
“Oh, you mean Duke Kane?”
“No one has a better nose for money than him.”
“Well, you’ve been on the losing end with him a few times, haven’t you?”
“Tch, don’t remind me,” Gillip grumbled.
Hano quickly changed the subject.
“The carriages just keep coming. The transportation costs alone must be staggering.”
“All of it goes into Rehinar’s operating budget.”
“Who would believe this was the same Rehinar that was falling into ruin?”
“He’s truly remarkable. Though, it’s partly thanks to a talent like me,” Gillip added, puffing himself up.
At that moment, a massive shadow fell over Rehinar, enveloping the land in darkness.
From the shadow, something descended.
“It’s been a while,” said a familiar voice.
“Y-Young Duke Kane!”
Gillip’s loud voice drew the attention of the nobles entering the jewelry store.
Their gazes locked on Kane.
“So that’s the designer of KaraShi...”
“Wow, his appearance is just as refined and elegant as his jewelry designs.”
“They say a designer’s personality is reflected in their work—guess it’s true.”
The nobles poured out praises, as if admiring a masterpiece.
Noticing their more intense reaction than usual, Kane asked Gillip.
“What’s with these people?”
“Your Karashi collection has taken the continent by storm, Young Duke.”
“The continent’s in chaos right now, though.”
“Well, thanks to the Crown Prince's quick response, the Fresia Empire hasn’t been overrun by Death Fiends. And unlike before, Rehinars is now a well-known safe haven.”
“This place is certainly secure.”
It made sense why the nobles were obsessed with jewelry.
The designs Kane had introduced were those he’d created during his time as Ray, and they were released ahead of their time. Far ahead of any competitors, these designs captured the nobles' attention, making them desperate to get their hands on Karashi pieces.
“Have you returned for good now?”
“Perfect timing. You’ll be in charge of guiding some new residents of Rehinars.”
“Who...?”
“Vampires.”
“W-what!?”
Gillip nearly jumped out of his skin. Even he found vampires terrifying.
“They won’t harm anyone.”
“B-but vampires aren’t supposed to walk around in broad daylight...”
“That just means these ones are special. You understand, don’t you?”
“O-of course.”
Gillip swallowed hard, his nervousness clear.
As he began to prepare to guide the vampires, Yoshua, the Blata cult leader, suddenly rushed over, with a group of blood priests in tow.
Seeing them, Kane’s eyes sparkled with inspiration.
“Ah, of course. I also have just the task for them.”
[Translator - Helga ]
[Proofreader - Lucky]