Despite the mishap on the road, Norton arrived home earlier than usual thanks to leaving the academy early. On the way, he chatted with Annie. Without her armor, the young knight was no longer behaving as aggressively as when they first met. Instead, she was as docile as Norton’s pet cat, Fiora, answering every question he asked. Norton found this pleasing.
"Well, since my sister has been away for a while, with you moving in, the house will become lively," Norton said to her. Annie seemed happy to receive Norton's approval, and any previous unpleasantness had long dissipated.
When they reached the castle gates, Norton jumped out of the carriage first and then helped Annie down. The future Count von Carstein took the opportunity to hold onto her hand, much to the discomfort of Maya, who was waiting at the door for Norton to return from school.
"Master, you’re back."
Norton, engrossed in conversation with Annie as they walked into the castle, seemed to ignore Maya’s presence. Maya’s greeting was met with a simple "Mm" from Norton, and nothing more, leaving the neglected maid nearly in tears.
Norton, as the master, could ignore the maid’s inner feelings if he chose to. A vampire peer of Norton’s age was far more significant than an outsider girl.
Though Norton had heard of human men destroying billions of fellow humans for the sake of busty elf maidens, he wasn’t that kind of person. Norton was a noble, idealistic, cultured, and capable new vampire. Therefore, he continued to disregard the tearful maid as he took Annie on a tour of the castle. Upon hearing Annie declare a formerly vacant guest room on the second floor as "hers," Norton accompanied her inside to sit for a while.
Annie’s room was simply furnished—a hard bed, a solid wood chair, a table, and a wardrobe. Nothing else. Someone uninformed might think the von Carstein family was neglecting their guests, but Norton knew that the Averell Rasin family was all about austerity and focused on honing their martial skills. Thus, he only asked if she needed any furniture changes when Annie declined, he did not press further.
While Annie's room was minimalist, her collection of armor and weapons was impressive and of high quality. Besides her blood dragon knight armor, lance, sword, and shield, there were numerous other armors: dwarven elder-forged full plate, high elf mithril chain and scale mail, imperial-style full plate, and iron black knight armor. Her weaponry filled four racks with infantry halberds, long pikes, imperial two-handed swords, elf-style swords and shields, dwarven axes and war hammers, crossbows, bows, long-barreled rifles, and shotguns.
Alongside personal arms, there were models of large war machines, such as Sylvannia’s screaming skull chariots, cannons from the Sigma Empire and the dwarf kingdoms, and even the legendary dwarf helicopters and steam tanks. Her collection could almost form a small military museum.
Listening to Annie proudly introduce these items, Norton nodded repeatedly, understanding this tomboy’s interests. After viewing her collection, they returned to the hall where Norton offered her a favorite fruit-juice concoction, and they engaged in a discussion mainly about martial arts.
Annie seemed very enthusiastic, mentioning that within the Averell Rasin family, there was no peer at her level, no one to discuss things with. Meeting someone like Norton was a rare joy, so she was thrilled.
Through their conversation, Norton realized that besides her martial prowess, Annie was interested in military strategy as well. Although her theories had gaps due to her age, and some ideas were merely naive guesses, her enthusiasm was precious.
"With more time and wartime experience, this girl could likely become a capable commander," Norton thought after the conversation. Meanwhile, Annie also evaluated Norton:
"A great personality, excellent manners, impressive skills, and exceptionally handsome..." Her short time with Norton had left Annie with a high opinion of him.
Both were pleased with the interaction. Norton felt he had done what was expected. However, not everyone shared this view. Maya, following them, saw Norton’s actions as deliberate flattery towards Annie and despaired, secretly wiping away a tear.
As they chatted, time slipped away unnoticed. By the time they realized it, the clock had struck seven; it was time for dinner. Norton invited Annie to join him for dinner, instructing the head maid to assign two maids to assist Annie with her daily needs.
Some time later, Norton’s mother, Lady Windsor, returned. Annie thanked her, and the three of them chatted briefly before retiring to their rooms. It seemed like a beautiful and peaceful day—until it wasn't.
"What did you say?!"
Late at night in Lady Windsor’s room, Norton’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Even though I have a good impression of Annie and admit she’s a rare beauty, getting engaged at this age seems too hasty!"
"No, it’s not marriage, just an engagement," Lady Windsor said with a cheery smile, unfazed by Norton’s shock.
"That’s not the point—the point is I'm only thirteen, and Annie is about the same age. Don’t you think this is absurd?!" Norton continued to protest, unwilling to accept it.
"Indeed, from an emotional and ethical standpoint, it’s slightly hasty. However, considering responsibilities and the perspective of Sylvannia and the vampire race, this outcome is very fitting. Procreation is one of your key responsibilities to Sylvannia, the vampire race, and the von Carstein family. It’s quite crucial. Besides Annie, the Nihlakochi and Lamia families will also send a girl soon."
Norton sighed, his tone softening. "Just what is going on?!"
"The nobles of Sylvannia intermarry. Von Carstein, Nihlakochi, and Averell Rasin, with Lamia being matriarchal, differ. Each generation's Count usually marries direct female heirs from the other families to ensure Sylvannia’s stability and unity," Lady Windsor explained to Norton.
"Introducing the groom to the bride early also helps cultivate feelings for a smoother marital life. I see you and Annie get along well, so continue to do your best."
"Get along well, my foot! On the way back, she blocked me on a bridge and nearly killed me!" Norton complained loudly. "Besides, didn’t Father have only one wife—Mother, you?"
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"There were indeed three, but mysteriously, I became the only one left," Lady Windsor maintained her smile, but Norton sensed something ominous in her expression.
"Uh… Mother, I never asked, what is your family’s…?"
"Lamia."
The Lamia family, the only matriarchal count family in Sylvannia for thousands of years, was renowned, and the Lamia Countess was known as the Night Queen. The family was famed for poisons, assassination, and mind control, praised for beauty but reputed as heartless. This metaphor perfectly captured the essence of the Lamia family.
Norton inhaled sharply, pausing to silently mourn his late father for three seconds.
Seeing she had startled her son, Lady Windsor softly chuckled and reassured him, "Do not worry about that. I will assist you. But you still need to work hard."
Her stance on her son having multiple women seemed positive, possibly because most women hope for their children to have numerous offspring while preferring to be their husband’s only wife. This mindset seemed odd but made sense when considering her roles as a wife and a mother.
"Alright, I understand." Norton sighed inwardly, finally agreeing to the arrangement. "I will fulfill my responsibilities and won’t do anything unbecoming." He spoke with a tone of reluctant duty, as if receiving the task of managing three prospective wives was a heavy burden. His friends without girlfriends would surely scoff at his words.
To Windsor, Norton’s reluctance while benefiting from the situation seemed normal. He was her son, after all, and any girl would be fortunate to be with him.
"I'm glad you understand," Lady Windsor nodded and advised, "Don’t stress too much. This is a good thing. Through your fiancées, you can form alliances with the other three families, which will greatly benefit your future endeavors. Personally, the girls sent from the other families will be chosen beauties, so you won’t lose out. Ultimately, if you truly don’t want to marry them, no one will force you."
"I understand." Lady Windsor’s words somewhat reassured Norton. He then brought up another matter, "On the way back, Annie and I were attacked by a Strigoi ghoul king and his minions."
"What happened?! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?! Are you hurt?!"
Lady Windsor immediately grew anxious upon hearing this news, rushing to Norton's side to hold his hand and inquire after his health.
Whenever Norton's safety was concerned, Lady Windsor’s usually sharp intelligence seemed to plunge to an unreasonable low. Even though she could easily use witch sight to check, she insisted on personally examining Norton. If Norton weren’t confident in his abilities, he might have ended up indulging her.
Eventually, Norton managed to assure Lady Windsor of his good health.
Norton spoke at length, and Lady Windsor repeatedly nagged him about "staying safe," "being the only male Carstein left," "avoiding danger," "what would I do if you died," and other such concerns before calming down enough to listen to the incident's details.
Lady Windsor then pondered over the same question Norton had: why had the Strigoi renegades, usually hiding in their lairs, lain in ambush to attack Norton…?
However, given that Lady Windsor managed all affairs of the von Carstein domain, she had access to far more information than Norton. Thinking it over, she quickly deduced the likely situation.
"It seems the recent purges have been effective; those renegades must be desperate," Lady Windsor mused aloud and then advised Norton, "In the coming days, something significant may happen. You should have a company of Blood Chalice Knights escort you to and from school."
"What’s going on? Is it related to the Strigoi traitors?" Norton asked.
"Yes. Since the Strigoi ghoul king stole from the ancient tomb seven years ago, Sylvannia has intensified their crackdown on them, removing several of their secret hideouts. Our von Carstein family, especially strong in this effort, has seen success since the event occurred here. I was initially puzzled by their long silence, but it seems they've run out of patience."
“I see,” Norton nodded, thinking that even years later, the events from back then still had repercussions. "Will the entire county be under lockdown?"
"Indeed, beyond that, I’ll send messages to the other families and announce this at the citizens’ assembly. The territory will be under lockdown, and the military will conduct purges. It’ll happen in the next few days."
Lady Windsor smiled slightly, causing Norton some embarrassment. Though she wasn’t a political mastermind, she had managed the county’s affairs for eight years, certainly not needing reminders for such simple matters.
In the ensuing days, several more attacks targeted vampires in von Carstein territory, all by Strigoi ghoul kings. Forewarned, however, none resulted in vampire deaths, and many Strigoi traitors were killed instead.
After all, the military power of each side was unmatched: Norton’s noble entourage included an entire company of Blood Chalice Knights for his commute—one hundred armed with iron weapons and armor, their helmets glowing with a crimson light that deterred any foe. Other vampire nobles traveled with dozens of black knights, necromancers, and tomb guardians.
This elite force was a formidable deterrent; small-scale ghoul king attacks had little chance of success. Any prolonged engagement would draw attention and bring reinforcements to annihilate the attackers. Large-scale tactics were not feasible for the traitors.
Thus, over the span of a few days, six Strigoi ghoul kings were killed, their ugly heads displayed on Drakenhof’s walls, improving security in the county. After days of peace, some vampires relaxed. Lady Windsor consulted with the vampires in the region and decided to lift the lockdown, as it was detrimental to economic growth.
Norton, however, disagreed. He felt the Strigoi ghoul kings had something bigger planned and weren't staging unsuccessful attacks without reason. He feared lifting the lockdown might lead to disaster.
Despite Norton’s concerns, Lady Windsor found his warnings alarmist and jokingly asked what he proposed.
"Loose on the outside, tight on the inside; draw them out," Norton suggested seriously. Lady Windsor found his earnest face amusing. Her laughter was lovely, but Norton was displeased.
"Do you think I’m wrong?" Norton asked with a frown. "This involves the safety of over 800 vampires in the von Carstein family!"
Lady Windsor’s mirth subsided, seeing Norton truly upset, but she couldn’t help but giggle, frustrating Norton further.
"What’s so funny?!"
Seeing her son genuinely angry, Lady Windsor refrained from further teasing. "You make a good point, but where would the Strigoi ghoul kings find the strength for any 'big plan'? The ongoing efforts against them in Sylvannia have depleted their forces.
Their recent activity is more a final gasp than anything else. I’ve sent troops to raid Strigoi lairs, most of which are already abandoned. Even with the few remaining active ones, we’ve only caught and killed seven or eight ghoul kings. Including those killed by their attacks, the total is only a dozen or so. Their power has diminished significantly; there’s little to fear."
"You said you deployed troops but only killed seven or eight?!" Norton was shocked by Lady Windsor’s comment, nearly losing consciousness from disbelief. "Doesn't this indicate they’re consolidating? Such large-scale movements would be kept very secret, the assembly point crucial. The county spans 600 miles with 400,000 people; any valley could hide them. Can you monitor all their lairs?!"
Norton’s words left Lady Windsor stunned for a moment, her face blanching. The mother and son stood silently before each other. Lady Windsor’s lips trembled as if to refute Norton's argument, but ultimately she said nothing, simply staring at him.
Norton’s passionate outburst, overwhelmed by emotions, spilled everything on his mind, both appropriate and inappropriate. As his anger subsided, he felt guilty seeing Lady Windsor dumbfounded. Despite her shortcomings, she had worked diligently over the years to preserve the family estate. Her efforts, if not successful, were at least sincere.
"Did I go too far?" Norton wondered, hesitating over whether to apologize. Just then, a loud boom akin to sudden thunder reverberated through Drakenhof Castle’s outskirts, followed by the raspy howls of multitudes of creatures. Lady Windsor and Norton, abandoning their argument, rushed to the bedroom’s side window. The sight forced them to take a sharp breath.
The castle was surrounded by a swarm of ghouls, crypt horrors, and skeleton soldiers—at least five thousand. Among them were no fewer than twenty Strigoi ghoul kings. And that was just from one direction; if the Strigoi had mobilized all their forces, there could be tens of thousands surrounding the castle!