"Now, about Lenore— her full name is Lenore Bloodrose."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSzBScQWNJ
"What th-!?" Marcus jaw almost touches the table and it seems it's his first time seeing the world with how big he has his eyes opened.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiTmw1sijA
"Surprise"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tjE7KXSZL
"Ah-! No... I don't hav— e words. Lenore Bloodrose the 7th vampire princess?!!"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5DukLsnP9
"That's life for you" I say with a smile and sweat bidding on my forehead.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3RS2b032X
"You jest" Marcus says
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AD2rrSM03
"Sure not" I retort.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH08rd1wqK
"I met Lenore when I was 15, at the Ishtar the territory of royalty, it was love at first sight, I got nervous, nervous enough to be perceived that I was nervous, I remember that day as if it was yesterday.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT63wsjWVaD
I met her 10 times in total after that day.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwfuHtbSfs
"Huh."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsOxf2TM2f
"What?" I say.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqgeFMXEzy
"Just processing" Marcus says like he had received too much information at once.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnfHVXsmKx
"So let me get this straight, you pretend to make her your woman?" Marcus ask with a serious tone.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVIE1KHaLX
"Yes, I plan to make her my woman" I say it blushing somewhat.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDyszZqDpJ
"I don't know of your relationship but I guess it will not be easy"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenDhfSF0A4
"Easy or not, I need to try, I'm still deeply in love even after all this time"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3AMQndtLZ
"But it's been years she maybe moved on or wor..." Marcus is cut abruptly.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YuD2DMMXX
"We send letters to each other" I say embarrassingly.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtlF6CyD0X
"Oh—huh... you don't stop surprising me."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL6TT45vpu
"You did that even after isolating yourself?" Says Marcus with an intrigued expression.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9nDFjhnuU
"Well, yeah, even after isolating myself I could not bring myself to stop contacting her." I say my ears red.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1BRbGA8ek
"It seems you thought more than I imagined"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWVoRjs57L
"Yeah, well, I like to do things when I'm almost sure how they'll go" I say.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGe5ShNvc2
"My plan is to make her my woman, and ask her to make me a "vampire".
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorKVtW5p5Y
"After that, I'll be training one year to be sure to get my new me to peak condition, reaching rank 8 in super strength will be a massive improvement". I say pausing for a moment to make sure he is listening carefully.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78AltNpvpF
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4eNZ4uolC
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSf00KNWWo
"But that is just the beginning, I'll be aiming for the 10th ranks by other words the system top rankings." I say confidently.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o22nVqyQk
Marcus looks at me with an incredulous expression.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW9Gn8JOhj
There's only a handful of individuals who maxed one system and even less both of them, his reaction proves to be what I expected but it's somewhat sad that he thinks of my plan as not that viable.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA98PMZ2w7G
"When I get stronger I'll be participating in the Superpower of the seven kingdoms, (a tournament including both my family kingdom/empire and five others to find the strongest powers of our nations) with my identity concealead for the whole tournament, revealing myself at the end". I say.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7ThcrCjA0
Getting myself the attention of all watching the tournament will send a message to the world "Prince Raphael has returned" the rest does not matter, I only need those words circulating, that will be enough to send a message to the ones who destroyed my life, tortured me scarring my body, all to satisfy their jealousy, but the ones I can't really forget are the ones who kidnapped me to try and satisfy their sexual desires, fortunately before they could do anything to me, I destroyed my reasoning with insanity allowing me to break my bones cutting parts of my flesh with it and getting out of there, cause if not... I don't think I would have the strength to be here.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrmtOgVABq
"Afterward, I'll begin my vengeance and with the widespread knowledge of my return, they are bound to reappear, but this time I'll be the one making the rules and the shedding of blood shall be the least of their concerns" I say calmly, yet brimming with fury.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1et16MpQX
Marcus remains silent, looking at me with a sorrowful expression, that's expected, after all, he was the only one i truly told my "not so pretty" past.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GPcS61pBg
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbGXC1c0hN
"...Is it really necessary to resort to blood rose's royal blood? Have you considered other options?" Marcus inquires.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKMCs8DcGI
"While there are indeed other alternatives, none of them are as effective or efficient as this particular method," I respond.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JNyCY03Xf
"Understood. I won't question you further. I do comprehend the majority of what you have explained," Marcus acknowledges.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2zKSEFxB5
"What are your orders, Raphael?" Marcus asks.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXvmC9vu1Y
"Have you been able to communicate with my father regarding the previous matter?" I inquire.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6lIIvyD7q
"Yes. He has been informed and all necessary arrangements have been made. You simply need to present yourself before His Majesty 5 days from now." Marcus assures.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqR935Xjwg
"Good. I will step outside momentarily to take in some fresh air and gather the latest news firsthand. Please inform me promptly if any unforeseen events occur," I state.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCEe7SVNgx
Using distortion magic, I assume my Alber identity once again.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe07lk5ZGK9
"Yes, allow me to accompany you outside." Marcus says.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWazjeBS5Lm
"Very well," I reply.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWy8eJWlgh
Marcus opens the door to the salon, politely waiting for me to exit so that he can accompany me. As we make our way towards the exit, we continue our conversation.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTBca0lO5i
"It seems our conversation ends here. I'll see you later," I say.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1jdPe0BMI
"Until later, Raphael" Marcus bids farewell.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlUDY1r4CN
After spending a significant amount of time confined, the sensation of the wind against my body, coupled with the warmth of the sun and the fragrance of the city, proves to be remarkably invigorating. Mérida, with its unchanging beauty, captivates me just as it did when I first arrived.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GCKVJBu3y
There are a considerable number of people around; however, I fail to discern any specific topic that captivates my interest. After a bit of consideration, I contemplate visiting either a tavern or guild, as they typically provide up-to-date information. Considering proximity, I opt to proceed towards the tavern.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD6BqerfPu
As I approach the tavern, I observe a significant gathering surrounding a pianist. After his performance concludes, I may take the opportunity to showcase my own skills and assess if my musical abilities remain intact.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcwagZ1LKX
"Excuse me, sir," a woman said.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzaviqTdoa
"Is she talking to me?" I turn to my right and notice a woman, approximately 35 years old, standing and staring at me.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDxeniWhxw
"Good morning, madam. Is there something you would like to discuss with me?" I inquired politely.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFovP815Cb
"What do you think about making a donation to the Church of Hope?" the woman said.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmcMyJE4f6
"You mean the Church of Hope? Could you elaborate?" I inquired further.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm7BwB4WjX
"Yes, sir. The Church of Hope is seeking donations to aid individuals facing difficult situations, such as food shortages or lack of shelter," the woman explained.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJeBIuJUeA
"I'm not interested. I have plans to personally assist those in need in the future, so donating to the Church of Hope doesn't align with my intentions," I responded.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SQTldZyLR
"However, sir, the more you assist others, the better your karma will be. The God of Hope never forgets those who lend a helping hand," the woman insisted.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRATX3EbT1
The god of hope uh.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF74EyCpSHq
"I assure you, I won't forget either," I said, providing a slight smile.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN7oEUPGCf
"Excuse me? What do you m..." the woman attempted to inquire, but I interrupted her with my words.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQdnVCZnAi
"I mean exactly what I said. I will help those in need myself, so rest assured, even without donating to the Church of Light, I will still perform good deeds. That being said, if you'll excuse me, I need to go test my music abilities." I say with a grin on my face.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegH90kXW6M
The woman regarded me with disapproval. However, before she could utter another word, I swiftly headed towards the piano.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kLokS5ML9
I guess her approach was to be expected. With my new identity as Alber Villarreal, my appearance gives off an air of nobility, and one would assume that someone of noble status possesses wealth.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW0M4CD1Dz
I don't oppose donating to assist those in need. On the contrary, I value such acts. However, the Church of Hope only allocates 20% of the donated funds towards noble causes, while the remaining amount is utilized to enhance the churches and enrich themselves.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aoyUuUm4R
Ordinary individuals might not be aware of this, but I am, and it doesn't seem like the most suitable church for charitable donations.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBv1lrmRTo
"Excuse me, sir. May I have your permission to play the piano for a brief period?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHaWFMkBxO
The man observes me closely, seemingly analyzing my abilities.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gjMjhUPRn
"Please show me your hands," the man requests firmly.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEUYYatUHz
"Here you go," I reply, offering my hands.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJArMMWeNW
"Hmm... You appear to have some knowledge of piano playing. I trust that I won't be disappointed, as musicians often support one another. Please proceed," the man agrees.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV5Y8jAiAe
"Thank you, I assure you that you won't be let down," I say confidently, with a smile on my face.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0lxPmXvgS
"Let's see what you're capable of," the man expresses his curiosity.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVT6JuhGHi
Taking a seat on the piano bench, I quickly adjust my hands. Today, I believe I will perform "Benevolent Society" as it seems appropriate.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsuG0waAhb
This is the moment, a profound sense of tranquility envelops me as I immerse myself in the music. The melodic tones, delicately slow and enchanting, captivate all those who hear it. With each note, my heart quickens, urging me to embrace this euphoria. Simultaneously, my skin tingles with a peculiar sensation - a manifestation of discovering a talent that exudes immense potential and renders all else mundane. Irrespective of one's mindset, the power of good music renders the mind blank, ensuring not a single note goes unnoticed.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lSh8fPQfS
As I conclude my performance, I hear the resounding noises of the crowd screaming for more. While I am left contemplating whether to fulfill their desires, I realize that I did it to satisfy my own artistic yearnings.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJYZTaazU1
*There is a wave of loud cheering.*
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5lgPmQhnx
"Remarkable talent, young man," complimented the man who had been present earlier, his smile radiant.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk5TdKWqo2
"I suppose it felt quite satisfying to me too," I replied, allowing a slight giggle to escape.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH4nreF7wD
"Play again," one voice urged.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KwV2QCXd4
"Go for it, young sir," encouraged another.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67qNtBeRCR
"Show us more of your music," chimed in someone else.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nzOREw1Si
"Keep playing," echoed yet another request.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQx0WRu4I5
"That experience was inexplicably calming. I must admit, they certainly know how to motivate someone," remarked the man with a content smile.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQXyOHHzwS
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26rl1YE19P
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc25n5DCkJL
"If I were any more timid, I might be blushing right now. You're absolutely right," I replied with a smiling face.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQMLWR7W6C
"What do you think about performing at the 'Musical of Mérida'?" inquired a man stepping forward from the crowd.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ5PkKOwvh
"The 'Musical of Mérida'? Are you a talent scout, by any chance?" I asked in return.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV0I40yNej
"I suppose I needn't have said much. Yes, you're correct. We are constantly in search of new talents, and I must say, I have found one today. What are your thoughts on my proposal?" the man asked.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtCjBzZfBt
"A good proposal indeed, but I must decline. I am here visiting solely for business purposes and have no intention of staying much longer. I would consider your proposal more seriously if I were a resident here," I state.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwiRoxm6MZ
Hmm, that is truly a shame, especially now that I thought I had found the one. However, here is my contact information. If you ever change your mind, you know who to call," the man says bidding farewell.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaX6Uj2t8L
I watch the man going his way while thinking of all the things I still need to do.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneJ6IvvtXz
"Well, thank you sir for letting me use your piano" I say.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwJ5jwqSa1
There's no need for that, as I mentioned earlier, musicians always support one another. Just look at the audience you have gathered; I couldn't ask for more." The man replies, his face beaming with a smile.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvmR14uTlA
"I promised not to disappoint you," I reply, with a light giggle.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQPE1wzGP0
"Well, I must bid you farewell. I hope your piano career progresses smoothly," I convey.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gLDFasfqr
"It's a pity you're leaving so soon, but such is life. Take care, my friend," he says.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlfoZQubbr
I smile, acknowledging his words, and turn away.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk1tEDGTer
I overhear people discussing my departure. Such is always the way; nothing remains forever, and I am no exception. Nevertheless, thank you for listening to me; it brought me a little joy and reinforced my belief that I can strive for more. People often underestimate the value of constructive criticism, but it can indeed make a great difference.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUeKhbyLSn
I proceed towards the tavern, seeking to gather information on the latest news.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2iXDfrH1j
As I walk, I gaze at the sky and reflect that a day like today is perfect for a change of pace.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOfz8Z6lbD
The tavern comes into view. It is a place where people are always boisterous, but I find no fault in that. It's good to have a few places where one can speak and act freely, without the need to conform constantly. Let's see how reliable the information gathered here is.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNPww8gPuT
I step inside the tavern. People take notice of my presence, but swiftly return to their conversations. Though, as always, some continue to stare.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm5oCZtZtA
*loud talking*
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7NmFrrjda
I approach a table, pull out a chair, and sit, patiently waiting for the server. After roughly a minute, a lovely woman with copper brown hair approaches me.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LhK4iyeWf
"Good day, have you decided what you would like to order, sir?" the server asks.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PmsMwJgT5
I haven't made up my mind yet, but I request an ale since it seems to be the beverage of choice here.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUdW7I4sn8
"I'll have an ale for now," I reply.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaYY2v82ja
"Have you seen him?
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHV8JYtumh
*No, I believe he is new here*
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv2akuiOAo
It seems people talk without realizing that others can hear them, or perhaps they simply don't care.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHmcBhsugY
"One ale coming right up," the server assures me.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy9UShAzwh
"What are your thoughts on the war in Barbuda? A man seated at a nearby table inquires.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oHALU9wQW
"In my opinion, Barbuda should surrender. Despite receiving assistance from other territories, it seems highly unlikely that they will emerge victorious at this stage," expressed a stout man seated at a nearby table.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavUn5ff1by
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl8o0fg1xT
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDGFj6j9iw
Another individual chimed in, remarking, "If Barbuda surrenders, they will simply become another empire to be absorbed."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMlnR37qpm
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCttOVUYO9I
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEaw83OL6I
A war huh I guess it's not uncommon for wars to exist but what is the opposite force that Barbuda is going against, I think to myself.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWxFbBTtfw
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJwPZALPvQ
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqniFzpax5e
"The strong naturally absorb the weak that's only natural. I cannot defend Barbuda; they were foolish to engage in the mass production of vampire blood," asserted a fellow patron.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BAoVgt2nu
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MSlYacDf2
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDXkQxNwwq
Vampire blood? Could it be that... No, it couldn't possibly be Blood Rose, as they would have been absorbed long ago. It must be Pretória or Vladimino.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp74YoME9KE
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZpHpklID3
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWREZvwDOp
"The attendant approached with my beer in hand and stated, "Your ale is here, sir."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasOPGLPd80
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroaC6ndoyW
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIxD58kT9P
Curious about the outcome of the war, I questioned, "Who do you believe will prevail?"
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7gq7kqQUG
Puzzled, the attendant responded, "Well, predicting the outcome of a war is challenging. However, from the start, Pretória was considered the likely victor. Even if Barbuda were to miraculously triumph, other vampire empires would undoubtedly lend their support. Out of all the foolish choices they could make, Barbuda ventured into mass producing vampire blood. Even a child knows the stupidity in that."
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwispoT9hbl
It made sense. Pretória ranked closely to Barbuda at 22nd place, if memory serves me right. Nevertheless, vampires-by their very nature-are a formidable, warrior-like race, embracing the notion of fighting to live and living to fight. Such is the common understanding.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki70jtooRd
"I agree, they're for sure not the brightest crayons in the box" I remark, allowing a slight chuckle to escape while doing so.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtPhi8dHEz
The attendant gave me a quizzical look, as if contemplating the workings of my mind. I couldn't help but find amusement in the fact that I, too, was about to embark on an endeavor that may lack wisdom, though not to the extent of entertaining the idea of mass producing vampire blood.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwwaMtWF05
"Well, sir, they surely displayed a lack of intelligence with their actions. If you'll excuse me, I must attend to other customers," the attendant politely excused herself.
343Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95tcktVC0D
As I watch her go, I contemplate my life and the things I still have to do.
ns3.133.149.165da2
