ATAPOW Chapter 230
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Chapter 230: Tears in Her Eyes
“The Leforno Duchy of the Scarlet Empire will provide protection to everyone here for three months. Following that, our troops will withdraw from Nolan City, leaving it under the control of the Asiatic Cat Race. From then on, we’ll no longer have any ties to this city. Are there any objections?” Following her statement, Xun casually sat down with crossed legs, awaiting the trio’s response. The demeanor she projected made her seem like the owner of this castle.
Their mouths were agape, with utter disbelief written on their faces; A response just as one might have expected.
The law of the jungle was the game rule established by the Primordial God onto this world; A law which was both brutally realistic and derisive.
In the grand scheme of things, everything adhered to the survival of the fittest.
Those triumphant would have surmounted every hurdle in their way, while the vanquished were left with nothing, not even their bodies.
The biological creatures inhabiting this continent had witnessed this scenario play out innumerable times, albeit with differing scenarios.
None of them would bother to consider the thoughts of the losing side.
For matters that brought them no gain, politicians and conspirators would not even spare a single charitable thought.
Excuses like ‘Since time immemorial’ and ‘our ancestors property’ had always served as nothing more than thinly veiled excuses for war.
In a profit-driven world, nobody was virtuous.
In this case, having invested large amounts of financial resources to prepare their supplies and undertaking an exceptionally long journey to reach this place, the vampire army had actually offered to forfeit their gains to others and deploy a substantial military force to safeguard the area, all without recompense.
It was a thoroughly exhausting burden that yielded little to no reward for them.
How could such a benevolent thing truly exist in this world?
“Your Excellency, were those words truly not said in jest?” The red-goateed middle-aged man’s eyes were wide open as he processed the massive information contained within her words. Realizing his lapse in manners, he coughed dryly twice.
“I don’t have such a dull and distasteful hobby.” Xun raised her eyebrows.
“…Your Honorable Excellency, may I know what price we need to pay for such an arrangement?” Nael asked after composing herself slightly.
After expending so much effort and patience, the goal they had coveted for so long was suddenly within their grasp, offered to them on a silver platter.
The sheer incredulity of the situation had driven her to instinctively speak up and ask that question.
“Did I not express myself clearly?” Xun pondered briefly as she assessed the trio below, who were each wearing their own peculiar expression.
“I’ve never made a habit of repeating my words. If everyone is skeptical towards my offer, feel free to express your disinterest in this city — That’s perfectly fine with me as well.”
“No, that’s not what we mean! Your generosity has left us truly awestruck. We’re just momentarily incapable of expressing the gratitude bottled up in our heart. May I ask for your understanding in this regard.”
“There’s no need for thanks.” Xun’s eyelids lowered slightly. “This Xun is merely carrying out the orders given to her. Whether it’s ceding the city or protecting it, those decisions were never mine to make.”
With the calm and serene expression she had displayed during the entire interaction, Lil’ Sha moved a few steps forward and executed a subtle bow.
“Your Excellency Xun, would you be so kind as to reveal to us the identity of this benevolent and kind-hearted superior, please?” Lil’ Sha’s expression radiated with sincerity and devotion as she spoke with her palms pressed together.
Lil’ Sha’s attitude prompted Xun to cast a glance her way, a subtle trace of derision playing at the corner of her lips.
“The crown princess of the direct line of vampire royalty, Bai Ji Lasombra from the Scarlet Blood Region.”
Lil’ Sha quietly etched that name into her memory.
“The Crown Princess of the vampire race…” The middle-aged man with a red goatee sucked in a mouthful of cold air.
The red-goateed man had never anticipated the Asiatic Cat would receive support from such a benefactor…
A mutual advantage could only arise in a scenario where both sides were on equal terms with each other.
Deep down, he was aware that the Asiatic Cat Race were not really qualified to engage in discussions about diplomacy and mutual aid while they were currently stateless and destitute.
‘For a struggling race like ourselves to receive assistance from someone more powerful and of higher status, could there be a conspiracy lurking under the surface, or…’
Shaking his head, the man with the red goatee reminded himself not to assume the worst of their benefactor’s intentions.
“The crown princess has a kind heart. Sha will forever remember her for giving our race the chance of a new life.” Lil’ Sha found it hard to control her heartfelt emotions.
With Nolan City as a base to establish themselves, the Asiatic Cat Race, who had previously been incapable of recovering from the disaster that had befallen them, had finally gotten the resources to make a resurgence.
At present, Nolan City laid in ruins, with many things awaiting their attention. Even though the protection of the vampire army would only last for 3 months, it would convey the image that ‘The Asiatic Cat Race is being protected by the vampire race’ to the outside world.
The buffer and preparation time they could secure would extend far beyond that. It was likely that Nolan City would enjoy an extended period of peace after the vampire army’s departure.
With these resources as their foundation, they would certainly have the capability to reclaim their territory and possibly lead their army on a counteroffensive to get back their capital, which those foreign races had sullied!
Having come to this realization, Lil’ Sha clutched the gem necklace in her bosom and immediately knelt on one knee to express her heartfelt thanks.
Seeing this, Nael and the red-goatee man had the urge to speak but ultimately decided to maintain their silence.
Princess Sha stood as the sole living heir of the Royal Family and symbolized the face of the Asiatic Cat Race.
Yet, in their current state, the Asiatic Cat Race existed only in name. Without the help and support of outsiders, it was nothing more than a fragile candle in the wind.
It was impossible for their positions to be in equal standing with each other.
“Your Excellency Xun, could Sha be so bold as to offer my gratitude directly to the Crown Princess of your Esteemed Empire? I’m curious if the Princess is currently here in person.” Lil’ Sha gradually steadied her emotions before expressing her wish.
Although her decision was partially fueled by curiosity, her main goal was to convey her sincere gratitude to the princess for providing them the chance to revive their race.
As the adage went, a small favor should be repaid with great gratitude. As a race known for their deep sense of gratitude, the Asiatic Cats would never forget the help given by outsiders, more so this act of kindness that ensured the survival of their entire race.
The fact they had no idea what their benefactor looked like was inexcusable.
As she pondered that, her fluffy tail swayed.
“I’ll pass along Princess Sha’s request, but unfortunately, the Crown Princess is currently unwell and cannot receive any visitors. I hope you understand.”
“I understand. My request was too sudden, after all.” A trace of regret flashed past Lil’ Sha’s complexion.
“Since both parties have no objections towards this matter, let’s conclude our discussions here. You may rise, your Highness Sha… The Crown princess had tasked Xun to convey a message to you.” Xun stood up and changed the topic just as she was preparing to send her guests off.
“I’m all ears, your Excellency Xun.” Lil’ Sha was momentarily stunned before speaking in a deferential tone.
“Take good care of your people and be a Queen who governs wisely and diligently.” Xun did not linger after delivering her message; She stood up, opened the door and headed towards the inner section of the castle.
Leaving the silent trio in the hall.
‘Take good care of your people and be a Queen who governs wisely and diligently.’
Though the wording was different, the underlying message behind the sentence remained the same as that of the armored figure, who had approached her with unsteady steps last time. His image began to intertwine with that of the Crown Princess of the Vampire Race.
“… Bai Ji Lasombra?” Lil’ Sha softly uttered the name. As she reflected on how Xun had been so protective of a seemingly unimportant person, a daring idea began to emerge and take shape in her mind.
‘No, it can’t be… They are two completely unrelated people. If that was true, the assassination of Aunt Felina would make no sense at all. Even the timing doesn’t add up.’
The thought had barely crossed her mind for less than 3 seconds before it was dismissed.
Observing the firmly shut door behind the throne, Lil’ Sha appeared lost in thought.
‘What is the Crown Princess truly like?’
一一一一一一一一一
In the castle situated within Nolan City’s inner district, flawlessly cut stone walls gleamed resplendently under the glow of neatly positioned stone torches.
Two vampire warriors, clad in body armor, stood guard outside a room on the second-floor hallway. They each held a halberd in hand, with a sword hanging from their belt.
The identity of the person residing in the room was of paramount importance. Just the slightest lapse in caution could easily brand them as sinners of the century. As such, they remained vigilant, not allowing even the faintest sign of movement to escape their eyes.
Even the tiniest of changes could spell danger. Assassins were known to exploit any opportunity to fulfill their mission, so they had to rigorously defend the area!
On the surface, it appeared that only two soldiers were responsible for guarding the area. Yet, in reality, a group of elite troops had concealed themselves in strategic locations, ready to strike. At the slightest hint of movement, these well-armored soldiers, who had been mustering their strength, would promptly shoot out from their positions and attack the target like arrows released from taut bowstrings.
To be entrusted with the responsibility to protect a direct descendant of the vampire royal family was the greatest honor for every vampire soldier, a duty that completely overshadowed their own lives and their love for family and loved ones.
The same sentiment was carried by the general public as well. The royal family had bestowed upon them a peaceful, prosperous era, safeguarding their welfare and ensuring they were well fed.
Their image had long been sanctified in their hearts, and its holiness was inviolable.
It was an honor for every devout citizen to protect the royal family, for to protect them was akin to safeguarding the Gods they believed in.
That said, the armored knights were at a loss as to why their princess, who was supposed to be in the palace, had shown up in this place.
“Creak.” The thick and heavy wooden door slowly swung open. A maid emerged from the room with her head held low, carrying a tray of food that had not been touched in the slightest.
At that moment, the sentries collectively bowed their heads in a salute.
“Lady Xun…” The untouched food on the tray served as a reminder of her failure, causing the young maid to feel a sense of shame. She couldn’t bear to meet Xun’s gaze as the latter approached them with measured steps.
“Is Her Highness still refusing to eat?” Xun had deduced the situation upon seeing the crimson liquid in the tableware and the neatly-arranged pastries on the meal tray.
“Yes.” The maid hung her head in embarrassment. “I’m truly inept. Despite my best attempts, I couldn’t persuade the Princess to take even a sip of blood. I beseech Lady Xun to punish me.”
“How is the Princess doing right now?”
“She said she was tired and asked me to leave the room for the time being, so that she could take a short break.”
“You can leave first, I’ll go inside to check on her.”
“Understood.”
Accepting the meal tray from the maid, Xun pushed the door open and entered the room.
Despite being encircled by meticulously cut brick walls made out of stone, the décor within was extremely minimalistic. Other than a large bed adorned with white linens, there was only a small wardrobe and a small dining table with a chair.
The sunlight streaming through the silver tulle curtains bathed the pristine floor tiles in a bright radiance.
The scent in the room was akin to the blue roses that only opened at night; Fresh, simple, and elegantly captivating. It held an enchanting quality that was not ostentatious, while offering a rich complexity without overwhelming the senses.
At that moment, the bedding lay in disarray, with strands of silver hair resembling fine silk handiwork scattered across the pristine white sheets.
The parts of her body, protruding from the tightly-wrapped blanket, revealed a physique developed to the level of a young girl.
Closing the door behind her, Xun approached the table in a gentle manner. Placing the tray on its round surface, she took a seat on the side of the bed beside the cabinet.
Strands of golden light from outside the window painted the bed with their glow, illuminating the silver hair and causing it to gleam with brilliance.
Xun remained seated in silence, as if awaiting something.
“Your Highness, it has already been days since you last had a meal.”
The clump of silver hair seemed to show a slight movement, yet the bed lay motionless and silent as if its occupant was lost in deep sleep, oblivious to her words.
“You’ve fallen asleep, haven’t you.”
There was no response.
“Your Highness, if I may venture a guess, you’re not asleep, correct?”
Even so, there was still no response.
“Her Highness Sha had just been here.”
The bed and the blanket stirred momentarily before quickly settling back into stillness, as if nothing had happened.
“Your Highness?” Xun approached the figure wrapped in a blanket and asked gently.
However, all she could see was the slightly shivering figure tightly huddled within it.
“Please forgive me for what I’m about to do next.” Xun gracefully lowered herself to one knee.
Her action afterward would put her under great suspicion of showing great disrespect to the royal family.
“Swoosh…” The blanket was lifted in one fluid motion.
Xun had already braced herself for whatever punishment the other person might deliver.
However…
The figure seemed completely unaware that the blanket covering her head had been lifted aside by someone.
Beneath, a girl with silver hair sat on the bed with her legs crossed, her pale slender hands cupping her forehead. Her eyes, clouded with weariness and desolation, hinted at the tears she was fighting to hold back.