"Now, about Lenore— her full name is Lenore Bloodrose."
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3cwLTBN0t
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD17Ro8CTyy
"Surprise"
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FpuUFLmol
"Ah-! No... I don't hav— e words. Lenore Bloodrose the 7th vampire princess?!!"
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qOcUP63V3
"That's life for you" I say with a smile and sweat bidding on my forehead.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFynYMg3sy9
"You jest" Marcus says
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeVo9AGAt8
"Sure not" I retort.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6Cg9qQFBp
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr9HCI2Sbq
I met her 10 times in total after that day.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlwNACFQuk
"Huh."
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNiRoTEZQj
"What?" I say.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYfR803eIf
"Just processing" Marcus says like he had received too much information at once.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLwPvEf71z
"So let me get this straight, you pretend to make her your woman?" Marcus ask with a serious tone.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyagCza5HJa
"Yes, I plan to make her my woman" I say it blushing somewhat.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyEI9tPghe
"I don't know of your relationship but I guess it will not be easy"
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OC1bd9pcm
"Easy or not, I need to try, I'm still deeply in love even after all this time"
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcjwa9P0OL
"But it's been years she maybe moved on or wor..." Marcus is cut abruptly.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuMW8bmwqP
"We send letters to each other" I say embarrassingly.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3JRldeL7l
"Oh—huh... you don't stop surprising me."
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLyjN6lN4X
"You did that even after isolating yourself?" Says Marcus with an intrigued expression.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXCEyLOwMZ
"Well, yeah, even after isolating myself I could not bring myself to stop contacting her." I say my ears red.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoftutHXwL
"It seems you thought more than I imagined"
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc6Xi050DV
"Yeah, well, I like to do things when I'm almost sure how they'll go" I say.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl1oGoI0eC
"My plan is to make her my woman, and ask her to make me a "vampire".
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOlogssrpn
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxQZZdny8J
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSafNhb8Jw
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcSev27Zke
"But that is just the beginning, I'll be aiming for the 10th ranks by other words the system top rankings." I say confidently.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGenRR3PnS
Marcus looks at me with an incredulous expression.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMd9ByQZ9p
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsVcAvVDxy
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5W1wL2EmV
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAFFUhIr0T
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVgQijlqbp
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1cR9XKHk8
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxUIvURPY4
"...Is it really necessary to resort to blood rose's royal blood? Have you considered other options?" Marcus inquires.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaL8Fb0XLNP
"While there are indeed other alternatives, none of them are as effective or efficient as this particular method," I respond.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN6IFM3QGQ
"Understood. I won't question you further. I do comprehend the majority of what you have explained," Marcus acknowledges.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpK8EQFnTc
"What are your orders, Raphael?" Marcus asks.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo9FAvtm64
"Have you been able to communicate with my father regarding the previous matter?" I inquire.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdXz15b6Am
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmGUo4lo0o
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtKiUFaztt
Using distortion magic, I assume my Alber identity once again.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mlmyMij28
"Yes, allow me to accompany you outside." Marcus says.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jTtAe7FBp
"Very well," I reply.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfZKect1Lp
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcOlQMRKlT
"It seems our conversation ends here. I'll see you later," I say.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLICBRxM1c
"Until later, Raphael" Marcus bids farewell.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHuruIw2cf
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bFP0Y8rN0
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXGLZE9Dos
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzmJB2uB5B
"Excuse me, sir," a woman said.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8hrn357mW
"Is she talking to me?" I turn to my right and notice a woman, approximately 35 years old, standing and staring at me.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9SZrkkRW7
"Good morning, madam. Is there something you would like to discuss with me?" I inquired politely.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSvGmfUW9v
"What do you think about making a donation to the Church of Hope?" the woman said.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBFK4hMJQa
"You mean the Church of Hope? Could you elaborate?" I inquired further.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F78E6U86C
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFzSnM5THV
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsscnkYvPp
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMJ8Ws2XL3
The god of hope uh.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM8P2R0qpJ
"I assure you, I won't forget either," I said, providing a slight smile.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRfLfUxROJ
"Excuse me? What do you m..." the woman attempted to inquire, but I interrupted her with my words.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGRLYZf2eM
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPSZBZkVZZ
The woman regarded me with disapproval. However, before she could utter another word, I swiftly headed towards the piano.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vJ3wskTJk
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNPoFNoFOq
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4O2ld6VJP
Ordinary individuals might not be aware of this, but I am, and it doesn't seem like the most suitable church for charitable donations.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB9mHK00WQ
"Excuse me, sir. May I have your permission to play the piano for a brief period?"
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocdFPkMT5z
The man observes me closely, seemingly analyzing my abilities.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFH6csqTLy
"Please show me your hands," the man requests firmly.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNli5YPW4Q2
"Here you go," I reply, offering my hands.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlKoIAM6q1
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUvlxHflBR
"Thank you, I assure you that you won't be let down," I say confidently, with a smile on my face.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ1DMuQmDW
"Let's see what you're capable of," the man expresses his curiosity.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3Cn3xSxVQ
Taking a seat on the piano bench, I quickly adjust my hands. Today, I believe I will perform "Benevolent Society" as it seems appropriate.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vGhYeyfSx
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtav0M37ckb
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28GAHjIQNR
*There is a wave of loud cheering.*
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAG4Vr5RbH
"Remarkable talent, young man," complimented the man who had been present earlier, his smile radiant.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBhGWLq0yP
"I suppose it felt quite satisfying to me too," I replied, allowing a slight giggle to escape.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6WIuVNgy2
"Play again," one voice urged.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS82LIK3yHE
"Go for it, young sir," encouraged another.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUltutJ0GE
"Show us more of your music," chimed in someone else.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0qect8607
"Keep playing," echoed yet another request.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53Ys6qptTZ
"That experience was inexplicably calming. I must admit, they certainly know how to motivate someone," remarked the man with a content smile.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrWQKzADXl
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r7X93QI4A
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsCFtOJ8gm
"If I were any more timid, I might be blushing right now. You're absolutely right," I replied with a smiling face.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYI9GPQ4Sl
"What do you think about performing at the 'Musical of Mérida'?" inquired a man stepping forward from the crowd.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDiOolXy9R
"The 'Musical of Mérida'? Are you a talent scout, by any chance?" I asked in return.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMklTHbPBaK
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0wOvG3O6i
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7dBJVg07f
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HLfR8q267
I watch the man going his way while thinking of all the things I still need to do.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXldV89xP84
"Well, thank you sir for letting me use your piano" I say.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiFxVUqYUp
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCxw8cyeiS
"I promised not to disappoint you," I reply, with a light giggle.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfD5R7h2tu
"Well, I must bid you farewell. I hope your piano career progresses smoothly," I convey.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQFzE0zf11
"It's a pity you're leaving so soon, but such is life. Take care, my friend," he says.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiEzKaFUmV
I smile, acknowledging his words, and turn away.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHchRvuAAL
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZBDQCeZDV
I proceed towards the tavern, seeking to gather information on the latest news.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ETynjIUXC
As I walk, I gaze at the sky and reflect that a day like today is perfect for a change of pace.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj4ox80sT6
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXN4sn3oMf
I step inside the tavern. People take notice of my presence, but swiftly return to their conversations. Though, as always, some continue to stare.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt5LN24QwS
*loud talking*
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjsWrpuH3G
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfytFtdK6L
"Good day, have you decided what you would like to order, sir?" the server asks.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzECa610chh
I haven't made up my mind yet, but I request an ale since it seems to be the beverage of choice here.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeDDKeHTv3
"I'll have an ale for now," I reply.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjQSzNDShv
"Have you seen him?
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfPja6YJRv
*No, I believe he is new here*
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP95z32Et5
It seems people talk without realizing that others can hear them, or perhaps they simply don't care.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKejI8s2m7
"One ale coming right up," the server assures me.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldaOAXpz17
"What are your thoughts on the war in Barbuda? A man seated at a nearby table inquires.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xrq6Qm4BJ
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmJA5Bu6a8
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OO9GIkBaE
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHpax5YLFg
Another individual chimed in, remarking, "If Barbuda surrenders, they will simply become another empire to be absorbed."
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW7yH6CFYB
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4o1vylSIu
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kz8U3iv93
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGRS42qNTd
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiYd5ZG9jC
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tG1nxEgNt
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zv4aXnsbh
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAigmFQhP1
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIVsbLkVk4
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKLgqHCxjd
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fLLCnJfcO
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLlivwA9Jk
"The attendant approached with my beer in hand and stated, "Your ale is here, sir."
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZNSgl4oqJ
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkJ0e2tpDB
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT4pMvTKWS
Curious about the outcome of the war, I questioned, "Who do you believe will prevail?"
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFZ9UYVrfh
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."
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKVkoQhRu0
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwPgNvrFe8
"I agree, they're for sure not the brightest crayons in the box" I remark, allowing a slight chuckle to escape while doing so.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBab63k5qE
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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg5DvfxETv
"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.
349Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk3Z4w4aZi
As I watch her go, I contemplate my life and the things I still have to do.
ns18.222.24.251da2
