"Now, about Lenore— her full name is Lenore Bloodrose."
129Please respect copyright.PENANATP51nkzGnu
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAKoP5IcL5CU
"Surprise"
129Please respect copyright.PENANAgbSih1d1fT
"Ah-! No... I don't hav— e words. Lenore Bloodrose the 7th vampire princess?!!"
129Please respect copyright.PENANAzXjoVtEXBv
"That's life for you" I say with a smile and sweat bidding on my forehead.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAt5zNAtQjAd
"You jest" Marcus says
129Please respect copyright.PENANA3zYEmosofT
"Sure not" I retort.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAY7OD9HzBh6
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAXoM7ILypyk
I met her 10 times in total after that day.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAEOU50LwnoC
"Huh."
129Please respect copyright.PENANAdrZXHIdtKs
"What?" I say.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAHv08v0ELpv
"Just processing" Marcus says like he had received too much information at once.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAWTwuK09o5s
"So let me get this straight, you pretend to make her your woman?" Marcus ask with a serious tone.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAqeIXSgW2p4
"Yes, I plan to make her my woman" I say it blushing somewhat.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAC0uypBdnO6
"I don't know of your relationship but I guess it will not be easy"
129Please respect copyright.PENANAIZCMeoRs4y
"Easy or not, I need to try, I'm still deeply in love even after all this time"
129Please respect copyright.PENANADhvuZ6Vv76
"But it's been years she maybe moved on or wor..." Marcus is cut abruptly.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAZEKexOpEg1
"We send letters to each other" I say embarrassingly.
129Please respect copyright.PENANALrUopige7b
"Oh—huh... you don't stop surprising me."
129Please respect copyright.PENANAWdpdFManW7
"You did that even after isolating yourself?" Says Marcus with an intrigued expression.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAuFmyNuk6dS
"Well, yeah, even after isolating myself I could not bring myself to stop contacting her." I say my ears red.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA2zhft15vHA
"It seems you thought more than I imagined"
129Please respect copyright.PENANAyZNqiutQn3
"Yeah, well, I like to do things when I'm almost sure how they'll go" I say.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAYnu9q7aat0
"My plan is to make her my woman, and ask her to make me a "vampire".
129Please respect copyright.PENANAoe7WsioKS1
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANABpFSm6oGrS
129Please respect copyright.PENANAeU9du6qEZ1
129Please respect copyright.PENANA8TjisJHhk7
"But that is just the beginning, I'll be aiming for the 10th ranks by other words the system top rankings." I say confidently.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAq5HDdMtkK3
Marcus looks at me with an incredulous expression.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAIQ7vzRp7Cp
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAbXr1OtcPtk
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAI4KzO2TT1H
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAhNKpVJ3ZiZ
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6I74bWY1W
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAPxracLeWM7
129Please respect copyright.PENANAWjEtKAlCAa
"...Is it really necessary to resort to blood rose's royal blood? Have you considered other options?" Marcus inquires.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAx4qNDzPMaW
"While there are indeed other alternatives, none of them are as effective or efficient as this particular method," I respond.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAtrVlIKo8ic
"Understood. I won't question you further. I do comprehend the majority of what you have explained," Marcus acknowledges.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAiQ0hGvoBaG
"What are your orders, Raphael?" Marcus asks.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA8riEDHxYhW
"Have you been able to communicate with my father regarding the previous matter?" I inquire.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAZlMGmEFIfF
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAH12dAjRCz7
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA15c08i560s
Using distortion magic, I assume my Alber identity once again.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAuMcHbM7hsm
"Yes, allow me to accompany you outside." Marcus says.
129Please respect copyright.PENANATeg2WXCFVN
"Very well," I reply.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAPqOnxq3kjq
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAyidecsrvcX
"It seems our conversation ends here. I'll see you later," I say.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAiHxHPJi34X
"Until later, Raphael" Marcus bids farewell.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA2eamNzzqp2
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAdYVJUmQjtM
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAfmhafWJBCA
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAD5Ulsl2VVH
"Excuse me, sir," a woman said.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA8YRAPcOk0T
"Is she talking to me?" I turn to my right and notice a woman, approximately 35 years old, standing and staring at me.
129Please respect copyright.PENANALRK6FIWdfn
"Good morning, madam. Is there something you would like to discuss with me?" I inquired politely.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAOKgVw6Uo0H
"What do you think about making a donation to the Church of Hope?" the woman said.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA2r3u8G2MbJ
"You mean the Church of Hope? Could you elaborate?" I inquired further.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAAkxqt2W204
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAysuAtAj0ex
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAHPB1aOTjZt
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAHC7vtqtWm6
The god of hope uh.
129Please respect copyright.PENANALzwmj99FUp
"I assure you, I won't forget either," I said, providing a slight smile.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAsvpOTuImRO
"Excuse me? What do you m..." the woman attempted to inquire, but I interrupted her with my words.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAFiJPn4rIIe
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAduLcw3yk8q
The woman regarded me with disapproval. However, before she could utter another word, I swiftly headed towards the piano.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAzXwgFtfFOA
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAx3pFQwEXWe
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAays4Jp8ERm
Ordinary individuals might not be aware of this, but I am, and it doesn't seem like the most suitable church for charitable donations.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA1H972ANGnE
"Excuse me, sir. May I have your permission to play the piano for a brief period?"
129Please respect copyright.PENANAzmz0Lzm0iX
The man observes me closely, seemingly analyzing my abilities.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA7tRGPeCOPA
"Please show me your hands," the man requests firmly.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAVhZouwSscS
"Here you go," I reply, offering my hands.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAz4hi5MqOIQ
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA9OY5sup8sa
"Thank you, I assure you that you won't be let down," I say confidently, with a smile on my face.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAIpY9FLO1Gt
"Let's see what you're capable of," the man expresses his curiosity.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAYqBi7YTtR2
Taking a seat on the piano bench, I quickly adjust my hands. Today, I believe I will perform "Benevolent Society" as it seems appropriate.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA1CSuZqdVLU
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA0Pkr0PqTX6
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAJv7yjatk8a
*There is a wave of loud cheering.*
129Please respect copyright.PENANADl5RiHgM68
"Remarkable talent, young man," complimented the man who had been present earlier, his smile radiant.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAxwuQm7UbXY
"I suppose it felt quite satisfying to me too," I replied, allowing a slight giggle to escape.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAH0yCoB9R3Y
"Play again," one voice urged.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAxLZ3VmqL22
"Go for it, young sir," encouraged another.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAqK0Fopk7ez
"Show us more of your music," chimed in someone else.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAnH4smciflE
"Keep playing," echoed yet another request.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAY1RCOL8qmS
"That experience was inexplicably calming. I must admit, they certainly know how to motivate someone," remarked the man with a content smile.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA8ODhlyRCBz
129Please respect copyright.PENANA4vNjMFJJKx
129Please respect copyright.PENANA7vNzeMUIYb
"If I were any more timid, I might be blushing right now. You're absolutely right," I replied with a smiling face.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAf1PAPAI3uk
"What do you think about performing at the 'Musical of Mérida'?" inquired a man stepping forward from the crowd.
129Please respect copyright.PENANATMXws06MIh
"The 'Musical of Mérida'? Are you a talent scout, by any chance?" I asked in return.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAYudefGp8db
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAiFelKwgTrJ
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAniaQnXRpAu
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAqAoe0hLRtj
I watch the man going his way while thinking of all the things I still need to do.
129Please respect copyright.PENANADPOlJHYi5b
"Well, thank you sir for letting me use your piano" I say.
129Please respect copyright.PENANADjozVS7iuW
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA76j8RKqXjT
"I promised not to disappoint you," I reply, with a light giggle.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAJzPLMoY6qh
"Well, I must bid you farewell. I hope your piano career progresses smoothly," I convey.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAbKPeAyLG81
"It's a pity you're leaving so soon, but such is life. Take care, my friend," he says.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAIBtXepoWss
I smile, acknowledging his words, and turn away.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAiZ0N7kv7oS
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAGNCYWH3wPm
I proceed towards the tavern, seeking to gather information on the latest news.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAygHWXnXhBE
As I walk, I gaze at the sky and reflect that a day like today is perfect for a change of pace.
129Please respect copyright.PENANATfp0wCQ84Y
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAp19g10T8Qi
I step inside the tavern. People take notice of my presence, but swiftly return to their conversations. Though, as always, some continue to stare.
129Please respect copyright.PENANARy99GQ9Vt8
*loud talking*
129Please respect copyright.PENANAOcx0ontm1L
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANANvloGqR3qE
"Good day, have you decided what you would like to order, sir?" the server asks.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA7miXuJtMpI
I haven't made up my mind yet, but I request an ale since it seems to be the beverage of choice here.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAzuZueEnb1d
"I'll have an ale for now," I reply.
129Please respect copyright.PENANALqRII3Vl8j
"Have you seen him?
129Please respect copyright.PENANAX0iFK2wPQB
*No, I believe he is new here*
129Please respect copyright.PENANAguEG3TBrB4
It seems people talk without realizing that others can hear them, or perhaps they simply don't care.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAESwR83F3us
"One ale coming right up," the server assures me.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAKY1j1ZR5rh
"What are your thoughts on the war in Barbuda? A man seated at a nearby table inquires.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAXgcVVXmyEJ
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANA12ygJy94RX
129Please respect copyright.PENANAPufd7APKFQ
129Please respect copyright.PENANAe2K9FYPypM
Another individual chimed in, remarking, "If Barbuda surrenders, they will simply become another empire to be absorbed."
129Please respect copyright.PENANAHcHroJB9ox
129Please respect copyright.PENANAb8BPghD019
129Please respect copyright.PENANAwM3vTNIkOR
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAqs3GUPwh5m
129Please respect copyright.PENANA0ftNbNQCGt
129Please respect copyright.PENANAflafZSaMxs
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAN9hYMIB69l
129Please respect copyright.PENANAPx475NKufx
129Please respect copyright.PENANAU3QXUCu3yp
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAULvFQIJe3b
129Please respect copyright.PENANAXPFws05gMx
129Please respect copyright.PENANAunwimeSY0y
"The attendant approached with my beer in hand and stated, "Your ale is here, sir."
129Please respect copyright.PENANA4rXlGSpPgT
129Please respect copyright.PENANATMMEz24yv0
129Please respect copyright.PENANAJsUg3w9ucx
Curious about the outcome of the war, I questioned, "Who do you believe will prevail?"
129Please respect copyright.PENANALPbPvunYuB
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."
129Please respect copyright.PENANAbss17QAF2e
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANATPtRIliL5h
"I agree, they're for sure not the brightest crayons in the box" I remark, allowing a slight chuckle to escape while doing so.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAdES3jvm1ba
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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAXaXIfmwokN
"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.
129Please respect copyright.PENANAw7siromQIW
As I watch her go, I contemplate my life and the things I still have to do.
ns 172.69.59.184da2