Settled Dust

Inside the ancient castle, the arcane mechanisms continued their relentless operation.

Luo Wei stared at the magical projections, each frame displaying the gruesome scenes of the old vampires being tormented by Danton's relentless "game"—a brutal obstacle course that left them battered and screaming in agony.

There was no escape for them. The castle's outer layer was sealed by powerful magical barriers, now under Danton's control. The old vampires had unwittingly trapped themselves.

As the tide of battle finally turned, the onlookers breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Only Luo Wei's expression remained troubled.

It was too early to celebrate. Danton's massive arcane facility consumed an enormous amount of energy, and it was unclear how long it could last. Worse, Meizi and the seven or eight elder vampires of princely rank still hadn't been eliminated.

Another concern gnawed at him—where had the Church delegation disappeared to?

This entire conspiracy had originated from the Siston Theocracy, with Feilin and Bishop Lawrence as its executors. Until those two resurfaced, the danger was far from over.

"Keep an eye on the guests," Qiao reminded Danton. "The strongest among them have already pursued them."

"Don't worry," Danton replied, his gaze fixed on the magical projections.

Just as the elder vampires were about to breach the room where the human guests had taken refuge, a portal flickered open once more.

Luo Wei shifted his attention to another projection—the humans had been teleported back to the grand banquet hall. The Duchess stared at them in shock, while Mike and the younger vampires who hadn't participated in the chaos wore expressions of bewilderment.

"What's going on? Why are you back?" the Duchess demanded urgently. "Has anyone seen Emily? Where is my daughter?"

The human guests, still shaken, ignored her.

"Emily must have gone to find Monica," Mike reassured his mother. "She always follows her sister Monica around. They're probably together and safe."

"Safe? How can they be safe when even the elders have lost their minds!" The Duchess grew increasingly frantic. "Why are you just standing there? Go find your sister!"

"Right—Mother, don’t panic, I’ll go right away—" Mike turned to leave.

But then, an aged voice echoed through the banquet hall.

"Emily is unharmed. She is with me, alongside Monica and Evelyn."

The crowd glanced around, searching for the source of the voice.

In the control room, Qiao observed the scene and continued speaking.

"The castle is now under our control. Please remain calm. Soon, the traitors who conspired against the family head will be executed."

Murmurs of astonishment rippled through the hall.

The birthday banquet had taken one unexpected turn after another, and now the situation had escalated beyond anyone’s expectations.

"To all members of the Abraham family, remember the teachings of our past two patriarchs. We are the vampires of Thornflower Castle in the northern reaches of Wegner, not those of the City of Cain. The privileges you enjoy were earned through the struggles of our forebears."

"Some of our younger members were misled by the traitors. For that, I can afford to be lenient..."

"But from this moment onward, if any of you still harbor treacherous thoughts, the Abraham family will consider you an enemy—to the death."

With that, Qiao signaled Danton to cut the broadcast, then leaned in to whisper instructions to Monica.

"Once this is over, you will be the one to reassure the guests. As for the younger vampires, don’t worry. Besides me, three vampire princes will stand behind you..."

"I understand, Uncle Qiao," Monica replied softly.

"Oh?" Danton chuckled in realization. "So you’re the heir the Duke chose. You’ve been keeping quiet, haven’t you? Quite the surprise."

Qiao gave Monica an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Among the direct lineage of this generation, the Duke observed for a long time. Monica may not possess the greatest innate talent, but she is sharp-witted and steady-handed."

Of course, he left the rest unspoken.

The truth was, the Abraham family’s next generation had few promising candidates. Even among the branch families, barely any stood out. Evelyn’s talent was noteworthy, but due to past events...

Meanwhile, Luo Wei eavesdropped on their conversation.

If everything went smoothly, once the rebellious elders were dealt with, someone would need to take charge. This arrangement was practically forcing Monica into power.

"Teacher..." Luo Wei glanced at Evelyn, whose expression remained unreadable.

"What is it?" Evelyn asked.

"Have you... never considered it? Becoming the next Duke of Thornflower?" Luo Wei ventured carefully.

"Well... it’s not like the thought never crossed my mind," Evelyn mused. "I did think about it years ago, back when I was still with the family..."

"But then you became disillusioned with them," Luo Wei finished.

"Yes..." Evelyn nodded, then gave him a curious look. "Why do you ask, Xiao Wei? Do you want me to fight for that position?"

"Honestly, I think you’d be far better than them," Luo Wei admitted.

He wasn’t just favoring someone he cared about—Evelyn truly possessed a rare quality, one she might not even recognize in herself.

"But Father already made his choice," Evelyn said, glancing at Monica.

"She’s capable too. Isn’t this fine as it is?"

"She’s nowhere near as good as you," Luo Wei muttered.

"Xiao Wei, I know what you’re thinking," Evelyn said with a faint smile. "You don’t need to feel sorry for me. I have no interest in that position now. Besides, I’ve already chosen to leave the Abraham family, haven’t I?"

"But that woman’s about to steal your spotlight!" Helena, half in human form, slithered over. She shot Monica a displeased glare and grumbled under her breath.

Despite constantly bickering with Evelyn—and wrecking countless sofas in the process—she had, without realizing it, come to accept this vampire as part of their lives.

Ever since her brother’s return, the three of them had spent most of their time together. At some point, Evelyn had seamlessly integrated into their little family in Helena’s simple, straightforward worldview.

So, in Helena’s eyes, the younger vampires were either traitors or cowards hiding in the shadows. Monica fell into the same category—someone who hadn’t stepped up when it mattered most but now stood to reap the rewards. It didn’t sit right with her.

She clenched her tiny fists and whispered into her brother’s ear, "If you ask me, Evelyn is the one who deserves it!"

Evelyn chuckled and patted her head. "Little ones shouldn't meddle in grown-up affairs. I’m just glad all this messy family business is finally over. Once it’s done, I’ll take you to try some specialty food from the northern Winter Kingdom."

"What kind of food?" Helena perked up instantly.

"Pickled herring."

"Is it good?" Helena pressed eagerly.

"It should be quite delicious..." Evelyn mused. "They say the herring in the can is thick and juicy, with an incredibly rich aroma when opened—so strong it lingers within a hundred-meter radius..."

"There’s such a delicacy?" Helena gave a skeptical look. She’d never heard of it before and turned curiously to her brother.

"Are you serious, teacher?" Luo Wei shot Evelyn a glance.

Evelyn paused. "That’s what everyone says—that it’s a heavenly delight. Sadly, I was too young back then to eat human food. Luo Wei, if you’re interested, the three of us can go try it together."

"You two enjoy." Luo Wei shook his head. He had no interest in eating something that smelled like crap and probably tasted like it too.

"Come on, brother!" Helena wanted to share every culinary adventure with him.

"I refuse..."

"Brother, pleaaase~"

"......"