The Blood Clan are like parasites living off the Human Race.
Wherever there are humans, there are vampires.
When have you ever seen a parasite willingly leap out and survive on its own?
Clearly there are much easier ways to live, so who would choose to struggle atop a blazing fire?
That’s why Xiadam really couldn’t figure out what this so-called [True Human Empire] was trying to do.
“Knock knock knock~”
Just then, someone knocked on the door, interrupting her train of thought that was going nowhere.
“Master Magician, may I come in?” came the polite greeting of Lord Lavini from outside.
“Of course, please come in,” Xiadam replied.
Lord Lavini pushed open the door and entered, still holding a thick, ancient tome in his hands.
“Master Magician, this is the reward we agreed upon. It’s a grimoire from my father’s collection. It’s useless to us ordinary folk, so today I’d like to give it to you.” Lord Lavini wore a broad smile, though there was a hint of fatigue he couldn’t quite hide.
But when he placed the grimoire on the tea table and saw the hand-drawn map atop the desk, his expression instantly froze.
“Lord, your timing is perfect. There’s something I’d like to ask you.” Xiadam didn’t show much interest in the grimoire.
“Please, Master Magician, go ahead.”
“What’s the deal with this True Human Empire?” she asked, pointing to the far west side of the map.
“Hah, nothing can be kept secret from you, Master Magician. This is classified information of the Kingdom and hasn’t been made public yet. But for the sake of your safety, I do need to explain.”
“A group of people who support vampires, along with their Blood Clan masters, established a mysterious [Symbiosis City] in the western region. They live together with the vampires, willingly offering their blood, while the vampires protect their safety. And that is the [True Human Empire].”
“Our Border City was built to keep an eye on the neighboring Symbiosis City. So, Master Magician, please don’t travel west during your journey.”
Lord Lavini’s explanation was brief and clear, instantly resolving all of Xiadam’s doubts.
“These days, there really is no end to strange happenings. Even cats and mice can live together now?” Xiadam commented sharply.
But considering how absurd humans can be, it’s not impossible. After all, even traitors can have statues built in their honor.
The worship of strength—people admire it even knowing the other side is their sworn enemy.
“Why were all the knights gathered together just now? Is there anything I can help with?” Xiadam asked again.
“Ahem, Master Magician, you’ve misunderstood. That was just our routine meeting, nothing major happened. There’s no need to trouble yourself.” Lord Lavini explained.
“What actually happened?” Xiadam’s tone suddenly turned serious, pressing coldly for an answer.
“Gulp…” Lord Lavini swallowed hard, then continued, “Actually, we were just discussing my father. He’s grown old and frail, so we’re preparing for his hundredth birthday.”
“Sorry, I didn’t know about your father.” Xiadam’s expression changed instantly, and she apologized in haste.
“It’s alright. My father is strong and healthy, enjoying his later years without illness or pain. He’s very happy.”
“May we pay him a visit?”
“Of course, you’re most welcome.”
Taking the lead, Xiadam poured Lord Lavini two cups of tea, then picked up the sleeping Fat Little Dragon. Together with Sheffield and Lord Lavini, she left the guest room.
Lord Lavini led the two women and one dragon to visit his elderly father.
“When my father was young, he left home to serve in the Northern Warrior Nation, fought his way into the Demon Domain, covered the Hero in slaying the Demon King, then retreated unscathed, and continued to resist the demon race at the border for another twenty years.”
“He is a Hero who shed blood for the Kingdom, a Campaign Knight even the fierce warriors of the north admire.”
“Unfortunately, there was that heartbreaking incident in the Royal Capital. My father was summoned back from the north, then sent to the western border, continuing his border duties to this day, until death.”
As he spoke of his father, his tone was full of pride, but also helplessness and a hint of discontent toward the Kingdom.
“You’ve all worked hard,” Xiadam listened quietly.
“Thank you,” Lord Lavini replied politely.
But in his heart, he didn’t believe a magician could understand the hardships of a Kingdom Knight; it was just a courtesy.
Just as ordinary people can never truly understand the world of magic.
But this time, he was wrong.
Because Xiadam understood knights more deeply than anyone.
“Click~” The door opened.
They arrived at the deepest room of the lord’s manor and pushed open a heavy door.
It was a study, with an old man lying on the bed.
“Son, who are these two?” The old man sat up slowly upon hearing the door open.
He seemed in good spirits and quite robust, though he had lived to the twilight of the Human Race.
“Father, these two are magicians. They helped us open up a perfect camp in the southern forest—they’re benefactors of our territory,” Lord Lavini quickly explained.
“I see. Thank you both…” The old man began, but suddenly stopped.
“Father?” Lord Lavini looked puzzled.
“Son, please step out for a moment. There’s something I wish to discuss with the two magicians alone.” The old man’s tone was low.
“Then… I’ll excuse myself.” Lord Lavini grew even more puzzled, but dared not disobey his father.
He left the study, quietly closing the door behind him, but didn’t go far—he stood guard outside.
The old man and Xiadam locked eyes, each probing the other in a long, silent standoff.
Sheffield was also confused, having no idea what was going on.
“Whoosh!” A rush of wind.
The old man suddenly threw back his blanket, revealing a knight sword hidden underneath.
So this old man even sleeps clutching his sword?
“Clang!” Another sharp sound.
In a flash, the old man drew his sword, swinging a crescent slash at Xiadam’s neck.
But in that split second, Sheffield was faster. With two fingers, she caught the old man’s blade midair, stopping it dead in its tracks.
“Where did you get that Campaign Knight Sword at your waist?” the old man demanded fiercely, eyes blazing, his voice full of menace.
“Osiris Lavini, you don’t seem frail at all, contrary to what your son said.” Xiadam showed no anger, still wearing a gentle smile.
“Answer me,” the old man Osiris growled.
Knowing her name meant nothing—it could have been learned from his son.
Xiadam set down her White Branch Staff and the Fat Little Dragon, then slowly drew the broadsword from her waist, gripping it with both hands in a textbook knight’s stance.
“The width of this blade… Could it be… How is that possible?”
Osiris recognized the sword at a glance, and his whole body began to tremble, his face filled with disbelief.
“Campaign Knights Third Company Commander, Osiris Lavini—it’s been a long time.”
“I am your Vice Commander, Sadam Ludwig.”
Xiadam made no attempt to hide her identity, announcing her name directly.