Gospel of Blood

Eleanor?

So, she’s the daughter of Duke Borde?

Charlotte’s heart stirred.

With Leno leaving the family and renouncing his inheritance, the only legitimate heir to the Borde Duchy was the Duke’s sole daughter, Eleanor.

In terms of seniority rather than age, Eleanor was actually her niece.

Eleanor had been betrothed to the Crescent Royal Family from a young age and moved to the capital over a decade ago to study and live there. In the memories Charlotte inherited, she was not familiar with Eleanor, having barely met her.

She had no idea about Eleanor’s personality or appearance, but at this moment, seeing her slightly stiff smile, she inexplicably felt a strong sense of déjà vu...

However, this déjà vu came and went quickly.

Eleanor’s smile soon returned to normal, as if the earlier emptiness was just Charlotte’s illusion.

Charlotte wanted to investigate further, but with the Grand Mage Duke of Moonshield right beside her, she didn’t dare act rashly. Moreover, both Eleanor and the Third Prince were clearly wearing some kind of magical artifacts that concealed their auras, making it impossible for Charlotte to sense their power.

T/N: Moon Guardian -> Moonshield

Meanwhile, the Third Prince, Philip, standing next to Eleanor, was examining Charlotte, and a flash of amazement appeared in his eyes.

He smiled brightly, saying gracefully and amiably:

“I’ve long heard that the Pearl of Borde, Miss Charlotte de Castell, possesses a beauty that even Gods envy... Seeing you now, your reputation is indeed well-deserved.”

As soon as he said this, the surrounding nobles couldn’t help but turn their attention to the young girl and the prince.

Charlotte’s heart skipped a beat.

The Third Prince’s words sounded like praise, but they compared her to the Gods, subtly putting her in a precarious position...

After all, in a world with real Gods, how could a mortal be compared to a God?

Though Charlotte knew of the discord between the Crescent Royal Family and the Church, she hadn’t expected a prince to speak so boldly in public.

It seemed the divide between the royal power and the religious power was even greater than she had imagined, and their struggle was more intense.

“Your Highness, you flatter me. Everything I have is a blessing from the Gods.”

Charlotte responded devoutly, not forgetting to draw a proper ring-cross on her chest.

The Third Prince was clearly taken aback, then smiled and said:

“It seems you are indeed a true devotee, just as the rumors say... I apologize for my presumptuous words.”

He then looked curiously at Sebastian, who was standing beside Charlotte, and asked:

“So, this esteemed elf, could he be the ‘Scarlet Flame Blade’ Sebastian?”

Scar... Scarlet Flame Blade?

What kind of chuunibyou title is that?

Charlotte was visibly stunned.

She glanced oddly at Sebastian, who stiffened slightly before replying elegantly:

“Your Highness, that’s all in the past. It’s just a title the mercenaries made up. I am now merely Miss Charlotte’s butler.”

The Third Prince seemed to understand and nodded slightly.

He didn’t dwell on the topic, instead turning to Charlotte:

“Miss Charlotte, I heard you are heading north to your territory?”

“Yes, I recently inherited my title, and there are many matters in the territory that require my personal attention.”

Charlotte replied with a smile.

“How long will you stay in Anro? Castel is Borde’s stronghold, and as Eleanor’s husband, you are naturally my friend as well.”

“I have a vineyard in Anro, and in three days, I’m hosting a wine tasting. Many lords from across the kingdom will be attending. If you’re interested, I’d like to extend my hospitality and invite you to taste Anro’s finest wines.”

The Third Prince said enthusiastically.

As he spoke, he affectionately pulled Eleanor’s hand, and she looked at Charlotte with a warm, bright smile.

Even the Duke of Moonshield smiled and said:

“Miss Charlotte, it seems the Prince is genuinely looking forward to meeting you.”

“Our Moonshield Duchy’s wines are renowned throughout the continent, and the wines from the Prince’s vineyard are famous even within our duchy. Even His Majesty the King praises them highly.”

Charlotte understood that the Third Prince was trying to win her over.

The Castell family was one of the most prominent noble families in Borde. Gaining their support would certainly bolster Eleanor’s position as the Duke’s heir.

However, from the interaction, it was clear that Philip was the dominant one between Eleanor and him. Who would actually control Borde was uncertain.

Regardless, Charlotte had no intention of getting involved in the impending power struggles in Borde.

She just wanted to return to her territory and stay there.

With that in mind, Charlotte curtsied to the Third Prince and said apologetically:

“I'm sorry, Your Highness, but there are urgent matters in my territory. I must leave Anro early tomorrow.”

Hearing Charlotte’s polite refusal, the Third Prince didn’t get upset. Instead, he regretfully said:

“That’s truly a pity. Eleanor and I are heading south to Borde, and now, who knows when we will meet again.”

Charlotte’s heart stirred, sensing the probing in his words.

He was indirectly trying to find out when she would return from her territory.

The Castell family’s influence in Borde was significant, and their wealth couldn’t be ignored.

Charlotte was tired of these noble games, so she spoke frankly:

“Your Highness, I plan to reside permanently in Castell upon my return.”

“You know, I am too young and a woman, and I have no interest in holding office in the duchy, so there is no need for me to stay in Borde City.”

“However, as a vassal of Borde, Castell will strictly honor its agreements and will not hinder Lady Eleanor’s succession to the territory.”

Charlotte’s straightforwardness made the Third Prince a bit uneasy.

He smiled slightly and said:

“Miss Charlotte, thank you for your support of Eleanor. Since you already have plans, we have plenty of time in the future, so I won’t insist on keeping you.”

After his failed attempt to recruit her, the Third Prince changed the topic and began chatting with Charlotte about her travels.

This Third Prince was indeed knowledgeable, and through him, Charlotte learned a lot about the customs and traditions of the Crescent Kingdom.

Meanwhile, as a member of the royal family, many nobles sought to be close to the Third Prince.

This inadvertently introduced Charlotte to several new nobles and even led to two business deals, which was a pleasant surprise.

The banquet continued until dawn.

These nobles, almost all extraordinary individuals, had incredible stamina, dancing tirelessly for hours.

Charlotte, on the other hand, was mentally exhausted.

In the past half-month, she rarely encountered nobles with titles higher than hers, and at every banquet, she was the star, with everyone revolving around her.

At this banquet, there were six or seven counts present, and conversing with these old foxes was truly tiring.

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The Duke of Moonshield took good care of her, reserving the best guest room in the ducal palace for her.

Upon returning to her room, Charlotte closed the door and looked at Sebastian:

"Sebastian, what do you think of the Third Prince and Eleanor?"

Sebastian was taken aback, unsure of Charlotte's intent. After a moment of thought, he said:

"It seems the rumors are true. The Third Prince has not given up on the throne and has been quietly expanding his power. My great mistress, you were right not to accept his invitation."

"No, I meant their mental state. Do you think there's something wrong with them?"

Charlotte shook her head.

"Mental state?"

Sebastian frowned.

Then, his expression became serious:

"Mistress, did you notice something?"

Charlotte: ...

It seemed Sebastian hadn't detected Eleanor's odd state.

In fact, except for the initial meeting, Charlotte hadn't felt that strange emptiness again. It was as if her first impression was just an illusion.

Charlotte trusted she wouldn’t have hallucinations without reason.

But she didn’t want to dwell on this issue.

One was the heir to the Borde Duchy, the other a contender for the kingdom’s throne. No matter what intrigue lay within, she had no intention of getting involved.

However, Sebastian’s words piqued her curiosity:

"Sebastian, you say the Third Prince hasn’t given up on the throne, but doesn’t the Crescent Kingdom practice primogeniture? Shouldn’t the succession never fall to the Third Prince?"

Sebastian replied respectfully:

"Mistress, the Crescent Kingdom does indeed follow primogeniture, but the eldest prince died long ago in the Star-Moon War."

"Now, the king of the Crescent Kingdom is old, and the second prince, who is close to the Church, is reportedly not favored by the current king. The fourth prince is too young. So... you understand."

Charlotte understood immediately.

Although nobles and the Church were closely related, they often did not get along well.

It wasn’t just the kingdom's princes; her own close ties with the Church had caused discontent among the lower nobles in Castell territory. Even for her coming-of-age ceremony, there were no significant envoys or representatives.

So, the succession issue in the Crescent Kingdom was likely fraught with hidden currents.

"So, his invitation to the wine tasting in three days must be aimed at rallying the kingdom's lords who support him?"

Charlotte asked curiously.

"Probably so. Furthermore, the Third Prince wants to control the Borde Duchy through the Borde family, likely as a move to secure his claim to the throne."

Sebastian said.

Then, hesitantly, he added:

"Mistress... there is something I feel I should remind you."

"Go ahead."

"The companion mithril mine in the Castel territory is the largest in the Crescent Kingdom, producing seventy percent of the kingdom's mithril. Mithril is a crucial material for the extraordinary. If war breaks out in the future, we might not be able to stay out of it."

"But isn’t most of the mine already controlled by the royal family?"

"That’s true, but the mine is in Castell. In the event of a war, whoever controls Castell controls the mithril."

Sebastian said quietly.

Charlotte's heart stirred, and she nodded slowly:

"I understand."

Sebastian continued:

"Of course, I believe in your great power; no mortal can harm you. But if you want to be safe, spread faith, and avoid the scrutiny of the Holy Court, a stable Castell is essential."

"Castell is already on the kingdom’s border, where the Holy Court’s influence is relatively weak. To the north is the Northern Grand Duchy with its chaotic beliefs..."

"Moreover, passing through the dark forest to the east leads to the blacklands of Eastern Yunette, filled with mercenaries and various races, and religious chaos..."

"Both places are perfect for spreading your faith and cultivating numerous Bloodbornes!"

"Once you establish a firm foothold in Castell, your faith can flow north and east like rivers!"

Charlotte nodded slightly:

"I understand."

Although she wasn’t sure what use faith would be, whether useful or not, she would start spreading it once she returned to her territory.

...

After a good night's sleep.

Early the next morning, Charlotte bid farewell to the Duke of Moonshield and continued her journey north.

Meanwhile, news of Castell's departure reached the Third Prince's abode.

"She's already left?"

Sitting cross-legged on a silk chair, Third Prince Philip took a sip of wine and asked casually.

"Yes, my lord, they have left the city."

The knight kneeling before him replied respectfully.

"Have you identified their strength?"

The Third Prince asked again.

"Yes, there are over 270 extraordinary individuals, including 120 armored knights from Castell. Among them, 23 are ranked, with one at Silver Moon level."

After speaking, the knight hesitated, then cautiously asked:

"My lord, should we ambush them in advance?"

The Third Prince shook his head:

"No, if you act, everyone will suspect me."

He chuckled, took a ring from his pocket, and tossed it to the knight:

"Inform our friends in Violet. I don’t want the little countess of Castell to return to her territory alive. The ring is their reward."

"Of course, if they can bring the little countess to me personally, the reward will double... I might even grant them a noble title, allowing them to walk in the sunlight."

The knight accepted the order and left. The Third Prince finished his wine, smirking:

"Since she refuses my goodwill, I’ll have to show it in my own way."

He tugged on a chain and stepped on Eleanor, who was crawling on the ground, smiling:

"My dear, if Castell's heir is gone, won't the inheritance fall to you?"

"Woof woof!"

On the ground, Eleanor wagged a fake tail and licked the Third Prince's shoe ingratiatingly.

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