The First Vampire

Chapter 541: Plan 539_1
 

“…So that’s basically what happened.”

After listening to Colin’s account, Vera, with her round, wide eyes, didn’t speak for a long time.

She probably hadn’t expected to wake up to such shocking events and was at a loss where to begin with her questions.

“Did you really kill Cardinal Turennes?” Finally, Vera decided to ask about the event that was likely to have the most serious repercussions.

“Yes.” Colin nodded nonchalantly. “That guy’s skull is still hanging on the outer wall of Lion Roar Castle.”

Vera’s beautiful eyebrows immediately knitted together, she anxiously responded, “What should we do then? Are we really going to wage war against the Church?”

Colin took Vera’s small hand, asking in a lighthearted tone, “My dearest Duke, do you think we should declare war on the Church?”

Vera smiled faintly at Colin’s teasing tone, easing some of her internal tension, but she still replied with a serious expression:

“Colin, even though I am also disappointed and angry about the despicable tactics of Pope Gregory and Cardinal Turennes…but right now, at such a critical time, the Empire can’t afford a civil unrest.”

Colin smirked, noncommittal, and continued, “So, what do you think we should do now to avoid the outbreak of a civil war?”

After thinking about it, Vera said, “I believe that since I’ve already awoken from my coma, I should make my reappearance public. This will naturally quell most of the Northerners’ anger against the Pope.

As for the death of Cardinal Turennes, while it will enrage the Church, it also serves as a punishment for their despicable actions. Provided that Pope Gregory has some sense left, he won’t dare to confront the North Territory, at least not at this crucial moment.

I think this should be enough to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.”

Colin sighed, asking, “So you’re planning to let Pope Gregory, who nearly killed both of us, off so easily?”

Vera was a bit torn and replied helplessly, “I would like him to receive his due punishment, but…the timing just isn’t right…Maybe we can settle the score with him later?”

“Timing…..” Colin chuckled, saying, “I think now is the perfect time to put pressure on the Church and make Pope Gregory pay the price!”

“Huh?” Vera looked rather startled.

Colin explained, “You’re worried about causing internal strife and providing an opportunity for the Orc Empire. Does the Pope not have the same concerns? What about the Royal Family, the nobles of all territories, and the citizens of the Empire. Aren’t they worried too?

Hence, if we put on a reckless display of vengeance, everyone will pressure the Church to avoid the civil unrest.

Even the Pope himself will be afraid of the Empire falling apart completely, thus he wouldn’t dare provoke us too much. That’s why I said now is the perfect time to force the Church into making concessions.”

“That makes sense.” Vera repeatedly nodded after hearing this, “So we should keep my awakening a secret for now?”

Colin laughed and caressed Vera’s smooth, alabaster face, saying, “Yes, you’ll have to continue to play the role of a vegetable for a while longer.”

Vera nodded in agreement, not objecting to the idea. However, after mulling over it for a moment, she asked with a hint of worry, “But what if our excessive pressure actually causes a complete loss of control over the situation?”

Colin confidently responded, “Do you know what our greatest advantage in the current situation is?”

“What?”

“It’s that we have absolute initiative.”

“Absolute initiative?”

“Yes.” Colin pointed at Vera, saying, “Because you’ve already woken up! This is our greatest trump card.

In this game, everyone else is worried about the situation spiraling out of control and would be hesitant, but we are not.

Because even if the tensions peak, even if it came to the last moment before a face-off between the Northern Alliance Army and the Temple Knight Regiment, we still hold the means to turn the tide—

That is your ‘miraculous’ awakening.

Upon your revival, any tense situation would immediately be diffused.

Therefore, as long as we can control the timing of your awakening, we hold all the cards and psychological advantage in this game.

Consequently, we can pressure the Church without any reservations!

I would really like to see whether, under such pressure, we could finally bring down that old fox, Gregory!”

Vera nodded, and had finally been convinced by Colin, saying, “Alright, we’ll go with your plan. Should I tell my father about my recovery?”

After hesitating a moment, Colin shook his head, “It’s probably best to keep Marquis Garcia in the dark for now. It’s not that I don’t trust him, but you know his personality…he’s not the best actor. Right now, he holds a significant amount of power in the North Territory and must display enough fury to cause panic in the Church and throughout the Empire.”

Indeed, Marquis Garcia’s military talent was unparalleled. Colin was still reaping the benefits of his legacy. One could even say most of Colin’s achievements today were due to the unbeatable cavalry force created by Marquis Garcia himself.

However, it was unfortunate that Marquis Garcia did not have the same aptitude for politics, perhaps due to his haughty nature, he despised scheming and deceptive tactics, much less acting.

Therefore, Colin thought it was best to keep the man in the dark for now, so as not to give their plan away and ruin everything.

“Alright.” Vera wrinkled her nose, reminding him, “Then you must assist my father well. I’m worried he may act impulsively and do something irrational.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything carefully. If there appears to be any signs of the situation worsening, I’ll arrange for your ‘recovery’.”

Vera nodded, finally feeling assured.

Subsequently, she brought up another question, asking, “By the way, how did I wake up all of a sudden? Was it really divine grace?”

Colin recalled the prayer he had made earlier, a ripple of emotion coursing through him. He asked, “If I say I am an apostle sent by the Lord of Glory and that’s why I had the power to break the Pope’s god technique and awaken you, would you believe me?”

“Yes!” Vera nodded without hesitation, “Only a true apostle of our lord would have such power! No wonder you are able to turn the tide during times of crisis and achieve feats that ordinary people couldn’t even dream of!”

A significant smile appeared at the corners of Colin’s mouth as if he had made a certain resolve, he said-

“Yes, I am an apostle of the Supreme Lord, and I have also converted you into one of my followers. From now on, there will be some remarkable changes in your body.

However, don’t reveal this secret to anyone.

There are too many false followers of our lord. If they learn of my true identity, they would not peacefully surrender their authority.”

“I understand.” Vera nodded earnestly and asked, “Then when do you plan to reveal your true identity?”

Colin laughed aloud, responding,

“When I have the power to execute our lord’s will, and cleanse all sins from this world!”