The First Vampire - Chapter 569 - Chapter 569: Dance Ball (Upper) _1
Chapter 569: Dance Ball (Upper) _1
Amid the melodious harp music, pairs of men and women were gracefully dancing in the center of the hall.
Actually, by rights, the theme of this conference is fairly serious, even if a banquet is held before the conference, it should be done with more formal seated dining.
But Emperor Reinhardt defiantly held a social dance ball.
Of course, the clergy could not sway in the dance pool with their partners like the nobles, perhaps the Pope chose to arrive tomorrow because he learned of this in advance.
Inviting the clergy to a dance ball is indeed a disrespectful act.
Perhaps, Emperor Reinhardt did this deliberately to embarrass the people from the Church.
Or perhaps, he was trying to matchmake Colin and Sallya.
However, unfortunately, Colin was not interested in this.
At this moment, he was holding Duke St. Gregorian and spinning around the dance floor to the rhythm of the music.
After all, being from a large family, and the control of the Holy Knight’s body is not comparable to ordinary people, Colin found Duke St. Gregorian’s dancing skills to be indeed transcendent, and dancing with him could be considered an exquisite enjoyment.
In the quick and slow rotations, the sky blue skirt of Duke St. Gregorian bloomed like flowers, radiating captivating charm.
The dance ended.
Colin reluctantly stopped, smiled and bowed to his dance partner, then led her delicate hand to the edge of the floor.
“Your Grace, would you like something to eat?”
“I’m not hungry.” Duke St. Gregorian shook his head and took two cups of champagne from a passing attendant’s tray, giving one to Colin.
Colin quickly took it, clinked glasses with Duke St. Gregorian, took a light sip, then quietly savored the aftertaste of the champagne in his mouth.
“Count Angler.” Duke St. Gregorian drained his glass, squinted his eyes with a smile at Colin,” This time you owe me a favor.”
Colin could only nod helplessly, raise his hand to signal the attendant to bring another glass of champagne for Duke St. Gregorian, and said:
“Your Grace, I am indeed grateful for this time. If you need any help in the future, as long as it’s within my power, please feel free to ask.”
Duke St. Gregorian clinked glasses with Colin again and asked, “But I really am curious as to why you refused Sallya?”
Colin’s eyes involuntarily found the lonely girl standing alone in the corner of the hall, he let out a quiet sigh and said:
“Miss Sallya is an outstanding woman, but unfortunately, I already have Vera.”
Duke St. Gregorian hesitated for a moment, but still persuaded:
“But, forgive me for saying this, Duke St. Hilde is very likely to lie in eternal rest…”
“Even so, I will not abandon her. Nor will I abandon the vows we made together under the witness of the Supreme Lord!” Colin stood tall and said righteously.
“But you are still so young and have a bright future…”
“Compared to my future, I value my love with Vera more.” Colin felt that he could go and act in a soap opera.
Duke St. Gregorian remained silent, his amber eyes staring at Colin, as if trying to gauge the sincerity of his expression.
A moment later, Duke St. Gregorian didn’t know exactly what he had discerned, but he gave a slight smile, raised his glass and said: “To love!”
Colin also clinked glasses with him and said: “To love!”
Duke St. Gregorian once again drained her glass, then snapped her fingers and ordered another from an attendant.
Colin shook his head quietly. He hadn’t expected this Western Duke to be so fond of wine…
“Speaking of which, Count Angler,” the Duchess began, “you were saying you owe me a favor, right? Well, it so happens that I do need your help.”
A glimmer of wariness crossed Colin’s heart as he said, “Please, feel free to ask.”
Duke St. Gregorian settled her expression into something more serious as she said:
“Now that the issues between the North Territory and the Church have been set aside, the next step is to fully prepare for the invasion of the Orc Empire. Count Angler, to be frank, my own military strategy expertise is not exceptional, so, we’ll need to rely on you for this war.”
“Your Grace, you overestimate me. Such a monumental war is not something a rookie general like myself can sway.”
“Count Angler, there’s no need for excessive modesty. I’m familiar with your accomplishments. Although your military career is brief, it’s been brilliant. I cannot find any commander in the history of the Glorious Empire who matches your achievements.”
Colin rubbed his nose, appearing a bit embarrassed by the praise from Duke St. Gregorian as he responded:
“Your Grace, I appreciate your faith in me. However, I’m not mindlessly avoiding responsibility. The person leading the Northern Army to the Westland is not me, but Marquis Garcia.”
“Garcia?” Duke St. Gregorian paused, a frown forming on her delicate eyebrows.
“Yes, Your Grace. Given that you’re familiar with my background, you probably know that Marquis Garcia is my mentor in matters of warfare. Most of my achievements are due to him. With my teacher personally taking charge, there’s no need to look for me, his student.”
Upon hearing Colin’s words, instead of appeasing Duke St. Gregorian, her brow furrowed deeper, as if she didn’t trust Marquis Garcia to command the Northern Army.
She looked at Marquis Garcia who was conversing with Queen Midela not far away, pondered for a moment, and finally shook her head: “If Garcia were ten years younger, or if he hadn’t experienced the crushing defeat at Shadow Gorge, I would certainly trust him. But now…”
Upon hearing this, Colin was instantly displeased.
He held immense respect for Marquis Garcia and always felt that the defeat at Shadow Gorge couldn’t entirely be blamed on the Marquis.
After all, no general in this world never loses.
Duke St. Gregorian realized her words were rather discourteous and hastily added:
“My words might be harsh but they are the truth.
Do you know why Holy Knights place extreme emphasis on talent?
Do you know why there are never any late bloomers among Holy Knights?
Because only transcendent talent can provide rapid progress on the Way of the Knight, preventing bottlenecks. Only thus can one maintain a steadfast spirit and unwavering belief during the ascension to the Holy Field.
Those mediocre ones who reach their thirties or forties without ascending to the Holy Field have already lost their fighting spirit. Even if they have the bloodline of a Holy Knight and potential to reach the pinnacle of knightly path, their past frustrations and struggles have caused cracks in their hearts, marring their once flawless confidence.
A person with an imperfect mentality can never become a Holy Knight.
The same principle applies to Marquis Garcia, who, after his defeat at Shadow Gorge, developed a flaw in his spirit. With every decision he makes on the battlefield, he can’t help but worry whether he would repeat his past mistakes.
This would tear at his confidence, cause him to hesitate, and make every decision laborious, even if his military genius remains, it could not be fully utilized.
The undefeated war god Garcia that shone in Shadow Gorge, is already dead!
Count Angler, the upcoming war is of paramount importance, we humans must be all in to have any hope of victory. Therefore, I hope that you can persuade Marquis Garcia to not personally lead the Northern Army.”
After hearing Duke St. Gregorian’s words, the dissatisfaction on Colin’s face gradually faded, replaced by solemnity.
Duke St. Gregorian did not rush him but quietly waited for Colin to make his decision.
