Eldritch Horror Theatre

Youth truly represented infinite possibilities.

To think Madam No. 2 had brought a new piece of information, helping Safal squeeze out his remaining usefulness.

Fu Qian was quite satisfied to see such progress on the topic at hand.

Did the ancient Law contain methods of sanctuary similar to the Painting World?

So the ones who painted with her Mother’s blood, as the Witch mentioned, were also recipients of the Stars’ blessing?

They had painted that sanctuary, yet they still withered away in the collapse of time. Perhaps they were still wandering the Mist right now.

Besides that, painting the Painting World required the Star Law combined with the blood of the Witch’s Mother. To some extent, did that mean there really was a connection between the Dark Moon and the Stars, or that some sort of resonance could occur between them?

Things were making more and more sense.

”It originated from another painting... How did I not know such a Law existed?”

Bali raised the question, looking thoughtful.”Could it be because you never attend the gatherings?”

Given Bali’s previous behavior, Madam No. 2 was in no mood for politeness, immediately resorting to mockery.

”Safal made it clear he didn’t appreciate your style, so why on earth would he share something like this with you?”

”Makes sense. Sounds like I have even less of an obligation to avenge him.”

Unfortunately, such a weak attack was nothing to Bali, who instantly shot back.

”So, after your investigations, are there any clues about another painting?”

”Of course there are. Aren’t they right in front of us?”

Madam No. 2 didn’t back down in the slightest, gesturing toward Fu Qian.

”We just need Excellency Herbert to answer.”

...

She still hadn’t given up!

The atmosphere, which had relaxed slightly, grew tense once more at Madam No. 2’s words.

Everyone understood she meant they should take Fu Qian down, but no one rushed to agree with her.

”You pack of fools. Do you think if you hide your heads now, he’ll spare you later?”

Madam No. 2 didn’t bother hiding her contempt.

”Why do you think the so-called Dark Moon released him at a time like this?”

”Think about everything he’s done since he came out. Hasn’t he been targeting the Blood Clan this entire time?”

”What makes you think Safal’s fate won’t repeat itself on you?”

After delivering this highly provocative speech, seeing that the crowd’s eyes were still darting around uncertainly, Madam No. 2 sneered again and pointed at the ground.

”Even taking a massive step back, if this Excellency Herbert truly is kindhearted and despises conflict, do you want someone looking at you the way you look at those creatures down below?”

”In the eyes of the Stars, he is a nobler race!”

...

The final sentence seemed mild, but it struck a deep chord. More than one vampire’s expression froze.

It was obvious that a race born with an inherent sense of superiority found the idea of being looked down upon extremely uncomfortable.

”Today is the best, and only, opportunity. Killing Safal couldn’t have been without a cost to him, and we are all here... He even willingly stepped into this room, so we don’t need to worry about him escaping.”

Keenly sensing this, Madam No. 2 threw more fuel on the fire.

”Killing him together, or turning him into a blood slave, is our only choice—”

With an uncontrollable gasp, her speech came to an abrupt halt.

A pair of astonishingly long wings covered in blood-red veins violently tore out from her back. Their flapping almost completely covered the seated Fu Qian.

No matter how you looked at it, this scene seemed like she was using the speech as a diversion to launch a sneak attack—if not for the fact that her body was frantically retreating.

Even though she had suddenly flashed right in front of him, she didn’t take the opportunity to unleash a storm of attacks. Instead, she looked like she was trying to flee.

The crowd of vampires watched this unfold, and the slightly bloodthirsty atmosphere instantly deflated.

Especially when they noticed that, in the face of such provocation, the Dark Moon Apostle who had casually eradicated Safal hadn’t even shifted his posture.

...

”Apologies for the interruption. It’s just that our time is tight, and we strayed a bit too far off-topic.”

Looking at Madam No. 2, who had glided into midair in a single breath and refused to come down amidst her shock and rage, Fu Qian finally broke the silence, nodding apologetically.

”So, does anyone have anything else to add?”

The next moment, Fu Qian turned his gaze to his surroundings and amiably repeated his earlier question.

Madam No. 2’s speech had certainly possessed some inflammatory power. Even if the final result wasn’t necessarily going to be in her favor, it would undoubtedly affect the efficiency of their communication and waste time.

Therefore, what Fu Qian did was very simple: he used Thread of Attachment on the person in question.

Facts proved that Madam No. 2, who had been constantly calling for his elimination, didn’t cherish the opportunity when it finally arrived.

And in life, more often than not, opportunities only came once.

At this very moment, she no longer possessed the ability to instigate a hunt.

”Nothing else?”

Having effortlessly defused the hidden danger of conflict, and seeing that the others weren’t eager to offer any additional opinions, Fu Qian shook his head and looked at Bali.

The latter was perhaps the person with the most relaxed expression in the Rotunda. Her surprise even carried a hint of appreciation.

”I thought you’d use the same method you used to deal with Safal.”

”Slaughter is only one way to help lost lambs, and that isn’t my purpose for coming here today.”

Fu Qian waved his hand.

”Understood. However, it’s a pity that I have nothing to add either. Since that day, this world has become somewhat unfamiliar.”

Bali sighed, admitting she had reached her limit.

”At present, the only thing I can promise is that if you want to leave, I can help you remove the mystical restriction before your eyes.”

”It is indeed getting late. But before that, I have a small question, and you aren’t forced to answer it.”

Not rejecting her goodwill, Fu Qian actually stood up.

”Why does the Blood Clan drink blood? Is it because that’s the only way to relieve hunger?”

...

She never expected a question like this. Even Bali’s expression turned strange for a moment.

”It’s not quite like that. We aren’t that picky when it comes to our diet.”

Still, after a slight hesitation, she chose to answer.

”If you really want a reason... it’s delicious. They’re like all sorts of different desserts swaying back and forth. You don’t have to eat them, but the temptation is always there.”

”Understood.”

Without asking any further, Fu Qian walked straight out the door.

Every gaze in the room was undeniably focused on him, but no one jumped out to stop him. Even Madam No. 2 didn’t make another sound.

Sure enough, the mystical restriction on the door had been lifted. As he reached back to pull it shut, Fu Qian looked at the still-quiet Corridor before him and sighed inwardly.

Red eyes because they looked good, drinking blood because it tasted good. For the legendarily noble and elegant Blood Clan, the origins of these racial traits were truly quite sloppy.

All in all, this trip had been quite rewarding. And with the precious time he’d saved, it was time to go work a shift.

Otherwise, he’d feel guilty taking such a generous salary.

The next moment, from beneath his heavily tattered cloak, a pair of bizarre wings stretched out.

Fu Qian leaped lightly, falling into the deep of the night.