Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 874: Chapter 118: Forget Worry, Three Lives (1)

Although the passage along the way seemed somewhat eerie and mysterious, when the guests reached the end of the passage, there was a feeling of sudden enlightenment.

There was no sense of stuffiness, likely because of being deep underground. Meanwhile, the air wasn’t stagnant, even with candlelight being used for illumination here.

The ventilation system here seemed to be quite good.

All around, many oak barrels could be seen, and the scent of red wine filled the air everywhere.

Guests gathered in groups of three or two, chatting about something.

At this time, Zhong Luoyue had already fended off several men who approached her upon seeing her alone.

At this moment, a servant dressed in the manor’s attire brought in a batch of unlabeled red wine using a cart, about thirty bottles in total.

Then other servants came out with wine tools and decanters. Shortly after, the servants worked like butterflies, weaving among the guests to serve them the freshly created wine.

At this moment, a servant was carrying a tray with a few glasses of freshly added red wine and was heading towards Zhong Luoyue. However, this servant was quickly intercepted.

It was Lady Eve.

Lady Eve took two glasses from the servant, then smiled slightly, and the servant nodded, retracing his steps.

Lady Eve approached Zhong Luoyue and brought her a glass. After taking it, Zhong Luoyue thanked her, and Lady Eve giggled warmly, her figure undulating.

The interaction between women seems to start with compliments.

Zhong Luoyue was admiring Lady Eve’s necklace, carefully saying, “If I’m not mistaken, this should be the ‘Light of the Forest’, crafted by the jewelry master Pierfelice, made with seven different emeralds. And this piece in the center is called the ‘Eye of the Forest’, right?”

Lady Eve glanced at Zhong Luoyue, chuckling, “You seem to have quite the knowledge in jewelry.”

Zhong Luoyue also smiled and said, “Well, women tend to know a bit about jewelry. I once worked as a jewelry auctioneer for six months during my studies, so I know a little more.”

“It seems I’ve found someone I can actually talk to.” Lady Eve raised her glass toward Zhong Luoyue.

Zhong Luoyue was not unfamiliar with engaging in conversations with aristocratic ladies.

Her demeanor was nearly flawless, prompting Lady Eve to smile even more brightly.

“I remember you have a male companion.” Lady Eve suddenly remarked, “Where is our apprentice of the God of Gamblers?”

Zhong Luoyue replied calmly, “Mister Tu just had someone pass along a message that something came up, so he left for a bit. I estimate he should be back soon. Is there something Lady Eve needs from A Jie?”

“No, nothing.” Lady Eve shook her head. “I just didn’t get a chance to greet him at the vineyard. I haven’t seen that boy in years and heard he’s doing well outside, so I wanted to hear about his exciting life. After all, I consider myself his elder.”

“Lady Eve is so radiant, hardly resembling an elder at all,” Zhong Luoyue smiled and complimented, “rather more like his sister.”

“Miss Zhong, you sure know how to talk.” Lady Eve shook her head, suddenly appearing somewhat wistful, “I’m actually old, can’t hide these wrinkles, unlike you youngsters.”

Zhong Luoyue said, “Some beauty needs time to brew. Lady Eve’s time is just right.”

Lady Eve smiled with her lips pursed and suddenly said, “Would you like to take a closer look? The ‘Light of the Forest’, I can take it off for you to see more closely.”

“Can I?” Zhong Luoyue seemed somewhat tempted, but she glanced around at the guests and shook her head.

Lady Eve said, “Beautiful jewelry requires a quiet appreciation. And since you’re a like-minded person, I’m genuinely happy to let you touch it… There’s a quiet room nearby that might suit us.”

“As long as I don’t miss the legendary ‘Forgetful River’ wine opening.” Zhong Luoyue gestured for her to proceed.

Lady Eve gently took Zhong Luoyue’s hand, smiling, “Trust me, you’ll be a lucky one.”

…

…

As the noise gradually faded, Xitacil took Luo Qiu to a more secluded place.

In fact, Xitacil seemed extremely familiar with the layout of this cellar. But considering that this ancient castle was originally built by Xitacil’s ancestor, Baron Fernandis, it wasn’t surprising.

“Aren’t we supposed to be going to the wine tasting area?” Luo Qiu suddenly asked.

Xitacil replied, “No need to rush, I have something better. And I wouldn’t want the atmosphere there to spoil your mood. I hope you can stay relaxed and happy, and perhaps unwind a little.”

“Relax?” Luo Qiu asked curiously, “Do I look tense?”

“No, no, no, I mean for later.” Xitacil replied leisurely, “Some bloodsuckers don’t have an elegant way of feeding, even losing their aesthetic appeal. Imagine, feeding for us is akin to having a meal. Now picture in a fine dining restaurant, someone grabbing a steak barehanded and taking large bites—isn’t it uncouth?”

Luo Qiu nodded in agreement, having no opinion on maintaining different etiquettes for different situations.

Observing etiquette in a Western restaurant is a cultural expression, just like setting off fireworks during traditional festivals domestically; it’s a cultural display, not mere showmanship.

“Since feeding is something you must pay attention to, why are there boorish ones?” Luo Qiu asked curiously, “From what I know, books describe bloodsuckers as elegant, with each appearing to flow with aristocratic blood.”

Xitacil said, “We typically prefer to maintain a pleasant impression, just like how humans praise ancient emperors. Yes, it’s true that bloodsuckers are elegant, with their long lifespan giving them ample time to learn and uphold some nearly rotten protocols to pass the time. But this primarily applies to the older kind. In fact, there are many young bloodsuckers in today’s society who don’t adhere to strict standards, especially those who transitioned not in the proper way.”

“Improper way… Besides the initial embrace, are there other ways to transform into a bloodsucker?”

Xitacil nodded, “Yes, there is a kind of witchcraft that can turn a person into a bloodsucker. This peculiar witchcraft was created by a hybrid whose father was a bloodsucker and mother was a witch. In their interracial union, this couple unexpectedly overcame reproductive isolation, giving birth to a hybrid. He inherited the bloodsucker’s abilities while also possessing powerful witchcraft.”

Luo Qiu couldn’t help but marvel, “There are indeed many wondrous things in the world.”

Xitacil agreed, “Yes, even we, with our long lifespans, will never truly understand our insignificance.”

Luo Qiu was adept at gleaning clues from conversation. A thought crossed his mind, and he asked, “From what you’re saying, could there be those transformed by witchcraft in today’s hunt?”

“My friend, your insight is truly sharp,” Xitacil smiled, “Indeed, there are, and you have already met one.”

“Takizawa?”

“Exactly,” Xitacil nodded, “Takizawa, and his entire family, are products of witchcraft transformation. Long Ze’s ancestors once served this half-blood. On his deathbed, driven by the desire for life, he begged his master to transform him into a bloodsucker. Thus, an alternative Vampire Family came into being.”

Luo Qiu seemed contemplative, “I see that you don’t seem to favor vampires transformed by witchcraft.”

Xitacil replied, “That’s because you haven’t seen Takizawa’s true form. Ugly is an understatement. They resemble gigantic leeches, with a mania for blood akin to a madman… it’s truly a disconcerting sight.”

Suddenly, Xitacil stopped in front of an exquisite door.

Xitacil pushed the door open and entered.

The room was impeccably furnished; a soft carpet covered the floor, and its luxurious decor rivaled that of Five Stars hotel suites.

Xitacil pointed to a large sofa, inviting Luo Qiu to sit. He then walked over to a coat rack, removing his coat while unbuttoning the top two buttons of his shirt and rolling up his sleeves, “If it’s too warm, feel free to take yours off too.”

Luo Qiu shook his head, “I feel fine.”

“Would you like to listen to some music?” Xitacil softly asked.

Luo Qiu shook his head again.

Xitacil approached slowly, a wicked smile playing on his lips. Upon close inspection, his lips bore a purplish hue, giving off a bewitching aura.

Standing before Luo Qiu, he whispered, “You see, we don’t casually show our fangs to humans because we are exceptionally selective about our food, unlike the Takizawa Family, who will eat almost anything out of desperation. Except on hunting days…”

His fingers gently moved across Luo Qiu’s shoulder, “Typically, we keep a blood servant nearby… of course, their role is not only to provide blood but also to handle many mundane tasks. Thus, the selection of a blood servant is extremely stringent. They must be outstanding and also to our liking.”

A strange glint flashed in Xitacil’s eyes as he moved his hand to Luo Qiu’s chin, gently lifting it, “I’m truly taken with you. I hadn’t planned on finding a blood servant today… Luo Qiu, accept my love.”

Xitacil’s eyes glittered red, his mouth revealing two sharp fangs… he leaned in, intending to kiss Luo Qiu’s lips, who stood motionless.

“No wonder I felt something was off…”

“Wha—”

Boom—!

In shock, Xitacil felt a tremendous force abruptly hit him. The power was so overwhelming that he couldn’t muster any resistance.

His entire body was flung, crashing into the heavy stone wall—getting embedded within it.

Bright red blood spilled from Xitacil’s mouth, evidently suffering severe internal injuries—in fact, during the impact, he could hear at least eight of his bones break. Were it not for the bloodsucker’s powerful body, it would have been fatal.

Yet Xitacil showed no fear; instead, a feverish look overcame him, “Oh, Luo Qiu, I never imagined you’d have such immense Power… my love for you is uncontrollable, I truly, deeply love you!”

Listening to this, Luo Qiu felt an icy sensation trickle through his body like jelly. He sighed, “It seems my luck is taking a turn for the worse; I didn’t expect loathing to be the first to resurface…”

Xitacil liberated himself from the wall, effortlessly setting his broken arm, tearing his shirt apart, undoing the remaining buttons to expose his pale chest.

“Ah… Luo Qiu, you remind me of a Druid from fifty years ago, full of nature’s purity, ever elegant and refined.” Xitacil beamed with delight, “I can’t wait to pin you beneath me… oh, damn these aristocratic manners, why should I care now? I should hold you close… Ah!!!!”

Xitacil lunged directly at Luo Qiu.

Despite knowing no combat Skill, nor the true level of his Power, Luo Qiu instinctively swung his arm—detesting the thought of allowing this individual to touch him again.

Xitacil was once more subjected to an irresistible tremendous force, his entire body crashing to the floor—this time, he felt over half of his bones shatter.

Even a vampire’s incredible regenerative ability couldn’t restore him immediately.

“You… what are you?” Xitacil suddenly realized he’d made a grave mistake, “You’re not an ordinary Undying…”

“Loathing.” Luo Qiu glanced at Xitacil, murmuring as if to himself, “Next comes the urge to destroy you. It seems negative emotions are quicker to awaken. I wonder if killing you will bring satisfaction… let’s find out.”

What is this person… saying?

Xitacil barely lifted his head to meet the gaze of those cold eyes… yet the demeanor was so natural.

“Wait, are you… here for the ‘True Blood’?” Xitacil spat blood with his words.

The invisible pressure weighing on him kept increasing… he felt that if he let go for even a moment, his body would be crushed to paste.

“True Blood? What’s that?”

Luo Qiu’s curiosity was piqued once more.

The profound yet unsatisfying intent to kill that had just surfaced vanished in an instant.

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PS: (3/7)