The First Vampire

Chapter 623: 621 Peaks and Paths (Part 1)_1
 

“When did this happen?”

“About four months ago.”

Marquis Garcia was taken aback and then glared at Colin.

Apparently, Marquis Garcia had calculated that the time Vera conceived was when he decided to force the Pope to abdicate with troops.

Back then, he was immersed in the grief of losing his daughter, while Colin, knowing perfectly well that Vera had awakened, kept him in the dark, and even found the time to procreate…

Colin avoided Marquis Garcia’s gaze somewhat awkwardly and persuaded:

“So, sir Marquis, if you want to see this child with your own eyes, please do not act recklessly.”

The joy on Marquis Garcia’s face only lasted for a moment, and quickly faded.

He lowered his head in silence for a bit before he spoke again:

“Colin, I entrust you with the protection of Vera and her unborn child…”

Seeing that Marquis Garcia still did not change his mind, Colin cried out urgently: “Sir Marquis, why are you doing this?”

“I am too tired…”

“Huh?” Colin was taken aback.

Pain crossed Marquis Garcia’s face, his words heavy:

“Do you know?”

“Ever since the withdrawal from the Sky Breaking Mountain Range, I have not had a good night’s sleep.”

“Every time I close my eyes, the faces of Imperial soldiers who fought and died on the Sky Breaking Mountain Range, the countless citizens suffering under the torment of orcs, and the Westland, which has become a literal hell on earth… They all appear in front of my eyes, tormenting my heart…”

Colin quickly reasoned: “But sir Marquis, these are not your faults. The defense line of the Sky Breaking Mountain Range was not defensible. It would have been foolish to fight the orcs there, your strategy was the only hope of victory.”

Marquis Garcia slowly shook his head and said in a deep voice:

“No reason can give me peace of mind.”

“The Imperial soldiers and citizens of the Westland who died at the hands of the orcs, I bear an undeniable responsibility.”

“Yes, they were necessary sacrifices, the price for victory.”

“But they were also lives, each representing a sin that I must bear…”

“Sir Marquis…” Colin looked at Marquis Garcia, who was immersed in pain and guilt, and became increasingly anxious, “I believe if those who died at the hands of orcs knew that their sacrifices were valuable, they would willingly give their lives.”

Marquis Garcia gave a bitter smile and said:

“No, they wouldn’t. They would only resent, resent that I did not give them a choice.”

“And this kind of sacrifice made under coercion, without a choice, cannot be called dedication, it should be called tribute.”

Before Colin could continue, Marquis Garcia spoke again:

“It wasn’t me who said this, but Vera who told Cyrus St. Hilde directly.”

Colin was stunned.

He did know that when Vera saw the last Duke St. Hilde in Ice Rock City, she declared that she would never forgive his actions, regardless of his circumstances.

At that time, Vera had said similar things.

Because in her view, no matter the reason, Cyrus St. Hilde’s actions of sacrificing his eldest son, adopted daughter, younger brother, nobles of the North Territory, warriors, even the Dark Cavalry, through coercion and conspiracy, were unforgivable.

“What is the difference between my actions and those of Cyrus?” Marquis Garcia’s eyes became deadly dull again, “I can’t face Vera, let alone the torment of my inner conscience. Death may perhaps be the best release, and the only way I can atone.”

Colin opened his mouth, but he didn’t know what to say.

Marquis Garcia took a breath, suddenly smiled, and said:

“Plus, if I do not kill Reinhardt, how can the Imperial Allied Army at the Storm Fortress withdraw?”

“Don’t say you have a way to persuade Emperor Reinhardt to agree to my plan. You should know that this is impossible.”

“That stubborn and silly Emperor will never admit that his previous strategy was wrong, let alone bend to a man he has already declared a traitor.”

“So let me use this method to atone for the warring empire and for those soldiers and citizens who tragically died at the hand of orcs.”

Colin looked at Marquis Garcia’s firm and gentle eyes, feeling a choke in his chest.

Perhaps Marquis Garcia had already prepared for his atonement through death the moment he decided to withdraw from the Sky Breaking Mountain Range.

No matter what his excuses were, no matter how lofty his goals, Marquis Garcia could never escape the torment of his conscience.

Everyone thought that Marquis Garcia was a coward who fled from the battle, but in reality, he was the bravest knight in the Empire, with the greatest spirit of dedication!

He was a true hero!

But heroes are always misunderstood.

The fate of a hero always seems to end in tragedy.

Colin was still pondering how to persuade Garcia, but Marquis Garcia had already stood up.

“Get some rest early.” Marquis Garcia seemed to have lifted a burden off his shoulders and looked a lot less tense, “I leave the future of the Empire, the future of the North Territory, and Vera… to you.”

After saying this, he left without looking back.

Colin stared blankly as Marquis Garcia’s slightly hunched back disappeared into the darkness, unable to calm down for a long time.

No!

Marquis Garcia can’t die!

Colin clenched his fists, desperately thinking of a solution.

In his contemplation, a familiar rose scent suddenly reached his nose.

When he turned his head, he saw that Queen Midela had appeared again at some point.

“Your Highness, I thought you had gone to rest?” Colin forced a smile and bowed.

Queen Midela smiled slightly and said:

“I couldn’t sleep, so I came out for a stroll.”

Colin really did not have the patience to deal with this bewitching queen right now, let alone, the events at the Oak Manor had made him determined to stay away from this woman.

“Your Highness, it’s late. Please excuse me…”

“You didn’t persuade him, did you?” Queen Midela suddenly interrupted.

“What?” Colin was startled.

Queen Midela giggled, “What else? Didn’t you just try to dissuade Marquis Garcia from assassinating Emperor Reinhardt?”

Colin didn’t answer and just looked at Queen Midela quietly.

Queen Midela rolled her eyes coquettishly and said:

“What? You still don’t trust me?

Garcia had told me his plan long ago. Plus, without my cooperation, how would you rally the Imperial Allied Army to retreat after the death of Emperor Reinhardt?”

Colin took a breath to calm his impatience, and asked:

“So, Your Highness, what are you getting at?”

Queen Midela took a few steps closer, to an oddly suggestive distance, and whispered tenderly:

“All I’m saying is that I have a way to persuade Garcia to abandon his plan to assassinate Reinhardt.”