A Threat Wrapped in Velvet

Watching the couple make exaggerated gestures of surrender towards the crucifix in Henry's hand, as if it were a game, and then laugh contemptuously, Henry, like a defeated rooster, put down the crucifix and let it hang down in front of his chest.

While Henry was also acting, he was secretly pondering something: Do Marvel Vampires experience de-aging?

Leaving aside animation, most film and television works depict Vampires with a fixed appearance at the moment they transform into Vampires. Therefore, those who transform as children never grow up, while those who transform in old age become immortal.

Perhaps only the Vampires in the Twilight Saga series, except for the young ones, all maintain an appearance between youth and middle age, regardless of their age, and there has never been a truly elderly figure.

However, Vampires in the Blade trilogy and another Vampires- related film, Underworld, both featured Vampires appeared noticeably aged.

Ignoring factors beyond the fourth wall, such as casting, the existence of old Vampires and the concept of purebred (natural) Vampires in the Marvel Universe means that Vampires in this world do not have a fixed image, but rather change as they grow.

So how do they achieve rejuvenation? Why do those Vampires elders not maintain a relatively youthful appearance, but instead choose to age?

Henry was really interested in the Vampires ecosystem in the Marvel Universe. Maybe he should capture a Vampires and take it home for experiments?

The Kryptonian's dangerous thoughts were beginning to take root, but the Vampires couple before him remained completely oblivious.

James Arden countered, "Mr. Brown, I invited you here today not to reprimand anyone, nor to bring up old matters."

"I just want to remind you that the world isn't as simple as you think. Do you think the Stark can protect you? Neither the Old Man Stark nor the young Stark could even protect themselves."

Or is it that your enviable talent, your invulnerable Steel Body, is truly so perfect? Can it protect anyone for you, even when they're not by your side?

"This world has plenty of ways to make people submit. I don't need to threaten your life, or the life of anyone around you. I just need to derail their lives and cause them a little trouble."

"Just like what happened to you today, did Stark help? Or are you going to use your bulletproof body to force your way through customs with your little girlfriend?"

"Can you understand this? Power is the only true strength. And in the face of this true strength, everything you possess is utterly insignificant. I simply hope that our relationship can be simpler and more peaceful."

Faced with this blatant threat, Henry fell silent. He made himself appear fearful, but his mind was racing, searching for the best solution.

Charlize Theron's visa was cancelled, and Kitty almost ended up in the customs animal quarantine warehouse, all thanks to the two Old Money couple who had turned into Vampires.

In this kind of power struggle, even the Kryptonian are like fish on a chopping board, unworthy of being opponents. Perhaps only Tony Stark could truly rival the person before them, even though the latter clearly looks down on "Stark."

But why would that young master help me? Is the value I can offer worth his effort?

Perhaps Henry's performance was too convincing, as the two Old Money men were quite satisfied. As if the long-winded talk had made this Vampires thirsty, James Arden snapped his fingers, and someone brought him a drink.

The three stemmed wine glasses and the thick, crimson liquid in the decanter—unless the Kryptonian ' noses are malfunctioning today, Henry could confidently assure them that what was in the decanter was definitely not wine but blood.

The sommelier's hands trembled slightly, as if he himself was unaccustomed to pouring such a thing. His eyes darted around nervously, not wanting to watch his own actions, yet unable to stop himself from doing so.

But these anomalies were all very subtle. The experienced sommelier's performance was still meticulous and near perfect.

The blood wine was not poured into Henry's glass; instead, the couple drank it with impeccable grace, as if it were a fine, aged wine.

Savoring the fresh blood in the cup.

If there's anything impolite about it, it's that blood, unlike wine, doesn't easily get on the lips and can't be drunk smoothly. Instead of wiping the blood off their lips with a banknote, the couple would lick it off with their tongues.

Lilith Arden's dazed look suggested she was high, making Henry wonder if they had taken a drug addict's blood to get her into this state.

However, it was precisely this blissful state of mind that led her to say, "Child, you are still young now, so I won't blame you for not understanding. But when you get to a certain age, you will understand that health is the true wealth."

"Having power and money, yet only able to sit in a wheelchair and be served by others. It's such a sad thing to see young people with such vibrant energy and skin as smooth and supple as a baby's."

"But look at us now. Immortality, don't you think this is the most beautiful arrangement? I'm not afraid to tell you, all of this comes at a price."

"Just as wealth is finite, if you take more, I will get less. The same is true for youth. Parents sacrifice their present time to build their children's future."

"When you want it back, you can only take it from young people. You know, child, I used to be very jealous of the girl next to you."

She was so radiant, so dazzling, bathed in love, she seemed to radiate happiness at every turn. What If...? I could become like her, would you fall in love with me? Would more people fall in love with me?

"Heh, do you know the rumors about Countess Elizabeth Earl? I've always wanted to try bathing in the blood of a beautiful woman to see if I could gain more youth and vitality, just like your girl."

As the Guinness World Records holder for the most deadliest female serial killer in history, and a historical figure also known as the "Bloody Earl" and Earl "Female Dracula," can we simply treat this as idle gossip and let it go?

Although the Old Money couple didn't shout threats of violence or demand the death of the entire family, every word they uttered contained a hidden threat, and they even explicitly named names.

Although today's obstacle is merely administrative, Henry has no doubt that they can escalate the situation at any time, and he is confident that no one can stop them.

Henry gave a troubled smile and asked, "Mr. Arden, Madam, is it really necessary to do this? Not even giving them a chance to refuse?"