In a carriage twenty li outside Dover City, Shire, dressed in gray-green clothes, sat beside a man in black. A pair of sunglasses lay beside the man, and he held a black umbrella.
Shire had only met this man after coming to Kingsbia, but he knew that he was far stronger than an ordinary vampire.
The carriage rocked continuously as it traveled. The man in black seemed to be growing drowsy from the swaying, while Shire maintained an impeccable posture, gazing at the winter sunlight outside the window.
"Something seems to be troubling you."
The man in black spoke suddenly, drawing Shire's attention back to him.
"Nothing."
"Tell me, Shire. It's all right. You're not my slave."
The man in black raised his head, revealing his silvery-gray eyes.
"I miss my family's lands, the wealth I accumulated, my comfortable life, my status as a member of Dierjia's old nobility, and the prospect of gaining higher office and titles. I used to imagine winning the beautiful Queen's favor. All of that is beyond my reach now."
"Oh, what a shame. I understand how you feel, but believe me, you'll gain far more."
Shire gave a cold smile.
"Really? You mean we can defeat Dierjia?"
The man straightened up and smiled as well.
"We'll keep our promise and do everything we can to help, but we cannot truly determine the outcome of the war. Victory and defeat aren't what matter to us, either. We're only concerned with our own interests."
"Some vampires have already died. Even if you don't care who wins the war, surely you care about your own life? At least, I'm quite frightened!"
Shire clenched his fists, declaring how afraid he was with a composed expression and a solemn tone.
For some reason, the vampire found the sight so