Auber's face flushed slightly, and he chuckled sheepishly."Hehe, Viscount, you flatter me. It was nothing more than a passing thought—I'm hardly worthy of being anyone's advisor."

  Lucas waved dismissively."No, Auber. I can already see it—the empire's future has a rising star, and that star is you, Auber!"

  Hearing such praise, Auber felt as if he were floating.

  All these years, even his own father had never looked at him with recognition. And that stinking dwarf Smith—how dare he scoff at Auber's designs?

  Utterly ridiculous!

  But look at Viscount Lucas—a true nobleman, one with vision and grandeur, capable of recognizing talent at a glance. Not like those filthy commoners, their eyes blinded by dung, unable to see his golden brilliance!

  "Thank you, Viscount!" Auber was practically glowing with excitement.

  Lucas smirked."Enough talk—take me there now. Execute your plan boldly, and I'll bring my men to teach them a lesson. Once we have that vampire princess in our grasp, rest assured—you and I shall enjoy her together."

  That was all Auber needed to hear. His heart leaped with joy, and he hurriedly declared,"It is my honor to work alongside you, Viscount Lucas!"

  Lucas chuckled darkly."Likewise. And once this is done, I'll throw a grand banquet at my estate—you'll be one of the evening's stars."

  Auber's eyes widened with delight."Truly?! By the heavens, Viscount Lucas, you are too perfect! Too generous! I, Auber, will most certainly be there!"

  Kenley couldn't take another second of this.

  Let them drown in their fantasies.

  Without a word, he turned on his heel and walked away.

  What a vile scheme.

  They wanted to force him into action, to bait him into fighting within the capital—just so they could justify arresting him. They even planned to impersonate the city's patrol knights.

  Utterly audacious.

  There was no avoiding them. As long as he remained in the Royal Capital, these flies would continue swarming around him.

  Then why flee? Why not strike first?

  They wanted to come after him?

  Fine.

  He would make them regret it.

  With that thought, Kenley quickened his pace, heading straight back to the tailor shop.

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  —

  By the time he arrived, Tia had already finished trying on her new clothes. The moment she saw him step inside, her eyes lit up.

  "Master, where did you go? Tia was so worried about you."

  There was a deep concern in her voice—mixed with a strange, unfamiliar feeling that had settled in her heart ever since Kenley left.

  It had only been two days since she met her master.

  Yet, he had already taken root in her soul.

  The moment he walked out of the shop, a horrible thought had crept into her mind—had he abandoned her?

  Had he grown resentful of her?

  After all, she had pleaded with him again and again to save Sylph.

  Had she angered him?

  Had he left her here, never to return?

  Even as she waited, she had imagined the worst—that this was his way of getting rid of her.

  That he had no intention of coming back.

  But now… he was here.

  Standing before her once more.

  And in that moment, relief and joy flooded her heart.

  What was this feeling?

  Was it because he had left that she felt this way?

  Could it be…?

  Kenley had no idea what was going through Tia's mind. At this moment, his thoughts were entirely occupied by the sinister scheme Auber had just discussed with Lucas.

  If he didn't act quickly, those two nobles—combining their forces—might actually pull something off.

  "I've taken care of everything I needed to."

  After handing over his task to Tyler and collecting his payment, Kenley immediately headed for the exit, grabbing Tia's hand as he strode forward, urgency written all over his face.

  "Why are you walking so fast?" Sylph asked, puzzled.

  Kenley didn't answer.

  As soon as the three of them boarded the carriage, he ordered the driver to head straight for the Grand Cathedral of Light.

  During the journey, he caught sight of Auber leading Lucas and his personal guards in pursuit.

  That was fast.

  But Kenley wasn't running away—he was leading them exactly where he wanted.

  —

  "Viscount, there they are!" Auber pointed at Kenley's carriage.

  Lucas's eyes gleamed the moment he spotted Tia.

  "Is that the vampire princess you spoke of?"

  "Yes, that's her! Viscount, are you satisfied?"

  "Satisfied? Extremely!" Lucas licked his thick lips with a disgusting smirk.

  Auber observed the carriage's steady pace and hesitated."They don't seem to be rushing anywhere. Should we follow?"

  Lucas didn't even think twice."Of course we follow! Even if he's headed for the Imperial Palace itself, I'll chase him to the end!"

  His hungry gaze remained locked on Tia—completely enthralled by her.

  "Understood!" Auber took the lead, ensuring they stayed right on Kenley's trail.

  —

  Kenley didn't even need to look back—his mini-map already showed a cluster of lights pursuing him.

  He narrowed his eyes.

  Fine. If they're so eager to die, I'll be more than happy to oblige.

  —

  "Strange… Why are they heading toward the Grand Cathedral?" Auber muttered to himself.

  Lucas snorted."And? What about it? I donate money to the Church of Light every year! My name is even listed among the benefactors of the Grand Cathedral!"

  His expression darkened as he added,"If they do go inside, we'll just wait at the entrance. The moment they step out, we'll seize them immediately."

  His impatience was evident.

  Auber, however, paled slightly."Viscount, please calm down. This isn't what we planned. Arresting someone outside the cathedral will cause a scene—it'll attract unwanted attention. You wouldn't want someone else snatching away your prey, would you?"

  Lucas hesitated."Then what do you propose?"

  Seeing his chance, Auber's eyes gleamed with calculation.

  "I have an idea.

  "Let's enter the cathedral with just the two of us—bringing along only two guards.

  "We'll make up an excuse. Say that filthy peasant stole from you and demand he accompany you back to your estate for questioning. That way, not even the High Bishop can interfere."

  Lucas's eyes lit up with excitement."Brilliant plan! Auber, you truly have the makings of a fine strategist!"

  His grin widened wickedly.

  "Yes, that's exactly what we'll do. We'll both swear he stole from me. We'll take him and his slave for questioning.

  "Not even the Bishop can stop us when two nobles press charges!"