Chapter 81: A Tense Meeting
***
Two days passed since Vlad returned to Everfall, time that he spent mostly inside his ship resting in the Captain's Cabin while giving the girls all the freedom in the world to move around the city, being left with Dalyon who was closed to his cabin, with the excepts he would go to the bathroom and in the kitchen to eat.
Vlad, who had a pair of glasses in an attempt to salvage and slow down his deteriorating sight, was reading some books he picked from Athkatla and Bulge at such a fast pace that made Titania question if he actually was reading the books, but he used his visual memory to register everything into his mind in a couple of seconds.
A side-effect of being stripped of his sight, that his brain calibrated itself by releasing most restrictions a normal human would have? Only if someone would open up his skull and look into his brain, might have a chance at solving this mystery.
Still, this didn't affect the black-haired man who was devouring book after book, akin to a notorious bookworm, gathering information about all sorts of kingdoms and islands, with various places he had in mind to check on his way to the 2nd key being presented such as Baterilla, Norland, Migas Archipelago, Briss Kingdom, Island of Gardens.
In his relaxed position with his feet on the oak tree desk, inclining on the chair with all sorts of books around him spread on the ground, he was now reading a book talking about a location in West Blue called the Genovese Republic, all coming from the perspective of an adventurer.
'Have you ever been to this place?'
{Doesn't give me any impression. In fact, all of the names of the places you've mentioned to me are foreign to me. Also, don't try to pry into information from me, unlike those humans, I know who you are deep down. Besides, there's not even a point in talking with you right now.}
'You know who I am? Sure. But this doesn't change the fact you are boring as ever, scrap metal. You don't dare tell me about the past you've experienced because of what? You think I will switch sides?'
{...}
'So be it, I'll not even bother with you, scrap metal.'
While having his mental conversation with a man's voice which belonged to the Ego inside the black sword he transformed into a pen that he was holding in his hand as he highlighted certain parts in the books he was reading, there was a knock to his door which made him stop what he was doing, removing his legs from the desk.
*Knock*
*Knock*
'Now this is a bad aspect of being left with that Lunarian. When I am around him, for example resting on the ship, he doesn't perform his guard duties at all.'
"Enter, the door is open."
From inside, the person he could see entering inside was a large middle-aged man with silver-gray hair and from what he heard Titania, Eleine and Bonney describe, it was the person called Fischer, the General of the Sorbet Kingdom who assisted him with the Ursus Hotel situation.
"Good afternoon, sir Dracul, I've come with a message from someone important that requires your presence and expertise."
Hearing his voice it was enough to complete all the puzzle pieces on his mind, now that he was able to see without being turned into a chibi form by Bonney.
"Ohh, I was expecting Her Majesty the Queen to send her people to look for me from the moment I returned, or at least yesterday. Sigh, I am not so important as I believed to be now that everyone in the kingdom can treat the Maggris Worms."
"There will be monetary compensation for your selfless help."
Vlad looked at Fischer in his casual posture, before he took his feet from the desk and signalled the middle-aged man with his hands to take a seat on the opposite side of the desk.
"Please, have a seat. How could I help you, mister … Fischer?"
"Hah, my apology for the courtesy I receive you. If I would have been announced in advance I would have served you with some tea, but my companions are away."
"I know."
"You know the girls are away? Interesting."
"..."
Fischer who initially walked to the Harbor with full confidence having his plans strategized with Garald and Kylian who had a whole day discussion about the individual called 'Vlad Dracul' going in all sorts of directions in this matter.
Each guy brought some pieces of information, with Kylian mentioning how Vlad was someone from Picodras based on the ship he was sailing, while Garald pointed out how calm and collected, without any tension on his body, was the man when entering the castle.
Fischer, himself also made sure to point out his observations, but in those moments the man in front of him turned out to be taller than the last time he saw him one month ago, with an invisible aura that made him choose his words carefully.
'Could it be, his chair is raised up, and plays an illusion that he is larger than whoever he talks with?'
'Yeah, otherwise I can't wrap my head around how he would get bigger.'
Meanwhile, Vlad was also studying the newcomer, focusing his black eyes on each small body gesture he would make, until he remarked casually.
"Looking at you right now, your face is of someone tasked with a difficult task by a lady who feels as if the ground under her feet would collapse on itself.
I am fully aware, or at least can guess the situation inside the Castle, and the tension in Everfall becomes evident with a larger activity of Royal Guards around."
Fischer couldn't help but remain slightly surprised by Vlad's insight on the delicate situation of Everfall, nailing down each point he was making, giving the General the impression this doctor had the ability to read minds from how accurate he was in describing the situation.
Not liking to stay limp in a meeting, he made sure to bring up the reason for his visit.
"While I come under the instructions of Queen Conney to invite you to the Castle for a meeting, in this peculiar meeting there will be another person attending … King Taelar."
"And?" asked Vlad looking for further information, which made Fischer continue his plea.
"If I remember correctly from what I've heard from my equal …" said the General before being sharply cut short when Vlad said with confidence.
"You heard about how I brought back King Taelar from Yehimal Mountain. And maybe even listened to some stories from Taelar. Or maybe not" cut short Vlad, studying the reactions of the middle-aged who nodded his head.
"For which we are thankful for rescuing His Majesty, but the point of discussion the Queen wants to have with you, is something different. She wants to request your assistance in healing the 5 old Healers afflicted with the Maggris Worms."
"Wait, you've lost me here. Haven't I taught you and the other soldiers the method of extracting the Maggris Worms?" asked Vlad with a confused expression before the silver-gray haired man agreed with him.
"Indeed, but when it comes to complications, we can't do much."
"Apart from those 5 Healers that I've punished, there's no one you can just tell what I did? And do it? Is not some complicated science, it is just knowing how to open the chest. Even a butcher could do it, if you would place the scalpel and medical tools." remarked Vlad in his usual sarcastic tone.
"As Queen Conney might have requested of you, our Kingdom is in need of a doctor to pass on his knowledge, and the pay will be satisfactory."
"I understand the situation your Kingdom faces. You can stop right there since it would be pointless in running your mouth and overcomplicating the situation.
Now, straight to the important point … You've sent your invitation successfully. Now what? Do you by chance want me to visit the Castle right away?"
"As soon as possible, Sir Dracul."
"... As soon as possible? That remains to be seen, mister General. Time is precious for people like me …"
Grabbing from his waistcoat a pocket watch, he couldn't help but notice it was only [1:18 PM].
'I mean, while I have some more books to go past, it would take me maybe … one week at most. Afterwards, I'll have to train a bit, but it is not necessary since I started training in Haki. I can simply walk and focus all my energy on the task of controlling it.'
'Well this Kingdom might have some interesting books in their collection, and the best place to check would be the Castle. Without looking like some Thief and Robber, I'll offer a deal to the Queen, and if she accepts it, we are good, I'll be the one to win the most, while she would gain some doctors.'
With a lazy expression hiding away what was in his mind while following the General, he also thought about how long it would take for the girls to return to the Ship, and considering all of those parameters, he came up with a definitive answer.
"You know what, General? I've been on my ship for two days straight, and maybe taking some fresh air wouldn't be so bad. Do you have a Carriage ready, or some Horses?"
"Of course, the Carriage is ready." responded Fischer who noticed that Vlad wasn't as arrogant as when they first met, but the way he looked down on him whenever he would mention his desires and mission, played with his psyche.
Getting on his feet he waited for Vlad to join him, and when the black-haired man got on his feet he was shocked to see that he was almost the same height as him compared to the last month he saw him, clearing out the perception that his chair was positioned higher than his own.
And without further postponing this meeting, Vlad took his black-green coat, something an aristocrat from Sorbet would wear, and stepping onto the main deck, Fischer only heard Vlad remark something casually.
"I'll be away for a while, maybe until midnight. You've got food in the kitchen if you get bored of staying in your room."
"..."
Fischer looked around himself, but couldn't notice the presence of anyone until a scoff was heard travelling around the main deck.
"Let's get going, General."
Moving out of the ship followed by Fischer who followed by taking him to a corner of the Harbor where a Carriage surrounded by four Royal Guards waited, greeting Vlad respectfully, and even though he didn't care about them, remembering their faces as being one of the young Royal Guards that he thought his method, it made him nod at them acknowledging their existence in his eyes.
"Ready the horses Cohm. Time is of the essence." ordered Fischer the young Royal Guard who took on the carriage driver spot, with the other 3 guards also taking their position on the Carriage, opening the doors to the Carriage for Vlad to step inside along with the General.
Taking his seat in the carriage, it didn't take even a minute before the horses took off, moving around the main arteries of Everfall City at top speed, and in a journey where he wasn't looking in particular on the window to see the various people and building remaining quiet for the entire 16 minutes journey.
"General, Mister Dracul, we have arrived at the Castle." mentioned Cohm from the opening between the driver's seat and the interior of the carriage, noticing as he turned his head that Vlad had his eyes closed.
"The initial journey here took about 21 minutes. It seems there's some serious business to be dealt with by the Queen and King." commented Vlad who opened his abyssal-black eyes, whose coldness could be perceived even behind his glasses.
"We, people of Sorbet, treat Honored Guests with full respect as it should be with one of us, and you are one among them." added Fischer who opened the door of the carriage from his side, exiting out, later on looking at Vlad who remained unmoving.
'Yeah, sure. The world, regardless if it's the one I lived most of my life, or this one, revolves all around a single thing, interests.'
When he thought of reminding Vlad that they arrived at the Castle, the black-haired man moved out of the carriage with dignified movements, and the Royal Guards could see the tall man watching the Rock King's Castle, trying to size up the huge construct.
"Being able to see it with your own eyes does have a different vibe. How could those little girls understand the grandness of an aesthetically pleasing building, giving off the prestige of the Ruling Family."
Vlad admired the large Castle which combined various styles that he thought to be familiar with elements from Gothic Architecture and Roman Architecture being blended together to form this building.
Fischer was as always taking the lead, followed by the Royal Guards, and then Vlad who took his time, not rushing himself for what could be a short talk with the old lady, and even if she wanted to drag the conversation until midnight, he had time for her.
The Royal Guards saluted Fischer as he passed and looked at the tall man behind him with sceptical eyes, starting a stream of whispers spreading from guard to guard, discussing the man who was visiting the Royal Castle.
– The people lied when they talked about the Great Healer … Just look at him? How could he be about the same size as the General?
– No idea, but if General Fischer is with that person, it could only mean it's the correct person.
– Gosh, is this person really a doctor? Just look at his body, as if we are looking at Lord Garald.
From doubt to awe, Vlad was used to each sort of emotion a person would build in their chest, especially being accustomed to Fear and Hate, but at this point, he wasn't in a Rulership position to be affected by the opinion of the commoners.
His body posture, standing tall like a giant, slowly moving past each Royal Guard while giving off a heavy pressure that made the people uncomfortable to stand around him, he was taken by Fischer to the Throne Room.
The Throne Room was a large room filled in with a simple ornamental architecture, where only two people awaited him, unlike what Vlad expected for King Taelar to show some strength by parading his toy soldiers.
Only, Garald stood to guard the entrance of the Throne Room, and there wasn't much said between him and Vlad.
"The Queen and King await you, sir Vlad Dracul."
"Cut with the ceremonial greetings, I don't have time for games. I've been doing this for too many years to be concerned."
Garald watched Vlad with cold eyes, and his gaze was matched in kind by the black-haired man who couldn't help but feel like laughing at this attempt of the soldier to pressure him, but he lowered his arrogance and pride since stepping inside the Castle, out of courtesy for the Queen and King.
"My Queen … My King. Sir Vlad Dracul has arrived at your invitation." called out Garald after opening the doors of the Throne Room, stepping forward while doing a respectful bow to the two Elders resting on their high chairs.
Meanwhile, Vlad remained unflinching as he walked forward to the two Elders who studied the newly arrived man with keen eyes, especially the old lady with white-pink hair and purple eyes who immediately had a change in her expression, from her observant look to the shocked one, which had Taelar who had a dignified look to steal a peek at his wife.
– 'I better not mumble, because, from Taelar's words, this boy has Awakened his Haki, and become someone even Taelar doubts being capable of defeating.'
– 'Looking closer at him, he reminds me of that cheap bastard, Ríon Siloriel. His large frame, ink-black hair, and sharp black eyes with a strong body.'
– 'Could it be … My keen insight didn't die off with my old age. There was something familiar indeed when I met the brat one month ago, but because his body didn't reach maturity, he was kind of familiar.'
– 'Now I understand why this young man reminded me of someone… He is a splitting image of that annoying, grumpy, prick who wouldn't even budge for some favorable trade deals. Hah, now it feels even better knowing he was ousted from power by his Nephew.'
"Queen Conney, King Taelar. My humble self has taken from his precious time, to grace you and your invitation of seeing me."
Both Conney and Taelar nodded at the young man greeting him, who wasn't wrong about his statement, and without giving them a chance to start the conversation with their requests, he made sure to remind the Queen about their past conversation.
"Your Majesty the Queen, how have you been? I feels like an eternity since the last time we talked. So you know, I've always been thinking about your words of encouragement before I journeyed out for Yehimal Mountain. And only with your Grace, was I able to push myself to reach the summit and claim the Rewards, told in the Legends."
"..."
– 'This brat, is truly … just like that Siloriel bastard. Has a toxic tongue, incapable of forgetting sarcastic remarks thrown in his face.'
"Truly? I've heard about your deeds, and how you helped in rescuing my husband. I will make sure that my scribes will write down in the history books your achievement for being the first person to summit Yehimal Mountain."
"No need, madame. Reserve that spot in the books for a local person, since it would feel sweeter for the rest of the civilians, instead of being claimed by me as a foreigner."
"So be it, young man. At your wishes."
– 'Hmph, as if I would scribe down your name on the record books.'
'As if you would place my name on your books without getting benefits out of me.'
"Nonetheless, mister Dracul, I am glad you've accepted the invitation because we have an unfinished discussion that needs to resume. Have you given a thought to my request from the last time?"
"Unfortunately madam, I didn't have that much time to spare thinking about your offer. So many things have happened to me that I feel sorry for not giving it a thought."
"Don't worry, we are understanding people, right Taelar?"
"Indeed, my Dear."
Taelar remained quiet for the most part, not feeling like talking with anyone since his wife informed him of everything that has happened since his disappearance and how much pain hit the Cormac House and by extension the Sorbet Kingdom, with irregular plagues spreading around the Kingdom, which strained the already small coffers of the Treasury.
Watching Vlad who was having a casual talk with Conney, filling themselves with all sorts of pleasantries, he couldn't help but remember the ladies in the entourage of this man and get stuck at a beautiful pink-haired girl who had a quiet expression for the most time, trying to distance herself from him, even knowing he was her maternal grandfather.
"Sir Dracul, a question for you. How is little Anne?"
Vlad stopped suddenly from his conversation with the Queen, and both turned at the large gray-haired man, who asked a sensible question for someone his size.
– 'Noo, don't give him your weakness Taelar! This brat is a Siloriel, and a shrewd one at that.'
"Little Anne? Ohh, you mean Bonney? She is spending some time with the girls in the Town, giving Eleine and Titania a tour of various places she likes in Everfall."
"I see, and when will you prepare yourself to depart?"
"I didn't settle on a date, maybe I will depart to Isle of Gardens or Baterilla in one week's time."
"Mhm, you have to tell Anne that you will depart."
Hearing Taelar tell him that with an authoritative tone as if he was ordering around one of his servants, made Vlad give a wide smile, the old lady noticed in full, being an evil intended one, and his confused question was thrown in the King's lap.
"Tell Bonney about my departure? She is aware, and of course, will join me."
"Join you? She even agreed? Who are you kidding brat? You are just manipulating her with some schemes for the Kingdom. YOU WILL LEAVE HER ALONE, AND SHE WILL RETURN BACK TO THE CASTLE! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?"
Vlad kept on his sick smile, and with the King's raised voice, Fischer and Garald stepped inside the room along with elite Royal Guards, noticing how the black-haired man was approaching closer to the Throne Chairs.
*Chuckle*
"Old man, did you forget with whom you are speaking? I could have cleaved your head while Nihiloor was controlling me of my own volition if I wanted, but I just let that parasite play the fiddle with my body."
"So, again? Are you by chance ordering me around?"
"Indeed boy, I am ordering you right now. When you are in my Kingdom, you do as I say, and this is why you'll return MY GRANDDAUGHTER without any complaints. Understood?"
"Amusing. You think we are in a situation to say "When in Rome do as the Romans say"? But why? She doesn't want to return to the Castle and be restrained by you two? That feeling of being a caged little bird, a chained dog for others to order it around?
The humiliation of not even being able to take your own life in your hands? You want to chain the little bird who just learned how to fly on her own?"
"Why? Because you feel guilty about what happened to her mother? Because you feel guilty about what happened to her doting father?
Ridiculous, she will not return to no Castle, and will continue following me since she will learn far more information from me compared to this backwater place that doesn't even have some doctors to treat people in need."
Vlad's arrogance levels and disrespect went over the board, and it even angered the Royal Guards who watched with fury at this doctor who looked down on their King and Queen, only to be stopped by Fischer and Garald when noticing Haki sparks of a Crimson-Red colour exiting from Vlad's body.
"Now, now. Let's calm ourselves a bit and act like adults. Anne is a big girl already, and can decide for herself who she chooses to follow." remarked Queen Conney who deep down was enraged by what Vlad had to say, but couldn't express it, like her husband.
There was even the spark of Haki coming from Vlad's body, that rushed her to pacify the spirits in the Throne Room.
"I am rather calm, just a bit amused at the claims. Back to what we were talking about, Madame Conney. You said you wanted someone to teach potential doctors in your kingdom?
I presume you also want to heal those 5 old ignorant fools who I've afflicted with the Maggris Worms, and you've just left to rot in some prison cell."
His assertiveness placed Queen Conney in check, based on all the information he mentioned, she turned to look at Fischer who lowered his gaze down, slight guilt inside his eyes.
"The same request stands." confirmed Conney, leading to Vlad to stare at both Monarchs with a smirk.
"Then my price is simple. Just like I mentioned in the past discussion. Full access to the Kingdom's Library, any book I want to read, I will get my hands on it except for the secret archive since I am not such a ruthless bastard."
"Agreed."
Conney was quick to agree with Vlad's request, but he wasn't done based on his twisted chuckle. "Also, my last price. Not moving a finger if I take little Anne on a journey with me."
"NEVER! ANNE IS THE HEIRESS OF THE KINGDOM! THE CROWN PRINCESS OF SORBET KINGDOM!"
"No deal?"
"NO DEAL! NOW GET OUT BEFORE I HAVE ALL MY ARMY CORNER YOU, PIRATE!"
Vlad couldn't help but release a twisted laugh, finding amusing this clueless old man who was stuck in time and had to get around with a reality check.
"I see. Then it's no deal. I'd like to see how you take that girl from my hands."
"That's not something you should worry about, you manipulative bastard. Also, a reminder, if any of my people die at your hands, I will make the whole World hunt you down.
Kid, don't underestimate the World Government. While I might not be able to do much against you, it only takes one Admiral of the Marines to destroy you, arrogant bastard."
Vlad placed his hands in his pocket, making everyone in the throne room tense, especially the Queen who felt as if she forgot how hot-headed her husband could get since his absence, but the black-haired man just turned around, and started walking out of the Throne Room.
"Rarely do people live after threatening me. But I will let it brush off because you are Anne's family. I don't want her to hate me because I stomped on the head of an old fool."
"WAIT! Mister Dracul! You are negotiating with me, not Taelar."
"Alright, I will wait."
Taelar turned his head at the short woman, who got up on her feet, preparing to descend from the Throne Chair, and with an enraged expression he was about to scold his own wife, only to be silenced by Conney who shouted at the old man.
"
"You better keep your mouth shut! I am the queen and leader of this kingdom! not a ghost who disappeared 20 years, only to return claiming he is my husband who died long ago!
My generals if the gentleman ever interferes with the kingdom's affairs and interests, arrest him!"
"..."
"YES! YOUR MAJESTY!"
Vlad's expression shifted into a surprised one, as he looked at the old lady moving down using her old cane with various ornaments made with a left hand, as if belonging to a child's work.
"Now, Mister Dracul. Please follow me to my Private Room, where we will be able to talk calmly over this matter, without being disturbed."
"Conney! You dare sell your blood for the kingdom?"
"Quiet, you fool!"