These aloof midnight hunters, upon opening the Clan Leader's secret orders, no longer had much interaction with Murphy. Their lingering outside the village must have been to wait for more hunters to gather, preparing to fulfill the secret mission bestowed upon them by Salockdale, the Blood Vulture Clan Leader.
But Murphy couldn't care less.
He was fervently hoping that, after finishing his courier duty, he would be allowed to return to the safety of Cardman City and discuss with Lady Cui Si about making a swift exit...
He hadn't realised before, but after this excursion and realizing that the Blood Vulture Clan had been infiltrated to its core, he couldn't wait to leave this blasted place called Transylvania.
Anyway, according to Cui Si, she had some prestige among other vampire clans. So, he can take her along, let the slowly growing young players guard them.
After all, where in this wide world could he not go?
"Reveno Murphy Leisenbra!"
While Murphy was contemplating, the previously harsh voice echoed again. Murphy turned his head and saw the petite woman who leads the hunters stealthily came to his side.
She glared sharply at him from beneath the crimson cloak hood. After a brief moment, she said:
"I need to conscript you and your servants to carry out the secret mission entrusted by the Clan Leader. This mission is absolutely crucial to the situation in Transylvania and even the entire Posya Confederation.
So, I hope…"
"Before you command me, lady, at least let me know who you are."
Murphy yawned interrupting the long-winded speech of the vampire in front of him.
He stared at her, mimicking the gloomy tone carried by her words exclusive to vampires, saying:
"Though I am just an obscure member of my clan, I was ceremonially inaugurated into the clan by elder Lady Cui Si herself. I should know who I am going to serve, shouldn't I?
I believe this right is due to me."
"Cui Si is the disgrace of the clan! Every Blood Vulture knows that."
The hunter leader snorted coldly, not sparing any courtesy while insulting Murphy's "elder".
"I need to know who you are!"
Murphy couldn't refute the fact that "Cui Si is the clan's disgrace", but he said very seriously and stubbornly:
"Only then can I be sure whether my servants and I will be treated as cannon fodder and discarded by you. Technically speaking, my courier mission is already accomplished, madam, and I can just return to Cardman City.
You are well aware of this.
We, blood vultures, stick to the rules in our affairs, unlike the unruly brats and hooligans of the Wolf Poison Clan."
These words left the hunter chief before him hesitant. Perhaps it was Murphy's invoking of the clan's rules that persuaded her. Seconds later, she pulled back her hood, revealing a very young, even "naïve" face.
Similar long black hair as Murphy but brilliant scarlet eyes. Combined with her petite stature and chubby cheeks, she has the aspect of a teenager.
No wonder she wrapped herself so tightly. This kind of appearance has no commanding presence in a war context.
However, Murphy immediately recognized her from his memory. The unfortunate vampire bowed slightly to the petite girl before him, with a standard blood vulture salute.
He said it in a low voice:
"It turns out to be you, Lady Phemys. In that case, my servants and I will faithfully serve you and your father's cause."
"Not for me and my father!"
Baroness Phemys Cicilia Leisenbra wrinkled her cute little nose, correcting him very seriously:
"This is for the existence and continuation of the Blood Vulture Clan! Although my father is the Clan Leader, you don't need to be so respectful to me. After all, I am just an ordinary member of the clan."
"Ah, yes, yes, you're right, Miss."
Murphy responded noncommittally, thinking the child of these nobles could be either really innocent?
Or naturally shrewd?
But as soon as the young lady finished her words and turned to leave, a sudden idea popped into Murphy's mind.
He coughed and said:
"Miss, please wait, my servants and I are very willing to serve you... uh, no, serve the clan's grand cause, but I still hope to get a small favor for my loyal servants."
"Hm?"
The young Miss Phemys looked back at Murphy in surprise and asked:
"What exactly do you want to say?"
"What I mean is, I hope I can receive something from you to inspire my servants' enthusiasm, pride, and ambition. Don't get me wrong!
It's not something important, and I'm sure you'll be willing to give it..."