Chapter 97: Eve of the Offering
A silent night.
The next morning, as dawn broke, crowds of people began to make their way towards the Clock Tower Cathedral.
Unlike the previous day’s festivities, the capital was now quiet, a solemn atmosphere hanging in the air.
Bai hadn’t slept, though with her current physique, it didn’t make much difference.
The past day had been chaotic, her duties as the capital’s defender more demanding than she had anticipated.
From the assassination attempt on Emperor Ares to the series of unfortunate events that followed, it had been one problem after another.
First, her own bloodlust, triggered by the use of her Vampire Demonic Runes, had almost caused a major incident.
Even now, she hadn’t found a solution, resorting to drinking her own blood to suppress the urge.
Then, her reunion with Ice Lily and Sasha, which had ended in a less-than-favorable confrontation.
The incident with the Demon Hunter now seemed trivial in comparison.
But despite her own turmoil, Bai hadn’t slept. Ara, however, was sound asleep beside her, her small snores a soft, comforting sound.
She had been sleeping more and more lately, often dozing off on Bai’s shoulder.
Bai made a mental note to check on her later, to see if anything was wrong.
A soft knock came at the door, followed by a familiar, raspy voice.
“Little Bai, are you awake?”
“More or less,” Bai replied. “What is it, Lady Leticia?”
“Come down for breakfast with Ara. We have to go to the Clock Tower Cathedral—the offering ceremony isn’t as important, but we still have to attend.”
Leticia paused, then added, “The other Legendary Knights have arrived. And Little Lin Yan, as Lugner’s successor, is also here.”
“Lin Yan…”
The name brought a slight headache.
She had found her annoying in the past, but their time in Vikarn Port had been… pleasant.
But now, thinking back, she still found her troublesome.
Just then, Ara stirred, her heavy eyelids fluttering open. “Bai, who’s Lin Yan?”
“A… friend,” Bai said, then added, “A rather troublesome old friend.”
“Oh,” Ara said, then closed her eyes again, either satisfied with the answer or simply too tired to care.
“Hurry up,” Leticia urged from outside. “Breakfast is getting cold.”
“Coming,” Bai replied, then, seeing Ara about to fall back asleep, sighed and gently placed her back on the bed.
…
After getting ready, Bai, with Ara on her back, went downstairs.
On the small dining table were two plates of breakfast: a slice of golden-brown toast, a glass of warm milk, and two small tomatoes.
To Bai’s surprise, Leticia was wearing her old battle armor, a full suit of heavy plate, her presence imposing, even while seated.
This was the Leticia Bai remembered, the legendary knight. The recent image of the kind old woman had always felt… out of place.
“You two eat,” Leticia’s voice was muffled by the helmet. “I’ve already eaten. I’ll wait for you.”
“Alright,” Bai said, sitting down with Ara and gently waking her, then started on her breakfast.
Although her bloodlust was a constant craving, she found she could still eat normal food, as if her demonic hunger and her human appetite were separate.
Leticia watched them, saying nothing.
They finished quickly, and Leticia, with an unexpected efficiency, cleared the table and headed for the door.
Bai followed, with a now-awake Ara in tow.
A Crown Guard stood at the entrance, saluting them as they emerged.
“Lady Leticia, Commander Bai,” he said, and Bai, recognizing him as a squad captain, returned the salute.
“Have you been waiting long?”
“Not long, Commander,” he replied, handing her a report. “An update on the search for the assassin.”
It seemed they were making progress. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been waiting for them.
Normally, subordinates wouldn’t disturb their superiors during their private time.
Bai skimmed the report. As she had expected, they would likely corner the assassins by noon.
With all nine Legendary Knights now present, Ice Lily and Sasha, even with their combined strength, had no chance of escape.
“Good,” Bai said, putting the report in her pouch. “Inform the other Knight units to maintain their patrol routes. The Crown Guard will focus on the Clock Tower Cathedral area.”
The other Knight units were unfamiliar with the capital’s layout.
And the cathedral, the site of today’s ceremony, was now filled with people, its security paramount.
“Yes, Commander Bai,” the captain replied, his tone respectful, showing no surprise at the young girl’s command.
“Let’s go,” Leticia said, and they started walking towards the cathedral.
Bai walked half a step behind her, the captain watching them go, then rushing to relay her orders.
They walked in silence.
Bai, at one point, discreetly raised her arm to her mouth, a faint, sweet scent filling the air, but Leticia, seemingly oblivious, said nothing.
Beneath the silent helmet, her thoughts remained a mystery.
