The Conquerors Path Chapter 993 - 991-The Blood Queen.

I gazed at the vampire secretary, pondering how she struggled to conceal her urge to pounce on me and drain my blood until ecstasy overwhelmed her completely.

"Um... hello?"

I uttered, snapping the vampire woman from her trance as she hurriedly responded.

"AH! Yes... Come this way, the Lord is waiting for you."

Her tone stayed formal and clipped, though it might have fooled more if she hadn't discreetly wiped the drool from her mouth at the end. Suppressing my grin, I trailed after the vampire as she guided me forward. Still, I caught her glancing back at me now and then, as if barely restraining herself from abandoning her hard-earned status for a fleeting thrill.

In the end, her reason triumphed over desire, and it became clear how she climbed to her present role—impressive self-control indeed. For a bit of mischief, I'd amplified the passive's influence solely on her, and as she directed me from the chamber into a corridor bustling with occasional vampires passing by—to whom I'd dialed back the general impact.

It merely prompted warmer, friendlier looks my way while the secretary ushered me down the hall to what resembled an elevator, its doors sliding open. She remained outside as she announced.

"This is where I stop. The elevator's set to carry you straight to the top for your meeting with the Lord. I hope your discussion goes well."

"Thank you."

I replied with a grin, making the reluctant woman pause again before she extended something to me while speaking.

"Here, this links directly to my communication orb. If you need to reach out about anything related to this place, feel free to contact me."

"Oh sure."

I answered, grasping the slip. Yet when I tugged, the secretary held on, locking eyes with me as she emphasized.

"You can call me for anything... anything."

"Hahaha... sure, will do."

I responded with a sheepish smile, prompting her to release it at last. I pocketed the item just as the doors sealed shut. Moments later, the lift hummed to life, ascending at a pace swifter than expected—arriving at a new level in under thirty seconds as the doors parted.

Stepping out revealed an entirely different realm. More like a regal domain of immense power, with a pale gray moon hovering overhead and a sprawling, grand meadow unfurling before me, an aerial plain stretching endlessly with stunning vistas that stole one's breath.

At the heart of it all, lounging on a plush couch and savoring what appeared to be a crimson liquid, sat a woman. A strikingly mature vampire lady. Her skin was as pallid as the others, her eyes a vivid blood-red, and her hair a flowing crimson that evoked fresh blood. What stood out were the faint silver threads woven through it, hints of the ages she'd endured.

Her features were undeniably stunning, yet faint lines framed her eyes, lending an air of seasoned allure. She looked around forty, embodying peak mature elegance. Beneath her relaxed attire, her figure boasted impressive contours, both ample and curvaceous.

I wasted no time stepping from the elevator into this domain, sensing the world warp around me, as I traversed the meadow, its solidity utterly convincing, heading directly toward her. In mere minutes, I stood before the woman, who lifted her gaze to meet mine—those red eyes gleaming with subtle gray flecks.

For a long-lived race like hers, reaching the Imperial realm yet showing age begged questions about her true years, but it hardly fazed me, given my escapades with deities whose time had long frozen. She was simply a profoundly mature figure.

"It's nice to meet the legendary Blood Queen Vixuola De Dracula."

My tone carried deep respect as I offered a slight bow, which she dismissed with a casual wave, a warmer, time-tempered smile gracing her lips as she replied.

"No need for the formalities. Here, have a seat."

At her invitation, I settled onto the seat opposite, easing into comfort amid the soft night breezes and the enchanting gray moon above.

"Want some blood wine?"

She inquired, gesturing toward me, but I politely declined with a wave.

"No, thank you, I just enjoy regular wine."

Her smile widened at my response, and with another gesture, a glass and bottle materialized before me.

"Go on, have some."

I lifted the bottle that had appeared and filled the glass, watching a deep ruby hue form, reminiscent of shadowed blood. As I raised it from the surface, an aroma wafted up, potent enough to intoxicate an ordinary warrior. Taking a sip, surprise flickered across my features.

"The Original Delcuse Von Vicar II from the blood war era?"

I queried in astonishment, catching Vixuola off guard as she countered.

"You know the taste? I thought I was the only one left with its final bottle."

Her remark made my mouth quirk as I probed.

"And you bring out something that rare for our first encounter?"

My words edged toward impudence, but age excused it, as she shot back.

"I just like to be dramatic, but you didn't explain how you recognize the flavor."

The entire extravagant setting screamed her flair for theatrics.

"As someone wise, you should know, nothing in this world is always absolute."

My reply evidently delighted her, drawing a faint smile as she sipped her blood wine. I mirrored her ease, reclining on the couch, relishing the gentle wind, savoring the flavor, and basking in the quiet. Our unspoken connection lingered unbroken for several minutes until Vixuola broke the silence.

"I've heard plenty about you from recent events, and all wondered about your true strength. And my... my... I'm impressed—Origin level 7 at your age. You've concealed it masterfully."

"How!?"

Shock and alarm flashed on my face, amusing the woman as she explained, gesturing to the surroundings.

"The artifact masking your Origin rank is impressive, but in this domain, no deceptions escape me. Everything lies bare. So, the instant you entered, your secrets were revealed."

My face contorted in frustration, a spark of irritation rising within me at the revelation. The cunning elder relished it, pressing on.

"I can hardly fathom how DarkNight uncovered a gem like you. Attaining such power so young—you might even surpass Mira Lionheart's prodigious gifts."

Few would notice, but I caught the faint ripple in her aura, the subtle irritation at uttering "Lionheart."

"How old are you?"

She pressed with an intense stare, and I, appearing somewhat deflated, answered.

"Sigh... I am currently 24 years of age."

"That still crowns you the supreme talent alive today, possibly exceeding even..."

She trailed off, her tone laced with sharper annoyance this time, and I smirked to myself. Honestly, the urge struck me to have Farah convert her into a blood angel for domination, but targeting a key war council leader outright was unwise.

The war councils guarded many enigmas, and I couldn't recklessly alter just anyone. It had to be figures under my sway and constant watch. Her abilities were undeniable, yet I refrained from such a move now, though the future might bring changes.