Accompanied by his attendants, Count Tulip, wearing a mage robe and a unique mask, entered the hall of the Dreaming Salon.
"Oh, isn't this our esteed Count? You look quite dashing today."
"Haha, Count, good evening. Last ti you found such a wonderful little darling! Is she here today?"
"Count, cheers to you!"
...
Seeing Count Tulip enter the hall, the nobles gathered around, warmly greeting him.
Enjoying the flattery from the crowd, Count Tulip was pleased and responded.
"Hehe, esteed guests, you're looking quite dashing today too."
"Apologies, our little darlings only serve once, but... if you have a need, I can arrange soone with a similar style for you."
"Cheers! My dear friends!"
...
With Count Tulip's responses, the atmosphere among the nobles beca even livelier.
Many of these nobles had no idea of his true identity, they only knew him as the Count. But as the host who personally sent out invitations, he knew the background of each person here!
Ten years...
He had been operating for a full ten years!
Ninety percent of the noble families in Borde had soone attending the Dreaming Salon he hosted!
Though most attendees weren't the heads of their families, together they ford a formidable force. Many among them were the future heirs of their families!
He had beco friends with these nobles and held leverage over them.
This was the network and resources he had secretly accumulated!
Count Tulip smiled behind his mask.
But there was a glint of coldness in his eyes.
Heh, elder brother...
Thanks to you, the whole of Borde thinks I'm just a waste...
But this waste will eventually reclaim what's rightfully his!
The County of Castell, and the Duchy of Borde.
Soon, they will all be mine!
With that thought, Count Tulip quickly suppressed the sharpness in his gaze.
He raised his glass to the crowd, smiling, and downed the crimson wine.
The hall erupted in cheers.
He made a slight gesture, signaling for everyone to quiet down, then spoke gently.
"Ladies and gentlen, the Dreaming Salon is about to begin. I'll go check on tonight's highlight first. We'll et again later."
"Ha-ha! See you later!"
"I heard tonight's highlight is extraordinary individuals?"
"Yes, indeed. Stepping onto the path of the extraordinary at such a young age, even among commoners, they're considered a genius."
"I'm suddenly more excited for tonight's salon."
The nobles chattered amongst themselves.
anwhile, Count Tulip smiled as he crossed the hall and walked toward the iron door at the end.
However, upon reaching the door, his brow furrowed.
"Isn't anyone supposed to be on guard duty today?"
Seeing the empty entrance, he turned and asked, his voice displeased.
His attendant broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly replied.
"There should... there should be soone on duty. Perhaps... perhaps they had to leave for sothing?"
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Count Tulip's frown deepened.
Although he knew that the dungeon below had guards stationed every few steps, those mbers of the Blood Demon Cult were not exactly reputable. If so intoxicated noble accidentally stumbled upon them and discovered their identities, it could lead to trouble.
"Even if there's sothing, soone must stay on guard!"
"Find out who was on duty today, and have them et after the auction!"
He snorted coldly.
With that, he pushed open the iron door and entered alone.
As he descended into the underground corridor, the surroundings quickly darkened.
But Count Tulip was accustod to it.
In the cells lining the corridor, the offerings for tonight's ritual still slept soundly, undisturbed.
He wasn't surprised.
The effects of the drugs on these girls hadn't worn off yet. The deeper they slept now, the more energetic they would be later.
One of his purposes in coming to check on them was to administer a tonic to wake them up.
"It's about ti. Administer the tonic to wake them up. Their stage awaits them soon."
Count Tulip commanded the Blood Demon Cult mber who was standing guard.
However, upon hearing his words, the cultist did not respond.
Stopping in his tracks, Count Tulip turned around to face the cultist he had just ordered, his brow slightly furrowed.
"What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear ?"
The cultist slowly turned around, not answering, but bowing respectfully, their voice devoid of emotion.
"Count, the master... awaits you in the study."
"Hmm? The High Priest is here early today."
Count Tulip was sowhat surprised.
He nodded slightly and, leaving a reminder, proceeded deeper into the corridor towards the study.
Today's dungeon was unusually quiet.
Not only were the sleeping girls silent, even the cultists on guard were quieter than usual.
What was going on with these lazy fellows today?
Muttering to himself, he arrived at the study door.
Two First Tier forbidden blood servants stiffly bowed, then opened the door.
Count Tulip casually walked in, feeling at ho.
As he entered the study, the two blood servants closed the door behind him.
Count Tulip paid no mind. He preferred discussing matters with the High Priest in private, away from prying ears, even those of the blood servants.
Scanning the study, Count Tulip searched for the High Priest's figure.
However, after looking around, he didn't see anyone.
What he did notice was that the alchemy product rotating chair behind the desk had shifted direction, facing the bookshelf.
The tall backrest obscured everything, leaving only the sound of flipping pages audible.
Count Tulip chuckled.
No wonder he couldn't find the High Priest. Turns out he was sitting in that chair!
He wanted to tease. The High Priest of the Blood Demon Cult was already short in stature and usually hunched over, so now, sitting in that chair, his head couldn't even be seen from behind!
"Heh-heh, Your Excellency, the High Priest, when did you beco interested in my collection of magic books?"
Count Tulip took off his mask and placed it on the shelf, smiling as he spoke.
At the sound of his voice, the flipping of pages abruptly stopped.
The chair slowly turned around to reveal a silver-haired maid seated on it, holding a stack of parchnt scrolls. Her amber eyes sparkled with amusent.
"Good evening, Count Tulip."
Count Tulip was stunned.
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