Nightfall shrouded Baron Harold's Manor.
Unlike Oak Manor, owned by the Doyle family, which was ticulously detailed, this manor was similar to the forr Kemir Manor; it expanded outward from the central building, boasting beautifully decorated plazas, fountains, and driveways, particularly the area where carriages were parked by the plaza and the nearby stables, which occupied a large area, large enough to accommodate twenty carriages.
And now?
The ground was covered with overgrown weeds.
The once glorious beacon fires and bustling voices had been replaced by a lone oil lamp and an eerie silence.
But the next mont, that silence was shattered—
Whoo!
The whistling sound of the wind tearing through the air rushed forth.
Imdiately, two gentlen burst out of the main building.
The middle-aged man held a longsword and a firearm.
The elderly man clutched a walking stick, which, unlike others that served rely as ornants, truly supported his body.
The middle-aged man was Titon, the steward of Harold Manor, the son of the forr steward, and the only person Baron Harold trusted.
And the elderly gentleman was Baron Harold himself.
Like Baron Kemir, Baron Harold had a similar experience and was already advanced in years, his eyes even sowhat cloudy at this mont.
"Who's there? Co out!"
Steward Titon called out urgently, his gaze sweeping around continuously, his underlying anger making him seem murderous.
The steward knew it must be those "autumn thieves" again!
As Harold Family had fallen into decline, they could no longer defend their lands in South Los, only retaining Harold Manor, and these "thieves" had appeared repeatedly.
The steward's father, the old steward, had been injured in a skirmish with these "thieves" and died without receiving tily treatnt.
Thus, the steward harbored a deep hatred for these "thieves."
At the sa ti, his heart was filled with sorrow.
How glorious was the Harold Family in the past?
They had over a hundred servants and guards, and a private army of five hundred n, property across the lands yielding carts and carts of Gold Coins to the manor every year.
Whenever a banquet was hosted, dignitaries from all over South Los attended, even the ruler of South Los would send gifts.
However, with successive Barons Harold being "duds," unable to awaken their Bloodline, the Harold Family no longer held power, and their properties gradually declined. Yet, the old Baron, relying on "Noble Honor" and a fiercely loyal private army of five hundred, had kept the Harold family operating normally until...
The Seven Years' War broke out!
Not only did the private army suffer heavy casualties, but the old Baron also died in battle.
From that ti, the Harold Family began their precipitous decline.
Servants and guards beca fewer and fewer.
Their lands steadily fell into the hands of others.
Latterly, as the last few private soldiers died of old age at the manor, Harold Manor had beco "undefended."
Every few days, "thieves" would co to try their luck.
The sha Titon felt at this thought surged to his head, mingling with his prior fury.
Imdiately, the steward could not help shouting out again—
"Co out! You bastards!"
And standing behind the steward, the elderly Baron Harold appeared to be nearly deaf and blind, barely able to see what was happening or hear any noise.
Even when...
Shadows enveloped them.
A massive shadow lood overhead.
The already furious steward Titon imdiately looked up.
A bat!
With its wings spread wide, the gigantic bat, ten ters across, hovered overhead. The gale it stirred with its flapping wings was enough to prevent ordinary people from standing, and its ferocious visage struck terror in everyone.
"'Blood Bat'!"
Titon's face turned pale.
Without a second thought, the steward pressed his back tightly against his lord.
"My lord, quickly, to the secret chamber!"
The butler shouted loudly, his eyes fixed steadfastly on the 'Blood Bat'.
Titon didn't know why the 'Blood Descendants'' 'Blood Bat' appeared here, but the butler knew that this ti the Harold Family might not be able to hold on.
Then...
He would give it his last ounce of strength!
Huh!
Titon adjusted his breathing, tossed the firearm aside, and instead grasped his sword with both hands.
The bullets of the firearm were of no use against the 'Blood Bat'.
It was well known that the 'Blood Bat' was impervious to blade and bullet.
Only a true secret technique could possibly break its defense.
Normally, Titon couldn't achieve it.
But that was under normal circumstances. If he fought desperately...
'I can do it!'
Titon's gaze was firm, his face resolute, his footsteps never retreated, his breathing between his nose and mouth grew faster, a unique heat was about to ignite, when suddenly a hand landed on his shoulder.
It was the elderly Baron Harold.
"Your Lordship?!"
The sight of his own lord, who had not left, imdiately changed Titon's expression, and the determination in his eyes turned into utter panic.
He was prepared to fight to the death, naturally to create a chance for his lord to escape.
But now that the lord hadn't left, his death would be in vain.
"Titon."
A smile erged on the elderly Baron Harold's face.
Titon was taken aback.
Because, ever since falling seriously ill two years ago, Baron Harold had beco unable to speak clearly, and there was also a ti when his mind was not very clear. Although his mind had recovered recently, his speech had not.
Titon hadn't heard such clear speech for two years.
Uncontrollably, Titon's eyes reddened.
The butler believed this was a miracle before death.
'After such a miracle, it is ti to face death.
But, that's alright.
To fight to the death alongside His Lordship is the final honor of my life!'
Thinking this in his heart, Titon once again gripped his longsword tightly.
But then, Baron Harold once again patted Titon's shoulder.
Next, the baron stepped forward, raised his head to look at the 'Blood Bat' in the sky, reminiscence flashing in his now clear eyes.
"Is it you, Lord Auburn?"
The baron asked aloud.
Full of vitality, showing no trace of being a frail old man.
And with such a question, the 'Blood Bat' lowered its head, and a figure appeared atop the 'Blood Bat.' 'Blood Descendant' Auburn looked down at Baron Harold, a hint of surprise appearing in his crimson eyes, and then, seemingly recalling sothing, he nodded and muttered—
"Indeed, the Harold Family also prepared so contingencies.
That is wonderful!
Now I can really unleash my strength."
Between his words, a cold chill began to envelop the entire Harold Manor.
It wasn't just a feeling.
It was real.
Even now, snowflakes had begun to fall between heaven and earth.
Watching the snowflakes before him, astonishnt that could not be hidden flashed in the eyes of the butler.
But the next mont, sothing even more astonishing happened.
Suddenly—
Baron Harold raised his hand with a wave.
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