Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 106 - 102: The Impostor

After checking on Becky’s condition over and over again, Lyle was pleased to see the two lives regain their spirits.

The next task was to track the vampire Karent.

He did not share his intelligence with Uncle Ralph because he had different considerations in mind.

If it truly was Beatrice’s doing, Lyle didn’t want to imagine the look of disappointment on the deceived Alianna’s face.

If Ralph and Beatrice encountered each other and a confrontation ensued, what should he do then?

Of course, the greater likelihood was that Beatrice would tear me to pieces, after all, she was a Blood Clan member who could be immune to sunlight.

Regardless, Lyle had to confirm and assess the identity of Mistress Karent, and if it wasn’t Beatrice, sorry, but your death is certain.

"Shuishui, do you feel it?"

The scent of blood lingering in the air made the sinful Karent stand out in Shuishui’s senses, like a dark candle burning brightly.

Shuishui extended a tentacle, indicating a direction.

......

The ragged robe smeared with stains dragged on the ground, resembling more a dirty rag than anything else, making it hard to believe that the once noble baron’s son would dress this way now.

His head was covered by the robe, and the skin that showed faintly through the shadow was as pale as paper, but with a slight hint of color, clearly satisfied by his recent feast. In Shuishui’s senses, those two sharp fangs clung to the bloodied lower lip, their sharp edges even cutting into his lip, with the blood smell in the air emanating from here.

He carried a stack of antiquated books, his sharp black nails resting against the aged pages.

He moved slowly, more like a careful king inspecting his territory, despite having personally committed two homicides not long before.

He walked in the shadows, pacing down narrow alleys just wide enough for one person. Lyle, with the help of Shuishui’s vision, was observing him. To be extra safe, Shuishui had turned into a transparent sheet of water encapsulating Lyle’s entire body, masking his scent and the sound of his movements.

Vampires really do hate sunlight, and despite only a short stretch of his path being lit and his body mostly cloaked by garments, Karent still altered his route just to avoid less than a meter of sunlight.

Lyle frowned. He didn’t seem to be in any hurry. By all logic, having obtained what his master desired, he should have been finding ways to deliver it quickly, rather than taking detours here for his own convenience.

Such behavior made him look like he had another purpose, as if he was waiting for something.

Lyle heightened his vigilance, his steps even more cautious, and his movements even more subtle.

Thankfully, there were no mishaps, and Lyle followed Karent as he made his way around the Inner City District, eventually entering the Cursed Forest of Naranya legends.

The old site of the Naslan Family.

The vegetation here was dense, and its beauty not at all inferior to the artificially cultivated plants of Naranya.

But it was too quiet, devoid of any birdsong or insect hum, as if, in this forest, only plants could survive.

Herbaceous plants grew wildly, the sounds of boots crushing sprouts especially grating in the eerie silence.

Only the sound of Karent’s boots could be heard.

Shuishui was very convenient for stealth; every time Lyle lifted his foot to take a step, Shuishui would first extend a tentacle to soak the vegetation beneath, containing them within this water pouch, and even the crushing noises made by the shoe surface were confined within the water pouch.

Lyle followed Karent step by step into the depths of the forest.

Right where the dense tree leaves almost entirely obscured the sunlight overhead, Lyle found his target.

Three figures, two sprawled on the ground in ragged robes, crawling like beasts and ripping into the bloody carcass of a large elk, shouting in delight and occasionally fighting over the bloody morsels in their hands. Only their twisted bodies and hideous faces proved that they once were human.

Their eyes were swollen and bloodshot, just like Karent’s, blood-red.

Between them was a svelte figure shrouded in a black veil, sitting gracefully on a jutting tree root, with her legs crossed, the long legs intertwining like willow branches.

She watched the two servants struggle with each other with relish, as if watching a dogfight, occasionally clapping her hands and cheering at the bloody scenes.

Encouraged by their mistress, the two monsters tore into each other even more fiercely.

Karent approached slowly, and as the distance closed, his body began to stoop.

At first, he walked upright; then he had to bend over to move forward; and finally, with those books on his back, he crawled to the feet of that sensuous figure, lowering his head to let his once proud crown serve as a pillow for her calves.

Karent, who had once been arrogant and haughty in the face of Becky, had become tender and humble, kneeling before the woman, his voice trembling with excitement.

"My beautiful mistress, your servant has completed your task," he said.

The black figure shifted her leg from atop Karent’s head and used the tip of her foot to press against his chin.

At her command, Karent lifted his head to look at the face within the hood. Although it was just a glimpse, the man wept tears of joy.

"My mistress, as you ordered, I have brought all of Naranya’s ancient Naslan tomes, and I have even done away with my father’s most capable steward. I am willing to offer Naranya as your toy, just to receive your favor," he said.

The shadow laughed, a sound reminiscent of piano music, but laced with chill and malice.

"My little dog, you are two hours late. Ordinarily, you should taste my whip and let me watch your skin split and flesh open, but I am a merciful master," she said.

The shadow stood, her toe pressing against Karent’s cheek, driving his head into the dirt, and he offered no resistance.

The shadow removed her hood, shaking her hair, spreading the scent of roses from her tresses, a fragrance that even Lyle, hiding behind the trees, could detect.

What shocked Lyle even more was the familiar face.

Beatrice.

Her lips curved up, bearing the smile Lyle recognized, just like the one he’d seen at the Blood Rose Bar, but the malice and viciousness in it were unfamiliar.

"It seems you truly have completed my task, little dog," she said.

She lit a Firelighter and threw it onto the ancient books that Karent had struggled to bring. The long-dusty tomes were quickly devoured by the flames.

Lyle found it strange. To go to such lengths just to destroy them?

The woman soon cleared up Lyle’s doubt.

Those ruby-like eyes stared directly at Lyle’s direction, and even through numerous trees, Lyle knew those eyes were fixed on him, as if targeted by a venomous snake.

"Don’t you miss me, dear? Come out, come out, wherever you are," she called.

Discovered!

Lurking figures appeared around Lyle, their ragged clothes stained with blood and their bloodthirsty eyes watching him like predators.

There was no escape.

"My little dogs, bring the guest to me. Let me have a good look at my sweetheart," she commanded.

Under compulsion, Lyle walked towards the woman.

The two finally looked each other in the eye.

Her eyes were slightly narrowed.

"You don’t seem surprised," she observed.

Lyle exhaled in relief, "Of course, you imposter," he replied.

The false Beatrice’s smile began to contort.

"How did you find out?" she demanded.

Lyle’s smile was one of relief.

"Though your voice, face, and even your figure are nearly indistinguishable from Beatrice’s," he began.

"You cannot forge the demonic charm of the Naslan Family," he continued.

"To put it simply,"

"You’re too ugly! Witch!" he exclaimed.