The First Vampire-Chapter 686 - : 684 Running_1

Chapter 686: 684 Running_1

As night fell, the streets of Dragon City gradually quieted down.

A luxury horse-drawn carriage stopped at the entrance of Sebastian Manor. The carriage door opened, and Colin, leading Princess Judy, walked out.

The manor’s butler hurried to greet them and led the two distinguished guests to the master’s study.

Here, the three governors of the Senate had already gathered – Sebastian St. Hilde of North Territory, Durace St. Rands of South Border, and Crete St. Gregorian of Westland.

After some greetings, everyone took their seats.

The maids brought in coffee and desserts, then quietly withdrew.

...

Princess Judy sat upright on the sofa, trying to present a serious demeanor. Yet the nervousness and naïvety in her actions did not escape the seasoned eyes of the elder statesmen present.

However, Colin on her side emitted an overwhelming aura that dominated the entire study, causing the three governors to dare not act rashly.

Colin took a sip of his coffee, his cold gaze slowly sweeping over the three governors present, before speaking:

“Gentlemen, I’ve called you here to discuss the matter of royal succession.”

The three governors looked at each other before Governor Sebastian responded:

“Count Angler, what is your opinion?”

“I believe we should follow the order of succession. If Prince Harrison has been stripped of his right to accede because of his murder of Gregory, Princess Judy should succeed to the throne.”

All three wore expressions of unsurprised expectation, their gazes falling upon Princess Judy seated next to Colin.

In their opinion, Colin had already made significant concessions.

They originally thought that Colin would overturn the Senate’s previous ruling and forcibly elevate Prince Harrison to the throne.

Presently, by advocating Princess Judy, he had demonstrated an adequate respect for the Senate, and it would also avoid generating much public uproar.

The three once again exchanged glances before saying:

“Count Angler, we also agree with your view. However, based on our understanding of the current political situation, if the Senate votes, Princess Judy may not ascend the throne so smoothly.”

Colin frowned, puzzled:

“If the three of you work together, can’t you influence the majority of the senators?”

Governor Durace sighed, helplessly saying:

“Count Angler, the influence of the governors over the elders has greatly decreased. After all, since that old man Heidegger implemented the Senate’s reform, governors are no longer appointed for life.”

It was then that Colin realized. He quickly picked up his coffee and took a sip to mask his embarrassment–

This Senate reform was actually a suggestion he’d given to Baron Heidegger, the Prime Minister.

At that time, he proposed the idea to weaken the power of the governors because his attempts to have Vera succeed as Duchess of the North Territory had suffered setbacks in the Senate. Unexpectedly, in the end, this turned out to be a ploy that backfired on himself.

Judging from the three men’s reactions, it was likely that the elders under their command had already been bribed and divided by other powers.

As for the other two territories, the governor of the Crimson Flame Territory had died, and Governor Emoson of Eastland held a grudge against Colin – for killing his brother, Knight Ivan, during the rebellion in White Dew City.

Colin had little confidence in gaining the support of the seniors from these two territories.

Moreover, considering the current rumors in Dragon City that Prince Harrison and Princess Judy were not Emperor Reinhardt’s legitimate children, as well as the gaggle of Emperor Reinhardt’s illegitimate children eying the throne covetously, perhaps Princess Judy would indeed have trouble ascending the throne smoothly.

Colin pondered for a while before setting down his coffee cup and asking:

“Who among the illegitimate children poses the greatest threat to Judy right now?”

Governor Sebastian thought for a moment before replying:

“There should be three, Norman, the illegitimate son of Marquis Klick, the Minister of Military Affairs; Regi, the illegitimate son of Knight Pamela, the Commander of the Dragon City Imperial Guard; and Ryan, the illegitimate son of Count Lloyd, the Minister of Finance.

The forces backing these three are currently the most powerful and are likely to pose a threat to Princess Judy.”

“There’s no need to worry about Norman. Marquis Klick, the Minister of Military Affairs, has approached me. He will support Princess Judy’s succession to the throne.” A subtle, cold light flickered in Colin’s eyes, “As for the other two… I will handle them.”

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The three governors exchanged a few glances, but did not question Colin’s meaning of “handling” them and nodded their heads.

“Alright, Count Angler, then let’s tentatively set the Senate meeting for three days from now, is this timing appropriate?”

“It is.”

Having said this, Colin stood up, took Princess Judy’s small hand, and just left like that.

Once they had left the manor, he said to the coachman:

“To the Finance Minister’s manor.”

“Yes.”

The horse-drawn carriage headed west, passing through three blocks, and quickly arrived at its destination.

Colin led Princess Judy off the carriage, announced their identities, and was welcomed into the lounge by the butler.

“My lord, your highness, please rest for a while, I will go and inform the master.”

“Alright.”

Princess Judy sat on a chair, swinging her feet, her gaze wandering around the lounge. She quickly lost her patience and couldn’t help asking:

“Teacher, how do you plan to convince Count Lloyd to stop supporting his illegitimate son’s contested claim to the throne?”

Colin smiled faintly and said:

“I will make him an offer he cannot refuse.”

Princess Judy blinked in confusion, not quite understanding what “an offer you cannot refuse” meant. She was about to ask again when she heard the sound of footsteps outside the door.

Then, a woman in a palace dress slowly walked in.

Her features were exquisite, her blue eyes pure, her red hair tied into an elegant bun, and her demeanor exuded a mature and dignified aura.

“Aunt Keshia.”

Hearing Princess Judy call her ‘aunt’, Colin knew that the woman before his eyes must be Count Lloyd’s wife and Emperor Reinhardt’s cousin.

That’s right, she was also his cousin’s lover and had given birth to an illegitimate child for him…

“Lady Keshia.” Colin suppressed his thoughts and stood up to greet her.

Keshia first went forward to hug Princess Judy, then curtseyed to Colin, and asked with a smile on her face:

“Count Angler, it’s late, what can I help you with regarding my husband?”

Colin furrowed his brows and asked: “Is it inconvenient to see Count Lloyd now?”

“I’m really sorry, Lloyd felt unwell tonight and has gone to bed early, so…” Keshia’s soft and glutinous voice could easily win a man’s sympathy, “Count Angler, if you have any business, I can deliver your message.”

Colin sneered inwardly. He would never believe such nonsense.

It seemed that Count Lloyd was determined to support his illegitimate son’s contestation for the throne.

“Since it’s like this, I shall visit another day,” Colin said, then started to lead Princess Judy out.

Keshia personally sent them outside the manor, apologizing all the way, seemingly truly remorseful for her husband’s discourtesy.

Once they were in the carriage, Colin instructed the coachman:

“Back to Phoenix Palace.”

Princess Judy looked at Colin, who was frowning, and asked puzzledly:

“Teacher, aren’t we going to see Knight Pamela?”

“No, we’re going to rest.”

Colin knew that the Imperial Guard Commander Knight Pamela was none other than Prince Lexie’s younger brother. He was even less likely to give up the contest for the throne.

Count Lloyd, Knight Pamela.

Since these two can’t read the room, they can’t blame him for being impolite!