Warhammer Divine Throne

The Vampire Lord pondered for a moment. Indeed, after the new Duke of Marinburg, Schultz, took office, the vampires lurking in the upper echelons of Marinburg suffered. Schultz could easily identify vampires, capturing one and executing a group, severely disrupting the trade network the vampires spent over a century building. The merchant before him was one of the few who evaded capture.

”Alright, can I go in now?” The fat merchant appeared calm, though he seemed a bit impatient.

The Vampire Lord was about to order passage when he suddenly sensed something odd about the man dressed as a steward with a goatee. He looked around forty, keeping his head down, with eyes full of caution and composure. So, he continued interrogating, ”That’s strange. What happened to your previous talkative accountant? I remember your former steward wasn’t this one.”

”That little brat? Ah! Don’t mention him. I secretly intercepted goods intending to trade with you, and that kid mimicked me by stealing my goods. I killed him, and now I’ve replaced him with someone honest and steady. He’s slow with accounts but thorough.” Gabriel Newell explained.

”And what about your former lover, Kaela?” Vampire Lord Har was still suspicious.

”My Lady of Wealth! That was years ago.” The fat merchant exclaimed loudly, ”Later, I got rich, accidentally fractured her spine when drunk. I even spent several Silver Coins to cremate her. That was quite expensive, and thinking about it pains me!”

These mortals are such fools, Vampire Lord Har thought to himself, finally without suspicion.

”Alright, keep doubting me. How many are willing to risk the gallows to trade with you?” The fat merchant from Marinburg extended a thumb toward Har, revealing an extremely captivating smile, ”Now you believe it’s truly me, right?”

”One last question. How many times have we traded?” Har nodded, as the Vampire Lord was beginning to believe.

”More than twice, but less than four times.” Gabriel Newell looked confused, gesturing extensively before giving an odd answer.

”Alright, my friend, Gabriel Newell, welcome to Musillon. Men, let them through.” The Vampire Lord finally completely relaxed because he held a profound memory of the man before him.

This merchant heir cannot count to three.

On the way into town, the Vampire Lord glanced at two Half-Elves in grey robes and said to Gabriel Newell, ”It’s rare for you to hire Half-Elves. Would you sell me some of their blood? The price is negotiable.”

”Hiring Half-Elves isn’t difficult, my friend,” Gabriel Newell said indifferently, his voice deeply distorted due to fat compressing his vocal cords, ”Many are willing to fight as long as the price is right. Half-Elves need money and food too; neither High Elves nor humans treat them kindly.”

Upon hearing this, the two Half-Elves displayed uncomfortable expressions: ”Our employment contract doesn’t include that clause, sir.”

”Yes, yes. We must have contractual spirit, my friend, Har Harris.” Gabriel Newell shrugged helplessly, ”Or you can discuss terms with them yourself? I’ll just take a 30% commission since I’m no miser.”

Stingy! Vampire! Both the Vampire Lord and the Half-Elves wore expressions of such.

With the Vampire Lord’s permission, the caravan finally entered Musillon City. The city’s method was strict entry and easy exit. Inside were densely packed streets and messy corners everywhere, filled with taverns, apothecaries, bookstores, and numerous pleasure-seeking places. Venues for flesh trade were even exposed in broad daylight, with shops selling various forbidden books, cult accessories, poisons, and assassination tools. Amidst this uniform depravity, there seemed to be an eerie sense of harmony.

The caravan arrived at the Inner Castle of Musillon Castle, before Merovin Castle, where the Undead Guards and vampires emerged from shadows, counting the goods. They took out large amounts of true Gold and Silver to pay for the cargo. Vampire Lord Har said expressionlessly, ”You’ve come at a bad time. We’re at the frontlines fighting Boldro. The Blood Red Duke and his troops have left the city. I’m heading out soon too. Do as you please.”

”Hey, I don’t plan to leave so soon. I’m hosting an event called steam summer sale.” The fat merchant extended a chunky hand, thumbs-up, ”I’ll stay here a couple more days.”

”Steam Summer Sale?” Har opened a heavy wooden box containing many precious Magic Ores and numerous Imperial Nobility luxury items. The Vampire Lord reached out with a pale hand, grabbing a gem-encrusted glass goblet, nodding with satisfaction, ”Our trade contract is still valid, right?”

The vampires of the von Castain Clan most loved Imperial Nobility luxury items, taking as many as available.

”Yes, still valid, as long as I’m alive.” Gabriel Newell beamed.

”As long as you keep providing us with goods, you will not only continue living but live well. If you ever feel your life is nearing its end, we can assist you.” Vampire Lord Har leaned his pale face close to Gabriel Newell’s fat face, then signaled his men to collect the goods, ”Hope you won’t take so long next time.”

”I’ll try.”

The cargo was unloaded from the caravan, quickly filling the Marinburg merchant’s wagon with vampire Gold and Silver. The merchant’s wagon turned, heading toward Musillon’s streets.

Har was still counting the goods when the young Mathew Bade appeared, observing Har’s items: ”Where is this cargo from?”

”From Marinburg, my trade partner. Matters of the von Castain Clan are none of your business, young man.” Vampire Lord Har did not even turn around. If it weren’t for the temporary cooperation between Manfred and Akhan, he wouldn’t even bother with this young Ranger Knight.

Mathew Bade wanted desperately to slay the Vampire Lord before him with his sword, but he knew he couldn’t. At most, he could slash at a cloud of black smoke or watch him turn into countless bats. He was about to continue questioning the origins of the caravan when Witch Demon King Akhan emerged from Merovin Castle, brandishing a Magic Staff burning with cyan flames: ”My godson, prepare. We’re moving on to our next plan.”

”Yes, my Godfather.” Mathew Bade could only glare ferociously at Har before turning to leave with Akhan.

......

With a single trade, the fat merchant earned a substantial profit. He rented two small rooms and a courtyard-equipped large room at the inn. The innkeeper and staff, holding considerable Gold, began preparing for a lavish dinner.

This inn was a large two-story wooden house with a small courtyard and high walls. Once the caravan entered, they immediately locked the doors. After verifying there was no tracking or surveillance, the fat merchant and all members of the caravan began unloading their baggage and parcels, placing the wagon inside the courtyard.

Gabriel Newell took out a bottle of water, applying it to his face: ”Infiltration was more challenging than anticipated. I think the vampire is suspicious of me. Amelia said this mask’s time limit is three days; we must complete the mission within three days.”

Wearing a low-cut sleeveless dress, the woman tearfully clutched her chest, angrily twisted Gabriel Newell’s waist.

”Damn! Laine, you scoundrel, you pinched me hard!”