"We have something to say...."

Edward flinches momentarily, startled by the sudden eruption of voices.

Oh, here it comes...

I glance down at the vocal individuals and focus on two vampires staring fiercely in my direction. Most of the other vampire lords wear wide grins, showing their support for this daring duo.

Observing them closely, they appear to be youthful vampire lords, around five hundred years old, but with the physical appearance of thirty-year-old humans.

The vampire on the left has jet-black, impeccably styled hair that matches his deep crimson eyes. The second vampire, who spoke, is of similar height, with unkempt blonde hair and a pair of saggy eyeglasses that threaten to slide off his nose.

Shifting my gaze between them, a sense of abnormality and desolation emanates, especially from the first handsome vampire who intermittently runs his hands through his hair.

"What do you have to say, Lord Reyes and Lord Bryce?" Edward asks, his smile forced, clearly displeased with the situation.

"Your Highness, I am Reyes Freeman, patriarch of the esteemed Freeman family. Our lineage has consistently produced individuals with exceptional blood-related abilities across generations, making us one of the most influential powerhouses in the vampire kingdom.

On behalf of the Freeman family, I object to your coronation, as I don't find you suitable for the role of king. However, if you prove yourself, Your Highness, by participating in the upcoming world's strongest tournament in a few days, I will pledge everlasting loyalty," Reyes declares, bowing deeply while meticulously readjusting his hair.

Reyes Freeman... Isn't he from Roth's lineage?! Wait, what is going on...

[Stay composed, master. I believe Roth intends to challenge you. He has always wanted to surpass you, but you have consistently outshined him in every aspect and refused to spar with him when he requested.]

So, Roth is willing to participate in the tournament just to challenge me? Damn... I admit he possesses considerable strength for his age, having defeated a vampire lord. However, the gap between him and me is immense, like heaven and earth.

"Your Highness, I am Bryce Sanguine, patriarch of the renowned Sanguine family and the most formidable vampire lord," announces the rough-looking, blonde-haired man with a slight bow. Bryce's words elicit clenched fists from the other vampire lords.

[I believe he is indeed telling the truth; otherwise, these vampire lords would have erupted in anger.]

Bryce continues speaking...

"As we all know, the Sanguine family naturally possesses extraordinary strength and is positioned to succeed the Mystro family in power. In fact, the Sanguine family has the greatest claim to the throne after the Mystros. However, Your Highness, we all know the truth. You are, in fact, from the Sanguine bloodline, as your father is a Sanguine," Bryce states, pausing momentarily.

Whispers and murmurs spread through the gathering of vampire lords as they engage in gossip and discussion.

What is this impudent bastard trying to insinuate...?

"As I was saying, it is evident that you are a Sanguine, Your Highness, even though the king used his authority to designate you as a Myst--"

"Bryce! Stop your insinuations before you cross the line and face the consequences!" Mother bellows angrily, rising from her seat and cutting Bryce off.

"Your Highness, please remain calm. I will handle this," Edward reassures my mother.

"Phew, who could have foreseen that this coronation would turn out this way? It has become quite a predicament," mutters Edward, wiping the beads of sweat trickling down his forehead.

"Oh my, Princess Jill, we all understand the truth. I suppose you must have fed His Highness a plethora of falsehoods--"

"Hold it right there!" I interject menacingly, releasing a fraction of my aura. Bryce trembles and clenches his teeth as he feels the weight of my menacing presence.

Thanks to my absolute control over my blood, I can manipulate my aura to instill fear in others at will.

"I detest it when someone speaks disrespectfully about my mother. I admit what you're saying is true, but are you aware of the pact between my father and the king that granted me the privilege to use the Royal family's name?" I explain, retracting my aura.

"I apologize for my audacity, Your Highness. In that case, let me continue. Since you don't claim the Sanguine lineage, I, on behalf of the Sanguine family, don't consider you a worthy king. There are many individuals more deserving of the throne than you. Furthermore, the power of the Mystro family has been waning for quite some time--"

"Silence!" Edward bellows.

"This is highly inappropriate and goes against the protocols of the ceremony--"

"Edward Sanguine!" Bryce interrupts, slamming his hand on the table.

"It's a shame that you, too, are a Sanguine. Moreover, I am not violating any rules, as I haven't disrespected the king to his face. I have simply spoken the truth. If a revolution were to occur now, the Mystro family would be overthrown because Princess Zamira alone cannot overcome all the exceptionally talented individuals--"

"Bryce! What do you take me for?!" Zamira shouts angrily, appearing in front of Bryce with a sword pressed against his throat.

"Euek~"

"Princess Zamira, you cannot harm anyone during this ceremony!" Edward pleads, his face filled with concern as he rushes toward Zamira.

I can't fully grasp her actions, but I can see that she is genuinely furious.

Gritting her teeth, Zamira sheathes her sword and returns to her seat, seething with anger. As expected, she is fully clad in armor from head to toe compared to the others.

[What else can you expect from a muscle-head? You should teach her a lesson or two.]

Indeed...

"That was quite unexpected," Bryce comments, wiping away the trickle of blood on his throat.

"As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, we already have another male Warlock among us, a perfect candidate for the heir. If Your Highness truly wishes to prove your worthiness, you should participate in the upcoming tournament," Bryce proclaims, a wicked grin slowly forming on his face as he adjusts his eyeglasses.

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