Chapter 71: Clearing His Name

Chapter 71: Clearing His Name

In the hearts of every Sanguine present, even if Emlyn could not be called the strangest of their kind, he would definitely rank among the top ten.

As members of a race born with extremely long lifespans, cultivating one or even several hobbies to pass the time was quite common. Emlyn was far from the only Sanguine who liked dolls. The problem was that aside from buying new dolls, matching them with new clothes, and going to hospitals in search of blood to drink, he almost never went out. He was not fond of interacting with his own kind either. Unless he particularly craved fresher blood, needed to study history, or had to exchange relevant materials and items, he basically never attended their gatherings.

This kind of lifestyle was almost the same as those high-ranking figures so old and decrepit that they had no choice but to lie in specially made coffins to barely maintain their existence. No one could see the slightest trace of a newly adult Sanguine in him. Naturally, Emlyn became a topic of casual chatter whenever other Sanguine gathered.

In previous years, everyone had merely mentioned it in passing and joked privately, the way they might discuss Backlund’s many eccentrics. But after it was said that Emlyn had “gotten lost” and walked into the Harvest Church by himself, only to be caught by a bishop of Mother Earth and locked in the basement, his image began sliding all the way toward shame of the Sanguine and protagonist of every joke—nearly beyond recovery.

Yet this very fellow, who had brought embarrassment to their entire race, had actually hunted three believers of the Primordial Moon in succession!

And every one of them had been an artificial vampire!

Did he ask the clergy of the Church of Mother Earth for help? Or hire some especially formidable bounty hunter?

One thought after another flashed through the minds of different Sanguine as they speculated on what method Emlyn had relied upon to win the competition.

Just then, Casimi gave a light cough and said, “Emlyn collected the corresponding characteristic legacy on his own and has already become a Baron.”

Baron…

When the Sanguine looked at Emlyn again, the bewilderment and doubt in their eyes had lessened. Instead, there was more shock, surprise, and astonishment.

For the first time in his life, Emlyn was watched by his own kind with such gazes. All at once, he felt as if his entire body had become light and buoyant. Delight filled his mind, making him strongly wish to raise his chin proudly and say, “You should address me as Your Excellency Baron now.”

This satisfaction is like saving money for a very long time and finally buying the doll I wanted…

Emlyn silently sighed in praise, restrained the words that had risen to his lips, and, with a faint smile, slowly swept his gaze around the room. Then he buttoned his coat, stood, and walked to Casimi Odora’s side.

Only after the other Sanguine returned to their senses and looked toward the two Barons before them with complicated expressions did Casimi finally speak.

“The winner of this hunting competition will directly enter the candidate list for Viscount and receive free assistance with the ritual.

“In addition, he will receive a ring personally made by the Ancestor.”

As he spoke, Casimi took a silver jewelry box carved with intricate patterns from his pocket and snapped it open, displaying it to every Sanguine present.

Inside was a ring whose entire body was semi-translucent, as if made from pale-red amber. At its top was set a blood-colored gemstone, half the size of a fingernail, emitting a faint, eerie glow.

“It is called Lilith’s Ring. It makes the wearer more charming and keeps them constantly in the excellent state produced by a full moon,” Casimi introduced roughly. “It can also cause the surroundings to enter a full-moon state, greatly enhancing corresponding Beyonder abilities. At the same time, it can project a door—a door that leads into the depths of…