Within the Vampire factions, there are actually divided into extremist and moderate groups. Extreme groups need no explanation, while moderate vampires generally lead secluded and affluent lives.
But for Mr. Laine, it makes no difference; no matter what kind of vampire it is, killing them is always the right thing.
The only harmless vampire is a dead vampire.
Alfred thought to himself, Laine is really ruthless, yet the Paladin had no objections. He only expressed a bit of emotion: "Speaking of which, Laine, you've left me behind. You are now a renowned human hero on the Continent, each Chaos Champion falling at your hand, while I am still just a Temple Guardian."
"But your path is correct; being a Paladin is inherently a slow-growing profession, Afu, don't lose heart." Laine knew Alfred was not discouraged, as he himself was truly an anomaly.
Compared to his brothers, he was already considered slow-growing.
"Hehehe~" Alfred was an optimistic guy.
The two soaked in the bath for a while longer, then got up.
"Whew~ So refreshing~"
"Ah~ I really want to drink beer soon~"
"Is the beer heated?" Alfred asked while drying his golden hair with a towel.
"No worries! It's been prepared long ago! Super cold."
"Hey! Are you drinking cold beer during the Winter Festival?"
By the time they arrived at the dining room, Amelia had already prepared a feast of turkey.
For a Winter Festival dinner, the most indispensable dish is the roast turkey. A sufficiently sumptuous and delicious roast turkey takes half a day to prepare. Stuffed and placed in the oven, it's roasted for about 3-6 hours depending on the weight. Once juices appear, they are periodically extracted and brushed back onto the turkey. Since the afternoon of returning home, Amelia and Laine spent almost the entire day preparing this grand Winter Festival dinner.
Aside from the turkey, a proper turkey dinner includes roast bacon, roasted potatoes, roast sausages, and various side dishes and fruits. Additionally, appetizing cocktails, sweet beer, and red wine champagne are essential.
"Amelia, sit, join us for dinner!" Laine said while holding a roast chicken leg, inviting Amelia to enjoy it together: "After all, there are only three of us at home."
"Thank you, Mr. Laine!" Seeing Laine's sincere attitude, Amelia sat beside Laine as well.
Thus, amidst the flying snow and winter night, the three enjoyed a most delightful turkey feast.
Laine's appetite was astounding; he single-handedly devoured most of the remaining turkey. After finishing the meal, Laine and Alfred chatted about recent events: "Speaking of which, what's happening in Brittania lately?"
"Knight King Richard has announced a new Knightly War, with the goal of clearing the internal threats of bandits and Beastmen." Alfred nodded. The two talked about recent occurrences, given that Laine was heading to Brittania, it was essential to understand some things in advance. Find the newest release on novel(ꜰ)ire.net
Since the Dor Tower incident, Brittania's national power began to decline. Due to civil wars, the Dukes lost trust in each other and started ruling independently. Although the King remained the nominal national leader, he could no longer command the Knight Kingdom as he used to. In such circumstances, various factions began infiltrating Brittania.
In the northern part of the Knight Kingdom, due to the strength of the New Empire and Nord's active defense, the Northern Barbarians found fewer opportunities, leading to a decline. Brittania became their ideal target for plunder. From the northern Connet Duchy and Leonais Duchy to the western famous port of Boldro Duchy, the frequent attacks by Northern Barbarians left the knights of the Kingdome exhausted, not to mention the pirate fleets of Dark Elves appearing.
In the central part of the country, Beastmen run rampant in the Arden Forest. Though the previously eradicated Beastman Tribe reappeared, they mostly engaged in petty theft, causing the Knight Kingdom to deploy troops annually for cleanup.
The Duchy of Connaught is ruled by the Undead. The Blood Red Duke claims he is the legitimate heir to the Duchy of Connaught and continues to wage war.
In the south, invaders from the Southern Realm always covet the Knight Kingdom's prosperity. The Estalia Kingdom and Duke Theodoric of Borelion have waged several wars consecutively. However, the Duke has not managed to completely drive the invaders away, while other Dukes simply watch indifferently.
Duke Montefel guards Axe Bite Pass where he faces virtually endless Green-skinned Army.
"Few places truly enjoy tranquility and peace; only Winford Duchy and Bastogne Duchy and a few other inland duchies do." Alfred summarized, realizing Laine's future path: "So, are you heading to Brittania soon?"
"Yes." Laine nodded, "After the Green Grass Festival."
The two continued to chat for a long time, before Alfred took his leave: "I still have to attend the Justice Church's vigil tonight, so I'll be off."
The Justice Church holds vigil activities on Winter Festival day, and seeing this, Laine didn't keep him from leaving.
Thus the household was left with Laine and Amelia. After cleaning up, Laine noticed she looked a bit tired: "If you're tired, go rest!"
"No, I'm just a bit tired, not sleepy at all." Amelia thought for a moment, and the maid seemed to get a bit bolder: "So, Mr. Laine, will you be heading to Brittania to become a Lord?"
"What? You don't like it?" Laine invited Amelia to sit beside him, saying in a gentle voice, "If you don't want to follow me to Brittania, you can stay here, or you can leave."
Previously a mercenary, Amelia was not only skilled at household chores but also a great cook. After living together for some time, the distance between the girl and him gradually shortened.
Who knew Amelia would shake her head vigorously, her face blushing: "No no no no! Mr. Laine, going to Brittania is very good! I'll definitely go with you."
Seeing this, many thoughts crossed Laine's mind.
Going to Brittania is very good?
Strange, logically speaking, the Empire is the most powerful country on the Continent; ideally, the best choice should be to go to the Empire. However, Laine knew the Empire had no development space for him. Its vast lands were each governed by rulers. The Emperor's throne was a candidate election system, while Prince-Elector titles were hereditary. Under such circumstances, Laine had little prospect for advancement.
Unlike the Knight Kingdom, where upper nobility has significant fluidity.
But Amelia shouldn't be considering these things; being from the most powerful country, shouldn't she prefer Laine heading to the Empire?
"Alright then, when the invitation arrives, you'll go to Brittania with me." Laine nodded, and Amelia nodded repeatedly, feeling secure staying by Laine's side.
"Tomorrow there's a grand auction at the slave market, let's go check it out! Having you handle the cleaning of the entire house alone is too exhausting, I'll see if there's a suitable maid to buy one or two back." Noticing the sweat on Amelia's brow, Laine made up his mind.
Knowing Laine had made up his mind, Amelia said no more.
So, early the next morning, Amelia put on a deep blue woolen coat, a white blouse with a black tie, a deep blue skirt, and high-heeled boots, following Laine to the edge of the Temple University District, adjacent to the port dock area.
There lies a worldwide famous market.
Marinburg Continent Talent Market.
"Today let's find you some help there!", in the crowded talent market, Laine signaled the maid to stick close, not to get separated.
Amelia clung tightly to his clothing, looking around anxiously.
"Don't worry, with me here, no one can harm you." Indeed, the more populated the place, the less secure Amelia felt. Laine kept her protected while listening to passersby's loud discussions about today's auction.
"What's at the auction today! Seems like major guilds have appeared!"
"Not only that, many Upper and Lower House Members of Parliament have arrived!"
"So, what exactly is attracting them?"
"My father's brother's aunt's nephew's son works inside the auction, I'll secretly tell you, but don't spill it to others, alright!"
"Among today's auction lots, there are dark elves!"