Uneasy, she felt those sharp eyes staring at her.
"If we don't end the 'Enthronement Ceremony' soon, the Magic Banquet will have to be postponed," the man said with a casual laugh. His voice echoed in the empty hall, cold and piercing.
In the hall, she saw the arrogant count and the noblewomen bowing their heads, obediently listening to the man's words.
He must be the ruler here. He is the one I have been searching for. Why does his voice sound so familiar?
"My beloved, noble king. Your arrival has bestowed the highest honor upon us ignorant people."
Ivina saw Pujeo kneel on one knee for the first time, his right hand clenched into a fist, pressed against his left heart. The gesture resembled that of a loyal knight.
"Duke Dandel, the great name, our king."
Then, in the vast hall, the vampires rose like a tide, bowing in unison. Some of the lower-ranking vampires bowed so deeply that they were practically prostrate, and Ivina couldn't help but smile.
But the sounds of worship soon fell silent, and the atmosphere became so terrifying that it was suffocating—everyone bowed reverently to the ground. Only she, an inconspicuous young girl, stood coldly in place, not knowing what to do.
What should she do? No one had ever taught her the proper etiquette!
S stared intently at the panicked girl below the stage. He had never seen such an impudent woman before. He glanced at the majestic king, then shouted sternly, "Ignorant vampire woman! Kneel!"
Ivina was startled. Vampire? Was he referring to her? She looked at the mark on her arm and suddenly realized. She hurriedly knelt down, but the crowd around her was already in an uproar.
"Arrogant woman."
"Look at her black eyes—she's just of lowly blood."
"Being seated with her is a disgrace."
"So rude—the king will surely execute her."
Ivina looked helplessly at Pujo, but saw only a strange, cold smile.
"Everyone, take your seats. Gra Vistata, come forward."
The man's words were concise, and as soon as he spoke, the commotion subsided.
Ivina struggled to her feet, her heavy cloak making it difficult to move.
"You... hello," she said, suppressing her fear and trying to keep her voice steady.
But there was another round of mocking laughter around her.
"Gla Vistata. From this day forward, you are a blood witch."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Ivina felt a sharp pain. A blue rune appeared on her snow-white arm.
Didn't he even ask about her background? Or had he already investigated it?
Ivina approached cautiously, filled with doubt.
"Thank you, ... King." She knelt on both knees, gathered her courage to speak, and found no signs of contempt around her, sighing in relief.
"As a witch, you have been granted your title by me and recognized by Prince Sarge Pujo. Therefore, you have the right to choose the elder you will serve. However, once you make your choice, you must swear to serve him loyally and obey his commands."
The crowd glanced at Ivina with disdain; clearly, no one wanted this witch—a woman of unknown origin and unclear background—by their side.
The sensitive girl naturally sensed this, standing awkwardly there, lost and directionless.
"Gla Vissata." The two men spoke in unison.
Ivina looked anxiously at Sarge Pujo standing beside her, then turned to the other source of the voice—the imposing man.
Pujo was surprised that he had involuntarily called the girl's name, hoping she would become his witch. His plan had nearly failed due to his foolish impulse. He bowed his head heavily and said no more.
"Gla Visata. From today onward, you shall be the witch by my side."
At these words, the crowd gasped in shock!
"King, how can she become the noble Blood Witch? It is unacceptable! We oppose it!" An old vampire with a deathly pale face stepped forward from the dark crowd.
"Rick, did the King say she is a Blood Witch? How dare you! Step back!" Siu stood by, more scholarly and bookish than the other vampires. But now, he glared fiercely, firmly defending the leader's absolute authority.
The old vampire, as if possessed, was driven back by the rebuke.
"Do you have any objections?" The man looked down from above at the helpless Ivina below.
She merely shook her head timidly. Blood witch? What was that? Would becoming one grant her the right to leave? Judging by the vampires' tense reactions, she knew this title was no ordinary one.
But soon, she felt ignored. "Everyone, compose yourselves. I know you didn't come here out of interest in the 'Enthronement Ceremony.' Then, it's time for the 'main course.'"
Before he could finish, Pu Jiao spoke without emotion.
"Don't you all want to know... what splendid attire the witch appointed by the great king is wearing to the banquet today? Take a good look!"
The cloak covering her entire body was forcibly torn off, and Ivina felt a sudden chill.