The Holy Varnishel Empire’s southern coast boasts seven natural harbors, known as the Seven Linked Stars—or the Queen’s Jeweled Necklace.

The Holy Varnishel Empire operates under a constitutional monarchy. Its supreme ruler is Her Majesty Queen Elaine Varnemux Saint Varnishel. Now seventy years old, the revered monarch has presided over decades of peace and prosperity. Her relentless military victories abroad have further cemented her immense prestige among the populace.

Domestic affairs fall under the Parliament, led by Speaker Capenobinos—a man in his fifties who appears decades older. His reforms have steered the common folk through countless hardships, earning him widespread admiration.

Military campaigns, however, are managed by Intelligence Division Five. Under its command serve five admirals: Cavalry, Infantry, Navy, Garrison, and Imperial Guard. The Division’s head is Marshal Elenorund, a sixty-year-old veteran. The Empire’s sole Wand Knight, he is revered as its War God and Guardian.

Beneath the Speaker, officials—ministers, stewards, and deputies—maintain orderly governance of land and livelihood. Under the Marshal, admirals, generals, commanders, and captains tighten their grip on the military, expanding territories to secure the Empire’s growth.

Strolling through the port cities of the Holy Varnishel Empire, one feels prosperity in every clean, orderly street.

*“According to Faglas’s report, the Duchy pales beside the Empire. Not even a beggar in sight…”*

*“Indeed, Master. Everywhere brims with delectable food… ah, such blood-rich humans. They must taste exquisite.”*

*“…(Silver Lock is of the vampiric bloodline. Of course her perspective differs.)”*

Pipe sat in a rented carriage, pondering whether to reshape his subordinates’ view of humans. Then he recalled his own undead form. A sudden, seething hatred flared—*I want to slaughter them all. Heh heh heh… It’d be fascinating.*

His calm returned instantly. *So this is the undead influence. Ma Xiaoming’s persona fades as Pipe takes over.* He had to stay cautious. Ma Xiaoming’s lingering presence restrained Pipe’s darkest impulses. Wiping out these civilians would take mere hours—but it would expose him to the entire world.

Righteous heroes would never tolerate it. Until he became truly invincible, Pipe Captain’s persona must not run wild. Yet complete isolation was impossible. His followers craved wealth, sustenance (humans), a powerful leader, a formidable organization… power, status, pleasures.

*Should I kill them all and vanish into solitude?*

*Ridiculous. How could I? After all these days… their loyalty, their care—I feel it. Damn it…*

*Then I’ll move forward for their sake. Step by step.*

*Perhaps… becoming invincible would silence their troubles!*

Purames’s devotion. Greenland’s affection. Faglas’s worshipful gaze. The Twin Stars’ reverence, treating him like a god… He couldn’t let go. He *wouldn’t*. *Whoever—no matter who—dares harm them… whether Pipe or Ma Xiaoming, I’ll end them.*

*Sigh. This burden weighs heavy… Ah! What a hopeless fool I am. Running away now? How shameful! No—I must strive too! Starting with gathering intelligence. Magical intelligence… To repay their loyalty, I’ll become a worthy leader. First, uncover the strengths and weaknesses of nearby powers…*

Only now did Ma Xiaoming and Pipe truly fuse into one mind. He hadn’t foreseen this change… but it was born from these loyal, beloved subordinates.

*“O Conqueror! My glorious Master! We’ve arrived~! I personally chose this residence for you~! May it please you~! But if not… Lil V shall prepare another at once~!”*

Pipe stared blankly at the mansion beyond the carriage window. *This is enormous!*

The gate easily fit three carriages side by side. Ivy crawled up its walls. Inside, gardens bloomed with trees and flowers around a sculpted fountain. The main building—three stories high, shaped like a “U”—held over sixty rooms. From afar, it resembled a villa rising from an emerald garden.

*“…Good thing I have this sealing ring. Otherwise, all these plants would wither the moment I stepped near.”*

Pipe glanced at the ring on his pinky—a last-minute suggestion from Purames. He hadn’t even known it existed in the treasure vault beneath his crypt. It masked the undead aura of resentment and decay clinging to him. Without it, every plant along his path would have shriveled instantly.

*That vault… mountains of gold aside, Captain Pipe’s centuries of plunder held countless mystical artifacts. This ring was merely one. Purames and the others are sweeping the seas clean of pirates with our undead crews and human allies. With Karl’s strength as the benchmark, they’ll succeed swiftly. When I return, I’ll reward them with gear suited to their talents…*

*“Your wisdom leaves us in awe, Master… Please enter this temporary estate.”*

Three Siren guards and Silver Lock alighted, bowing as they awaited Pipe. Hillock sprinted to the carriage door and knelt, back arched.

*“Hm?… Hill Rock. What are you doing?”*

Pipe moved to exit—but Hill Rock’s spine formed a human stepping stone. *How am I supposed to—*

*“To serve as your step, Master.”*

*“Guh—(What!? I’ve heard of this, but—NO!)… This—(a storm of *wocao* in his mind)… No—(I’m no creep who tramples girls)… Urgh—(mind chillingly calm)… Fine. (Yielding under their expectant gazes.)”*

Stepping onto Hill Rock’s back, Pipe felt a faint, satisfied sigh beneath his boot. He shook his head helplessly as Silver Lock adjusted his golden ponytail.

Pipe’s icy expression radiated haughty nobility—a natural dominance. Not by choice. Though witchcraft disguised his undead form as human, no magic could replicate the fluidity of mortal expressions. He remained perpetually cold.

*“Hmph… A figure of true authority.”*

Noble carriages passing through the district slowed. Onlookers marveled. *What power does this lord wield? That bearing… Is he the Crown Prince? Unseen before. Worth investigating. An alliance could yield immense profit.* Using a delicate girl as a footstool—that was an emperor’s indulgence. His aloof disdain wasn’t feigned. It was the loneliness of one who saw no equals… only himself, utterly unique.

*“From now on, my public name is… uh… this…”*

Pipe struggled. Neither “Pipe” nor “Ma Xiaoming” suited nobility.

*“De—(Dracula!? Why does that infamous Impaler’s name surface? No time—)… Dracula. (Add another syllable.)… I am Count Dracula… Dracula Joe Shuya, Count of Wallachia Kingdom—from across the sea. (Facepalm. Forgive me, Impaler…) We travel for leisure. Remember this.”*

*“We… have memorized our Master’s new honored name.”*

*“Good. Let’s enter.”*

Barely an hour after Pipe crossed the mansion threshold, news of Count Dracula Joe Shuya’s arrival in Purple Rose Harbor spread like wildfire through noble circles.

Aristocrats possess keen noses for intrigue. They began discreetly probing the Count’s origins.

He was a foreign noble, they learned—crossing oceans from the unheard-of Wallachia Kingdom. *Surely a distant land…* Further inquiries suggested otherwise. More crucially: the Count was young and obscenely wealthy. *How wealthy?*

His gold coins bore exquisite, artistic engravings. Nobles could read a nation’s stature through its currency. *This isn’t a fraud.* Excitement rippled through their ranks. Curiosity about this mysterious realm was inevitable—but possessing firsthand knowledge meant bragging rights, proof of one’s erudition and distinction.

*Ah… his homeland must overflow with artistry. Behold these coin patterns!* Experts immediately deciphered deeper meanings. Only a civilization advanced beyond measure would craft such detail on mere currency. Gold’s value lay in purity—yet weak nations never wasted effort on ornamentation. Only superpowers adorned their coins.

Nobles bought the Count’s coins at exorbitant prices. Analysis revealed their gold content surpassed local currency at a 1:1.5 ratio—three local coins equaled just two of his. Factoring in artistry? Five for one. *A civilization-advanced nation. An economic powerhouse. Why else enrich coins?*

Next, whispers surfaced of the Count’s three stunning lady guards. Beauty alone was common—but three women of exceptional grace and unique aura signaled extraordinary taste.

Naval soldiers reported seeing them leap from ship to dock.

Inquisitive nobles measured the distance and concluded that even a man trained for three to four years might not land steadily after jumping from such a height. Soldiers who had seen the three women described them as uniquely elegant beauties. Without their warrior attire, no one would have guessed they were female warriors.

The hidden implications were even more astonishing. Beauties weren’t hard to find. But women who combined elegance, beauty, and talent? Rare. No one could excel in every aspect; everyone had flaws. Only large nations with vast populations could easily uncover such multi-talented individuals. So how did one acquire these female guards? Nobles recalled old rumors. First, gather many high-quality young girls—those born with excellent potential. The quantity had to be huge, like farmers selecting plump seeds. Only the finest seeds could yield good crops, but that was merely the first step. After raising them, provide multifaceted training: elegance through education, beauty through meticulous care, and combat skills to protect against assassins. Certain refinements required over a decade to cultivate. Many girls would be eliminated as they grew and failed expectations. Only a few perfect ones remained—or sometimes none. Thus, one had to raise multiple batches, hoping to harvest gems as guards for important family members. How difficult was this? Only super nobles could manage it! Not even major clans without state power could achieve it. Outsiders knew nothing. Such a feat was impossible and unworthy for anyone but super nobles.

Additionally, someone learned the count had brought a female companion of exceptional beauty. Based on descriptions, some nobles immediately categorized Silver Lock as a concubine or catamite.

In noble circles, an unwritten rule held that status was judged not by rank but by one’s concubines or catamites. Marrying a wife was merely selling one’s body for political gain, while taking concubines and buying catamites showcased unique taste. Through vivid descriptions by nosy nobles, Silver Lock’s appearance spread quickly. Silver hair—had anyone heard of a maiden with silver hair? It seemed no women here had such hair... Exotic allure!

It was said this noble cherished his concubine deeply, even personally carrying her off the ship. Clearly, she was more favored than the three beautiful guards. Her quality must surpass theirs. Not only did he have those exquisite female guards, but now such a unique, possibly skilled concubine? The nobles were stirred up again, eager to rush to Count Dracula’s manor to witness her allure.

Some even claimed this noble’s appearance was the epitome of nobility—a noble among nobles. Well, wasn’t that obvious? His exceptional servants already suggested he was a man above others. How could his looks be lacking? Even if they were, it wouldn’t matter! Nobles who relied on their looks were the lowest kind. Naturally, men dismissed this gossip, but ladies vividly described how Count Dracula looked heroic and extraordinary, handsome and masculine. They recounted how he carried his concubine down the gangplank with steady steps, reaching shore with gentlemanly grace. How tender and affectionate... It was said he wore a trendy tweed coat. Was this to blend into our circle? Or simply a humble gesture to avoid attention, not wearing attire from his homeland?... But rumor had it the coat was vibrant red with white snow fox fur cuffs and collar, exquisitely crafted. Plus, he owned a pocket watch made by a dwarf master. Clever—luxury in understatement.

All this was uncovered completely by the nobles’ network in under three hours. If Pipe knew, he’d surely turn them into undead to build an intelligence network. Perhaps even state agents couldn’t match their efficiency... Sometimes, human potential is unlocked bit by bit through stimulation.

So, for these messy reasons, a ball invitation arrived at Dracula Joe Shuya’s manor and was presented to Count Dracula.

————A grand ball will be held tomorrow evening in the Small Floral Hall of the Admiralty mansion. This is a gathering of all nobles. We hope Your Excellency the Count will grace us with your presence.

Signed: Admiral Julius Bandem

“......A noble’s ball, Silver Lock. As a Child of Night, have you attended one before? (I’ve never been to a noble’s ball... it sounds intriguing!)”

“Does Master wish to attend this ball hosted by the Admiral?”

“Hmm... Ah, I think since all attendees are nobles, we might gather important intelligence.”

“No problem. It’s been over a century since I last attended a ball. If Master wishes to go, I’d be happy to accompany you... So what troubles you, Master?”

“Because we’re posing as nobles, we can’t afford exposure. Also... I’ve never attended a ball. I don’t know what it’s truly like.”

“Oh, may I have the honor of teaching you dance and ball etiquette, Master?”

“Very well. From now on, you are the teacher. I am the student. Teach me everything about balls in one night.”

Luckily, the manor was spacious. As a Child of Night, Silver Lock knew human nobles’ customs intimately. It turned out the Children of Night invented all this... Who would have thought? Their noble conduct was admired by humans.

“Then, Master, let us begin with etiquette...”

An undead body had many advantages: no sleep, food, or drink, and no fatigue. Pipe’s mind was clearer than before. No matter how complex the knowledge, he memorized it after one explanation. He quickly mastered ball etiquette—an extremely intricate set of protocols. Its complexity was unimaginable.

“Master, observe. When a gentleman holds a cup, it should be like this. Hand movements mustn’t be stiff; they should exude elegance. Ah, perfect! Master, you’re amazing! You learned it in one try! Foolish humans need months of practice to grasp the trick... It takes a year to become habitual.”

“It’s merely that my body control surpasses humans’. Continue.”

“Hmm, there are several ways to handle approaches and responses... namely... Master, did you remember?”

“No problem. Continue.”

Soon, Silver Lock realized Pipe was truly formidable. Her eyes sparkled with starry admiration. His immense power, wise decisiveness, sagacity, and care for subordinates... Truly worthy of the sovereign I serve.

“Next comes dancing... Master, you’re incredible! You mastered such intricate etiquette in just one hour, with perfect ease.”

“A noble should uphold humility, Silver Lock. You’re an excellent teacher. Thank you... Without you, I couldn’t have succeeded.”

As he spoke, Pipe took Silver Lock’s hand and gently kissed the back of it. His expression lacked the requisite smile, but everything else met noble standards perfectly. Yet, precisely because his expression remained unchanged, it felt fitting for nobles’ hypocritical facade... A noble who openly displayed this seemed more genuine than those wearing masks.

“Hmm? How was my performance? Why are you spacing out?”

“...Ah! Nothing! Master, you just looked like a true noble... I lost my composure. Apologies.”

“I was merely reviewing your teachings. Now, let’s begin dancing.”

His body control was exceptionally strong, executing movements without error, coordinated by his sharp mind. He quickly mastered the dance... Next came wine-tasting knowledge. Due to the witchcraft disguise, eating and drinking were necessary. Relying solely on illusion magic would expose him. So, Silver Lock placed a small demon in Pipe’s empty chest cavity, connected below his mouth. Food and drinks sent down the prepared path would be consumed by the demon. Thus, no matter how much he ate or drank, he wouldn’t be exposed.

“Master, that’s all I know. You’ve completely mastered it... I can’t believe it took only five hours.”

“I am the leader of the Scythe of Death. Mere human knowledge couldn’t stump me... Tomorrow night, I’ll attend the ball with Silver Lock. Lil V, you come too. Del Sira, as a Child of Night, you stay to guard the manor... Hill Rock, you stay as well. Silver Lock... hand over all your vampire servants to Del Sira.”

“Yes!”

“As you wish, my master.”

“Understood!”

“Leave it to me, Master!”