The Duke's Passion

Chapter 774  This particular night IV

Heliot slowly crumbled the piece of paper after reading the letter once. 'This again,' he thought. Heliot had been hearing certain memories from different people that he couldn't remember. He was aware it was because of this reversal of time that he forgot the relationships he had built in the original timeline. It was annoying, especially since his last encounter with Lilou had left an impression on him.

But now, even Florence left a letter, telling him he ordered her not to return to Karo at all costs. Why would he say that? And did she say she died? Didn't they say Florence would become the empress of the Heart's Empire, and become Rufus's wife? How would an empress die so easily?

Myriads of questions surged in Heliot's already muddled mind, and this letter was the last straw. No one knew what happened to him, and he could've died just as they claimed. But why would he die?

As Heliot was forced to focus on this mystery, everyone didn't have any clear answer, a knight stepped inside the room. "Your Highness," called the knight, putting an abrupt stop to Heliot's train of thoughts. Heliot slowly snapped his eyes at the knight, frowning, furrowing his brows. "A guest is requesting an audience," said the knight the moment he met Heliot's eyes. "A guest?" Heliot's frown deepened. "At this hour? Tell them to return tomorrow."

The knight showed conflict in his eyes. "But Your Highness, the guests came from a prominent clan."

"Which family was it?"

"The request came from the Le Blac," the knight reported. "There was a woman. She said her name was Beatrice Le Blac, and she told us you will regret it if you refuse her request."

Heliot kept his frown, but hearing which clan his guests were, his displeasure was replaced with puzzlement. He pondered about it for a moment, before gazing at the knight. "Lead the way."

"Yes, Your Highness." With that being said, the knight led Heliot to the sitting room, where the guests were waiting. Stopping in front of the room after minutes of walking, the knight stepped aside to give way. "Don't let anyone know about this meeting," Heliot said, casting the knight a sidelong glance. "Yes, Your Highness." The knight bowed, already keeping this visit with the highest secrecy. The reason he personally went to the prince to report about it.

Heliot nodded in satisfaction, raising his chin. His face bore the same plain countenance, opening the door. As soon as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him, his eyes searched for this guest. There, standing in front of the window, was a woman. Her head was kept in a neat bun with a few strands of hair dangled down her slender neck. Even from this distance, Heliot got a whiff of this unique scent coming from her. As a person who wasn't fond of strong perfumes, Heliot found her scent a little tolerable. Actually, she smelled pleasant. He studied her from head to toe. Her stature was alright — not tall, but also not short. Even when the woman was facing him, he could tell her bearing was not bad, her shoulders a little low.

"What do I owe this visit, Princess?" Heliot's monotonous voice pierced the silence after a moment of observing the woman. The woman slowly turned on her heel to face him. She had a small face and alluring facial features. She was beautiful at first glance. Enchanting was the correct term to describe her. However, despite her allure, which was worthy of every man's admiration, Heliot felt this slight disgust from her subtle smile.

"Greeting, Your Highness, Heliot Von Stein." The woman, Beatrice Le Blac, curtsied meekly. She kept her smile, straightening her posture, and facing him with a smirk. "I am grateful for accepting this sudden request."

"Take a seat, Princess." Heliot marched towards the armchair, motioning his hands to the other chair across from his spot. "I assume for the princess of the Cross Kingdom to be in the land of Karo, this matter will be important."

Despite the repugnance in his gut, Heliot concealed any traces of it from his face. This wasn't the first time he felt so repulsed by another vampire's presence. Hence, hiding this distaste was not a problem for him. Beatrice simply smiled as she sat down across from him. "It is, indeed."

"However, if this matter Your Highness wants to talk about was an official matter both kingdoms needed to talk about, you would've sent an official letter of request." Heliot didn't beat around the bush, insinuating they should cut to the chase. "Seeing you are here alone and without a delegation, I presume this matter requires secrecy."

"That is right, Your Highness." Beatrice's eyes shone with an inexplicable glint, keeping her subtle smile that just appeared like she was seducing someone. "I will cut to the chase just as what His Highness wanted."

"That would be greatly appreciated." n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Beatrice let out a dry laugh.

"The purpose of my visit doesn't have anything to do with my status as a princess of the Cross Kingdom," she said while he listened attentively. "I am affiliated with some people on the mainland."

"With the king?"

"I cannot disclose their identities."

Heliot frowned. "I also have connections in the mainland, Princess. If they need something from me, I believe they do not need to go through you first. They would come to Karo directly."

"Indeed, but as I've said, this isn't an official matter that needed to be recorded," she said, and the side of her lips curled up into a smirk. Seeing her reaction, Heliot narrowed his eyes. He got the gist of her remarks. If not for unjust elimination, what else would this woman want from him? Knowing there was a regression, and he needed an answer for himself, Heliot remained silent and waited for further details.

"Lilou Bloodfang," Beatrice dropped the name. "I heard you already met the last pureblooded Bloodfang."

"And what about her?"

"People… wants her gone," she answered without a second hesitation. "We want you to do the job."

"And why would I do that?" he laughed in ridicule, only to see Beatrice smirk. When her lips moved, dawdling her words, his pupils dilated as he unknowingly held his breath.

"Interesting, isn't it? Your Highness?" she asked, cocking her head to the side. "I bet that caught your attention."