It didn't come as a surprise to any of the leaders that another meeting would be called so soon. Each of them had learnt things that were going on during the time since the last one had been called. It was clear to every one of them, this simple execution and the problem with the Punisher, were becoming bigger and bigger.As for Hulian[Muka], before exiting from the tunnels, he had ordered his guards to deliver blood to Arian[Fex]. He wanted to make sure he would be okay and survive until the execution time. Also, he had ordered Mill[Sil]ver to leave the place immediately and to return to her castle.At first, she had refused several times, that she wouldn't leave until she knew her brother was okay, and in the end, Hulian[Muka] had to pull his authority over her to send her away. But in truth, Hulian[Muka] was looking out for Mill[Sil]ver. He feared that whoever had dealt with his own Vampire knights was possibly still keeping an eye on them.He couldn't feel any extra presence, but there was a high chance this would be reported back.If they weren't there right now, they would ȧssume that only Hulian[Muka] new of the fact that what happened to Arian[Fex], and he didn't want Mill[Sil]ver to be involved in all of this. He could see looking at her, that this whole thing happening with her family was taking a toll on her.
While on his way to the king's castle and council room, Hulian[Muka] was thinking about who could possibly be responsible for doing such a thing to Arian[Fex]. If they were able to scare his own Vampire knights into doing such a thing, then it would have to be someone at least on the level of a vampire lord.
Knowing Arian[Fex] had hidden the identity of the illegal, and now that the illegal had been saved by the Punisher. He could only ȧssume it was one of the leaders that was afraid of the punishers return.
That would leave out, the fourth, the fifth and his own the ninth family. He could also take out the thirteenth family. Hulian[Muka] couldn't imagine Jeremy[Lee] doing that to his own son, no matter how much he cared about the rules.
In Hulian[Muka]'s mind, there was one clear suspect. The first leader Charles[Bryce]. For a long time now he had already been acting as if he was king, going around and doing as he pleased without asking permission of the others.
It was true that he had the favour of most of the vampire leaders to be selected as the next king. If anyone was more afraid of the punishers return, then it would be him. But he couldn't make that bold accusation in front of everyone. It would be a serious crime to so so. Hopefully, when Arian[Fex] had come to, he would be able to give more information on who had attacked him.
Finally, all of the leaders had made it into the room, and for once it looked different compared to before, that was because, in the tenth seat, there was someone sitting there. Someone they hadn't seen for a long time. The old Vampire knight Harrison[Edward]. As for the king's seat, and the seat that was opposite it. They both still remained empty.
"There seems to have been some interesting developments that have come up since last time." Charles[Bryce] said. 'So I would like to continue the meeting form where we left of last time and so the same thing does not happen. I have asked Harrison[Edward] to come here as acting tenth leader for now."
The others new that possibly couldn't be the only reason why Harrison[Edward] was called, and as Charles[Bryce] started the questioning, they quickly found out it wasn't.
"Harrison[Edward], it seems that the tenth castle lit up recently. We all know the flame was lit up again a while ago. Has the tenth leader finally returned, or has a new one come into the castle in their place? Last time you were here, we asked you if you knew who it was, but you said you had no idea and hadn't been in contact with Odom[Vincent] for years. Yet, you still seem to be loyal to him till this very day."
It looked as if Charles[Bryce] wasn't trying to sugarcoat his words and went straight into the questioning. If these questions were so directly asked to the other leaders, then maybe they would have complained. But they too were interested in the lighting of the tenth tower, and at the end of the day, Harrison[Edward] was only a vampire knight, not even a vampire knight anymore, an ex vampire knight.
"I am still just as clueless as all of you, " Harrison[Edward] replied calmly. "I was in my house sleeping as usual. It wasn't until recently that I found out of this information myself. I was in the middle of checking out the tower when I had been called for an emergency summons, so I have yet to find out the cause of this myself.
"But if you would like my opinion on the mater, I believe it was a false alarm. The tower only glowed for a brief second before shutting down again. If the leader or new one had really returned, then the tower would be still lit up even now."
Harrison[Harrison[Harrison[Edward]s]] reasoning had made sense to the others, but even a false startup of a castle had never happened before. So they didn't really know what to make of it.
"Okay, did you get the report about the Punisher and the criminal escaping to the tenth's area? We are still wondering how exactly they had managed to get the access codes to enter your underground tunnels. Besides that, have your men reported anything about seeing them?" Charles[Bryce] asked.
"You overthink, " Harrison[Edward] replied. "Do you think with the tenths power as it is, we are planning some sort of uprising? Anyone of the families could crush us like a bug. Please tell me oh, mighty first leader. Where in the world are we hiding this large army to go against you all. We don't even have a leader, and most of those who live in the tenth, hate the families guts."
Charles[Bryce] stood up from his seat in anger, and his eyes flickered glowing red, he looked Harrison[Edward] directly in the eyes as he cast his influence skill.
'Tell me now, did you tell the punisher the combination to your underground dungeons?" The skill being used was strong, and it was far stronger then Harrison[Harrison[Harrison[Edward]s]] resistance, so he had no choice to reply.
"I did not, " Harrison[Edward] replied in a monotone voice.
Just then, Charles[Bryce] was about to ask another question. But suddenly, Hulian[Muka] stood in front of Harrison[Edward] blocking the eye contact made between the two.
"He already answered your question, " Hulian[Muka] said. "May I remind you it is a grave offence to use your influence skill for an integration without the leader's permission."
"And who do I ask, you stupid fool!" Charles[Bryce] shouted back.
"Didn't you say, Harrison[Edward] would be acting as the tenth leader for this meeting? Then you can not have double standards. Learn your place."
Hulian[Muka] didn't care for what was happening to Harrison[Edward]. He was never really close with the tenth family in the first place, but he was still extremely frustrated that his vampire knights that had recently been killed. He was almost certain it was Charles[Bryce]'s doing, whatever was happening he didn't want Charles[Bryce] to get his way.
"Fine, we shall move on to the next matter. When asking about invading the tenth castle, the king had declined our access to enter the castle area." Charles[Bryce] said. "He stated that we must get permission from the tenth leader themselves and if the tenth leader isn't present. To ask Harrison[Edward], and that was my reason for bringing him here today."
It was clear to everyone that especially after what Charles[Bryce] had just done, Harrison[Edward] would refuse. Even if he did have something to hide, most of the leaders would have rejected out of principle.
By now, Harrison[Edward] had come to his usual self and had heard the last statement.
"I refuse access to the area of the tenth, or his castle, " Harrison[Edward] said confidently.
"Fine!" Charles[Bryce] replied, slamming his fist onto the table. "Very well, then we shall start the execution procedures. Due to the nature of what is happening all leaders and at least a single vampire knight must be present at the execution. As for the tenths family, Harrison[Edward] shall take the role as the leader and will stay at the king's castle for now until the execution. This is an order coming down from the king."
As it was an order from the king, the others couldn't refuse such a thing and had no choice but to comply. They all felt though there was no need for every leader to be present for just an execution of a single boy.
As the meeting was cancelled and they all left the room, Hulian[Muka] caught a smile on Charles[Bryce]'s face, he had found out something, and most likely the information was from Arian[Fex] himself. Was the Punisher going to try to save Arian[Fex] as well?
Is that why he had asked all the leaders to be present.
Harrison[Edward], hearing the news that he wasn't able to return to the castle, was worried. On top of this, all the leaders were going to be present. He had expected some, but not all. He couldn't imagine Archer[Quinn] getting out of this alive if he was to go through with his plan.
"Odom[Vincent], where ever you are please protect the young boy."
To be continued....
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