The First Vampire - Chapter 363:
Chapter 363: 361 Red Maple Manor_1
Having crossed the Shadow Gorge, the Blood Knight Army continued northward.
After two more days of travel, the scout cavalry once again brought a “roadblock” before Colin.
However, Colin didn’t refuse the invitation this time.
Because, the handwriting on the invitation was clearly that of Queen Isa’s.
“Knight Logh, quicken your pace. We will rest in Red Maple Manor tonight.”
“Yes, my lord!”
With that order, the Blood Knight Army began to speed up, finally reaching the Red Maple Manor situated in the southern outskirts of Silver Moon City before sunset.
The golden afterglow of the setting sun shone on the flaming maple leaves, making the view before them look unrealistically beautiful.
Colin had deep impressions of this manor because just a year ago, he escorted Vera through here.
Moreover, they had left some pleasant memories here.
To his surprise, when Colin passed the Red Maple Manor for the second time, he found that Queen Isa was waiting for him here.
The beautiful scenery of the twilight mingling with the maple leaves was no match for the stunning silhouette at the manor’s entrance that intrigued Colin.
It had been a while, Queen Isa’s belly was already bulging, yet her face remained as exquisite as ever.
As a female knight, Isa wouldn’t suffer the normal pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or body swelling. Only the undeniable maternal glow lent a touch of warmth and kindness to the already noble, elegant, and matchlessly beautiful Half-Elf Queen.
“Why on earth are you outside? You should be safely in Silver Moon City! You’re pregnant and running around!”
Colin dismounted and walked a few steps forward, speaking in a somewhat reproachful tone.
Queen Isa then chuckled softly, responding in a tender voice, “I’m just here to relax. At this time of the year, the Red Maple Forest is a rare beauty in the world.”
Not wanting to reprimand the woman who was about to give birth to their child, Colin walked side by side with her into the manor, saying,
“Then shall I accompany you to enjoy the maple leaves?”
“Sure, the banquet is not ready anyway.”
Upon hearing these words, the crowd quietly dispersed, giving the reuniting couple enough privacy.
Princess Judy who felt left out also wanted to follow them but was stopped by Prince Harrison.
On this journey, Colin only planned to take Prince Harrison along. However, Princess Judy tenaciously insisted on coming. Colin, worried that what happened to Joyce might affect her fragile mind, agreed to let her come along as a distraction.
Nonetheless, Judy’s lively and carefree antics along the journey had made Colin feel that his concerns were misplaced.
“Why are you blocking me?” Judy glared at her brother and yelled at him in protest.
“The teacher and Queen Isa have important matters to discuss, why are you following them?”
“Important affairs? Who discusses important affairs right upon meeting? And they didn’t even greet us. How rude!” Judy protested vehemently.
“Perhaps Queen Isa didn’t notice the two of us.” Prince Harrison explained, “Besides, we came to the Half-Elf Kingdom as students this time, so Her Majesty the Queen doesn’t need to receive us with the courtesy due to the royal family.”
“Anyway, it’s outrageous!” Judy was still huffed, then she looked at the receding figures of Colin and Isa. Realizing something, she whispered mysteriously, “Hey, brother, do you perhaps know something? Teacher and Queen Isa seem to have a special relationship.”
“What… What are you talking about! Don’t speculate wildly.” Harrison responded nervously shaking his head.
In truth, he was not sure himself, when Queen Medela took him to Queen Isa’s coronation, he did speculate if the child Queen Isa was carrying was Colin’s. However, after what happened to Joyce, Harrison had developed a deep respect for Colin and naturally did not dare to conjecture about his teacher’s secrets.
Only Judy, with her bright, twinkling eyes, seemed to be hatching some mischievous plan.
…
“When is the expected due date?”
“About half a month more.”
Queen Isa was clad in a loose, white silk dress, one hand resting on her protruding belly, the other arm hooked around Colin’s outstretched arm, they strolled through the fiery red maple forest.
Her charming and alluring face gleamed with a happy radiance, her emerald-green eyes filled with tenderness and affection as she constantly observed her lover.
“Is everything ready accordingly?”
“Don’t worry, everything is prepared.”
Colin’s worries were somewhat needless. As the queen of the Half-Elves, for such a big event as Isa giving birth, how could there be no one to help her make thorough preparations?
Moreover, being a Bloodline, even if Isa’s heart were pierced, she wouldn’t be in any life-threatening danger. Therefore, childbirth is not something she should worry about.
Even if it were a difficult birth, Colin was confident that he could direct the doctor, in this medically primitive era, to successfully perform a cesarean section for Isa.
Of course, Colin certainly did not want Isa to suffer in such a way. It would be best if everything proceeded smoothly.
“Did you meet someone from the Lute Clan on your way here?”
“Yes.” Colin nodded, “They have also been looking for you, haven’t they?”
Queen Isa nodded, “Correct. However, I remember you saying that it isn’t the best time for a military intervention in Alfalfa City, so I rejected them.”
“You did the right thing.”
“However, the Lute Clan’s situation is indeed not good now. If there is no support from the outside, I guess it won’t take too long before they get kicked out of Alfalfa City.” Queen Isa slightly furrowed her brows, “It seems like I need to continue selecting the next city lord.”
Colin gave Queen Isa’s soft hand a squeeze, comforting her, “Don’t rush, I already have a plan.”
“Oh?”
Seeing the curious look on Isa’s face, Colin shook his head, deliberately being coy, “You’ll understand in due time.”
Isa nodded in agreement, no longer pressing the matter. She was indeed confident in Colin.
As the two were walking and chatting, they passed by a well built from white glazed rocks, within which a sapling was planted.
Colin curiously asked, “Why is this maple tree surrounded like this?”
“I planted it myself two days ago.” Isa answered in a soft voice, her face full of a maternal glow, “To commemorate our child who is soon to be born.”
Looking at the small sapling, Colin was abruptly moved, a sense of inexplicable emotion surged in his heart. He asked, “May I touch it?”
Isa, understanding that Colin was referring to their unborn child in her belly, nodded with a smile, “Of course.”
Colin looked at Isa’s radiant face, slowly wrapping her into his arms from behind.
Isa leaned against Colin naturally, clasping his hands and gently placing them on her belly.
Through the soft, silky fabric, Colin could feel Isa’s tender, delicate skin. The faint but steady heartbeat resonated clearly in his palm.
This pulse made Colin momentarily space out.
This little life connected to his bloodline, the continuation of his life, proved his existence in this world as real and not illusory.
For a long time, as a “visitor from another world”, Colin had a subtle barrier towards this world, as if he didn’t truly belong here.
It was not until he heard the heartbeat of the little life in Isa’s belly that Colin finally found his sense of belonging.
For a moment, his heart was peaceful, serene, yet full of strength.
Suddenly, a thought struck Colin – being the offspring of him and a Bloodline, would this child also belong to the Blood Clan?
Having this thought, Colin inexplicably felt somewhat expectant.
