Looking at Rose, the Spider Queen before him, blinking her large black eyes with feigned innocence, Vlad still didn't realize this had been a long-laid conspiracy.
After a moment of silence, he finally said:
"But we don't know the strength of that world, and the Church is still a threat to us."
Before he finished, Rose suddenly smiled with charm, covering her mouth as she laughed: "The Church? Hehe."
Vlad frowned in confusion, not understanding what she meant.
Rose leaned closer, her voice low and mysterious: "Tell me, what do you think of my strength?"
The question caught Vlad off guard, but he quickly understood.
With Rose's power as the Spider Queen, she was no ordinary sorceress—she had already reached a level beyond the fourth rank, the realm of godlike beings. How could she possibly be concerned about something as small as the Church? Relieved by the thought, Vlad said:
"With your strength, you clearly don't need to worry about the Church."
"You think it's that simple? Don't worry—the Church can't stop you." Rose lifted her chin proudly, her delicate face glowing with arrogance.
Seeing Vlad's puzzled look, she didn't answer further, only added:
"Focus on speed. Conquer that world.
The Church is not your only obstacle there. And to pass through the Dark Portal, you'll need at least the power of a low-level witch. That is the bare minimum."
"Otherwise, the force of interstellar transmission will tear you apart instantly."
She stretched lazily, twisting her graceful waist as she waved her hand: "I'm going back to sleep. Don't bother me unless it's important. We still have plenty of time—there's no need to rush."
With that, she vanished into the Book of Darkness.
As Rose disappeared, Vlad withdrew his gaze.
Everything that had happened today felt dreamlike, unreal.
Only after a long while did he turn his attention back to Ravenna, still struggling helplessly inside the illusion. For the first time, he felt a twinge of boredom.
With a snap of his fingers, the illusion broke. Ravenna's eyes fluttered open, her breath ragged as she stared blankly at her surroundings.
When her gaze landed on Vlad, a complicated surge of emotion filled her—fear, hatred, and something unnameable. She couldn't stop staring at him.
"What other tricks do you have? Use them all," she rasped, her voice hoarse.
Her empty eyes shifted to the ceiling, a single tear sliding down her cheek.
Vlad hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. Setting aside the faint reluctance in his heart, he told her quietly:
"You may go, but on one condition."
Ravenna blinked in disbelief. "You won't… kill me!?"
Vlad frowned. "When did I ever say I would kill you?"
"Then you…" She trailed off, stunned. He had never said "death." Only "punishment."
For a moment, she was silent, her eyes locked on him.
Then, slowly, Ravenna rose, straightened her disheveled gown, and asked in a husky voice: "What condition?"
"Join the Wizard Council. Become one of its members."
Her eyes widened. "The Wizard Council… in Wallachia? In the south?"
"So you've heard of it." Vlad gave a faint smile.
Ravenna's expression shifted. "Then you must be… the King of Wallachia. Vlad Dracula."
"That's right."
"So? Do you agree?" He raised his glass of red wine and held it out to her.
After a pause, Ravenna's lips curved in a charming smile. She accepted the glass. "Of course. Why not?" She drained it in one swallow.
"Hah…" She exhaled softly, then admitted with a smile: "Truthfully, I'd already considered joining.
I heard the Wizard Council raised two first-level witches in less than half a year. That kind of achievement is extraordinary."
Her tone had regained its calm confidence.
Vlad watched her, noting how quickly she had steadied herself. A flicker of admiration passed through his eyes.
"Then, here's to our partnership." He raised his glass again and finished it.
With his goal achieved, there was no need to linger. Vlad stood, preparing to leave.
But just as he turned, a pale, slender hand caught his sleeve.
Startled, Vlad looked back. Ravenna's expression was complicated as she asked softly: "You're just going to leave?"
He frowned. What did she mean by that?
Her eyes never left his as she untied her belt. The fabric slipped from her shoulders, pooling at her feet to reveal her flawless, snow-pale body.
"You are the only man I'll remember. The only man who has ever conquered me."
She walked toward him slowly, her long legs graceful, her voice low and tempting: "Am I not beautiful?"
Vlad's gaze lingered on her form. Ravenna tilted her head, whispering: "What are you hesitating for?"
Her breath brushed his ear, sending a shiver down his spine.
He didn't hesitate any longer. With such a gift laid before him, it would be a waste to refuse.
Meeting her smoldering eyes, Vlad suddenly swept her up into his arms and carried her to the great bed.
In an instant, the room filled with the clash of passion.
Time passed. The dark clouds outside dispersed, and dawn broke.
At last, the storm subsided.
Vlad held her close, her proud, delicate body pressed against his.
Looking at her flushed cheeks and watery eyes, he murmured:
"Ravenna… I never thought you'd be this kind of woman."
His warm breath grazed her rose-colored ear, making her shiver with goosebumps.
"Mhm…" She gave a soft sound, turning over to nestle into his arms.
"What kind of woman am I?" Though drowsy, she suddenly grew curious, looking at him with interest.
"A woman who hides deep insecurity."
Ravenna froze. After a long pause, she whispered:
"Go to sleep."
The next morning, Vlad watched her depart.
Turning to the King of Leyle, who stood respectfully beside him, he commanded coldly:
"According to plan, expand the Blood Flame Church's power in the north. Kill anyone who dares to stand in the way."
"Yes, great Lord Vlad."
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