Fairness? Did such a thing exist in this world governed by the law of the jungle? No. In this world, the weak were destined to be devoured by the strong. As long as you were stronger than others, you would stand taller. If you were weak, then death would be your fate—this was the so-called Melody of Death. In this 'war' in England, Yang Yi hadn't expected much. Although what he had gained so far... indeed exceeded his imagination.

However, he didn't believe that gaining this power meant he would have a fair confrontation when fighting others. Although he didn't know when this thought would fade away, at least for now, he hadn't changed this idea.

Night fell, and a crimson moon hung above the Vampire Castle.

In this 'war' between the British Royal Family and John Asley, there was no final result, nor any true end. Perhaps, this was only the real beginning. For Britain, for John Asley, and perhaps even for Yang Yi, this was the genuine start, taking yet another step toward standing on the world stage.

"Report, Colonel!" shouted a Knight soldier.

"Speak!" The young Knight Colonel stared straight ahead, having already sensed something amiss, though he couldn't yet grasp the nature of the situation.

The Knight soldier saluted. "Colonel, eight figures have been spotted ahead. The opposition seems incredibly strong, but..."

"Bring me the binoculars," the Knight Colonel commanded, waving his hand with a serious expression before the soldier could finish.

"Yes!"

The Knight Colonel took the binoculars and saw eight figures clad in black tailcoats, their hands stained with blood, their pair of abyssal red eyes projecting extreme arrogance. Most terrifyingly, a trickle of bright red blood occasionally escaped the mouths of these eight unknown individuals in tailcoats. The Knight Colonel was utterly aghast: "Vampires?"

"Could the rumors be true? That John Charlie didn't eliminate the Eight Great Vampire Dukes back then, and now..."

"Colonel, a report is coming from the front. Someone is ordering us to retreat immediately, or else—!"

"No need to doubt. Relay my order immediately: the forces belonging to the British Royal Guard are to withdraw at once," the Knight Colonel said, handing the binoculars to a soldier.

The soldier who took the binoculars was filled with doubt. It was the first time he had felt his Colonel exhibit fear, the first time he felt him tremble.

"Hurry up and go?" The Knight Colonel’s eyes were wide; extreme terror gripped his heart. He knew the truth about the Vampires better than anyone. He still hadn't forgotten the scene from many years ago.

"Yes!"

Not long after this order was passed down, all the cavalry soldiers who had been attacking the Vampire Castle retreated. The eight figures, having achieved their objective, stood before the gates of the Vampire Castle, their pair of deep crimson eyes fiercely fixed on the structure ahead. This was the place where they once enjoyed the highest honor, and the place that had destroyed everything they held dear in a single night.

They exchanged glances, their blood-red eyes appearing even more sinister. The moon hanging in the sky seemed to be influenced by them, growing increasingly eerie. Consequently, the cavalry regiment inside the castle—the personal guard loyal to John Asley—felt an inexplicable dread upon seeing these eight elegantly dressed but bloodthirsty men and women.

"The John Clan, your blood debt will be paid today."

John Asley, who had been sitting on the large chair with his eyes closed in deep thought, suddenly snapped them open, as if he had heard a phrase that had been perpetually echoing in the depths of his mind. Just as he was about to call for someone, a figure walked in through the doorway—it was Lorth.

"What is it, Lorth?"

"My King, this is bad. The British Royal Knights have completely withdrawn, but...!"

"Vampires?" John Asley voiced the doubt burning in his heart.

"Yes, the Eight Great Vampire Dukes are advancing toward us step by step. My King, if you do not decide soon, I fear...."

"Lorth, you and I have known each other for over a decade. You know perfectly well that even if they can save my life, for someone who has become useless, they will..."

"My King, please trust Lorth." Lorth knelt halfway, placing one hand over his chest in supplication before John Asley could finish speaking.

"Perhaps there is a saying in Huaxia that rings true: For a gentleman, revenge is not too late even after ten years," John Asley said, as if having made a momentous decision.

############################################################### "Has Young Master finished dressing? Her Majesty Queen Merian's people have arrived," Feng Shi asked Yang Yi, who was changing in his room.

Yang Yi looked at himself in the mirror, a faint smile playing on his lips. He casually donned a hat, the tailcoat complemented by a gentleman's cap, finished with a cane. He couldn't help but marvel: "Ah... this Young Master is truly too handsome. I never expected wearing these things to have such an effect. This is simply... a gentle... a gentleman, no, a rogue gentleman. Hahahaha."

The rogue's self-admiration skills remained as potent as ever. Although it had to be admitted that he looked extremely dashing in the attire, due to his rather slender build and delicate features, the effect was slightly diminished. (Yang Yi: Damn you, I finally dressed up nicely, and you have to knock me down like this? Author: I like it, what can you do about it? Yang Yi: ...Going crazy, I despise you, shameless Author. Author: I'll suck your pacifier dry. Yang Yi: Waaah, is it easy for me?)

Ignore! At this moment, only a look of utter dismissal could be given to Yang Yi. Upon opening the door, the rogue performed a courtly bow towards Feng Shi standing at the entrance, acting every bit the gentleman. "Yo, lovely lady, does this Young Master have the honor of spending a pleasant evening with you tonight, basking in the beautiful scenery?"

"Young Master," Feng Shi’s face flushed crimson from Yang Yi’s sudden move and suggestive words. She playfully admonished him with a slight pout, "If you don't hurry, I'm going to get impatient."

"Alright, alright. Let's go." Yang Yi took a deep breath. This fellow was just like that other one, that other one whose name he couldn't recall—a total master of facial expression changes.

A night had passed, and it was now high noon. Regarding the events of the previous evening, although Yang Yi hadn't witnessed them firsthand, he could generally piece things together. What surprised him slightly was that John Asley managed to escape the pursuit of the Eight Great Vampire Dukes who had been hunting him—that was truly unexpected.

"Your Excellency, the Duke, a pleasure to meet you for the first time!" A handsome young man dressed in a proper, blue-collar aristocratic suit immediately knelt halfway, placing one hand over his chest, upon seeing Yang Yi and Feng Shi emerge.

However, Yang Yi, just stepping out, paused momentarily upon hearing this address and asked, "Your Excellency, the Duke? Are you addressing me?"

"Yes, Your Excellency, the Duke," the handsome young man smiled. "Her Majesty Queen Merian decreed new ranks for everyone yesterday, and Mr. Yang is now the first person in Britain, aside from the direct royal nobility, to possess the rank of Duke. Therefore, addressing you as Your Excellency, the Duke, is correct."

Yang Yi did not linger on the matter, merely nodding. He glanced at the classical English carriage, settled inside, and muttered softly, "A Duke, huh?"

Feng Shi, hearing his murmur, smiled without speaking, naturally hooking her arm through his and leaning her head on his shoulder before asking, "Young Master, when do you plan to return?"

"Mmm," Yang Yi pondered for a moment. "It's about half a month until the exams back in Huaxia. Yes, returning early to be a good student for half a month—that could be quite an interesting thing to do."

"Your Majesty, Queen, Duke Yang Yi has arrived," a maid informed Merian Lilith.

"Mmm," Merian Lilith glanced at her reflection in the mirror and muttered, "It seems Big Brother only likes beautiful women. Hmm, I wonder if Lilith is beautiful?"

"Your Majesty is, of course, beautiful."

Just as Merian Lilith finished speaking, Yang Yi's voice was heard. With an expression of sheer delight, he rushed up to Merian Lilith and, ignoring the astonishment of all the maids, gave her a huge bear hug. "Big Brother, why are you here? Lilith was just thinking about coming to see you."

"Heh heh, my esteemed Queen, there is no reason for a Queen to come see her subordinate. It is far more appropriate for the subordinate to come see Your Majesty," Yang Yi said with a smile, looking at the girl who was only sixteen.

Although only sixteen, in many aspects she had surpassed everyone. This was evident in how she handled the matter of the direct royal nobility; she was not someone who could be dismissed based on age alone. However, in her, Yang Yi saw the shadow of someone else—the image of that little girl who used to cling to his shoulder and act spoiled at the slightest provocation.