At this moment, the change in Muriel's eyes and the sudden acceleration of her heartbeat did not escape the notice of Vlad, the ancestor of vampires.
Still, he didn't pay it much attention—after all, it wasn't only Muriel who was stunned. Even Vlad himself felt slightly dazed.
He had anticipated this outcome, yet seeing it with his own eyes still stirred something within him.
In the northwest corner of Augsburg.
"Sir, where are we going?" Muriel asked softly, afraid that a louder voice might ruin Vlad's mood.
It had been a long time since she'd behaved with such caution—perhaps not since her days as a witch apprentice.
But now, she was willing. Her only thought was to please Vlad.
This mentality was unthinkable for the Muriel who once aspired to become the Queen of Witches.
Around them, the town's residents eagerly recounted what they had seen and heard the night before.
Their stories were vivid and confident, as though they had witnessed everything firsthand.
Yet the tales they told only made Vlad chuckle—they weren't even worth refuting.
One story claimed that a witch had angered a dragon, been slain by it, and the entire forest had been scorched by its flames.
Another said it was divine punishment—a warning to all the witches near the town.
Such talk had become the dominant narrative. Today, Vlad even saw the townspeople cheerfully heading to church to pray.
"When did I become their God?"
"How absurd~"
Despite his words, Muriel could clearly see that Vlad was in a cheerful mood.
"Come on. Let's go find the white witch who lives in seclusion around here," Vlad said casually.
Understanding his intent, Muriel took the lead, guiding him toward the secluded home of the White Witch—Adrianna.
"Hey, Gretel, come quick! Look what I found!"
"Wait up, brother!"
As they followed a forest path, Vlad suddenly heard the cheerful shouts of children echoing from deeper in the woods.
He had been indifferent at first, but upon hearing the name "Gretel," his expression shifted. The shouting siblings had to be Hansel and Gretel—future protagonists of Witch Hunters, who would grow up to become famous witch slayers.
According to the timeline, in one year, the powerful White Witch Adrianna would be burned alive by the townspeople.
Thinking of this, Vlad glanced at Muriel ahead of him.
She wore a flowing black skirt, black leather armor, and tall boots. Her shapely figure swayed with every step—hips full and waist tight. The allure of a mature woman radiated off her.
Who would believe that this same woman would one day orchestrate the death of Adrianna?
But he didn't stop. Hansel and Gretel were still far too young. Compared to their mother, they offered no benefit for now.
Even if Gretel had latent luck, it wasn't yet the right season to "harvest."
Only once she matured would her blood offer the best nourishment. At that time, the special energy within it would be at its peak.
(PS: A girl's blood is richest in energy the first time she's drained. After that, it's never quite the same.)
This was why Vlad wasn't in a hurry to drain Little Red Riding Hood, Valerie.
Soon, the two of them came upon a small white wooden cabin at a bend in the path. This must be the home of the White Witch, Adrianna.
"Excuse me~ Who are you looking for?"
In front of the cabin stood a woman in a blue linen dress with a white inner lining. Her black, shoulder-length hair was loosely tied by two strands, and her face carried a dignified calm. She was watering the vegetable patch and surrounding flowers in the garden.
When she saw Vlad and Muriel approaching from the forest path, she asked politely.
Vlad took a moment to observe her. Her rough hands, plain clothing, and friendly manner made her seem nothing like a powerful witch.
"Haha, madam, are you Adrianna the witch?" Vlad asked directly.
The woman's expression instantly changed.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"There's no witch here. You must have the wrong person."
Her tone was still calm, but the warmth from before had vanished.
She returned to watering her plants as if nothing had happened.
Vlad only smiled and said nothing, simply watching her silently.
Eventually—
Clearly disturbed by his unrelenting gaze, the woman lost her patience.
She now understood he had confirmed her identity. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so sure.
"Tell me—what do you want from me?"
"If you've come seeking my help or anything like that, save it."
"I just want to live an ordinary life."
Adrianna cut them off before they could even respond.
Muriel frowned in displeasure and moved as if to act, but Vlad gave her a look that made her stop immediately.
"Witch!" Adrianna's expression hardened.
In that brief moment when Muriel had prepared to move, the aura she gave off had been enough for Adrianna to sense.
As a high-level white witch, Adrianna instantly realized that these two were no ordinary visitors.
"State your purpose, or I won't hesitate to strike."
Vlad remained calm, smiling as though visiting an old friend.
"Madam, won't you invite your guests inside? You must know I mean no harm."
Adrianna hesitated, then glanced at Muriel. Seeing that she hadn't acted out of turn, she finally led them inside.
After pouring them each a glass of water, she sat down on a wooden stool and waited for Vlad to speak.
"Witch Adrianna, I came here sincerely to invite you to join my kingdom."
"Ah, I haven't properly introduced myself. My name is Vlad. I am the current King of Wallachia."
At first confused, Adrianna was stunned. She rose to her feet immediately.
"You're… a king?"
Seeing Vlad's calm expression, Adrianna took a deep breath.
"I believe you. But even so, I will not join you."
"Madam, don't you want to hear my offer first? It would benefit you—and your family," Vlad said persuasively.
It was clear that Adrianna wasn't as disinterested as she appeared.
Watching her fall into thought, Vlad smiled. Without waiting for her reply, he began painting a vivid and alluring vision.
A place where she could live freely—without hiding, without being hunted by the Church, demon hunters, or any other forces. A nation ruled by the extraordinary, for the extraordinary.