96: Chapter 96 An Unexpected Discovery! Traces of the Vampires! Elena's Response!

Gino County, the sky cleared after the snow.

After Rowan completed the refinement of the Scarlet Hymn Breathing Technique, his strength and life level leaped once more.

He was in a good mood and, having a rare moment of leisure, took Elena and Mira to the commercial district of Gino City for shopping.

There were quite a few shops in the clothing district, with people coming and going.

Elena preferred exquisitely designed dresses; she had a petite and delicate figure with a slender frame.

She was currently trying on a lilac-colored, waist-cinching cashmere gown in a noble boutique.

The hem reached just to her ankles, outlining her slender waist and elegant neckline; paired with her fair complexion, she looked pure, soft, and endearingly fragile.

She also took a fancy to a moon-white fur cloak, which added a touch of moving charm after she put it on.

Meanwhile, Mira had a special fondness for another style.

She was tall and curvaceous, and she tried on a boldly cut hunting-style riding skirt.

The top was a form-fitting leather jacket, and the bottom consisted of knee-length culottes for easy movement; paired with long boots, it perfectly showcased her vigorous and powerful physique.

Her flame-like long hair cascaded down, dazzling and eye-catching.

The two were enthusiastically trying on new clothes of different styles, then looked toward Rowan in the lounge area with a hint of shyness and anticipation, asking for his opinion with their eyes.

Rowan responded with an appreciative smile, occasionally nodding or giving a brief comment.

Based on Rowan's different reactions and comments, the two purchased several sets of clothing each.

Of course, they didn't forget to select several sets of well-made casual wear and formal attire for Rowan.

After the clothing purchase was complete.

The group, accompanied by servants, arrived at the jewelry district, a favorite of noble ladies and misses.

Elena took a fancy to a silver necklace set with pale purple crystal fragments.

Mira couldn't put down a pair of gold earrings set with fire opals.

...

It wasn't until the sun set on the horizon.

That they prepared to head home.

On the way back, the servants followed behind carrying various bags and loaded the items onto the carriage.

Once the things were stowed, the carriage started.

It began the return to Snow Velvet Manor.

Inside the carriage.

The warmth of the sunlight had not yet fully dissipated, and the faint fragrance of the women filled the air.

Elena and Mira spoke in low voices about the unique design of a piece of jewelry they had just seen, or the amazing texture of a certain garment and which high-tier magical beast's fur was used.

Rowan leaned against the comfortable backrest, closing his eyes to rest.

However, just as the carriage passed through a certain area—

Rowan suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze shifting slightly as a trace of surprise flashed through them.

His [Vampire Prince] trait was triggered!

There were vampires nearby!

And their rank was not low!

He thought for a moment and quietly used the special perception within his Prince's Authority, spreading it toward the direction he sensed.

At first, it was just a blurry sensation, like a distant spark in the dark night.

But as he concentrated his mind, the perception became clear.

Cold, obscure, and ancient, carrying the desolation and blood-scent unique to the North.

More importantly, the level of life energy it emitted had actually reached the level of a High-Order Grand Knight!

This was at least at the rank of a Vampire Viscount!

Furthermore, the scent contained within this aura was somewhat similar to the Pale Knight he had seen in Mist Whisper Town!

Although it was more restrained and profound, that shared origin was unmistakable under his current perception!

A powerful vampire of the High-Order Grand Knight level was actually hiding in the core area not far from the Church?!

This discovery made him raise an eyebrow slightly.

Count Farrell was already dead; who was masking this aura to evade the detection of the Church's formations?

Thinking of the Pale Knight being captured alive by the Church, the Scarlet Heresy Case not yet concluded, and the current situation where Aria was still digging deeper...

Rowan's brow furrowed imperceptibly.

He pulled back the curtain and cast his gaze out the carriage window as if casually, toward the direction his perception had locked onto.

The afterglow of the setting sun outlined the silhouettes of the magnificent buildings along the street.

He quickly identified that it seemed to be the manor area where The Senate's observation team was staying?

Although he couldn't pinpoint the exact building, the general area was correct.

The Senate's observation team?

He lowered his eyes in thought.

A clear thought surfaced in his mind.

Such an important discovery—he had to hurry to the cathedral and report it to the priest!

But he looked at the harmonious atmosphere of the two women in the carriage and slightly suppressed the urge to turn back to the Church immediately.

Forget it, there's no rush for this moment.

The information was confirmed, and the other party didn't seem to have any signs of immediate action.

Visiting the Church urgently at this time might even arouse suspicion.

It would be better to visit openly during the day tomorrow.

With his mind set, Rowan lowered the curtain, leaned back against the seat again, and closed his eyes to rest.

Meanwhile, he began to silently rehearse his explanation for his meeting with Aria tomorrow...

...

Night, the master bedroom on the top floor of Snow Velvet Manor.

The fire in the fireplace dispelled the chill of the winter night.

The air was filled with a fresh, cold floral fragrance.

Elena had just finished bathing, her damp long hair cascading over her shoulders, wearing only a moon-white silk nightgown she had bought today, her bare feet stepping on the soft carpet.

The nightgown was light and thin, outlining her slender waist and undulating curves; under the firelight, her figure was faintly visible.

She was facing the mirror of the dressing table, combing her long hair with a quiet expression and a hint of post-bath languor.

Rowan leaned against the headboard, holding a volume of miscellaneous notes about ancient ruins in the North, but his gaze did not fall on the pages, but quietly on Elena.

He looked at her delicate neck, where the skin was fair, glowing warmly under the candlelight, with faint blue veins visible.

The newly acquired [Vampire Prince] trait made his perception exceptionally sensitive to blood.

He could hear the steady and powerful pulse of her carotid artery and smell the intoxicating aura of vitality contained in that blood.

A thought quietly took shape in his mind and became increasingly clear and strong.

He rose soundlessly and walked behind Elena.

The mirror reflected their close figures.

Rowan reached out his arms, gently encircling Elena's slender waist from behind, pulling her whole body into his embrace, his chin resting on the top of her head, which smelled of fresh shampoo.

Elena's body stiffened slightly, then relaxed as she leaned back into his warm, firm embrace, asking softly:

"What's wrong?"

Rowan was silent for a moment, his arms tightening as he buried his face in the side of her neck, taking a deep breath of the scent of her body mixed with the bath fragrance, his voice deep:

"Elena, do you trust me?"

Hearing this, Elena turned around, looked up, wrapped her arms around Rowan's neck, and answered softly:

"Of course!"

There wasn't a single shred of doubt in her eyes, only complete reliance.

Rowan looked into her eyes, his fingertips gently brushing over her smooth and delicate neck, feeling the warm pulse of life beneath the skin, and said in a magnetic voice:

"I want to do something to you; it might be a bit special, and there will be some benefits."

"It's a ritual that can deepen the connection between us and also allow you to... possess some new power.

"Just like... when you obtained extraordinary power by inscribing the [Thunder Titan Mass] Spirit Pattern on your body."

"You... are you willing?"

Elena listened quietly, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

She reached out, cupped Rowan's face, and gently kissed the corner of his lips with a tender motion.

"As long as it can help you, as long as it's useful to you, no matter what it is, I am willing..."

"My everything has long been yours..."

Her response was somewhat unexpected to Rowan.

But he didn't think much of it, simply returning a casual kiss before chuckling:

"Then... let's begin quickly!"

He spoke no more, impatiently picking up her light body in a princess carry and walking toward the soft, large bed.

After placing Elena on the bed.

Rowan leaned over, looking at her beautiful eyes which were slightly widened due to nervousness and anticipation.

In the next moment, with a slight thought, he quietly activated the [Vampire Prince] trait...

...