A Trip To The Treasury

Rite of Execution.

In Whitelock tradition, the village elders are the highest office a vampire could hold. Their position is almost on par with the chief. That's why the village elders weren't allowed to kill. They were the judge of the people, and they were the chief's personal advisers.

However, if driven into a corner, and a village elder wanted to kill someone, they will undergo a ritual called the Rite of Execution. It is basically a ceremony wherein the village elder would step down from his or her position.

At the same time, they could request a duel with the person they wanted to kill. It would then lead to a fight to the death. Thus, it was called the Rite of Execution.

Albrecht was aware of the Rite of Execution, and he was exactly aiming for that so he could further control the entire situation. A smile appeared on his face.

"The Rite of Execution states that both sides should agree on the conditions first, right? I'm guessing your condition is that you're going to step down from your position as the village elder... in exchange for my life, right?" Albrecht confirmed.

At this point, Prima wasn't surprised anymore. Albrecht knew the intricacies of the Rite of Execution, so what could he be other than a vampire? With that confirmation, Prima nodded his head, and he stood up from his high seat and pointed his staff at Albrecht.

"And... what would your terms be?"

"You're stepping down from your position anyways, right? I'll be asking for the other village elders to step down as well. At least you'll be able to focus on your women, right?" Albrecht shrugged as he riled up the entire group.

"In exchange... you'll allow me to cure the chieftess. I don't have to ask you that since I'm going to do it anyway. And by the time I win this match, you won't be in the position to tell me otherwise."

As if on cue, the doors to the house of the village elders swung open, and a certain Hunter Whitelock came in. He wanted to know what was going on, that's why he pushed Efvin out of the way and forced himself inside. He was too late, though, since everything had been decided.

Prima was fairly certain that everything Albrecht said was a bluff. The sleeping sickness was known as an incurable illness. There was no way Albrecht knew how to cure the chieftess.

Even if they were to get removed from their post, they'd be able to claim it back since Anastasia would most certainly lose against Hunter.

This was the reason why the other village elders didn't talk back when Albrecht gave his conditions.

"Then... I'm giving you a day. The Rite of Execution will take place at the center of the village. I hope you won't get cold feet tomorrow, vampire." Prima smirked before dismissing both Albrecht and Anastasia.

— — —

Since the commotion was over, Efvin and Hunter watched as Anastasia and Albrecht headed to their place. This was the first time they met Albrecht and it confused them a little bit.

If there was someone that influential in the Whitelock Tribe, then he should've been popular by now. Nevertheless, he just appeared out of nowhere and caused a scene.

"Claude's dead," Efvin said out of nowhere, addressing Hunter who was nearby.

"What?!" Hunter exclaimed. Even though he badly wanted the position of chief for himself, the death of a cousin was not something he wished for.

"It is a day of great mourning, Hunter, so it would be wise if you don't cause another scene. We're going to hold a ceremony for Claude tonight." Efvin muttered. There was great pain in his voice.

Efvin may be a high-ranking vampire, but he was Claude's best friend. He personally trained Claude in combat, and they were childhood friends. Right now, he badly wanted to cry his heart out, but he mustn't show such vulnerability in front of the other high-ranking vampires.

He turned away, quickly wiping a stray tear from his face before beckoning at his group.

As for Hunter, he clutched his fist and held it to his heart. Pursing his lips, he bowed towards the opposite side of the sun. It was a sign of honor and respect to the recently deceased.

— — —

Half an hour later,

After arriving at the village chief's house, Albrecht and Anastasia were greeted by a group of vampire maids who were informed of their arrival. They too had no idea who Albrecht was, but judging from his handsome looks, they concluded that he was not a half-descendant.

As to who his parents or relatives were, they could only wonder.

"Young miss, you have returned." An old vampire greeted. He was the right-hand man of the chieftess, Walterford Whitelock.

From the looks of it, he had been bawling his eyes out, grieving the young master's passing.

"Walterford, we'd like to see Mother."

"Sure, young miss, but may I advise that you two freshen up, first? You look like you just arrived from war." Walterford calmly said before sneezing on his handkerchief.

"We'd also like to visit the treasury." Anastasia continued.

With a nod, Walterford handed Anastasia a box. The box contained the key to the treasury, and it was surrounded by a complicated lock made of Zecian Aura. Only the blood relative of the chieftess could unlock the box, and only the chieftess could bestow the box's ownership to someone else.

"Thank you, we'll see Mother shortly." Anastasia gracefully bowed her head towards Walterford before she turned away.

As Albrecht and Anastasia headed to the treasury, Walterford extended his hand. He was deeply worried for Anastasia and Claude. Although the young master had died, he was glad that the young miss was safe. He wanted to express his relief to her, but he couldn't find the right words to say.

Albrecht then stopped short and retraced his footsteps. "Thank you for the sentiment, Walterford, I'll relay your words to her. I'm also glad that Anastasia is safe." Albrecht continued.

There were no words left to be said. Even though Walterford had no idea who Albrecht was, he sensed that he had a good heart. With a soft thanks, Walterford and the group of vampire maids returned to Theresa Whitelock's bedside.

As for Albrecht and Anastasia, they didn't wait around any longer. At most, they have one day before the fated Rite of Execution. They planned to cure Theresa's sleeping sickness before then.