39

"Moreover, milord, with your devoted entourage you can always easily unwind in pleasures."

"Oh... what are you talking about?"

"How it has changed in twenty years, my lord," noted Gedeon, sitting down opposite the flushed Eriolan. - "White-winged vampires and half-bloods among ordinary courtiers. And how do they get along?"

"Half-bloods?" The King looked puzzled.

"Yes, among your guards I noticed a phoenix. Who is he?"

"Phoenix? What are you saying? You have misunderstood it!"

"Eri..." Gedeon said in a gentle tone. "Such energies cannot seem to me... I am myself a phoenix! Who is that young man and why was he wearing a mask? ...Ah, did you want to hide him from me? Don't... I'm damn perceptive!"

Eriolan widened his eyes at what was said, not expecting insight from the reborn Count Taylor.