The Reborn Witch had a nice 'Tea Time' with the Dragon Queen today-Chapter 30: Manasseh, Deceiver of Bloods caught red-handed!

It's a regular day for Manasseh the merchant. The sun is high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the town of Rouen, and the smell of freshly baked bread wafts from the local bakery, mingling with the faint scent of the divine ashes from the bricks. She's in her office, surrounded by piles of paperwork and the occasional whine from a tired carrier pigeon. The white stones of the town's buildings reflect the light, giving the entire area an ethereal quality. But today, she's feeling a bit more...cautious than usual.

She glanced at the wordless guards beside her, the mercaneries without a single word. Their tall statures and stoic expressions made it clear they were not there for small talk. The office was a stark contrast to the bustling town outside, filled with the scent of ink and the quiet shuffling of parchments.

It's a life she has gotten used to for hundreds of years, and this day is no exception for her. She will achieve what she sets out to do.

"It's unfortunate...mother. At the end this is a worthless fate."

She sighed as she leaned back in her chair, as she drew out something from her pocket. It is a silk scarf, the first product she crafted herself when she discovered the special properties of silk from the Chiraz's Mercy, one that would have saved her clan from destruction. Alas, the war was a cruel joke, and she was the only one left to enjoy the spoils.

"Lady Manasseh." The door outside buzzed of a familiar voice, along with the heavy sounds of metal footsteps and clingings of swords. The guards beside her snapped to attention, their hands moving to their weapons.

"It's time..." Manasseh chuckled in defeat, she glanced at the scarf one last time, before leaving her seat.

"Come in, Mary."

The door creaked open, revealing Mary her loyal assistant.

"You've done well. I've a last gift for you."

A smile of a gently hunter curled up, as Manasseh handed out her silk scarf.

Unaware to her, however, a squeaky sound echoed through the corridors, and a pair of frosty eyes peered through the scheme that would unfold.

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This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

The street outside was a flurry of activity, the townsfolk going about their daily routines, oblivious to the shadow that loomed over their peaceful existence. The cobblestone pathways, runes of protection embedded within them, reflected the holy glow of the setting sun. The Town of Rouen had never seen the likes of the creature that was about to be revealed in its very heart.

Selene, along with her knights outside, watched from a safe distance as the merceneries entered the guild. The air grew tense, and she could almost taste the anticipation on her tongue. This was the moment she had been waiting for, to prove herself to her mother and to the town she was the lord they've been waiting for, as unconvincing as that might be.

And so, she shuffled out from the shadow, her subordinates following in sync with her steps, their boots echoing down the alley as they approached the entrance of the guild.

"Remember, no unnecessary casualties." Selene murmured to herself, her hand resting on the pommel of her sword. The knights nodded in unison, their faces a mask of solemn determination.

However, right as they were about to burst in, a red-haired merchant, came out first. Manasseh, now wrapped in her silk scarf, walked out casually. The knights and Selene froze in surprise, her eyes narrowing as she recognized the woman.

"How delightful. I do not expect to meet you here, young lady Selene." Manasseh's voice was a purr, the scarf hiding the lower half of her face, giving her a mysterious allure. Her eyes gleamed with amusement, and Selene felt a knot form in her stomach.

"Um..." Selene blushed under the scrutiny of the woman she had heard so much about. "Lady Manasseh, we're here on orders from...Lady Adil to secure your guild! We suspect it may be connected to the recent vampire attacks!"

"Your hesitation belied your conviction, Selene." Manasseh's voice was low and soothing, a stark contrast to the tension that hung in the air. She stepped closer, the silk scarf fluttering around her as she approached the line of knights. "But I understand, you are simply doing your duty. However, I assure you, my dear, there is nothing to be found here that would lead you to the vampires you seek."

The townfolks nearby had started to gather around the commotion, whispers of "What's happening?" and "Is it the vampires?" began to circulate. Selene's heart raced as she took a firm stance. Had her mother observed this scene, she would sigh again and pulled Selene away for her own good, but Selene was determined to show her worth.

"Well! I...I was just following the instructions of Lady Adil!" Selene's voice grew stronger as she tried to assert herself. The knights around her tensed up, waiting for her command.

"Please cooperate with us, Lady Manasseh." Selene's voice grew firmer, her hand tightening around her sword. The townsfolk had stopped their business, their eyes glued to the confrontation unfolding before them.

Manasseh glanced around, her smile hidden under the scarf as she has indeed made a commotion, but she knew her performance had to be believable. She took a step back, her eyes still fixed on Selene, her heart racing with the thrill of the moment. "Very well, young lord. I shall cooperate."

Then, she held her hands up, before confessing something, something that would shock the entire town if it were to spread.

"And just for my honesty, I am a vampire myself, Lady Selene."

The words hung in the air, heavy and unbelievable, as the townsfolk gasped. Selene's knights tightened their grips on their weapons, eyes widening at the revelation. But Selene's mind was racing, recalling her mother's words about the importance of keeping the peace and not jumping to conclusions.

"...please do not joke at this time, Lady Manasseh," Selene stuttered, her heart racing. The townsfolk had grown silent, their eyes darting between Selene and the merchant.

"I'm serious though? Benneth and Kolsac. Come here."

Then, two wordless mercenaries stepped out from the shadows of the guild, their eyes cold and unreadable. The townsfolk took a collective step back, the fear of the unknown creeping into their expressions.

"They too were vampires, though lacking the ability of speech as I do." As if to prove the lady's words, both mercenaries groaned as their hands transformed into claws, the sound of bones snapping echoing through the alley. Selene's hand tightened over the hilt of her sword, some of her knights already drawing their weapons.

"Vampires?!"

"In this town? Aren't Lady Adil's runes working though?"

"Wait!" Selene's voice cut through the panic, her hand shooting up to halt her knights from attacking. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Lady Manasseh, I understand your...unique situation, but...now that peace has come to us, and your...predicament from the vampire clans were known, the demons should not have a reason to fight here!"

It is true. The entire reasons the demon king is exiled was because how the demons wanted to live, as simple as that. With the promise of not ever interfering with the humans, they would stay in the Northern Iceland while the demon king is exiled to the East, far away from his beloved lands. It was a deal, a compromise to end the war. Selene knew how much the Young Alice has given for this peace, from books, and from whispers.

"And so...please ensure your companions won't...misunderstand our intentions." Selene's voice remained steady, though her heart hammered in her chest.

"Intentions? Ah...maybe to slaughter the rest of what's left of our weak clans once again, I may ask?" Manasseh's voice grew sharp, and she stepped closer to Selene, the tip of her fangs peeking from under the scarf. The crowd around them gasped, some of them backing away in horror.

"You humans...always selfish and never understanding. The vampires are not your enemy here, Selene. I've lived among you for centuries, and all I've ever wanted was peace for my kin!" Manasseh's voice grew louder, the tension in the air thickening.

Selene's mind raced as she tried to find the right words to diffuse the situation. The whispers of the townsfolk grew into murmurs of fear and anger. She had to act quickly before it escalated into a full-blown riot.

"And...I've worked well, very well indeed. But all I've in return is the news of my clan's massacre, and my parent's death without even remains to bury..." Manasseh's eyes flashed with anger, her fangs fully revealed as she stepped even closer to Selene. The knights around her tensed, but Selene remained calm.

"Lady Manasseh...please calm down." Selene's voice was steady, though her hand remained on her sword. "We are here to protect the people of Rouen, not to harm innocent...vampires. If you are truly seeking peace, then we must find a way to coexist without bloodshed. I will speak with my mother, Lady Adil. We can find a solution that benefits everyone."

"...is it true then? That wretched druid who once towered over my people, will really help?" Manasseh's eyes searched Selene's, looking for any sign of deceit. The knight felt a shiver run down her spine under the vampire's gaze but held firm.

"Absolutely." Her eyes remained steadfast as she met the vampire's gaze, the calmness is a stark contrast to the panic around them. "Lady Adil is a woman of her word. But first, we must ensure the safety of the town. The vampires who have attacked us are not like you, they are feral, seeking to harm and not coexist. We need to work together to find and eliminate them."

Manasseh studied Selene for a moment, her fangs slowly retreating as she took a step back. The crowd remained tense, the whispers turning into an uneasy murmur. She knew the girl's intentions were pure, but she couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger. "Fine. But if your mother breaks her word, I will hold you personally responsible, young Selene. Do not underestimate me."

Selene swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the vampire's words. She nodded solemnly. "I understand, Lady Manasseh. I will do everything in my power to ensure peace between us."

"...years. Finally...maybe we have to hide no longer..." Manasseh chuckled in defeat, as she took Selene's words to heart. The crowd remained still, now confusion spreading through with the 'talking' vampire, and Selene sighed in relief as she extended her hand, the glove hiding the tremble.

"Please...may our cooperation bring peace to all." Selene's hand remained outstretched, her eyes never leaving Manasseh's. The vampire stared at the offered hand, the symbol of trust and unity between two species that had known nothing but war for centuries. With a nod, Manasseh took Selene's hand, her icy grip surprisingly gentle.

Selene smiled. She did it! She couldn't believe she did something the hero Alice would have done in a fairy tale! The crowd's murmur grew quieter, and the townsfolk stared at the unbelievable sight of a vampire and a human shaking hands.

Has Selene known Alice would have merely blown off Manasseh's head without question, the smile on the young lord's face would have faltered. But she is not Alice, and she believes in a different kind of strength—one that lies in diplomacy and understanding. One that would suit the coming of peace this era promised.

Alas, this peace...will not come to the Town of Rouen today, as before Selene could blink and grasp the merchant's hand, blood spilled onto her palm, and Manasseh's eyes widened.

Selene's mind froze, the imaginery in front of her, the disgusting gel-like warmth in her hand, and the utter shock on Manasseh's face, as the latter staggered back, holding the spot where her stomach had been plunged. The scarlet liquid stained the cobblestone, a stark contrast to the white runes. The town square went silent, as if the very air had been sucked out of it.

One of the merceneries from behind, a burly man with a scar across his face, stepped forward, his claw coated in a crimson sheen. The crowd gasped in horror, the tension in the air snapping like a twig under the weight of the unforeseen betrayal.

"Grr..."

Manasseh gritted her teeth as she turned around with a dagger drawn from her sleeve, but all was lost as another claw lunged at her neck, the cold steel meeting her flesh with a sickening crunch. The world spun as Selene's hand flew to her mouth, eyes wide with horror, as she watched Manasseh collapsed to the ground, the life draining from her body like wine from a shattered goblet, as the...the headless body of the merchant laid before her, the scarf fluttering away in the breeze, as if signifying the end of a peace.

The mercenaries, their claws dripping with blood, cracked their necks, the liquid stenching the leather collars, as they stepped out from the guild, revealing their true forms. Their eyes, once human, were now pockets of black void, a stark reminder of the vampire's power to control. Selene's knights, caught in the crossfire, had their weapons drawn too late. The town's whispers of fear had turned into a symphony of screams, and the serene afternoon had become a canvas of horror.

—————

"...evidence caught." The witch grinned, as she leaned back in the chair, her hands behind her head, as the room was filled with the scent of holy incense rather than the stench of burnt or frozen corpses. "I knew it was too easy. That merchant had something to hide."

"Oh?" The dragon perked up from her pillow, her eyes shimmering with curiosity. "What happened?"

"Well, let's leave that alone for now, and help Selene a little." The witch stood up, a staff of wooden frost once again spawning from mid-air into her palm.

"Care for a little run, Adrei?" The witch's eyes sparkled with 'I told you so' look, and the dragon groaned before getting up. "We're going to need to move fast if we want to stop any more of this chaos before it spreads!"