Chapter 1861: 1053: Inside the Dark Castle

Chapter 1861: Chapter 1053: Inside the Dark Castle

“Firstly, it concerns Her Majesty the Queen’s demeanor.”

Leo Ray glanced indifferently at the group of silent vampire elites standing behind the Scarlet Queen, saying calmly, “The Ironhand Archipelago is currently facing a significant crisis, with people up and down in a state of panic. Yet, Her Majesty the Queen remains as calm and collected as ever. This is clearly not something a mere court lady could accomplish.”

“Your Highness the Holy Lion, are you suggesting that while everyone is furrowing their brows trying to think of solutions for the future of this realm, I’m the only one acting as if it doesn’t concern me at all?”

Hearing Leo Ray’s words, the Scarlet Queen’s exquisite pale face darkened slightly, challenging with furrowed brows, “Do you think I am unworthy to be a queen?”

“Quite the opposite, this is exactly why I admire Her Majesty the Queen.”

Leo Ray’s expression remained composed, speaking with calm assurance, “What is called furrowing brows is, after all, merely a way of expressing emotions, nothing more.”

“If Her Majesty, who holds the supreme authority, were also to worry along with others, then this kingdom would truly have lost its future.”

“After all, the ruler themselves is the light in the hearts of their subordinates. Once that light flickers, panic ensues, and the outcome is self-evident.”

“To remain unchanged in the face of a mountain collapse or a tsunami is the ideal ruler in my heart.”

Leo Ray looked at the Scarlet Queen’s mature, warm, and delicate face, smiling, “And Her Majesty the Queen perfectly embodies this ideal.”

“No wonder you are renowned across the various human countries as the otherworldly Holy Lion Prince, known for military prowess. I did not expect Your Highness has such remarkable insights as well.”

The Blood Clan Queen’s pale face returned to normal, raising an eyebrow, “Furthermore, is my Ironhand Archipelago the only nation currently in a life and death crisis? And some people seem quite composed.”

At this point, the implication of the Blood Clan Queen was quite apparent.

Despite Leo Ray ostensibly praising her, he was, in fact, subtly glorifying himself.

“You jest, Your Majesty. I mean nothing else.”

Seeing the tension ease, Leo Ray shifted the conversation, continuing, “Secondly, it’s the inadvertent use of titles in Her Majesty the Queen’s words.”

“Her Majesty only uses honorifics when referring to herself, while addressing other Blood Clan elites directly by name or title.”

At this point in the conversation, Leo Ray smiled lightly, “Such presence is clearly beyond the reach of a mere court lady.”

“The fact that you can notice even such minor details makes Your Highness the Holy Lion ever more impressive.”

The Scarlet Queen crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow, “As for the third, isn’t it that the inquiries I made were overly frequent, far beyond a court lady’s duty, correct?”

“Indeed, at first, I thought ‘Your Excellency Karina’ was sent by Her Majesty to test me, but on second thought, the wise Her Majesty had no need to do so. She could inquire directly.”

Leo Ray nodded, still with a slight smile, “I must say, Her Majesty’s actions were indeed greatly unexpected.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness the Holy Lion. Up ahead is my castle; let’s proceed, having a distinguished guest linger in the courtyard is not the Ironhand Archipelago’s way of hospitality.”

The Scarlet Queen nodded towards Leo Ray before proceeding ahead to lead the way.

After passing through a large garden with increasingly dense fog, a vast, entirely dark castle appeared before Leo Ray and his companions.

Compared to the similarly-sized Lion Castle, this dark castle was shrouded in mist, with occasional bats flying overhead, lacking some grandeur yet possessing an eerie atmosphere.

“It truly has more of a vampire vibe.”

Looking at the misty surroundings, Leo Ray thought to himself with a wry smile.

If his own territory weren’t in such precarious danger, if he had any other choice, perhaps he wouldn’t have come to the Ironhand Archipelago to dance with the vampires.

As he thought this, Leo Ray followed the Scarlet Queen’s guidance into the depths of the dark castle.

Crossing the threshold of the black castle, Leo Ray was quite surprised to note.

Compared to the unremarkable exterior, the inside of the castle was a display of luxury and grandeur, though the lighting was somewhat dim.

On the freshly painted white walls hung portraits of figures exuding a distinct vampire style.

With pale faces, dark circles under the eyes, faintly visible fangs, and black tailcoats, such elements were abundant. Leo Ray could only distinguish the figures in each painting by their hairstyles, mustaches, and attire.

“These are members of my Blood Clan’s royal family from since the Blank Era. Though my Blood Clan’s lifespans are long, we ultimately cannot escape returning to dust.”

The Scarlet Queen shrugged, speaking lightly, “Of course, this isn’t the history of the Ironhand Archipelago; ruling this nation has only been over a hundred years.”

“Compared to the human clan, you, who can easily live for a thousand years, can readily establish and control authority in any nation, eventually ascending the throne.”

As Leo Ray walked down the ancient corridors of the castle, he pondered aloud, “Let me guess, before the Ironhand Archipelago’s seclusion, there were no known power disputes.”