Gospel of Blood

Looking at the pleading expression of Count Gaston, Charlotte’s expression was enigmatic.

Duke Gaston had been killed by the Church, his title revoked by Louis V, and rumors were spreading across Lutecia that the king was deeply dissatisfied with the Gaston family, seemingly intending to strip the entire family of their titles.

However, this was just a rumor.

Charlotte had been closely monitoring the dynamics in the capital and had discerned Louis V’s attitude from his various actions. Regarding the disposition of these offending families, the royal approach was generally to “punish the ringleaders” and not to extend the repercussions further.

The recent purge had been extensive enough, and the royal power was not omnipotent. Considering the potential resistance from the nobility, Louis V would not further expand the scope of the purge.

As for the Gaston family, Charlotte knew that Louis V had only dealt with the main family of Gaston, without any intention of implicating the branch families.

Even if Count Gaston had just arrived in Lutecia, he couldn’t possibly be unaware of this.

So… was he here to plead for the main Gaston family?

Thinking of this, Charlotte couldn’t help but glance at the travel-worn count.

Count Gaston was a branch of the Gaston family in Borde and was one of the few forcibly contracted blood thralls she had besides Albrecht.

Oh, and there was Count Gaston’s eldest son, Otis, if she remembered correctly.

Initially, the two had defected to the Third Prince, intending to ambush Charlotte during the Borde-Castell war, only to be “counter-attacked” by her, forcibly turning them into her blood thralls.

After the war, Borde Duchess Eleanor was too ill to govern, so Charlotte supported Count Gaston as the regent of the Borde Duchy, indirectly controlling the duchy.

However, Charlotte remembered that the relationship between Count Gaston and the main Gaston family was not very good. Rather than being a branch of the Gaston family in Borde, they were more like the losers who had been expelled from the Gaston Duchy after failing to compete for the title.

Count Gaston had pledged loyalty to the Third Prince in hopes of reclaiming the Gaston Duchy with his support in the future.

Now that the main Gaston family was in trouble, was he here to seek help?

Charlotte didn’t respond to Count Gaston immediately.

She gazed at him deeply and said meaningfully.

“The Gaston family colluded with the Blood Demon Cult, and the evidence is conclusive. The King’s punishment of the Gaston family is recognized by the Church and in accordance with the Holy Code and the Royal Covenant. No one can overturn it.”

“However, this reckoning is only against the main Gaston family and will not implicate your Borde branch.”

After hearing Charlotte’s words, Count Gaston hesitated for a moment and cautiously said,

“Master, I know the main family will inevitably be punished, and I know it won’t affect our branch.”

“His Majesty’s punishment of the main family is justified, but it seems he has no intention of appointing a new duke within the Gaston family…”

“The Gaston family has a contract with the Valva family regarding the title. The royal family can only revoke it, not strip it completely, but now… His Majesty seems to be ignoring this agreement.”

Charlotte: …

She finally understood.

Count Gaston wasn’t here to rescue the punished main family but to fight for the title!

“You can forget about the title and land of Duke Gaston. His Majesty intends to strengthen the central authority and won’t relinquish the reclaimed lands.”

“Duke Gaston was not merely in contact with the Blood Demon Cult but had become their protector and a core member. This is a taboo according to the Holy Code, more severe than excommunication. Even with a protective title agreement, it won’t stand.”

Charlotte stated.

Count Gaston still seemed reluctant to give up.

“Master, the title and land of Duke Gaston belong not just to the main family but to the entire family.”

“For the Gaston family, the ducal domain is fundamental. Losing it means the family loses its foundation!”

“Without this foundation, my position in Borde will be weakened, impacting your covert control over the Borde Duchy…”

Charlotte glanced at him, half-smiling.

“Oh? So you want me to support you to become the new Duke Gaston? Even if it works, how does it help? His Majesty wouldn’t allow a duke to also serve as the regent of another duchy.”

“But… the Gaston Duchy can replace Borde as your power base! Compared to Borde, Gaston is more prosperous, and a duke has more control than a regent!”

Count Gaston argued.

Charlotte shook her head.

“If you know the Gaston Duchy is more prosperous than Borde, you should understand that once His Majesty seizes the opportunity, he won’t relinquish such wealthy land.”

“Master, but the King is just a secular ruler, and you…”

Count Gaston wanted to say more but hesitated under Charlotte’s sharp gaze.

“Count Gaston, do your duty. How I act is not for you to dictate!”

She said coldly.

The aura of a high-ranking bloodborne emanated from Charlotte, making Count Gaston pale and fall to his knees. Sweating profusely, he trembled with fear.

Seeing the Count collapse, Charlotte retracted her pressure and said calmly.

“I have no intention of opposing the Crescent Royal Family now. If you want me to speak for you, forget it.”

She added a reminder.

“Don’t try to fight for it yourself. His Majesty is in a strong position, and it’s unnecessary to make yourself a target. Any plans can be reconsidered later.”

“After all… lands and titles won’t run away.”

Hearing this, Count Gaston lost his momentum but had no choice but to accept reality.

Finally, he sighed, accepting the situation.

Charlotte shifted the topic, asking.

“Where is Eleanor? Did she come to Lutecia as well?”

After the war, Duchess Eleanor had been recuperating in the north until the Borde nobles brought her back just before Charlotte left.

Count Gaston replied cautiously.

“She…she came. The central assembly requires her presence, so she came after recovering somewhat.”

Charlotte was silent for a moment and then asked.

“How is she doing?”

Count Gaston hesitated, looking conflicted.

“Is her mental state not restored?”

Charlotte asked.

Count Gaston seemed even more troubled.

“Her mental state…has improved, but there seems to be another issue…”

Charlotte frowned.

“What issue?”

Count Gaston glanced at her with a peculiar expression. After a moment of hesitation, he said,

“She…doesn’t want to be a duchess anymore. She wants to give up her title and become a priest.”

Charlotte was stunned.

“She…converted to the Holy Court?”

Count Gaston’s expression grew even more peculiar.

He swallowed and said,

“No, she seems to be devoted to you…”