Lady Dhampir
Chapter 264

Behind Milena, Chartiana gasped faintly. The Grand Princess herself was more surprised than she let on. She had expected something different than a wedding. Some monetary partnership, or something of the sort. She would even have been inclined to elect Henry as a major shareholder of the Institute. Milena trying to keep her emotions in check, tilting her head. "That's surprising to hear," she said. "I did not expect such commitment from the Duke. ...Are you sure?"

Henry chuckled.

"I never thought I'd manage to surprise Her Highness. Really, it shouldn't be so surprising... I am actually killing two birds with one stone. You see, it seems that being an available and childless man, with my status, is the most disturbing thing to witness, so pretty much all of my entourage has been harassing me about getting... a second attempt at married life."

"You must be thrilled," smirked Milena. "As you can imagine."

His sour expression spoke volumes about how he felt from the social pressure. To think he had already gone through one marriage for the sake of convenience, lost his first wife, and now he was having to go through it all over again. Sadly, it couldn't be helped in the world they were in. He was a young man of one of the noblest possible status, healthy, wealthy, and quite handsome too.

"...Truthfully speaking," he said in a low voice. "I would be fine leaving everything to one of my younger brothers... If it wasn't for the current circumstance. Bryce even scolded me several times on the matter. He said having a vampire as the Head of the Boreal Duchy was a unique opportunity. I can see how, but I more often than not wish it was someone else in my disposition."

Milena let out a faint sigh. She glanced around, noticing once again how many eyes were scrutinizing their every move. A lot of curious people probably would have paid a lot to hear every word of their conversation. Luckily, they were far enough away, as the size of the room made it so anyone stepping too close would be immediately seen. Not only that, but they were speaking in a low voice, and purposely moving their lips as little as possible, in case someone tried to read it.

"... We should never be resentful of the beds we were born in," declared Milena. "After all, many were born far less lucky."

"Agreed. My apologies if I took out my personal worries on Your Highness."

"That's alright. I can't say I haven't shared that feeling more often than once or twice. However, it does bring me back to my main question... whom?"

"I imagine your sister-in-law isn't considering a second husband yet?"

"I don't think she'll ever consider one," Milena coldly retorted, a bit annoyed. "She just became a widow far too recently, and she deeply loved her husband."

"I'm not asking her to love me at all."

"That is still a no."

"...I understand. My apologies, then. Would you have another candidate in mind?"

Milena tried to think. She could have considered her cousin Helena, and killed two birds with one stone by sending her to Henry, where she wouldn't have had to bother about her, but the age difference of eleven years between them did bother Milena a little. Briseis would have possibly been another good match, but sadly, the House D'Artsein was too low-ranked, chances were low that the House De Boreal would agree to him marrying a Marquess. Only a noble lady of the status of Countess, or at the very least a wealthy Baroness, would be suitable for Henry. His family would make a fuss if he picked a woman of lower status... If she took this into account, plus the fact that the lady had to be human and an ally of hers, the list of candidates was very short, but clear. "How would you consider Lady Clorence D'Iris?"

"Lady D'Iris' younger sister?" He said, a bit surprised.

"She is a bit younger than you, but very mature in mind, and also a good-natured woman. She is of more than marriageable age too. Her father delayed her engagement prospects because their younger brothers were too young, but Fidel is now seventeen years old. Plus, Lady Clorence knows how to manage a household, assist in political affairs, and I am sure you would get along fine."

Milena did feel a bit of guilt from bethroting a young woman to a man who had no interest in women, but as far as she remembered, she couldn't see Clorence as a very romantic woman herself. Moreover, she also remembered some of her ladies-in-waiting claiming a man with no interest in his wife could be a blessing in disguise...

"I see," nodded Henry. "Well, the House De Iris would be a possible match to the House De Boreal indeed. I don't think the elders of my family would replace anything against that... And I doubt the County house would oppose one of their daughters marrying another Duke as well."

Milena agreed with a little nod.

"Sadly, we cannot make this decision by ourselves," she said.

Henry glanced around, until his eyes fell on the Count De Iris, who was busy chatting among a group of gentlemen a few steps away. Luckily, he was one of the few human nobles who had invested into Milena's Institute. As he was her family in-law, with all three of his daughters close to Milena, it had only been natural to invite him to partake in the business venture, as he was a wealthy and smart businessman. His son Fidel was also there, chatting with another group of young men.

"If that's alright with you, Grand Princess, I will go and talk to the Count today. Sadly, the Lady isn't here, but me interacting with the Count and asking for his permission should be enough of a message for the eyes watching us."

"No doubt. I do expect more than the promise of an engagement though."

"...I understand," sighed Henry. "I guess it wouldn't hurt my pocketbook too much with an already more than worthy investment."

"Your trust is very appreciated," replied Milena, a cunning smile on her lips.

No matter what, it was always better to secure the promise of more money to come to the Institute. Henry turning from any investor to one of her main shareholders would send a strong message, and if they added his betrothal to Clorence D'Iris, there would be no possible doubt as to whom his loyalty went to. Milena glanced around, immediately noticing the Duke De Nova, with his small red eyes fixated on their duo. He probably already knew what that meant, and was staring at Henry with a disdainful look. "Well then, Grand Princess, I'll take it that we have enough of an agreement," Henry said with a polite bow. "I will leave you here, and we shall resume our talk later."

"Indeed we shall," Milena returned his politeness.

Henry left, and Chartiana appeared by her side again, offering her a large glass. Milena was already tired from talking so much and standing around in those heels. "Do you want to eat something, my Lady?" Offered Chartiana, tilting her head.

"I'm good. Plus, I don't really have the luxury to indulge myself in delicacies right now... It looks like Genia really won't make it."

"I'm sorry, my Lady..."

Chartiana glanced towards the doors, but they only had been opened to let in a couple of servants, carrying new trays of food. Milena realized there was a bit more food and bottles than she had prepared. For a second, she worried, before her eyes met with Philomenie. Without her noticing, her sister-in-law had gone to chat with one of the Royal Butlers, quietly pointing at one of the tables and, most likely, giving them orders. It was impressive how Philomenie had learned to use the staff's loyalty to her advantage. Milena supposedly was the holder of the Banquet, yet the servants had automatically gone to her sister-in-law for instructions. If she hadn't been so busy and in such a good relationship with her sister-in-law, she might have felt offended, but not in this case. Philomenie was only helping her out, and the two of them working together on this Banquet was another sign of their strong relationship.

Milena quickly emptied her glass of wine, thinking she was going to need it. She exchanged a glance with her Father, who slightly shook his head. Still no sign of Genia... She was really going to have to do this alone, then. She felt sorry for the young woman, but if her father had already sent someone, there was nothing else they could do. Moreover, Milena knew the Sevira sisters were all well aware of the risks, and had insisted this Banquet would be the most important stepping stone of their careers as female scientists, and perhaps a major one for their family as well. They would have been the first to tell her to go on without their help... most likely. Milena asked Chartiana to help her prepare, and went back to the stage, taking a quick look around the room. Everything seemed to be going well, thankfully. People were chatting, drinking, and discussing her grand project, the Institute. Milena felt a thrill of excitement. Weeks and weeks of preparation had all come down to this. This night would change the vampires' future... She wished Rayan had been there to share this pride with her, but it was just another wishful thinking. She sent one last glance at the Oracle, who had taken a seat, and looked as bored as before, silently drinking with all the attitude of someone who didn't want to be bothered. Milena loudly cleared her throat, gathering all the attention to her. She then raised her gla*s, showing everyone to focus on her as they slowly turned to the little stage.

"Dear Guests, and Partners," she said. "It is now time to show you the first, and for now, the main product our Institute has been able to develop, after years of research, hard work and faith in Science."

Behind her, Chartiana brought out a large golden box in her hands, which had been made by her own father for the sake of this presentation. Milena gave her a faint smile and opened it so that all could see the four little ruby-colored, brick-shaped objects. She took one in her hand, holding it up for all to see.

"This is fresh blood," she said. "Blood that was collected three weeks ago, and put into what we call a Blood Bar."

A few people whispered, visibly curious about the strange aspect of that bar in her hand, but none could take their eyes off it.

"How could three-week-old blood be considered fresh!" Exclaimed a young vampire. "We all know it starts to spoil once out of the human body, and if you have kept it simply in a box, not in a purposefully cold room, it should be at least a bit spoiled!" Milena smiled. Although she had to pay the youngest Lord De Gardenia to say this, he had done his part perfectly. Many people were nodding in agreement to his affirmation, but most wouldn't have dared to voice it out loud themselves and risk annoying her. "This blood has never been kept in a cold room," she declared proudly. "Not even a single hour. Yet, as you can see..."

She slightly tilted the bar in her hand, for all to see how the blood moved inside. Any vampire would feel their fangs tingling by the sight of this.

"... The blood is very fresh, and not clogged in the slightest. This is the ingenious creation the Institute has enabled, through the funding of science, and research. Only the brightest minds, with the best tools and adequate finance, can achieve such life-changing achievements. This is the result of almost three centuries of research, from Prince Sleverin, one of the most incredible scientists recorded in history, to today, the brilliant minds of the Sevira Sisters. A unique coating, durable, thermo-resistant and thick as glass to protect the blood inside. A single agent is added to the blood to keep it from clogging, and this remarkable product does everything else. It only needs to be moved once every three days, or simply turned over, and that's it. No more cold chambers, no more heavy chests filled with ice to transport blood from one place to another. Not even the need to ever see where it came from. From now on, Vampires will be able to buy their blood supplies like humans buy milk or wine."

The crowd suddenly grew loud, mostly impressed. Some couldn't help but keep staring at the ruby bars, pointing at it and chatting loudly to their neighbours about the incredible product.

"As you will all be able to see from close up, it is uniquely crafted, with the Institute's official emblem engraved to guarantee each product's authenticity, creation date and let us know, if there's any need, the details of the blood donor. Each bar represents the equivalent of a vampire's weekly consumption. Not only that, but we will also be conducting blood tests ahead of each donation. Thanks to this, not only can we guarantee the donor's health and the quality of the blood, but there will be absolutely no risk of disease transmission. With time, we will also aim to cater closer and closer to the tastes of our customers by classifying the blood, and the donors with a higher-quality blood will be better compensated as well, which will push them to take extra care of their food intake and health. It will be a win-win situation for both sides."

"Lady Milena..." Suddenly said the Duke De Nova, gathering all eyes. "I may misunderstand, but it sounds like you expect us vampires to actually pay for those. How could you conduct a business on something that has always been completely free? A smart vampire will keep sustaining himself for free!"

Milena smiled. She had expected a bit of resistance, especially from the older vampires, but this was perfect.

"First, as I mentioned, this isn't just about paying for blood. It will be a worthy investment into a product of higher quality, that can keep its good taste for a longer time. Moreover, is the blood you're currently drinking from the willing donors really free, as you say? How much can you actually drink from a servant? Not so much, or that person has to take a full day off, perhaps two, to recover. Those are two days of wages you've lost on that person. Meanwhile, you could drink all you want from an external donor, without bothering your staff, and with the satisfaction of a higher quality blood, as fresh as it can be. We even recommend you warm it up a little before consumption, for a better taste."

More whispers around the room, and the Duke De Nova's angry expression. Milena smiled. She knew her point had been well-received. After all, it was perfectly valid. Most vampires had experienced at least once or twice the trouble of depending on their servants for blood. Some couldn't trust their servants, and others felt guilty drawing blood from a close servant. After all, it impacted their health too. Plus, with the latest revelations on how Wendigos were created, which they had purposefully allowed to circulate as rumours, more and more vampires would be wary of their blood consumption and sources. If the human blood was analyzed beforehand, they could guarantee there was no foreign vampire blood in it... It was perhaps one of the very best reasons, and Milena didn't even have to mention it out loud to the people in the room. It was already on all of their minds.

It was only expected that the Duke De Nova and the other Supremacists would oppose it strongly, though. Their way of living and consuming blood was too closely bound to their own beliefs of what relationships between vampires and humans ought to be... Milena's product was almost an affront to them, but she did not regret it. In any case, she couldn't satisfy all parties, and she also knew her Blood Bars would still become an important element for most vampires, and the dynamics between the two kinds. "How highly priced would those be?" Asked the Countess De Zinnia. "Your idea is absolutely brilliant, Grand Princess De Crescent, and the realization is visibly flawless. But I'm curious as to how much money you'll take out of our pockets for this." "None that cannot be afforded," smiled Milena. "I guarantee. My objective is not to make a profit, but really to change our current and old-fashioned ways. This will be the Institute's long-term plan, as well. Making both vampires and humans lives easier and easier, as well as the relationships between our kinds. We will revolutionize our way of life, and make progress towards a new life, where vampires and humans won't have to fear one another, and truly be able to stand as equals, without the awkwardness of... giver and receiver. We aim to end all of the current issues that poison the Kingdom, and I invite everyone here to be the first witnesses to those changes. This Banquet isn't only to show off a product."

She put the Blood Bar back into the little chest in Chartiana's hands, and turned to her guests once again.

"It is to mark the dawn of a brand new Era. And all of you here are invited to partake in the glo-"

Before she could end her sentence, the doors were violently blown open, making a terrible ruckus in the banquet hall. All the guests' eyes turned to see what was happening, and Milena turned red in anger. Ellias was standing there, in his full attire of King, flanked by no other than Arseus De Winter and his annoying smirk, a dozen of Royal Guards behind them.

"... What is the meaning of this?" Hissed Milena.

"Your Majesty?" Said Philomenie, standing up in surprise too. "...brother?"

"Sorry to disturb your Banquet, Grand Princess. We will be brief. We have come to make an arrest."

An arrest? Milena's blood went cold. It couldn't be something as simple as an arrest. There were dozens of eyes witnessing this, he had clearly chosen his moment to take action and ruin her efforts! She clenched her fist around her glass. "Your Majesty, may I ask what is the meaning of this?"

However, Ellias ignored her, his eyes going through the crowd. Finally, they stopped, and he pointed his finger, the path clearing up immediately between him and his target.

"Young Duke Henry De Boreal, you're under arrest for illicit p********a against the Royal Family, under the illegal organization known as the Society of Vampires!"