Sigismund for the first time in a long while shifted his attention away from how to expel the unwelcome tenant in his body, and turned it to another thing that stirred his mind.

He lightly shook the crystal vial in his hand, which still held about a quarter of the dark-red liquid. To his surprise, this time the other fellow hadn’t drunk it all in one gulp.

Because of the deep connection between soul and body, even when he lost control, some sensations still partially communicated to him — though as if through several thick layers of gauze, all feelings blurred and faint.

But even so, when Lin Jun tasted that liquid, the explosive, ultimate deliciousness that pierced through the barriers still made Sigismund experience unprecedented shock!

For the bloodline, besides sustaining life, the greatest “delicacy” lay in the act of feeding — in the sense of plundering life and absorbing another’s power.

So drawing directly from a living prey was always the best choice.

But this vial’s liquid was entirely different.

Its “deliciousness” was purely sensory, striking the tastebuds with absolute bliss, without any impurity of power-draining!

This most primal, most direct pleasure should have been the forever-lost price paid by bloodkind who abandoned the earthly joys for power and immortality!

Yet now, this vial restored that long-forgotten thrill to him!

“Truly… incredible…” he murmured, and again gently shook the crystal jar, bringing it close to his nose to sniff.

The scent seemed ordinary, even bland; yet once tasted, it produced that overturning experience!

Although now a duke, in his human life he had been a humble, nameless slave within the Empire, and naturally had no access to fruits with the [Delicacy] trait.

From lowly slave to bloodline, even when able to obtain them later, the ability to savor their wonderful flavors had long been lost.

Like Lin Jun, this was the first time in his life he had genuinely tasted “delicacy”!

The value of this vial was indisputable.

In Sigismund’s view, only the Empire’s most honorable Emperor deserved such a thing!

Thinking of how he had lately been distracted by the “roommate” inside him, neglecting pressure on the High Fortress and even being repeatedly provoked by Alarmar, and with Eirene’s constant tattling — his various lapses had earned the Emperor’s displeasure; orders urging renewed offensives had grown more frequent and severe.

If he submitted this treasure to the throne now, all the small faults before would surely be forgiven, perhaps even merit additional rewards!

The only problem was…

Sigismund licked his lip and stared at the now nearly empty crystal vial, falling into brief silence. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novel-fire.ɴet

“Do you… have more of that?” he asked.

“Beg me,” came the reply.

“……”

Sigismund took a deep breath and forced his anger down, shutting his eyes. He needed to calm himself and not follow the other’s rhythm — he’d almost forgotten what kind of person this roommate truly was!

At that moment the ring on his index finger — the duke’s signet set with a dark-red gem — flashed: a summons from His Majesty!

Long-range telepathic summons consumed considerable energy and signified something important; Sigismund did not dare delay and immediately sank his mind into the ring.

…

In the heartland of the Hermit Empire, inside Duskfall Keep.

In the grand, dim hall, twelve huge red magic crystals floated in midair, casting a soft, cold glow. Sigismund’s silhouette materialized within one of them.

The link established, an acidic female voice immediately blasted out: “Oh ho, if it isn’t our esteemed Duke Sigismund! Hiding in your Scarlet Spire all day — I thought you were up to some earth-shattering deed, but you actually have time to attend a meeting!”

It was Eirene. Only the crystals representing Sigismund and Eirene were lit, meaning they were called alone.

At that clumsy taunt Sigismund snorted and shot back: “Eirene, you finally learned how to defend and set camp properly instead of crying for help at the first raid?”

“You slave—” Eirene began, then abruptly stopped.

Sigismund also suddenly noticed something wrong!

The crystal showing his projection was as if splashed with thick ink; a spreading black mist curled and crept across it, nearly staining the entire crystal pitch-black and blurring his own image.

At the same time the roommate complained in his mind: “So cramped…”

“Watch the occasion! Tone it down — for both our sakes!” Sigismund hissed inwardly.

Lin Jun seemed to realize the situation was peculiar, muttered once, then stopped moving and silently observed everything.

“What’s wrong with you?” Eirene asked.

“What business is it of yours?” Sigismund gave no explanation.

“Hmph, I heard you’ve lately taken a great interest in Abyssal Magics and have been massively recruiting those unwholesome users…” Eirene resumed, her voice thick with insinuation. “Heh, I’m almost looking forward to your downfall~”

Sigismund kept silent.

At that moment the third crystal lit up — the one beside the throne on the right, representing Prince Vessarius.

“Your Highness.” Sigismund and Eirene both smoothed their demeanor and greeted respectfully.

Vessarius connected and cut straight to the point: “I summoned you on the Emperor’s behalf, Sigismund — regarding High Fortress…” He paused as he noticed Sigismund’s crystal choked by the black fog and hesitated.

Sigismund hurriedly took the initiative: “Reporting to Your Highness, the front remains stalemated; Alarmar…” He swiftly summarized the situation and pledged: “Please convey to His Majesty that I shall put in my utmost—”

But Vessarius interrupted: “No. For the next period you will halt offensives. A large consignment of logistics will be delivered to the front; your duty is to protect them.”

Eirene asked in puzzlement: “Stop attacking yet increase supplies?”

Sigismund guessed immediately: “Your Highness, will new reinforcements be sent? Who will command them?”

Vessarius replied in a low voice: “Yes. One month from now, Viraelis will arrive on the eastern front to assist you. I myself will go to the western front to support.”

“That madwoman?!” Eirene blurted, her tone full of dread.

Sigismund asked: “Your Highness, if you and Viraelis personally engage the Coalition, won’t the Empire’s eastern forces be left thin? The dwarves—”

Vessarius smiled lightly: “No matter. In a month, the dwarves… will no longer be a threat to the Empire.”

Sigismund and Eirene both scrambled to speculate about imperial deployments toward the dwarves, while Lin Jun stared at the blood-prince’s silhouette for a long while and finally recognized who that fellow was!