The table can fit at least 20 people in total. And like any other furniture in the house, its texture and quality are high. They're not better than the furniture found inside Vlad's mansion, but they would definitely be considered the average or even high in the faction of n.o.bles.

The room Vlad is currently in is larger and wider than his mansion's living room where he always makes his guests stay -

A total of six pillars stood equally on each side of the room, where the symbol of their family is decorated at. There are many flickering lights hanging on the walls of the room, giving light to even the tiniest corners, even the pillars which are supposed to make shadows behind, cannot escape their lights. And finally, there's the golden chandelier slowly spinning around above the ceiling.

[ So, Vlad-san, I've heard that you've recently conquered a dungeon, together with my son Caiden. I heard stories about you from him and from the castle too. There have been many rumors. ]

[ Rumors? ]

[ Yes, there have been many rumors about you going around in this city, and in my guess, in the other cities, too. You know, rumors like how you conquered the dungeon within an hour, defeat the last boss with one spell, and even rumors that you might not even be human... ]

There was a bit of suspicion in his eyes. He stares at Vlad, observing almost every move he makes.

Appearance-wise, he's like the older version of Caiden. Only except, Caiden would look like a kid when placed next to him. His face definitely looks similar to Caiden, but it a lot rougher and intense. There's a huge scar on his face and a huge beard that covers the entirety of his chin. He is also much more muscular than Caiden and any of his siblings. Even though he was not wearing clothes that reveals a lot of skin, you can still see the bulges of his muscles. He was almost the exact picture Vlad has on his mind.

[ Well, I will just say that none of those are true. ] sipping on the alcohol serve to him, he replied.

There is much food served in front of Vlad, and like the others, he slowly eats his, giving the opportunity for him to chat with the leader of the house.

Even though he was now an undead, he still craves for the food of his hometown, the food made by Ayla and Stella. And this was the first time he was served food other than theirs.

[ Finis.h.i.+ng a dungeon in an hour is impossible. No matter how powerful you are, you can't. About the dungeon boss... I did defeat him, but not with one spell. Cristov-san, I'm the kind of person who would take pleasure in a fight before ending it; there will be no joy in a fight that ends in seconds, I'm sure we both agree to this. ]

[ Ohho~ you're right about that. Then, does that mean there was no pleasure when you fought Arthur? He's one of my students. I'm a bit frustrated about what happened. ]

[ Hmm... Honestly, for someone t.i.tled as a 'hero', he was weak. ]

( His and Hana's level doesn't even compare... I bet even Hana can one-shot him... Just how do they give that t.i.tle so recklessly? ) This thought has been in Vlad's mind for the longest time. When they first met, Arthur's level was 67 while Hana's was 97. He had heard that Hana was named the hero a.s.signed by the church, but then what does that make the others? Caiden, Alicia, Nina, and Arthur are only called 'heroes', and sometimes they would even be mistaken for the 'hero's party members' - This - Vlad still doesn't know any about.

[ That was really straight-forward for you to say. Is it arrogance? Or your standard on strength is just different? You're a really fascinating person; I'm glad I invited you here. ]

[ I just really don't know what the standards of this country are. ]

[ Oh, that's right. Caiden told me that Vlad-san came from another country, is it true? ] Karen joined their conversation with a curious smile.

[ What...? Caiden, you didn't tell me about this. ]

[ You didn't ask. ]

[ I thought I told you to tell me everything! ]

[ ... ] Caiden did not respond and Cristov only gave an empty sigh.

[ Haah... I've been curious about it... But this explains why I haven't heard of you until now... Say, Vlad-san, which country did you come from? I know a lot of famous and strong people in other countries, but I still haven't heard anything about you... Is it a new or small country, perhaps? Or did you came from the east? ]

( The east...? What's the difference? )

[ Hmm... You can say that. It's true that I came from another country and it's still not that long after I came here. ]

[ Umu, yet you've already acc.u.mulated enough fame to be invited here in the capital. The king himself had pondered about this idea and asked me to take care of you. Really... I was shocked when I heard that you actually came and accepted the invitation this fast. Caiden had told me that you were a guy that's hard to convince. It was a rush preparation; it's actually rare for us to have a guest. ]

[ Well, I wanted to see the capital myself and try to enjoy my stay. It would be a waste to visit for only a single day. ]

[ That's true. Well, there would still be a day or two before the other visitors will arrive. ]

[ Other visitors? ]

[ Yes, as you've read in the letter, this event is for the celebration of n.o.bles. It's an event we do every year to pa.s.s down t.i.tles on people; either to promote their ranks or demote them. But this time, it would be different. Relations.h.i.+p with the Holy Kingdom and this country needs to improve, and so they have sent emissaries from their country to join the event. Everything that had happened for the past year would be tackled for this event, which includes your sudden existence and the successful recovery of Arthur. ]

[ Is that so? ]

[ Needless to say, you were invited because of your powerful self and sudden influence and fame. You've conquered a dungeon and you've defeated a hero with one spell, there's no way you will not be included in the party. ]

[ Uhn, Vlad-san, your appearance was a shock to the whole n.o.bility. I'm sure there would be a lot of people that will gather around you. ]

[ Yes, I'm sure that would happen. You should be careful out there, Vlad-san. Women will gather around you like a storm and you will not be able to do anything about it; it sure happens to me, like, every single time. ] he said with a smirk on his face.

[ ... ]

( Oh... You've spat out something outrageous again... )

[ Hmm... Dear? ] Karen breath his name with a vein popping out of her head. Her smile is still the same, but Vlad was sure that she emits an aura more dangerous than Cristov and any of her children.

[ T-That is until I've met my wife, of course... ]

[ Uhn, until I met him, right, dear? ]

[ Hmm... That's right... Vlad-san, you should not be fooled by the appeal of a woman. Stay true to only one, such as myself. ]

[ ... ]

( I really can't believe that this is one of the most fierce individual in this country... No, Karen-san gave birth to all these monsters so she might be more terrifying... I'm glad I have proper control over Ayla and Stella... )

[ Right, Vlad-san? ]

[ I will try. Thank you for the advice. ]

[ You're welcome. Anyway, let's talk about something different. Vlad-san, I got too excited earlier, but I will ask properly this time: how about a spar? I've heard that your butler is strong too, let him join. ]

[ A spar, huh? ]

Vlad looks at them and as what it was earlier, they all have red bloodthirst-filled eyes.

Too bad, Vlad was now alone without his servants as they took his things to the room they will stay at and prepares it.

There was no one on his side this time to counter the aura they showing off.

[ I'm sure that sword of yours is not just for decoration. ]

Again, Cristov is back to his usual self. Like Caiden - a battle maniac.

[ I actually never tried it in a battle yet. I would love to test it, but a spar would be too bland for it. ]

Vlad is now finished eating his meal and is now also prepared. And even though he was now alone, he will not let them threaten him like this. And so he stared back at them with his dead eyes.

[ Ohho~ That's what I'm talking about! You will see the power of the great general Cristov! The power of Lionhearts! ] as he shouted those words, the sound of necks and fingers popping from his children followed.

[ Just so you know, Arthur would not even compare to me. You can one-shot him, but not me; I'm way too powerful and experienced. ]

[ I would like to test that out. But I did not agree that I will fight you yet. How about this: if you defeat my butler, I'll fight you. ]

[ ... ]

Cristov gave a dissatisfied look but he did not change the energy on his eyes.

He knows that Vlad is a strong person just by his achievements and the rumors about him; although he did not accepted his challenge, he knows that it is justified; he's allowed to refuse. He did not disrespect him at all, as one would think.

He was the one asking for the fight and so he needs to accept his condition.

[ Fine. Your butler, is it? This would be a 2v6 fight. If one of my children defeats your butler, then it's over, you'll fight me then. ]

[ That's right. ]

[ This would be an unfair fight, but since it's you, Vlad Alucard, it wouldn't at all, right? ]

They stared at each without blinking. Like beasts fighting off a single monster, their family gave that atmosphere.

( The Lionhearts, huh? I wonder how s.h.i.+n will handle them... ) he thought as he looks at them on their eyes.

Their auras gave off the most dangerous atmosphere; no one knows one might suddenly pull out an attack.

That was until she interrupts, again with the sweet yet scary smile on her face...

[ Now-now... We still have to have our desserts. Our maids and I did our best to make those sweets, I won't let them go to waste. Please finish that first and then rest for a while. ]

[ Ahh... Right... We'll have to wait for now, Vlad-san. ]

[ Sure... ]