After Caesar reached Joe"s location, he wrapped his arms around his stout shoulders and led him out of the library. A small smiled played on his lips as he comforted the nervous dwarf. Even Caesar wasn"t too sure if his plan would work out, but it was worth a try.
"Is everything going to be okay?" Joe asked awkwardly. Even the ordinarily careless dwarf was astonished by the sheer magnitude of Limbo kingdom. Their own pitifully small country couldn"t even compare in size, nor workforce.
In response, Caesar halted his steps, "I have no idea… we are currently negotiating with a t.i.tan," he explained, "there are not many things that they can gain from waging war upon us; however, In contrast, they have much to lose. Thus, we should be okay for now."
As he spoke to here, that same, old minister led them out of the grandiose palace. The man carried a gloating expression and disdain filled his eyes as he looked down on both Caesar and Joe. In his mind, they had already signed their rights away.
Unfortunately, the minister couldn"t have been more wrong. Nearly every single strong kingdom in the Azure continent was currently competing with each other for dominance. Rahvin kingdoms cloud-steel mine could potentially tip that stable scale.
Of course, under normal circ.u.mstances, Limbo kingdom could quickly gobble up Caesar"s empire. However, they now had to worry about creating other enemies in the process, and potentially losing the cloud-steel mine, entirely.
The wise king would surely not attack Rahvin kingdom with their current lack of knowledge. The off-chance of starting a war with another behemoth was something that they could not afford to risk; especially since his only son was marrying soon.
It was due to these reasons that Caesar was rather calm when exiting the palace. He planned to stay with Joe in the enemy territory until the royal wedding occurred. If his plan went according to what he had envisioned, then the king would give Caesar a much better offer in the near future.
Thinking to here, they finally reached the palace gates and exited. Caesar didn"t even bother wiping the smug smile off the minsters face; he was in a rather affable mood today. Nothing irked him more than an unmerited arrogance.
Soon, they were led through the layered walls and brought back to where they had first entered. As they departed from the last wall of defense, the guards gifted them a medallion with an orange sun etched on to it.
"This is?" Caesar inquired with a tilt of his head; to which the guard smiled perfunctorily, "this is a medallion awarded to the important guests of our kingdom… flash this anywhere, and they should treat you with respect."
Caesar nodded.
He scrutinized the well-made emblem for a few moments before leaving the guard behind in the dust, Joe at his side. It was a lively kingdom, full of thrills and other attractions… h.e.l.l, there were even a few inhuman bars which interested Joe.
As both of their figures walked through the bustling streets, Joe forgot his past his nervousness and excitedly looked for a few tourist attractions. The bars and brothels piqued his curiosity, and he constantly tugged at Caesar"s shirt.
Slowly, Caesar"s smile turned into a frown as he stopped Joe and looked straight into his eyes, "look, my friend, I refuse to enter a brothel with you." he paused, "in fact, I"m quite certain you don"t even know what entering a brothel entails."
"Well, let me experience it then" Joe replied energetically, "my past family members always used to tell me about these specific attractions… I heard they don"t even discriminate against dwarves as most people do."
Caesar felt a handful of difficult emotions as he sighed deeply, "you don"t need to ask me for permission, if you want to go, then go. But please, for all that is holy, don"t make a mess and a fool out of yourself."
As if his words unclogged a tsunami, Joe rushed toward the nearest building filled with inhuman beauties. Caesar could already foretell his dark future. However, curiosity kills the cat. Even he was intrigued as to how Joe would return. Would he return a newly reformed man or a boy with his confidence shattered?
As he thought to here, a small chuckle filled with delight escaped from his mouth. Since he was now alone, he figured it was about time to finish the more important business at hand. An eloquently written letter appeared in his hands as he subtly disappeared into a nearby alleyway.
According to the contents of the message he received from the illegal organization, Requiem, there was a small abandoned chapel toward the south of Limbo kingdom. There, on the twelfth moon, which was tomorrow, they would meet Caesar.
Naturally, they would not show their ident.i.ty or appearance. However, they would converse about future business. They were an influential trade industry within the underworld, so their connections were unfathomable.
But first, Caesar wanted to purchase a mask and some clothes, so that he was a tad bit more inconspicuous. He also wanted to improve his personal strength in case there was an unsuspecting ambush, but wasn"t too worried about that. Not many underground businesses would engage in such underhanded tactics while in a nation such as Limbo.
Caesar sighed as he looked up at the sky, "it would appear I"ve hit my limit… not matter how hard I try or squirm, I cannot evolve any further" he thought to himself as a self-deprecating smile formed on his lips.
Suddenly, a black mist erupted from his ring and an almost transparent and eerie face formed. It was much weaker than before and seemed to be on its last strand of life. Instead of smiling, it was frowning deeply.
"As the successor who has been deemed to be the most intelligent, you are truly foolish." It stated curtly, causing Caesar to frown.
"Pardon me for asking, but what exactly are you? And what business do you have with me?" Caesar asked in an irritated tone. Nothing p.i.s.sed him off more than when someone insulted him while he was in the midst of contemplation.
"I don"t have much time left, so I"m going spell it out for you. Try not to be too shocked at your irrational stupidity." the face laughed as it continued.
"You are a vampire, but more so, you are a blood demon. However, you talk, act, and even eat like humans. You eat salad like some kind of churchman and don"t even drink blood unless you"re trying to seduce your mate."
The face paused, "you have reached the physical limits of a blood demon, but you have not yet evolved into a blood demon. You are far too humane… start drinking, acting like a vampire. You are superior; it is time you acted like it."
Before Caesar could reply, the face vanished, leaving him with a somewhat awkward expression. Realization donned upon him as he realized evolving wasn"t as simple as physical strength or mana abundance.
"I see…"