The grand hall glittered with gold, dazzling chandeliers, and crimson carpets.
Jones stood in a corner, dressed in a lavish suit, holding a glass of wine fermented from blood. His gaze was vacant.
Outside, the wind howled, mixed with snowflakes, creating a somewhat terrifying sound. However, this did not stop the Blood Clan from reveling in fun.
In the hall, the Blood Clan, dressed in magnificent suits, stood together in small groups, discussing topics Jones couldn’t participate in. The Blood Clan musicians played earnestly in another corner of the hall, while couples or married pairs danced to the music’s rhythm in the ballroom.
Having left the Kolin Peninsula for six years, after six years, Jones found he had no one to speak with now.
Looking around, Jones was the only one alone. No, he wasn’t alone, after all. Standing beside him was Dora, dressed as a maid. However, in the eyes of the higher-ranking Blood Clan, Dora, as a maid, clearly didn’t count.
And to be honest, six years ago, his situation wasn’t much better than now.
*Jones felt somewhat helpless,* "I feel like I can’t fit into this kind of event at all anymore, I can’t be as trivial as they are. Really, what are they talking about? Can’t they do something serious?"
To Jones’s left, three female Blood Clan were discussing the gossip about two families breaking off an engagement and turning against each other.
To Jones’s right, two male Blood Clan were discussing the gossip about a couple who had turned deep love into deep hatred.
And directly in front of him, two men and one woman were discussing the gossip about a love triangle that had developed into a duel.
Apart from household gossip, the Blood Clan seemed to have no other interests. No, they still did. For example, slightly ahead to his side, Jones’s cousin Bailey, who was hailed as the most gifted and brilliant star of their generation, was introducing his newly researched magic—a magic that could purify and enhance the wine made from blood. He was planning to set up a factory and let the Blood Clan drink only his wines, announcing the entry into a new era—the era of fine wine.
And then, hmm, his great idea was met with everyone’s applause. Some even suggested adopting a new calendar based on it.
*Jones felt increasingly out of place.*
He lowered his head and let out a long breath, "I’d rather put on armor and charge into battle, really, even letting the Holy Light burn me a bit wouldn’t be that hard to accept."
Dora looked at Jones cautiously, "But, Lord Jones, isn’t a peaceful life good too? Why must it involve fighting?"
"A peaceful life has no dreams. Living in a daze, what’s the difference between living and dying? Sometimes, I really envy that fool. He can charge forward for his dreams without any regard, and I still have to please Aunt Sarah..."
"Lord Jones, the fool you refer to isn’t the Lich King, is it?"
"Who else could it be?" Jones replied expressionlessly.
Dora blinked and looked at him cautiously.
From a distance, Jones saw his Aunt Sarah, who was chatting with a group of Blood Clan ladies, and his Cousin Susan, who was following closely beside her. Aunt Sarah scarcely looked at him, while Cousin Susan occasionally glanced his way, but it was a malicious gaze.
Jones’s lips were trembling.
"Lord Jones, are you really going over there?"
"What else? Something has to be done. It doesn’t matter if I fail, as long as I can report back. Anyway, as soon as I get through this period, I can resume my normal life again."
After preparing for a while, Jones finally took his first step. Hmm, then the second step, the third step. In short, each step was exceedingly difficult, moving with extreme stiffness, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to go forward.
From a distance, Susan looked at him with a smile.
After much effort, Jones finally stood before Susan.
"Mother!" Before Jones could speak, Susan suddenly changed her expression, pretended to hide behind Aunt Sarah, and even made a shivering gesture!
Jones was stunned, his mouth twitched sharply, wanting to curse out loud.
Noticing Jones, Aunt Sarah quickly shielded Susan behind her and said with a displeased look, "Oh, it’s you, Jones. You came too. What’s the matter?"
Before Jones could speak, the Blood Clan ladies around had already started discussing.
"Oh, so this is the fool from the Dracula family."
"I heard he was taken in as an adopted son by a Lich, so why has he returned?"
"Apparently, he even believes in human religion. Such disgrace."
Why didn’t anyone mention that Jones’s adoptive father was the Lich King? Very simple, because gossip always spreads bad news quickly, while good news never leaves the room. People always enjoy discussing others’ misfortunes, and the Blood Clan was no exception.
Jones listened woodenly.
"I heard this fool is going to get engaged to your Susan. Is that true?" someone asked.
Aunt Sarah quickly explained, "No, that was a misunderstanding. Although it has been mentioned, as parents, we still need to consider it carefully."
"What is there to consider? Do you want a son-in-law who believes in religion?"
"Who knows, he might even drag you to church with him."
Suddenly, everyone around burst into laughter.
Aunt Sarah’s face looked a little grim, and Jones’s face looked even grimmer. However, he managed to hold it in.
Regardless of everything else, the task had to be completed. Jones repeatedly told himself, "Ignore them! Ignore them!" Then, forcing himself, he said, "Aunt, I came to apologize to Cousin Susan. I was wrong about what happened the day before yesterday."