Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 81 - 78

The man from the gloomy club was swiftly bandaged up and carried out by the robust Demon Race security, the floor was cleaned, stains washed away, and everyone continued to dance as if nothing had happened.

Lyle wasn’t sure if this was a sign of the great nerves of those who lived in the grey area, but this composedness undoubtedly eased the worry in his heart.

After Anna left, there was only a single seat between him and Beatrice.

She picked up a wine glass from the bar, the bright red liquid swaying inside, finally meeting her bright red lips.

Her eyes fixated on the crowd on the stage, a sculptural profile presented itself before Lyle.

"That’s not a fake, you know." It sounded like mumbling to himself until Beatrice’s gaze swept over, and it was then that Lyle realized she was talking to him.

"What?"

"I said, that Andrey ring isn’t fake. You’ve been observing it for quite a while, haven’t you?"

"Are Miss Beatrice also from Andrey?"

Her index finger traced the rim of the glass, the tremble of sound it produced from tapping against the glass shifted his attention away from Beatrice’s face.

"I have nothing to hide. I am not from Andrey; I stole the ring from that careless Alianna. After all, the name ’Andrey’ is quite useful."

"Aren’t you afraid of being exposed?"

"Andrey is quite slow in this regard; unless there’s a true act of hostility, they usually ignore it."

Beatrice sat next to Lyle, body leaning forward and against the bar, her crimson pupils gazing at Lyle for the first time.

"So, what do you think of my sister, Plague Doctor?" As she said those two words, Beatrice began to smile. Her gaze grew sharp, and a sense of malice emanated onto Lyle.

"You know me?"

"Just met. The number of men who have had a normal conversation with me for three minutes, with no tongue-tied strangeness, in my long life is next to none. You must have met Alianna and have been in contact for a long time to have developed resistance to our appearance. As for my sisters, their social circles are quite... predictable. I know the Dragon and the Gentleman, so, the intriguing new man that Alianna keeps mentioning, that must be you, right?"

Being mentioned by her? Lyle was slightly pleased.

"So, Plague Doctor, would you like to come over to my side?" Beatrice’s sudden question, and that glint of mischief in her eyes, "I would really like to know if Alianna would maintain her nonchalant attitude if I were able to take you from her."

The relationship between the sisters seemed to be strained; Beatrice was a complete scoundrel.

"Sorry, but I am devoted to Alianna alone."

"Is that so? Don’t you love the aura that surrounds her? Have you seen the true face of Alianna in disguise? I am her sister; our faces are no different."

"No, it’s not just Alianna’s face that I like..."

"What else then, her killer singing voice, or are you like the other Andrey who enjoy euthanasia?"

"..." What should I do? I feel like agreeing with her.

"What I like is Alianna’s gentleness, a kind that seems to stop time around her, like moonlight cast upon the body, or like flowing water. That feeling I cherish is something the alcohol-like Beatrice can’t give. So, please abandon your plan, Beatrice."

Beatrice’s smile deepened as she leaned closer, "I see why Alianna was so taken with you, you know. Many people don’t drink willingly, but in the end, they all become intoxicated. I’m not someone so easily dealt with, especially when you’ve awakened an appetite long forgotten."

"You, can you really refuse me?"

Seduction, but not on the same level as a Succubus’ spell. When the mind began to resist, the body had already succumbed, just like being drunk as she described.

The pale hand reached for the bird-beak mask.

"Let me see the face not even Alianna has laid eyes on."

Hiss!

Beatrice’s hand withdrew quickly as Medusa stuck her head out from the collar, her eyes meeting Beatrice’s, while the dragon’s maw hissed like a venomous serpent.

Lyle had awakened from the seduction and patted Medusa’s head.

"Thank you, Medusa."

"Medusa?" Hearing this name, Beatrice’s shocked expression turned slightly into one of vague delight, tinged with teasing surprise.

"It’s unexpected that she would give this to you."

"The staff was commissioned by me, after all."

Without arguing, Beatrice continued with her suggestive smile, "Very interesting, Plague Doctor."

"Don’t be so wary, I give up. I won’t get involved in my sister’s struggles anymore. I’m really looking forward to your final appearance."

Lyle patted his sleeves, the feeling of someone else manipulating his body was indeed terrible.

"Plague Doctor, if in the future, a woman even more beautiful than Alianna or me pursued you, what would be your choice?"

Adjusting his hat, Lyle looked towards the girl standing quietly aside. She stood there meekly, lacking the demeanor of the hotel boss, except for the odd smile on her face.

"Alianna is the most beautiful in my eyes."

"Pfft." Beatrice bent over laughing, clutching her stomach and trying hard to suppress her amusement. "I hope you have the chance to say that."

"My dear brother-in-law."

Even though Beatrice currently appeared docile and whimsical, Lyle would not forget the way she attempted to enchant him, her red eyes gleaming with blood, fangs peeking from behind her lips.

Carrying the intoxicated William on his shoulder, they walked out of the Bloody Rose.

Beatrice was still out front, smiling and waving, drawing the attention of passers-by on the street.

But Lyle had already seen, the fleeting sunlight on her skin, like a mist rising suddenly, her flesh shining as if inlaid with sparkling gems.

Beatrice was a vampire.