Gospel of Blood

Seeing Sebastian’s exaggerated yet slightly complicated and wary expression, Charlotte knew he must have misunderstood again.

When she first took Yurst as her new blood servant, he had a similar expression, probably thinking she had enlisted the Dark Apostle as her follower.

Thinking of this, Charlotte was somewhat speechless.

Sebastian was good in every aspect: attentive service, outstanding abilities, saving her a lot of effort, and serving her very satisfactorily. He worked perfectly with Sherry.

However, his protective nature was like that of a big dog, becoming alert whenever anyone else approached her, as if fearing his status might be threatened.

Still, Charlotte didn’t dislike this reaction. Valuing his position in her heart was, in fact, a sign of loyalty.

Of course, Sebastian had initially chosen to follow her out of his ambition to advance further. He had never hidden this, openly stating his intentions when pledging allegiance.

But after nearly two years of master-servant relationship and many shared experiences, their relationship had long surpassed the initial “transaction.”

When Charlotte saved him from the Grand Knight of the Borde Inquisition and when they signed the blood contract, Sebastian had truly become Charlotte’s follower, not just an ambitious man looking for a ride.

“Albrecht was forcibly contracted as a blood thrall, not a true follower. He will act as our pawn to infiltrate the Blood Demon Cult.”

“The Blood Demon Cult has already become aware of my existence. Even though they don’t know my identity, it remains a threat. If we are to develop in Crescent, we must deal with this organization promptly…”

“For a secret organization like the Blood Demon Cult, infiltration is easier than external attacks. That’s why I chose Albrecht.”

She glanced at Sebastian.

“Like how Yurst serves the Nez Clan, I won’t keep Albrecht by my side, so you needn’t worry about your position.”

“Your service has been very satisfactory. For the job of butler, only you are suitable in my eyes, so… don’t overthink.”

Hearing Charlotte’s words, Sebastian was momentarily stunned, feeling a bit awkward for being seen through.

He coughed and said awkwardly.

“Master, you misunderstood. Seeing more people follow you makes Sebastian very happy. How could I overthink?”

“Oh, really? I thought you were worried about losing your limelight.”

Charlotte gave him a knowing look.

Being stared at by Charlotte’s brilliant crimson eyes, Sebastian felt even more uneasy. He sighed and said,

“Alright, Master. Indeed, Sebastian feels a bit uneasy and worried…”

“But, Sebastian promises, it’s not because of you, but rather… it’s about myself.”

The Flame Elf sighed and smiled bitterly.

“Master, your power has recovered faster than Sebastian imagined. In less than two years, you can already contend with several church Legendaries and recruit Legendary bloodbornes.”

“But Sebastian… is still only at Silver Moon.”

“Sebastian really worries about losing value and status in your eyes, fearing his strength can’t keep up with your progress…”

Charlotte was surprised by his words.

She hadn’t thought he would feel this way. She reassessed Sebastian, who bowed slightly in shame.

Through their blood contract, Charlotte could sense his anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty about the future.

Charlotte understood this feeling well. It stemmed from a lack of self-confidence. Sebastian, once a Blazing Sun, had fallen due to severe injuries, with no hope of recovery.

Though he became her follower with the potential to regain his strength, this wasn’t an immediate process.

After becoming a blood thrall, Sebastian had been very excited, training diligently every day to regain his Blazing Sun power.

Charlotte knew all this, she had often seen him training alone in the quiet room after a busy day.

His strength had indeed improved, but still not enough for full recovery. Perhaps given more time, he could regain his power, but compared to Charlotte’s rapid improvement and the new followers she kept recruiting, his strength seemed increasingly insufficient. Hence, his inevitable anxiety and self-doubt.

This was understandable. When Charlotte first met him, his great strength was her trump card.

But now, even without unlocking her full potential, Charlotte might be stronger than Sebastian.

Sebastian was at the peak of Silver Moon. Charlotte, with the fusion of the mysterious statue, had also reached the peak of Silver Moon, with even greater resilience and resistance due to her unique physique.

The gap between their strengths had reversed and would continue to grow. The new followers she recruited would only become stronger.

This would make anyone anxious. After sensing Sebastian’s strength, Charlotte sighed.

She wanted to pat his shoulder for comfort, but considering their height difference, she estimated she’d have to stand on tiptoe, which seemed self-deprecating, so she abandoned the idea.

“Don’t belittle yourself. You’ve done well. As for your strength… when the time is right, I will personally help you recover, and even further progress isn’t impossible.”

Charlotte said.

Sebastian was stunned, looking dazed. Seeing his expression, Charlotte showed disdain.

“Alright, lift your head. I’ve always said those who contribute will be rewarded. I see all your efforts.”

“I value loyalty more than strength. The disloyal will never truly enter my sight, and you are already a recognized follower.”

Hearing Charlotte’s seemingly impatient yet comforting words, Sebastian felt a surge of emotion.

“Master…”

Seeing his almost tearful expression, Charlotte twitched her mouth and said,

“Alright, we’re centuries-old elves. Stop acting like a child. Get back to work. I’m a bit thirsty, prepare some extraordinary blood for me.”

Sebastian: …

Taking a deep breath, Sebastian bowed.

“Apologies, Master. I lost my composure. I’ll prepare your supper right away.”

He bowed respectfully again before leaving slowly.

Watching him leave, Charlotte leaned on the railing, lost in thought.

Sebastian’s mood somewhat reflected the state of her current power. As time passed, her strength kept growing, and with external aids, she had already stepped into the realm of myths.

But her followers were too weak overall, unable to keep pace with her progress. Especially in her core circle, led by Sebastian, the strongest was Sebastian himself. Others, like Black Cat Nice and Blood Wolf Tribe’s current Priest Werewolf Luff, were even weaker.

To develop her power and faith, Charlotte couldn’t do everything herself. She needed strong followers. To establish herself in the kingdom and across Myria, not just her strength, but her followers’ strength needed to be higher.

At least… they had to hold their ground.

“Perhaps it’s time to consider enhancing everyone’s strength.”

Charlotte murmured.

The usual way to enhance strength was through extraordinary training, but it was slow. However, Charlotte had an external aid.

That was one of the abilities unlocked by the Gospel of Blood —Divine Blessing. Divine Blessing was one of the few abilities using blood divine power, allowing her to bestow blessings on targets by consuming divine power.

Charlotte had tried it a few times, and the effects could be permanent or temporary, with divine power consumption proportional to the blessing’s strength. It could work on objects or people.

She could use this ability to create “artifacts”, grant believers the power to cast divine spells, or even enhance a target’s bloodline, directly boosting their strength.

Of course, the cost was high, consuming divine power, which was always scarce, so Charlotte rarely used it and had set it aside.

But now, with the fusion of the mysterious statue, divine power was no longer as scarce. Additionally, she unlocked Faith Network, allowing deeper connections with believers. Granting power to followers and descendants through divine power wasn’t merely a gift but an investment. It could become a major source of divine power, potentially helping Charlotte ascend to the divine throne.

Thinking of this, Charlotte made a plan.

“After Albrecht sacrifices the new statue, and the Central Council ends smoothly, I’ll prioritize this upon returning to the North…”