Medieval Gacha Lord

The bright moon hung high. Within the darkened castle, which crouched like a behemoth on the high ground in the center of Montreal, Sir Humphrey suddenly awoke with a start from his sleep on the velvet soft couch.

"No... something's not right. I... what on earth is wrong with me?" A fine layer of cold sweat had broken out on his back. The hairs on his arms stood on end.

"Though I detest that oath-breaker, surely I wouldn't disregard my own mother's safety? And... how on earth did I come up with such a despicable notion as coveting another's Knightly Order? Such a vile idea, completely contrary to knightly precepts—isn't that what I've always hated most?"

"This isn't right! What in the world is happening?"

Humphrey's face was filled with terror. He felt a profound sense of unfamiliarity and dissociation with the thoughts he had recently been having, and even with the things he had done, as if he were watching someone who looked exactly like himself living in his stead.

What he didn't see was that the moonlight, passing through the window, cast a pitch-black shadow behind him that was rapidly expanding. Like a drop of ink falling onto white paper, it gradually sketched out a savage, ghostly silhouette. The terror on Humphrey's face swiftly froze.

After a long moment, an eerie arc slowly formed on his lips. "An interesting mortal indeed, to actually be able to sense my mental corrosion. A pity, though, ultimately just a mortal. A spirit unhammered by trials cannot possibly resist my control."

His tone held a hint of appreciation. "You have proven your potential. I have decided to cultivate you well. But forcibly controlling you has also depleted my strength, so..." His tone shifted, becoming slightly fawning. "Milord, whatever you require, please command me."

"I need sacrifices. In this city under your governance, there are four supernatural creatures. I want to devour them all!"

Humphrey's tone then became humble and respectful again. "Milord, I shall diligently comply with your request. I will definitely deliver the sacrifices you desire before you."

His voice changed seamlessly. A terrifying whispering sound then arose: "Remember your promise, lowly mortal."

Humphrey knelt devoutly on the couch, unmoving for a long time.

***

Early the next morning, Lothar felt a cool sensation on his face. Opening his eyes, he discovered Fringilla's slender, soft fingers gently caressing his cheek.

"What are you doing?" Lothar asked subconsciously.

Fringilla lifted her hand and quickly popped something round into Lothar's mouth. "It's delicious. I wanted you to try it, but you were sleeping so soundly."

Lothar instinctively chewed. A sweet fragrance spread through his mouth. The familiar taste made Lothar savor it in his mouth for a long time, reluctant to swallow. "Chocolate? Where did you get them?"

Fringilla, smiling, took out a red iron square box. "Voilà! I found them in the pocket of the clothes I was wearing when I first arrived in this world. A pity I didn't store some useful magical items back then."

She opened the square box with great care, showing Lothar the contents—only three were left.

"Only three left, huh." Lothar was somewhat touched. Anything Fringilla carried so close to her person must be her favorite thing. Though only four were left, she was still willing to share one with him.

Lothar raised a hand and gently stroked Fringilla's soft hair. "When I become a king in the future, I'll research sailing ships to find and explore the new continent. Then I'll find cocoa beans and have people under my command make chocolate specially for you."

Fringilla pouted. "Milord, making such a grand promise is less appealing than promising that once you become king, you'll let me go on a killing spree and give me a whole city of people to drink from."

Lothar flicked her on her smooth forehead. He became serious. "Fringilla, that is impossible. I am also human. Even if I am no longer human in the future, I will forever remember this identity. I could never sit by and watch you become a monster that feeds on humans."

Fringilla looked somewhat puzzled. "But I 'am' a monster that feeds on humans."

"Then you can feed on me." Lothar extended his arm, bringing it close to her.

Fringilla sniffed it, then licked it. Seeing Lothar still not retracting his arm, her face finally fell. "Alright, I promise you, I absolutely will not drink human blood."

Lothar shook his head. "That's not entirely necessary either. I just don't want you to 'feed' on human blood, but that doesn't mean I forbid you from drinking human blood in an emergency to save your own life. Your own safety is always the most important."

Banu's cool voice suddenly sounded, "Are you two about done chatting?" The two subconsciously moved a little apart. Her tone was somewhat cold. "The castellan of this city, that Humphrey, has invited us to a banquet. Milord, do you plan to go?"

"He didn't invite us yesterday, but now he's inviting us to a banquet?"

'What does this Humphrey want? Could he also have received a messenger from his stepfather, Count Raynald? So, he wants to put some pressure on me?'

Lothar was somewhat puzzled, but still said, "Finally, a chance to participate in the social interactions between nobles. Speaking of which, I haven't properly attended a banquet yet. Tidy up a bit. Let's prepare to depart."

Lothar changed into a brand-new formal suit. He hadn't worn this silk garment many times since acquiring it.

Arriving on the ground floor of the inn, Lothar received the servant dispatched by Humphrey. The servant said with a guilty expression, "Milord, this gathering is somewhat impromptu, and Sir Humphrey was somewhat ill-prepared, so he has only invited you alone to attend."

"Alone?" Lothar frowned. "This is not only contrary to noble etiquette but also a great insult to me. Are you sure?"

The servant quickly said, "No, no, no, Milord! Of course, you are not restricted to coming alone! It's just that, with your many knights and sergeants, the castle truly cannot accommodate them all."

"Heh." Lothar sneered. "Does your master think I'm some down-on-his-luck noble who likes to bring his men along to freeload food and drink? Since your master has so many demands, perhaps it's better if I don't go at all."

"No, no, no, Milord!" the servant said urgently. "It's all my fault for not speaking properly! Milord, no matter how many people you bring, we will do our utmost to accommodate you! I only hope you will not take offense at my earlier presumptuousness!"

"That's more like it." Lothar snorted lightly. "Rest assured, I will only bring two female companions. I won't make things difficult for you." He waved his hand, signaling the servant to lead the way. Then, he, along with Banu and Fringilla, boarded the carriage heading to the castle for the banquet.

He wasn't worried that Humphrey would set any traps. Firstly, Baldwin IV's main Crusader army was due to arrive soon; unless Humphrey was mad, he absolutely wouldn't dare to make a move against him now. Secondly, with Banu and Fringilla present, Lothar was quite confident in his personal safety.

As the castle's iron portcullis slowly rose, the carriage drove in sedately. Sir Humphrey, his face wreathed in smiles, came forward to greet them. "Baron Lothar! Due to pressing matters yesterday, I truly slighted you! Please, come in quickly! I have already ordered the cooks to prepare fine delicacies and good wine, just awaiting your enjoyment."

Lothar laughed inwardly, tempted to ask why was he so arrogant before and so respectful now. But knowing this would be too much of a slap in the face, and that he had no irreconcilable conflict with Humphrey, he said, "Sir Humphrey, you are too kind. We are all comrades-in-arms under the sacred Crusader banner. Being delayed by official duties hardly counts as a slight."

The two exchanged pleasantries and jests as they walked into the castle. Fringilla pouted, not understanding how these two could utter so many insincere words.

A servant suddenly spoke, blocking their path. "The two ladies, please dine this way. We have prepared special maidservants and dishes for your enjoyment."

Lothar asked with some confusion, "This is?"

Humphrey gave a lewd smile that "all men would understand."

"Sir Baron, there are many things at the banquet that are not quite suitable for ladies to watch. That would be too impolite."

Banu shook her head. "No. My duty requires me to stay by Milord's side."

Humphrey looked hesitantly at Lothar. "This..."

Lothar said gravely, "Indeed, Sir Humphrey. She is my closest friend and companion. There is nothing she cannot know."

Humphrey immediately looked troubled. "But this is truly too impolite! If others find out I actually invited an esteemed lady to witness such things, my family's honor will be shamed!"