IETSTSMLARA | The Ambitious Vampire Prince | 99
Yi Zhelai left, placing his wine glass aside. Celtic got up, took it, swirled the liquid inside, and sniffed it at his nose, saying, "First-class blood, well preserved. You opened the hospital for this, didn't you?"
"Yes," Lin Su did not deny it but smiled. "Black market blood is too expensive. To support so many vampires, even a vast amount of gold coins wouldn't be enough."
"This is indeed a good method." Celtic would never bow down to humans, begging for blood from them, and the method Lin Su used was open and legitimate, ensuring humans wouldn't notice.
Lin Su smiled and said, "If you like this method, go ahead and use it."
The number of vampires under this young vampire clan was significant. Relying only on human blood slaves would be a considerable number.
"You want humans and the vampire clan to coexist?" Celtic put down the wine glass, directly pointing out his intention.
"If they can't coexist, the one that will inevitably disappear won't be humans," Lin Su stated bluntly.
This is the reality: the vampire clan cannot allow humans to go extinct, as this would lead to losing their only food source, ultimately causing their own extinction.
Humans, being intelligent beings, would never willingly remain slaves to another species for long.
This is a truth proven by countless worlds.
If coexistence cannot be achieved, the current fear of the vampire clan will not last. When human power develops, the outcome will definitely be something Celtic cannot accept.
Celtic wanted to sneer at such a statement, but he realized with utmost clarity that this man was telling the truth.
As a prince of the vampire clan, a leader, he certainly had to provide direction for the survival of the vampire clan. While the vampire clan might appear glorious, they indeed could not completely annihilate humans.
Lin Su noticed the change in Celtic's gaze and, with a smile, patted his hair. "Alright, you're still new here and unfamiliar with everything. Let's not think about that for now. Let me introduce you to Joe, my first subordinate."
The young vampire clan should understand the direction of developments, but there was no need to push too hard. The vampire clan's way of thinking was fundamentally different from that of humans. Asking them to think like humans was akin to asking a wolf to understand the mindset of a rabbit—equally challenging.
Joe was very curious and impressed by Lin Su's partner, for he was exceedingly handsome. However, from every angle, he didn't seem human.
From the earlier conversation, it was more likely that this person was a member of the vampire clan. Oh my… no, Lin Sir, Mr. Lin actually managed to attract a vampire clan member!
Joe stepped forward respectfully and greeted, "Hello, esteemed madam. I am Mr. Lin's subordinate."
The person before him was unremarkable, and moreover, a human. Celtic was somewhat puzzled as to why Lin Su would choose such a person. However, the one beside him advised not to underestimate any human lightly.
"Hello," Celtic responded.
In deference to the one beside him, greeting his subordinate was acceptable.
"This is Arnold," Lin Su continued the introductions. "He is a..."
"Vampire," Celtic interrupted, looking at Arnold. "I know this one. The first vampire you saved."
Though they were just an ordinary human and an ordinary vampire, it seemed Lin Su had imbued them with a different significance.
The first one, huh?
Humans always seem to be fixated on the first time.
"You know?" Lin Su's words carried a hint of surprise.
Celtic snorted lightly, and Arnold bowed his head, saying, "Hello, madam."
Celtic did not respond. Compared to humans, he disliked vampires even more. This kind of existence lowered the dignity of the vampire clan, like some sort of mongrel, whose mere presence was an eyesore.
His attitude shift was very noticeable, and as a prince of the vampire clan, Celtic never felt the need to hide his arrogance in front of humans and vampires. Not even the vampire clan could make him conceal his true nature.
This contrasting attitude caused a slight change in Arnold's expression as he kept his head down.
"I'm heading back," Celtic said, getting up and naturally bending down to plant a kiss on Lin Su's lips. "I look forward to seeing you again."
"I'll miss you," Lin Su didn't stop him.
They were all adults. A bit of affection at parting was necessary; too much lovey-dovey behavior would make the vampire clan before him think he was indecisive.
Celtic smiled lightly and turned away, disappearing in an instant. Only Lin Su could clearly see his speed.
As soon as Celtic left, the room became quiet. Arnold kept his eyes down and remained silent, while Joe, never a talkative person, could sense that this madam didn't seem particularly fond of them.
"He will come often in the future, mostly at night. If you can't get along with him, try to avoid him," Lin Su said with a smile, his gaze briefly lingering on Arnold before moving away.
Celtic's temperament was innate. He had been in a high position for a long time, accustomed to issuing orders to his subordinates. Lin Su could let him understand the vampire clan's situation and human thinking but couldn't change his personality. Forcing a change would make him no longer himself.
"Mr. Lin's husband is very handsome. I'll try my best to get along with him," Joe said.
Although the madam seemed somewhat arrogant, it was much better compared to the hypocritical and shameless old king.
Arnold nodded, "I will listen to Mr. Lin's words. I'll go rest now."
After bowing and leaving, Joe watched his departing figure, looking as if he had something to say but hesitated.
"Arnold..." Joe began.
"Getting to know new people always requires an adjustment period. He will be fine," Lin Su said with a smile. "No need to worry."
Though Lin Su said not to worry, Joe was still very concerned.
Arnold's state was more than just resistance; he seemed to be sad.
If he was sad because Mr. Lin had found a husband, that was an emotion only someone in love would feel.
Mr. Lin truly was the original sin of temptation.
Joe sighed deeply. As Lin Su stood up, he asked, "What's wrong? Is there anything else you want to say?"
"Please try to avoid displaying your charm in front of anyone other than the madam," Joe suggested seriously.
Lin Su: "..."
System 06 analyzed: 【 Host, it seems he's saying you're being too flirtatious.】
【 He's praising my personal charm,】 Lin Su replied with a smile.
He was sure he had been very restrained and careful to maintain distance in front of others. Otherwise, it wouldn't be just Celtic who liked him, and Ivan's name would be known throughout the human world by now.
"It's late. Wash up and get some sleep," Lin Su said as he went upstairs.
"Understood, sir," Joe replied respectfully, though he still couldn't tell if Mr. Lin had agreed or not.
Celtic would appear when night fell. The first time, he didn't take the secret technique Lin Su had written. The second time, he left immediately after seeing the technique on the paper, forgetting to eat.
Initially, he didn't come often. After obtaining the secret technique, he diligently collected materials and practiced. Only when he felt his power grow did he think of the person who gave him the technique. By then, fifteen days had passed since their last meeting.
As his power increased, Lin Su's value was reduced to just his blood. One day, when he surpassed that human, he would no longer be controlled by him. He could even bind him in the castle as his blood slave, making him pay for deceiving the blood prince's feelings, an eye for an eye.
Celtic thought this is what he should feel, but upon waking from his practice and realizing the time, he felt not triumph but... anxiety.
It's been so long since he last saw him, would he be angry?
Celtic paced under the butler's watchful eye, changing several outfits before settling on one he was satisfied with. Then he left hurriedly.
In the dark night, Celtic landed on Lin Su's balcony and was surprised to find the candlelight still burning inside. Feeling a bit guilty and cautious, he lifted the curtain. Seeing the man sitting in the chair, leaning his head on his hand, he lightened his steps. Even though there was a book in front of him, his eyes were already closed.
It was past midnight, almost morning, yet he wasn't in bed.
Was he waiting for him?
Celtic moved closer, stepping softly. Despite his silent approach, the man's tired voice reached him as he neared. "You're here?"
Lin Su blinked, easing the soreness in his eyes. Finally, he saw the young vampire clan's exceptionally splendid attire and appearance tonight. "You look beautiful tonight."
He didn't seem angry, but Celtic felt increasingly uneasy. "Why aren't you asleep? Were you waiting for me?"
Lin Su smiled. "Not entirely. I'm adjusting my sleep schedule, but I didn't expect to fall asleep sitting here."
"Then why stay up?" Celtic looked at his face, finding the eyelashes glistening in the candlelight especially enticing, making him want to touch them with his fingers.
"Human nighttime is equivalent to your daytime. If I always wake up during the day and sleep at night, we will have very little overlap. If we don't live in the same timeframe, how can we be together for a long time?" Lin Su took his hand. "Don't you agree?"
Celtic wanted to shake off his hand and say, "Who wants to be with you for a long time?"
But the words stuck in his throat, and he couldn't get them out. Even his hand, now held, felt glued in place. Instead, he found himself saying, "Living in the night all the time, you will lose your connection with humans."
Lin Su suddenly laughed, a laugh that made Celtic feel inexplicably uneasy. "Why are you laughing?"
"I am a vampire hunter. I often work at night," Lin Su said, pulling Celtic's wrist and naturally settling him onto his lap. "Besides, how could they be more important than you?"
Celtic had been hugged and kissed by him before, but this was the first time sitting like this. They were so close, it felt intimate, as if he could hear the man's heartbeat.
"I missed you," Lin Su said, burying his head in Celtic's shoulder. "Did you miss me?"
Celtic opened his mouth to speak but couldn't, because the answer was: Yes.
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Thanks for the update
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