"Welcome, esteemed Gra. Miss Visata. Your noble status is beyond reproach; your arrival from afar has left us overwhelmed with gratitude."
The blond man's attitude was as humble as that of a servant.
This was a huge joke. The entire crowd gasped in astonishment.
Was Count Pujeo, of such noble lineage, lowering himself to cater to foreigners? Or was he mocking this lowly girl? It was truly a matter of speculation...
The only one who remained calm, her expression unmoved, was Niditra, who stood silently beside Ivina. This dramatic turn of events did not seem to add a single ripple to her expression.
Pujiao slowly walked toward the stunned young woman before him. His demeanor was humble, and he bowed slightly.
"If my earlier rashness has offended you, I am willing to apologize to you openly before all my fellow nobles…"
"Count Pujiao, if your kindness is merely to keep us standing here indefinitely, I fear Gra would be most displeased." Perde. Niditera's tone was gentle, but clearly more confident and arrogant than before.
She held the trump card.
Pu Jiao ran his fingers through his golden hair and walked straight to the long table. Under the astonished gaze of the other vampires, he gently lifted the chair closest to the main seat and motioned for Ivina to sit down.
Ivina was so flustered she didn't know what to do, but soon her hand was taken by Niditera again, and she stumbled forward half-stiffly.
Pu Jiao elegantly arranged for Ivina to take her seat. Then, the other vampires present instinctively took their seats according to their status.
Pu Jieyou sat comfortably on the right side of the main seat. At this moment, he and Ivina faced each other. Looking at the anxious young girl in front of him, he fell into deep thought.
If it weren't for it, he would never have admitted that this timid young girl was a witch with hidden powers.
She was a vampire... but her neck clearly bore that sacred object—the Angel's Tear. This necklace did not belong in this evil and corrupt kingdom. Could she, perhaps, use witchcraft to completely seal the spiritual power of this holy object?
Such power was unimaginable. It was undoubtedly a challenge to God's authority...
But... what if she wasn't a vampire?
With her black eyes and hair, she didn't look like an angel. Or was she human?
Pu Jiao snapped back to his senses, unable to help but mock himself for his ridiculous thoughts.
Just across the black-gray table, Ivina's restraint was obvious—her upper body was stiff like a mummy wrapped in bandages, and on the wide goose-down chair, her delicate hips occupied only a third of the seat, offering no comfort at all.
Gathering her courage, she raised her eyes, only to find Pu Jieao staring at her blankly. She immediately looked away, her eyes involuntarily glancing at the empty main seat.
Is this man the supreme ruler here?
Could pleading with him allow her to leave this place and end this nightmare?
But he hasn't shown up yet...
A wave of disappointment washed over her, and Ivina didn't even notice that the servants had already respectfully presented the dinner.
When she came to her senses, she instinctively thanked the servant beside her.
"Thank you… I'll do it myself."
But those words drew surprised glances from everyone present.