The bright moon hangs high.

The castle in the dark is like a giant beast, crouching on the high ground in the center of Montreal.

On the velvet couch, Hanfry suddenly woke up from a nightmare.

"No... something's wrong."

"What... what's happening to me?"

Cold sweat seeped from his back.

The hair on his arms stood on end.

"Though I hate that Renegade, I wouldn't go as far as to disregard my mother's safety."

"Moreover... how did I come to have such despicable thoughts of wanting to usurp others' Knight Order? These ideas are completely contrary to the knightly creed, ones I usually despise most!"

"This is wrong!"

"What is happening?"

Hanfry's face was filled with fear, and he felt a deep sense of unfamiliarity and disconnection from the thoughts he recently had, as well as the things he did.

It was as if he was watching an identical version of himself living in his place.

What he didn't see was the moonlight passing through the window, casting a dark shadow behind him that was rapidly expanding!

Just like a drop of ink on a white paper.

Gradually sketching a grim ghostly silhouette.

Hanfry's face turned to stone with fear.

After a long time, a strange curve slowly emerged at the corner of his mouth: "What an interesting mortal, to actually sense my mental invasion."

"Unfortunately, he's just a mere mortal; an untempered spirit cannot resist my control."

His tone carried a hint of admiration: "You've proven your potential, and I've decided to cultivate you well, but forcibly controlling you has exhausted my power, so..."

His tone shifted, becoming slightly ingratiating: "Master, if you have any needs, please instruct me."

"I need sacrifices; in your city, there are four Extraordinary beings, I want to devour them all!"

Hanfry's tone turned humble and respectful: "Master, I will comply with your request and will deliver the sacrifices to you."

The words connected seamlessly.

A terrifying whisper sounded: "Remember your promise, humble mortal."

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

…

Early the next morning.

Losa felt a cool sensation on his face and, upon opening his eyes, saw Furinjira's slender and soft fingers caressing his cheek.

"What are you doing?"

Losa asked instinctively.

Furin lifted her hand and quickly stuffed a round object into Losa's mouth: "It tastes good; I wanted you to try it, but you were sleeping so deeply."

Losa chewed unconsciously, savoring the sweet aroma filling his mouth.

The familiar taste made Losa chew for a long time, reluctant to swallow.

"Chocolate beans?"

"Where did they come from?"

Furin smiled and pulled out a red iron box: "I found them in the pocket of the clothes I was wearing when I first came to this world; unfortunately, I didn't store any useful magic artifacts then."

She opened the box carefully, showing Losa there were only three chocolate beans left.

"Just three left, huh."

Losa felt touched.

Something Furinjira carried closely must be her favorite, and even with only four left, she still shared one with him.

Losa raised a hand and gently stroked Furinjira's soft hair.

"When I become King, I'll build ships to explore the New Continent, find cacao beans, and have my people make chocolate just for you."

Furinjira pursed her lips: "Master, instead of drawing such pie-in-the-sky dreams, it's better to imagine—when you become King, let me go wild and use an entire city for my bloodsucking."

Losa flicked her smooth forehead with his finger.

He became serious: "Furin, that's impossible; I'm human, and even if I'm not in the future, I'll always remember this identity; I can never allow you to become a monster feeding on humans."

Furinjira seemed a bit confused: "But I am a monster feeding on humans."

"Then feast on me."

Losa extended his arm to her.

Furinjira sniffed and licked it, seeing Losa not retracting his arm, she frowned: "Fine, I promise I won't drink human blood."

Losa shook his head: "That's not necessary; I just don't want you to feed on human blood, but it doesn't mean you can't drink it to save your life in an emergency."

"Your safety is always paramount."

Prajna's icy voice suddenly rang out: "You've had enough chat, haven't you?"

The two instinctively created some distance.

Her tone was somewhat cold: "The Guard Officer of this city, Hanfry, invited us to a banquet. Master, do you plan to attend?"

"Didn't invite us yesterday, and now invites us to a banquet?"

What's Hanfry up to? Could he have received a messenger from my scepter Count Reynard, wanting to pressure me?

Losa was a bit puzzled but still said: "Finally, I can engage in noble social interactions; speaking of which, I haven't properly attended a banquet."

"Pack up and get ready to set off."

Losa dressed in a brand-new suit; since buying this silk suit, he hadn't worn it many times.

He went to the first floor of the inn.

Losa met the servant sent by Hanfry.

He looked apologetic: "Master, this gathering is a bit rushed; Lord Hanfry hasn't prepared thoroughly, so only you are invited."

"Just me?"

Losa furrowed his brows: "This not only violates noble etiquette, it's a grave insult to me; are you sure?"

The servant quickly replied: "Master, of course, it's not just you allowed to go, but with all your knights and soldiers, the castle can't accommodate them."

"Ha."

Losa sneered: "Does your master think I'm a broke noble scrounging food with my subordinates? With so many conditions, fine, it's off."

"No no no, Master."

The servant was anxious: "It's my fault for speaking poorly; Master, no matter how many people you bring, we'll do our best to entertain, hoping you won't mind the offense just now."

"There you have it."

Losa huffed lightly: "Rest assured, I'll only bring two ladies; it's no trouble."

He waved his hand, signaling the servant to lead the way.

Then, he boarded the carriage heading to the castle with Prajna and Furinjira.

He wasn't worried about Hanfry setting any traps; first of all, Baldwin IV is leading the Crusaders' army soon, unless Hanfry was mad, he wouldn't dare touch me.

Secondly, with Prajna and Furinjira, Losa was confident about his personal safety.

As the castle's iron gates slowly lifted.

The carriage drove slowly inside.

Knight Hanfry greeted them with a full smile: "Baron Losa, yesterday's busy affairs unfortunately kept me from you; please come in; I've ordered the chef to prepare delicious food and fine wine, waiting for you to enjoy."

Losa felt amused, almost wanting to ask, "How come you suddenly changed from aloofness to hospitality?"

But knowing this would be too much, he had no irreconcilable conflict with Hanfry, so he said: "You're too gracious, Lord; we're Crusader comrades under the holy banner, delayed only by duties, hardly worth mentioning."

The two conversed amicably, walking into the castle.

Furinjira pouted, not understanding how they said so many insincere things.

The servant suddenly spoke, stopping them: "The two ladies, please dine here; we have maids and dishes prepared just for you."

Losa was a bit confused: "What's this?"

Hanfry showed a mischievous smile: "Baron, there are many things at the banquet not suitable for ladies to watch, it's too impolite."

Prajna shook her head: "Impossible, duty calls, I must stay by the Master's side."

Hanfry hesitantly looked at Losa: "This..."

Losa solemnly said: "Indeed, Lord Hanfry, Prajna is my most intimate friend and companion; there's nothing she can't know."

Hanfry showed a troubled expression: "This is too impolite; if word spreads I've allowed a respected lady to watch such things, my family's honor will be shamed."

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