Cyberserk & Vampiress

The Viscount's Problems of Losers Don't Care

A large group of gnomes and elves walked ahead of the crowd of mice and vampires. In the back rows towered figures of orcs with intimidating armor that was reinforced by a multitude of thorns. One of the gnomes stopped in front of the swordsman and declared in a loud voice of an experienced leader. 

"Who are you, and how could you defeat the great dragon Lord of Fear?"

Dan did not like this statement from the gnome. One look was enough for the man to see who was in front of him.

[Gorgrab. Elder of the Grab Clan. Level 19] 

The behavior of the ancestor of the gnome Gnograb can be excused. Raven thought that when many elders returned to rule their clans it would cause many changes in clans and tribes. 

"I am the dragon conqueror and the one who will help all of you return to Grossroads," Dan replied.

"You all realize that it's been a long time since you left the city. Now you will be able to return home and get all the information you need from your descendants. Viscount Zangar is willing to give everyone the opportunity to return to Grossroads," the phantom smiled into the ancient dwarf's face and said nastily. "Complimentary."

The gnome's face twisted at such profanity. Gorgrab took a step toward Dan and declared with a look of confidence and pride.

"Castle Zangar is the domain of the Grab clan. I demand that you consider returning the castle to the control of the gnomes of the clan."

Dan realized he could not negotiate with these ancient warriors and aristocrats.

"I mean no offense to the Grab clan. But the matter of governing Zangar Castle is not as simple as you think," Raven prepared to strike at the crowd of these losers. "I am a dragon conqueror. But the Lord of Fear has special feelings about this place."

Dan quickly summoned the dragon.

The Lord of Fear arose beside the man, and his huge body only happened not to disturb the front row of the castle's former captives. The dragon didn't hesitate for a second. In a moment, the entire crowd froze with the dragon's magic.

"I'm hungry," the dragon roared.

"Don't make fools of us," laughed Tom. "Even hobbits aren't as greedy as you are. These honorable citizens are not to be eaten. Dan will help them back to Grossroads. They will help our friends to the best of their ability."

"Thank you for your help, Lord. That's a great response. That's exactly what I wanted to see. Let's wait until these ungrateful and grateful warriors come to their senses," Dan smiled. "Do you want to eat? I think there are hunting grounds near the castle."

"I was joking. I have enough places to hunt. I'm ready to cool the brains of those wretched losers and weaklings again," laughed the dragon.

"Be ready for battle. They all imagine themselves to be the rulers of the Grossroads. But their time has passed. There will be many scandals in the city," Tom said. "A complicated world exhibits complex events of pleasant and unpleasant things."

Dan noticed that the crowd was beginning to show a reaction to the dragon. It was his time to show his power in the place.

"Everybody freeze! I am Viscount Zangar. This is the Lord of Fear. I will tolerate no disrespect in my castle. The portal to Grossroads will allow everyone to return to their families. The portal is in the third room at the exit of this hall. Have a pleasant return home."

The warriors in the back immediately turned around and ran for the exit. Everyone wanted to get out of the damn place quickly.

The gnomes and a few elves stayed where they were. The tall elf who inspired respect with his proud appearance was silent and watched the events carefully. A few vampires did not hide their smirks, which were in harmony with the pale skin of their faces. A group of orcs and mice also showed curiosity. Everyone was curious to know how the meeting between the former and the present owner of the castle would end.

"So now the dragon serves you," Grograb concluded correctly. The gnome's fists clenched and he nodded his head. "We will seize the opportunity to return to the clan. My words still stand. The Grab clan claims supremacy in the business of farming Zangar!"

"The claim is unfounded. Your clan has failed to justify the gnomes' desire to regain power over Zangar. Elves have every right to take part in the affairs of Zangar," the tall elf cast one last look at the obscure viscount and walked quickly out of the hall.

Grograb waited silently for the elves to leave the room.

"You look like an elf and a vampire. But you are neither elf nor vampire. I'm not surprised by the appearance of new creatures in Grossroads. I hope you possess wisdom and will heed my words," said the gnome.

"If you ever question the wisdom of my ally again, I will devour you. I have eaten your flesh several times, gnome. I remember the taste of your flesh. Elves taste better," the Lord of Fear threatened with a roar.

Dan stared silently into the gnome's eyes and saw a more fearsome opponent than the Gnograb. Memories of the dangerous head of the Grab clan were clear. The new clan head would quickly change the distribution of duties in his clan.

Grograb did not respond to the threat and left the hall. The wise gnome understood that a retreat was now required to launch a new attack.

When the hall was empty Dan wished the dragon a pleasant appetite and went straight back to Grossroads.

He walked out of the Temple building and saw several palace employees already running toward him from the palace.

"This world doesn't need cell phones. I need to buy a couple of these fun artifacts to communicate with Koreima, too," whispered Dan.

"Baron Raven! The King wishes to see you immediately," the courtier shouted and immediately extended one hand palm forward. "To congratulate you on the completion of a great and dangerous deed. You have accomplished a noble heroic deed and the king and queen wish to know the details."

"The king's desire is clear to me. I am ready for an audience," Dan walked beside the palace staff.

The well-bred aristocrats did not bother the warrior with their questions. They knew that they could overhear the conversation between the king and the baron.

King Arador and Queen Gemma greeted the young man with smiles on their faces. But Dan immediately sensed that these feelings were insincere. He once again realized that he was not suitable for the local society of aristocrats.

The young baron had time to discover another unpleasant trait of the Grossroads. Every citizen behaved naturally and in no way resembled the silly and limited NPC from a computer game. All the citizens were different and all were special. Everyone was full of life and emotion. But in some cases, the citizen acted in a very unpleasant and unnatural way.

The aristocrat sometimes turned from a lively and witty interlocutor into a weak amateur theater actor playing the role of an aristocrat. Dan could not believe that the aristocrat was a person who liked to hide his true feelings under various masks. Sometimes he noticed that Koreima was behaving very badly. When the baroness awakened in the vampiress it was an unpleasant society for a human.

"Congratulations on your victory over the ancient dragon. Unfortunately, your title of Viscount is difficult to confirm. You don't have enough of a reputation with the Grossroads and the residents of the city," the king got right to the point.

"I don't care about confirming a new title. I have a problem with the management of the castle. I am well aware that I do not have the experience of a true ruler of the great Zangar," Dan answered honestly.

"My servants cannot support you. The affairs of the kingdom take a great deal of time and energy to put in order," Arador shook his head.

"My distant relatives of the Clan of the Eternal Pine can certainly be of invaluable help to the young baron," Queen Gemma smiled feignedly.

"Why invaluable?" Dan looked into the face of the beautiful woman.

"Baron?" Gemma stopped smiling. "What don't you understand about the words Invaluable help?"

"Everything has its value. Gnomes will easily determine the price of helping to manage the castle's economy," Raven explained his position.

"Gnomes," the king smiled. In one word he let the boy know that he did not believe in an alliance between the swordsman and the gnomes.

Dan saw no sense in engaging in palace intrigue. He had long ago decided to behave simply concerning the confusing power of the king of humans. Don't meddle in the king's affairs and the king won't meddle in your affairs! Baron Raven is a small figure on the playing field. He is not worth attention. On the rare occasions when the baron draws attention to himself, it is necessary to get out of the king's sphere of influence as quickly as possible.

Dan thought he needed to get to level 15. At this level, any citizen who has enough brains can use the magic of movement. The portal to the palace grounds sometimes led to unpleasant encounters.

At that moment, a princess entered the room and rescued the baron.

"I heard everything! You were able to defeat the Lord of Fear! How did you do it? Tell me immediately," cried Elina.

Dan smiled at the simplicity and naivety of this sweet girl.  

"I beat it with my sword until the dragon died. I hated to kill this ancient and noble creature," the swordsman honestly stated part of the truth.

King Arador laughed and let it be known that the audience was over.

"Elina, you can talk to the baron about his exploits elsewhere. Baron, would you do me the courtesy of escorting our daughter to the study hall," smiled Arador.

Dan was glad to leave this society and followed the princess. As he walked, he considered her figure and tried to solve one question. Is the princess comfortable walking with a short sword in a sheath on her leg under her dress?