Gospel of Blood

Chapter 236: Deep Slumber

Charlotte thought she could hold out for half a month.

But in reality, she could barely manage ten days.

To prevent falling into a deep sleep, she had to keep herself awake. Forget about suppressing the urge to sleep—no one can stay awake for ten days or half a month.

Being able to hold out this long was already a testament to her unique bloodborne constitution.

"Um... Lady Charlotte, haven't you been overworking yourself lately? I think you might need a good rest."

Said Agnes, the bloodborne "apprentice maid," cautiously.

She watched Charlotte, who had huge dark circles under her eyes, yawning every few seconds, and was so drowsy she could barely keep her eyes open.

Charlotte forced herself to perk up, looked at Agnes, smiled faintly, and said calmly.

"You don't need to test me."

Agnes' face stiffened, and she laughed awkwardly.

"How... how could that be?"

"Knowing your true identity, Agnes has completely given up the thought of opposing you!"

Charlotte gave her a sidelong glance.

"So, you switched to secretly investigating my past?"

Agnes froze, her expression becoming unnatural.

Charlotte sighed, rubbing her temples as she handed a signed appointment letter for the new Mayor of Northport to Agnes.

"Deliver this appointment letter to the city hall. And... from now on, you and Lahel will follow Sebastian's orders."

Although Agnes had chosen to submit to her, she still had her own little schemes. Charlotte thought it was a potential risk if she couldn't keep an eye on Agnes during her sleep.

So, Charlotte decided it would be best to let Sebastian manage her.

She trusted Sebastian, her elven butler who had once built the largest underground gang in Borde, to handle this.

Hearing Charlotte's order, the bloodborne girl hesitated. But seeing the determined look on Charlotte's face and recalling the terrifying power she had felt in the mental realm, Agnes finally swallowed her objections, obediently nodded, and left the study.

After sending Agnes and Lahel to work under Sebastian, Charlotte resolved yet another problem before her slumber.

She picked up what must have been her nth cup of milk coffee that day and downed it.

However, after so many days, the coffee's stimulating effects were significantly diminished.

No matter how much she drank, it was difficult for Charlotte to focus as she used to.

"The new Mayor of Northport has been chosen, the plans and directions for the next few months have been roughly agreed upon with Sebastian, and I've even given early warnings to Viscount Remisio. If there's a rebellion in the territory, Castelle can count on external aid from the Remisio family..."

"I haven't received any new information from the Nez Clan, but I've told Sebastian how to contact Count Yurst."

"The biggest risk is probably the Legendary Bloodborne named Maxim. Having lost an avatar, I'm not sure if the avatar's memories will be shared with the main body..."

"But it shouldn't be a big problem. After all... I swapped the Dark Night Castle to the Holy Court's Cathedral back then, so my identity shouldn't be exposed."

"Hmm... by listing things out, I've done all I can. All foreseeable arrangements have been made. Castell is vast, I can't manage everything personally. From here, it's up to Sebastian."

"According to the timeline, the safety preparations Sebastian mentioned for my sleep should be almost ready."

With that in mind, Charlotte put down her quill.

She stood up and walked toward the secret room in the Count's mansion.

The secret room was located in the Count's bedroom, known only to Charlotte, Sebastian, and perhaps Nice.

Sebastian was a blood servant bound by a blood contract, and Nice was bound by a servant contract. Neither could betray Charlotte, even if she fell asleep.

When Charlotte entered the bedroom, Sebas was making some final preparations, and the increasingly plump black cat Nice was beside him.

Seeing Charlotte, Sebastian bowed gracefully.

"Great master, your timing is impeccable. Your resting place is ready!"

"Resting place?"

Charlotte was puzzled.

Sebastian nodded.

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"Yes! A resting place! Crafted by the finest elven artisans of Luna Island. It is absolutely secure, absolutely luxurious, and perfectly befitting your status!"

"Rest assured, I did not expose your identity. The artisans did not know who I was."

Crafted?

Custom-made?

Charlotte was taken aback.

She suspiciously entered the secret room, where she saw a luxurious black coffin.

Charlotte: ...

"Great master!"

Sebastian followed her inside, enthusiastically introducing it.

"This coffin is named Eternal Heart. It is made from the core branches of the Millennium Life Tree on Luna Island, inlaid with six thousand high-grade mana crystals. It is reinforced with twelve high-level permanent spells, making it immovable even by Legendary beings..."

"The carvings and thorny rose patterns on its surface were crafted by the best elven carvers. The paint is a mixture of dragon blood and bone powder, providing extraordinary magical and spiritual effects."

"Inside, I've prepared the finest silk from the Far East, ensuring softness and comfort. Fresh sleep roses and calming flowers are placed all around to aid you in deep meditation."

The more Sebastian introduced, the more excited he became.

Meanwhile, Charlotte's face darkened.

"So... all this preparation was for a coffin?"

She asked, her mouth twitching.

"Are you... dissatisfied?"

Sebastian asked, confused.

He hesitated, then cautiously added.

"Master, this is the best coffin the artisans of Luna Island could produce in a short time. The elves there often collaborate with the bloodbornes of the Nez Clan, and their skills in this area are quite exceptional..."

Charlotte shook her head, her expression odd.

"No, I wasn't expecting a coffin."

Sebastian was now the confused one.

"Huh? Isn't that what you wanted? Aren't coffins the traditional resting places for bloodbornes?"

Charlotte: ...

She gave Sebastian a speechless look but found herself unable to argue.

Feeling the overwhelming drowsiness, she sighed.

"Fine, a coffin it is."

Though the idea of sleeping in a coffin was abstract and ahead of its time for Charlotte, she had no better choice due to time constraints.

And despite it being a coffin, it seemed like a pretty good resting place based on Sebastian's description.

Sebastian indeed put a lot of thought into it. The secret room was intricately inscribed with complex magical formations, which even Charlotte, with her rudimentary magical knowledge, could tell were extraordinary—likely involving Nice's handiwork too.

Gently stroking the textured surface of the coffin, Charlotte said to Sebastian.

"Sebastian, the management of the territory during my sleep is in your hands."

"Of course, great master. Your loyal Sebastian will protect Castell and await your return..."

"Me too! Me too!"

The black cat Nice added proudly, puffing up.

Charlotte nodded slightly, satisfied with her two loyal followers.

"I leave everything to you both."

Reaching her limit of resisting sleep, Charlotte decided not to hold on any longer.

After bidding farewell to her followers, she shut the secret room door, changed into a nightgown, and lay down in the coffin.

As soon as she lay down, the overwhelming drowsiness took over.

Within a few breaths, Charlotte fell into a deep slumber...