Chapter 376
(Author’s POV)
Vinicio Cardamone was the youngest of all four Vampire Elders. It had barely been ten years since he acquired the council member’s status. Though his eccentric and carefree nature wasn’t suitable for the title and was opposed by all the other Elders, for various known and undisclosed reasons. However, Jacob Larson, as the ruler, had the final say in the matter.
After countless attempts, Vinicio managed to stir Jacob up. At last, the latter gave him a chance to prove his worth and eventually gave him an ultimatum, a three year time period.
Everyone thought he, a mere, inexperienced kid, would succumb to pressure and politics. He wouldn’t be able to keep up. But rather the opposite happened. That guy turned out to be a total monster, eradicating anyone and everyone who dared to go against the King while performing the tasks befitting an Elder. He never complained about whatever was thrown at him.
Throughout his stipulation period, Vinicio earned multiple nicknames such as the iron wall, a barbaric manic and whatnot. Soon, he established his authority amongst the elders, so that none of the other elders or any other vampire could shake his place.
The guy was moody and unpredictable, so no one knew what he was thinking or what he would do next. He liked to stay mysterious and hardly made any public appearance so many people in and outside the vampire community weren’t aware of how he looked.
Brave as well as Alaric had heard a lot about him from their father, but it was the first time they had seen him. To them, he looked a lot younger, even younger than them. And they both were currently twenty six. He must have turned into a vampire when he had barely come of age.
Vinicio spoke again, his voice lively, “Why is everyone standing like a statue? Are their nails embedded on the couch, huhh? Are there, Secretary Shadow p>
“No~… absolutely not, Elder Cardamone,” Chris was quick to reply.
“How many times do I have to tell you. Call me by my name. Elder, Ancilla, ~ He looked in Catherine and Brian’s direction and completed, “No offence to anybody, but they make my stomach churn. Old people’s stuff,” said this, he took a seat leisurely on the clean couch. He then patted and said, “What are you all waiting for? You may take your seats now, all of you.” Then he laughed and muttered, “Ohhh~… haha~ I sounded just like my homeroom teacher when I was nine p>
For the Everests siblings, he seemed like a weirdo. Laughing, making remarks on fellow elders in their presence. Nora was the one who was most taken aback by the way he was behaving.
One by one, everyone occupied the spaces and settled down, leaving only Chris standing. He dared not sit amongst such powerful creatures. Vinicio shook his head and mumbled, “Old man, take a seat, will you p>
“How can I~ Chris spoke, but was interrupted by Silvia as she said, “Secretary Shadow, just settled down. Your opinion, as his majesty’s closest aide, is necessary p>
On their insistence, Chris finally took a seat, but his legs remained stiff and his posture rigid; he couldn’t relax.
“Did you like my latest look, Elder Silver?” Vinicio whispered near Silvia’s ear. They were settled beside each other, though the latter tried her best to keep a safe distance.
She did not say a word and even refused to give any reaction. Seeing her like this, he chuckled lightly, shook his head and leaned even closer, “SILVIA~ You are looking as delightful and irresistible as when I last saw you last time.” He made a sound by licking his lips.
Almost instantly, he got her to react. Silvia turned her head towards him and glared, mumbling, “Shut your trap~ And you look like a clown right now p>
“At least, I made you laugh. That’s a good thing then,” he answered with a light tone.
Brian, who was looking at them, rolled his eyes in raw aversion. He commented, loud enough for everyone to hear, “If you’re done with your flirting, we have a significant topic that we need to discuss; let’s resume that p>
“Brian Tape, who is flirting with whom? Watch what you say.” Silvia became defensive and snapped. While Vinicio muttered under his breath, “The old fella is sometimes, perspective p>
“Elder Silver, Elder Tape, Elder Cardamone~ Catherine spoke to the three of them as they all shifted their attention to her, her voice laced with seriousness. “As you all know, the Lycan descendants here~ She pointed towards the Everests’ siblings, “~ have come from Kimberg for a revision in the existing peace treaty and to make a supplementary deal as well, which required immediate attention p>
They all nodded in unison as she continued, “So, in order to function properly, someone needs to take charge for the time being, in his majesty’s absence. Am I correct p>
“Cento per cento,” Vinicio spoke again. “I agree with what you say, Elder Richards p>
“Good then,” Catherine sighed, forced a brief smile and continued, “Amongst all of us, I have the most experience as a Vampire and as an Elder. So, it would be only right if I lead the meeting, umm p>
“Totally,” Brian chimed. But Vinicio repeated his previous answer, his tone casual, “I object to that.” Silvia also said, “I don’t agree with that p>
Their words were met with a sharp reaction from Catherine Richards, but she concealed her fury. Before Vinicio arrived, she had intentionally discussed this topic in front of the Everests so that it could put pressure on Chris as well as Silvia, and neither of them could refuse it.
But with Cardamone’s presence, she knew things weren’t going to go as planned. That guy was called crazy for a reason. So, she needed to tread her steps carefully, “May I know the reason~ Why you both disagree p>
“Hmmm~ Vinicio crossed his legs in a domineering manner and said, “Do you want me to answer your question here or do you want to hear it privately p>
To Be Continued……..