Absolute Cheater

Chapter 61 Catherine Past II

The Crown Prince, realizing the gravity of what had just occurred, paled. His earlier arrogance now seemed foolish in the face of such a bold and deliberate act of defiance. "You dare...?" he began, his voice trembling with fury and disbelief.

Alaric Bloodcrown met his gaze, his crimson eyes burning with unshakable resolve. "Dare? No, Your Highness. I act."

Turning to address the gathered nobles, Alaric spoke with clarity and conviction. "For centuries, we, the noble families of Blood Jewel Kingdom, have upheld our duties, our sacrifices ensuring the kingdom's survival. But those entrusted with its throne have forgotten their own responsibilities. Tonight, the Bloodcrown family declares that we will no longer serve under an unworthy ruler."

Catherine stood beside her father, her presence as striking as his words. She remained silent, but her steady gaze and poised demeanor conveyed her agreement. The Bloodcrown family was united in this decision, and they would not back down.

The Crown Prince clenched his fists, his voice cracking as he shouted, "This is treason! You'll pay for this insolence!"

But Alaric merely turned away, a faint smile playing on his lips as he addressed his knights. "Escort the prince to the palace. Ensure his safe return. Let him deliver our message to his father."

The knight bowed deeply once more and gestured for the Crown Prince to follow. Humiliated and seething, the Crown Prince stormed out of the hall, flanked by the Bloodcrown knights.

As the doors closed behind them, Alaric turned to the remaining nobles, his expression hardening. "The time for blind loyalty is over. Those who value strength and justice will know where to stand."

Cheers erupted from a portion of the crowd, while others remained silent, their loyalties torn. This night would mark the beginning of a seismic shift in the Blood Jewel Kingdom—a declaration of war, not just for the throne but for the very soul of the kingdom.

The Bloodcrown family was beloved by all, even the kingdom's common people. It wasn't long before the royal family realized just how little power they truly wielded within their own realm.

For the next week, tension escalated as the royal family mustered their forces. Finally, they marched with their army toward the Bloodcrown estate. At the forefront rode the king, flanked by his arrogant sons, their confidence palpable as they approached the Bloodcrown's gates.

The royal army arrived at the gates of the Bloodcrown estate, their presence a show of might and arrogance. Rows of armored soldiers marched in unison, their weapons gleaming under the pale light of the ever-present moon.

The Crown Prince, still nursing his bruised ego from the humiliation at Catherine's celebration, smirked. His words dripped with disdain as he addressed the gathered soldiers. "Tonight, we shall end the Bloodcrown line. Kill the men, enslave their women, and leave none alive." His voice carried over the ranks of soldiers, met with raucous cheers from his supporters.

Another prince, his younger brother, grinned wickedly, licking his lips as he surveyed the estate. "Brother, allow me the pleasure of having some fun with their women before we finish them off," he said, his voice oozing malice.

The soldiers laughed, emboldened by their leaders' confidence. They regarded the Bloodcrown family not as a threat but as prey. Little did they realize how grossly they underestimated the power of their adversaries.

The Bloodcrown estate stood as a dark fortress against the night, its obsidian walls emanating an ominous aura. It was no ordinary stronghold; centuries of accumulated power seeped into its very foundation, making it a reflection of its inhabitants' unmatched strength.

Among the vampire clans, the Bloodcrown was renowned not only for their prowess in battle but also for their unparalleled beauty. Unlike other vampire clans, known for their alabaster hair and pale features, the Bloodcrown were unique with their flowing black hair and striking crimson eyes. They were revered as the pinnacle of vampiric evolution, admired and envied by allies and enemies alike.

The people of the kingdom adored the Bloodcrown family, seeing them as protectors who valued justice and strength. Even as the royal family prepared for war, whispers of dissent grew among the common folk. Many viewed the royals as tyrants, and their attempt to crush the Bloodcrown was seen as an act of jealousy and fear.

Inside the estate, Alaric Bloodcrown stood with his commanders, gazing calmly at the approaching army. His face betrayed no fear, only cold calculation. Beside him, Catherine exuded a quiet confidence, her black hair cascading down her shoulders as her crimson eyes glowed faintly.

"Father," she said softly, her voice carrying an edge of anticipation. "Do we give them a chance to retreat?"

Alaric's smirk widened as he gestured toward Isolde, his eldest daughter. Her beauty was captivating, her presence commanding. Her long black hair framed a face of maturity and elegance that surpassed even Catherine's youthful charm.

"Dear, do you wish to handle this?" Alaric asked, his tone casual yet laced with expectation.

Isolde rose gracefully, adjusting the hem of her crimson gown. "Of course," she replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "It's been a while since I've had any entertainment."

Catherine tilted her head, watching her elder sister curiously. "She's going alone?" she asked, her voice tinged with both awe and worry.

"Yes," Alaric confirmed. "It's time you witnessed the true might of our family. Observe and learn."

As Isolde stepped outside the gates, her aura alone silenced the jeering soldiers. The Crown Prince, his confidence bolstered by the size of his army, sneered at her.

"Did you come here to surrender, little lady?" he mocked, his voice dripping with derision. "If so, kneel now, and maybe I'll be merciful."

Isolde's crimson eyes locked onto his, her expression unchanging. "Surrender?" she repeated softly, her voice carrying an eerie calm. "No, I came to give you a choice: flee now or face annihilation."

The Crown Prince and his soldiers burst into laughter, the sound echoing across the battlefield. The prince shook his head, stepping forward with an exaggerated bow. "How adorable. A woman of your beauty shouldn't waste her words on threats. Kneel, and I might make you my queen."

Isolde sighed, shaking her head. "You truly are pathetic."

Without another word, she raised her hand. Above her, a blood-red crown materialized, glowing ominously as the air grew thick with power. The prince's laughter faltered as he felt an inexplicable weight pressing down on him.

"What... what is this?" he stammered, his bravado cracking.

"Bloodcrown," Isolde murmured, her voice cold. From the crown, tendrils of crimson energy lashed out, forming into knights made entirely of blood. They stood tall and imposing, their weapons gleaming as if forged from liquid rubies.

The prince's eyes widened in terror. "You think these illusions can stop me?" he shouted, trying to mask his fear.

Isolde chuckled softly, her smile devoid of warmth. "Illusions? No, little prince. These are my Blood Knights. And unlike your pitiful soldiers, they cannot be harmed by mortal weapons."

The prince drew his sword, pointing it at her. "Attack! Kill her!"

His soldiers hesitated, the Blood Knights' presence unnerving them. At their leader's repeated orders, they finally charged forward.

Isolde didn't flinch. With a flick of her wrist, her knights moved as one, their weapons cleaving through the enemy ranks effortlessly. Swords, spears, and arrows passed through their ethereal forms, leaving them unharmed. The soldiers' cries of agony echoed as they fell, their blood absorbed by the knights, making them stronger.

From atop his steed, the king watched with growing unease. "Enough of this nonsense!" he bellowed, leaping down from his horse. He unsheathed a massive blade, its edge glowing with enchantments. "I'll deal with her myself!"

Isolde turned to face him, her expression calm. "You're welcome to try," she said, extending her hand as a crimson blade formed in her grasp.

The king charged, his enchanted blade humming with power. Their weapons clashed, the impact shaking the ground. Sparks flew as the two exchanged blows, but it quickly became clear that Isolde wasn't just holding her own—she was toying with him.

"You're strong," she said, her voice almost bored. "But strength alone isn't enough against me."

With a sudden surge of power, she disarmed him, her blade slicing through his weapon as if it were paper. The king staggered back, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Isolde raised her blade, its edge glinting ominously. "This is your last chance. Leave now, or die."

The king hesitated, his pride warring with his survival instincts. Behind him, the remnants of his army were in chaos, overwhelmed by the Blood Knights. The Crown Prince and his brothers watched in horror, their earlier arrogance replaced by terror.

Isolde's eyes narrowed. "Very well."

With a single, swift motion, her blade descended. The battlefield was silent as the king fell, his blood pooling at her feet, feeding the Blood Knights.

She turned to the remaining soldiers, her voice ringing out like a death knell. "Flee, and tell the world what happens to those who challenge the Bloodcrown."

The surviving soldiers didn't hesitate. They turned and ran, abandoning their fallen king and shattered pride. The Crown Prince, pale and trembling, was dragged away by his brothers.

Isolde watched them go, her expression serene. "Pathetic," she murmured, dismissing her knights with a wave of her hand.

Behind her, Alaric and Catherine stepped forward, both wearing proud smiles.

"You've outdone yourself, my dear," Alaric said, his tone approving.