Chapter Forty-Two: Godfathers and Godsons

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It seems that Falka has installed a listening device in the Elder Council’s chamber. She asked me if I wanted to hear their discussion about me, and I eagerly urged her to tell me.

In the recording, Tiphon said, “I have already stated, I witnessed it with my own eyes, and Nana can also attest to it. He single-handedly defeated a blood clan member none of us could overcome. Plus, Vasillisa claimed he once repelled Abel. I truly don’t understand why you still refuse to believe it.”

Maxwell responded, “Please allow me to express my astonishment, madam. Because this matter is so extraordinary, I believe the Regent himself is as surprised as I am. His past conduct did not suggest such… immense potential.”

Legan said, “If you had adventured alongside him, you’d understand that incredible things frequently happen around him. Think about all he has accomplished. He may sometimes act like a fool, but a true wise man never reveals all his cards from the start.”

Michael said, “What does it matter? He’s still Fishbone, he’s still my friend.”

Bochi shouted, “Regent! Pardon my bluntness, but your words are far too naïve. He is like a ten-thousand-ton thermite bomb buried beneath the Black Coffin, ready to explode at any moment.”

Michael said, “But if he blows us up, what good would it do him? Once a bomb explodes, it ceases to exist.”

Bochi said, “He is human, and we are blood clans. Blood clans feed on humans. Think about all Missouri has done. Do you think humans who know our true nature will not harbor hostility toward us?”

Michael said, “Even if Fishbone has concealed his strength from me, I firmly believe our friendship is genuine.”

Bochi’s tone was irritable and impatient. “Listen to yourself. Does this sound like something a Regent would say?”

Legan coldly said, “Then what do you propose? We lure him into an ambush and eliminate him? Don’t forget, Bochi, we have neither the reason nor the strength to do so.”

Bochi said, “Kidnap his wife, manipulate his family, turn his confidants. What? You bloodsuckers have countless tricks for dealing with your own kind, but when it comes to a naïve mortal, suddenly you all become pure and innocent?”

This rash, fanatical suggestion chilled me to the bone. If he really did this, and Michael agreed, what would become of me?

Tiphon said, “To control a person, there are usually two methods: one is to instill fear and make him a slave; the other is to make him happy and form an alliance. Now, let us vote. Those in favor of the former, raise your hands.”

After a brief silence, Bochi angrily said, “A bunch of softies, a bunch of cowards!”

Michael said, “Bishop, please don’t go too far.”

Tiphon said, “After voting, we blood clans will strive to reconcile with Fishbone.”

Michael said, “The Black Coffin will bestow upon Marquis Longinus the title of Marquis, along with an eighty-three-story mansion—that was once my residence—and I request him to be the godfather of my child, Sosa.”

Legan said, “I can appoint him as the honorary dean of the soon-to-be-established Ranger Military Academy, and special operations advisor to the Valkyrie Regiment.”

Maxwell smiled wryly. “I never thought we blood clans would humble ourselves so obsequiously before a human. Maxwell, what’s your opinion?”

Maxwell said, “I reserve judgment; do as you please.”

Tiphon said, “Doctor, please answer honestly: if in the future Fishbone Longinus poses a threat to the blood clans’ existence, do you have the means to stop him?”

Maxwell said, “Why ask me? Why not ask the actual leader of the Black Coffin?”

Tiphon said, “I suspect that the Regent himself, and the power behind him, may not be enough to contain Longinus. Yet you always manage to surprise us.”

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Maxwell sighed. “For thousands of years, we were gods reigning above humans. But even above us were gods who manipulated us. Humans have coexisted with us to this day, and we with our gods in peace. This world has its own forces maintaining balance. Even that once world-destroying sun has eventually grown quiet and gentle, hasn’t it?”

Bochi said, “Are you trying to discuss theology with me now?”

Maxwell said, “Ladies and gentlemen, our quarrel here is meaningless. I won’t choose to make an enemy of Longinus, and even if the situation might worsen, I do not believe we should overreact. You are all wise enough to understand this. That is all I have to say. Please excuse me.”

The meeting ended there.

I held my breath through the entire debate and let out a long sigh of relief when it was over.

Falka said, “This meeting was two days ago. They were preparing to summon you back and bestow upon you the aforementioned honors.”

I asked Falka, “What do you think?”

Falka said, “I cannot tell how they judge. My data shows extreme contradictions. First, I don’t believe Duke Tiphon misjudged your strength. You truly defeated the one from Constance, and indeed held back Abel. However, based on my calculations of your combat index, you simply could not possess such power.”

I suppose my face must have gone pale.

Falka said, “I judge your strength to be extremely unstable. At times you are not strong, but at others, your performance far exceeds measurement.”

I asked, “So... your conclusion is...?”

Falka said, “You still need my help, need the Black Coffin’s help. So I will continue to watch over you, lest your terrible luck brings you harm.”

My dear, reliable Falka, you are like my dutiful and promising daughter who brings joy and peace to this aging father.

I left the mansion, deciding to see Michael. His words in the meeting moved me. I never dared to believe there was someone in the blood clans as magnanimous as him.

I would tell him I would always stand by his side and support him. I felt ashamed for doubting his friendship before; now was the time to repay his trust.

As I neared the elevator to the top floor, several elite arbiters guarding the elevator straightened up. I could not see their expressions, but their breathing became low and brief; they were nervous.

Their leader asked, “Marquis Longinus! When did you return?”

Marquis?

I pretended not to hear and said, “Just today. I came to see the Regent. Is he available to receive me?”

The arbiter captain said, “The lord said you must never be stopped, no matter when.”

Falka, do they know?

Yes, they all know.

Excellent.

I stepped into the Regent’s magnificent hall. The arbiters were well-trained and motionless, like suits of armor on display. Every time I passed this corridor before, I was awed by their dignity, as if walking under the gaze of giants.

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But now, they seemed diminished, each eager to bow their heads, shrink their bodies, and avoid me, avoid the air disturbed by my presence.

Pere’s words were right: vanity is a good thing.

Arriving at Michael’s reception hall, I called out, “Old friend, I’m back!” Without hesitation, I gave him a warm embrace.

Michael said, “Fishbone, you really gave us all a fright.”

I said, “I never meant to deceive you, but you never asked, and I am such a low-key yet splendid person... This is no excuse. I just want to tell you, I haven’t changed. I will always stand by you.”

Michael smiled sincerely and told me about all the honors promised in the recording: the mansion, the title, the dean position, and the war hero accolades—they sounded like a delightful symphony in my mind.

He ordered an arbiter to bring Sosa, then sat down with me to chat. He was a busy man, no longer as leisurely as before, but conversing with such a talkative and courteous noble was indeed refreshing.

Soon, Sosa appeared before us. After bowing, he looked at me with the gaze reserved for a hero, making my heart flutter and feel somewhat embarrassed.

Michael said, “I ask you to be this child’s godfather: to teach him, protect him, be his mentor and master. He will forever respect and love you.”

But I am not religious—neither in Christianity nor the Cain faith.

However, what I believe no longer matters; this was just a formality, like the grand alliances of old through marriage. He was creating a bond of kinship between this child and me as a gesture of goodwill.

For Cain faith followers, a godfather is even more important than a father—a person they must trust their entire life.

I smiled and said, “Then what are we waiting for? Let me be this gardener who nurtures the sapling... ahem... and tends the peach harvest.”

That was close! Almost said the wrong thing. That was not my true intention; it was the lingering evil whisper of Pere haunting me like a ghost.

Damn you, Pere! You truly are a vile beast!

Sosa knelt on one knee before me and said, “I, Sosa Michael, swear in the name of Cain to recognize Fishbone Longinus as my godfather, to serve, respect, love, and trust him all my life, seeing him as the embodiment of Cain on earth.”

I said, “I, Fishbone Longinus, swear in the name of Cain to recognize Sosa Michael as my godson, to protect, guide, correct, and trust him all my life, regarding him as my duty and responsibility, making him the glory and exemplar of Cain.”

I could not feed him my blood, for it is toxic and deadly to mortals. So Michael suggested wine as a substitute. I took a sip, watching this perfectly sculpted boy drink the wine mixed with my saliva from his crimson lips.

Ah, he remains sober; why am I already slightly tipsy?

Stop, Fishbone, stop. Remember you are neither a philosopher nor a gentleman, but a saint.

Michael had Sosa accompany me on a tour, receiving my guidance. What does this kid mean? I recall ancient China’s evil custom of maids attending to noble guests in bed. What does he take me, Saint Longinus, for?

The entire afternoon, Sosa clung to me without pause, until I was utterly exhausted.

He repeatedly recounted the causes and details of the battle against Constance. He admired me so much that for a moment, I truly felt I had such a flawless son.