Leaving an open bottle and two silver goblets on the table in front of the aristocrats, the footman literally disappeared from the study. The ghoul grimaced as he looked at the glasses. The light leather gloves, which he had worn almost without removing since his conversion, were removed as soon as he stepped out of the carriage. Now you couldn't even pretend to drink alcohol.
The Duke, not paying attention to his guest, poured himself an expensive wine and took a small sip with pleasure. Seeing that the count makes no attempt to pour himself a rare treat, he continued the conversation.
- Why did you suddenly want to become chancellor?
- I would like to realize some of my plans and for that I need all the power in the kingdom.
- Well, no one has all the power in our kingdom, - the duke reacted, - And of course you won't tell me what these plans are?
Count Yankee shook his head negatively
- I will not tell you, your lordship.
- Why can't they be realized through the Duke of Chergor?
Again it took his companion a moment before he could formulate an answer.
- His lordship and I have had a very special relationship for a long time....
- In other words," the Duke interrupted him, "you mean that you two have long disliked each other.
- That's right.
- And instead of reconciling, - it seemed that the master of the cabinet did not even notice the words of the guest, - you directed all your influence to gather a coalition against the chancellor and take his place.
The Count was dumbfounded.
- Don't be surprised. I know of your allies on your way to the chancellor's regalia," the duke said condescendingly.
- But why did you invite me here if you know everything? And why this pathos phrase, about the answer to the main question?
- And the main question was whether you are ready to kill for the sake of power or not. And you answered it. Everything else is just an excuse.
The two men fell silent. The Duke took a few more sips of the marvelous wine, and the Count put his thoughts in order and wished he could drink, though he knew that alcohol was completely incompatible with his being a vampire. For a moment he even lost control of himself and the desire for human blood almost took over. But discipline and willpower, hardened by decades, allowed him to quickly take control of the situation.
- Since we have such a frank conversation, let me ask one more important question, - Duke Ilium put the goblet on the table and looked expectantly at the man across from him.
- I am listening to you, your excellency, - even to lose one should have his head held high and even if now he has been outplayed on all levels, the Count has time and he will surely dance on the graves of his enemies.
- What can you offer me for my support?
Yankee was discouraged by the question. So much so that for the second time in a short period of time, he almost lost control of his bloodlust.
" Why not offer him to become a vampire?"
- How about eternal life?
If the duke was surprised at such a suggestion, he didn't give the appearance of being surprised.
- It's a tempting offer.
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