dark witch

Chapter3

The delicate tips of her fingers gently brushed over the needlepoint, and Haiyin's gaze became serene. It was strange, she thought, having been reborn into this world for ten years, she always felt as though this world harbored a kindness towards vampires. Merely from the coexistence of humans and vampires for so long, aside from sunlight, she found no substance that could effectively counter vampires.

Haiyin placed the silver needle back into the oak box, closed the lid, and carried it to the window. Pushing open the window, a beam of sunlight brazenly invaded, striking her porcelain face and causing her to instinctively turn away and squint: "So warm."

After slowly adjusting, she smiled and gazed towards the eastern rising sun, her silver-gray pupils tinged with red.

From what she understood, other than utilizing sunlight, the only other method to kill a vampire was to gouge out the heart or decapitate them.

However, both methods were beyond the abilities of ordinary people. The former could work against transformed Androsi under sunlight, but for those of pure Androsi lineage born with it, even the harsh sun would not claim their lives in a moment.

As for the latter, it goes without saying, with the Androsi's formidable self-healing abilities, ordinary people would likely struggle to get close, let alone gouge out hearts or decapitate. Werewolves and witches could, but they would not easily conflict with Androsi for the lower classes, despite their mutual animosities.

Such conditions have led to the rapid proliferation of the human race, with a vast population that, in this world, holds little significance. Beyond the West Sea Forest, humans are often referred to as Luo Zong people, with "zong" here akin to "beast."

Haiyin sighed lightly, grateful more than once for being born into the DeXi witch family and for her mother's excellent genes, allowing her to practice witchcraft. Otherwise… Her gaze fell upon the vast empty plots of dark soil in front of DeXi castle, indicating her only choice—farming, the basis of sustenance.

Though she had temporarily abandoned farming, she intended to develop cultivation once conditions improved. However, thinking of this, Haiyin couldn't help but smile bitterly; the DeXi family monopolizing the West Sea Forest yet facing scarcity was indeed disheartening.

But no wonder, with the DeXi family being small in number and the witches among them too unruly to enslave others, expecting them to farm or hunt was a fantasy. Haiyin looked towards the lush greenery stretching as far as the eye could see, but her mother's recent focus on Anastasia City was likely to face obstacles.

Anastasia City was not always known by that name. It was only after being bestowed to Loch Anastasia by the Viscountess Anash Stirling that it was renamed, and Anash Stirling, Loch Anastasia's mother, was a noble of pure Androsi lineage.

On the continent of Mar, there existed only one vast kingdom, Andrei Kingdom, centered around Andrei Royal City, extending from the Althas Mountains in the west, to the North Shore Plains in the north, to Tianhai Bay City in the east, and to the Liwu Fire Forest in the south, with nearly the entire central continent under its control.

Why nearly? Because a unique existence resided on this central land, beneath Haiyin's feet, a territory her ancestors somehow carved out from the Androsi.

The existence of Andrei Kingdom dates back ten thousand years, and the Androsi's purpose in establishing it was clear: to simplify governance.

Unlike ancient Chinese feudal dynasties, although Andrei Kingdom had a king, he was more a worker than an absolute ruler, with the real power lying with the Androsi's five great families.

These families were led by the dukes Alexandra Stirling, Liliadna Stirling, the dukes Eliza Miller, Amy Miller of the Miller family, Duke Borei Hol of the Hol family, Duke April Rek under the Rek family, and Duke Becky Cleton of the Cleton family.

In simpler terms, the seven dukes were the true rulers of Andrei Kingdom, revered and feared by all Androsi nobles, with dukes and counts and viscounts ranked according to their lineage.

And Loch Anastasia, the lord of Anastasia City nestled beside the West Sea Forest, his mother Anash Stirling was not only a viscountess of the Andrei Kingdom but also of the Stirling family, the strongest among the Androsi's five major forces.

Of course, this was under the assumption that a certain individual was deceased; if they were alive, the Stirling family would have to step back.

The DeXi witches, fearless of gods and demons alike, had indeed kicked a solid iron plate. Haiyin clenched the small oak box in her

hand, her lips curling slightly: "I wonder how the Androsi have tolerated this till today?"

Knowing the West Sea Forest was not far from Andrei Royal City, a leisurely carriage ride would take only five days, yet for ten thousand years, the West Sea Forest remained as it was, still under the DeXi witches.

What puzzled her more was the vast expanse of the West Sea Forest, untouched and unclaimed by werewolves, a fact Haiyin was certain of. Extending her right hand out the window, the black crows that had been dozing on the castle eaves opened their eyes simultaneously, spreading their wings and flying towards the loft.

"Why is that?" Haiyin teased the crows seeking her affection, laughing lightly, "Do you know?"

The existing werewolves were primarily divided into three tribes: the MacAdam tribe, the Arabella tribe, and the Leeds Tribe, with unknown numbers but presumably more than the Androsi.

Yet, despite being humans, they had not considered contending with the Androsi, uncharacteristic of wolves.

"Tomorrow, I'll be accompanying my mother and aunt out of the West Sea Forest," Haiyin spread her fingers, "Who among you will join me?"

As soon as her words fell, a crow, not the least bit glossy and somewhat dull, rushed to the front, landing in Haiyin's palm, while the others, still in a daze, then vigorously flapped their wings in anger, some even bristling their feathers, amusing Haiyin into hearty laughter.

"Alright, you clever trickster."

Gently tossing the lingering crow from her palm, Haiyin withdrew her hand. Loch Anastasia was blessed with a son, likely attracting many to congratulate. Though she had yet to depart, she could already anticipate the people she would meet.

"I wonder if all the Light Witches are dressed in white, like saints?" Haiyin turned around, placing the small oak box back into the treasure chest, "Mother is right, it's indeed time for me to broaden my horizons."