Unable to repay my student loans, I had no choice but to work part-time as a demon hunter.

Boom, boom, boom.

There was a knock on the door.

"Miss Monford, the Earl inquires whether you two have rested well."

"Almost there," Charlotte called out, looking up before lowering her head to continue kissing. "By Saint Joshua, I really don't want to go out right now."

Why?

"It's like if you open the door to the outside, they'll rush in and kidnap you." Charlotte looked out the door; the hall was full of people waiting to take action against Gordon.

Compared to the cutthroat competition outside, the two of them were alone in the room, chatting casually about the future, and they were happier.

"It's okay, I know how to handle it," Gordon reassured her.

"So fast?"

"I'm just tired, not stupid. In a bit I'll list the offers from all sides and see what they want from me—a one-time commission, technical endorsement, or long-term cooperation... I can provide a lot of value, but I need to make appointments and let them compare prices."

"Let me help you." Charlotte leaned closer to Gordon's face. "From now on, we'll have to face these things together."

"No problem." Gordon stroked her face. "From now on, I'll check your health every day."

The two kissed for a while longer before sitting up straight and tidying themselves up.

Charlotte took out a handkerchief to wipe her face, pulled out her makeup case, checked her lipstick in the mirror to see if it was messed up, and then answered the questions.

"Alright, Mr. Vic is out of danger. We'll be right out." She stood up.

"Where to next?" Gordon asked as he stood up, trying to convince his undisciplined instincts to obey the bigger picture.

"Come to my house for cake. Today is my birthday, remember that. July 13th."

"well."

Charlotte straightened her skirt and, before leaving, adjusted Gordon's black bow tie one last time.

Seeing how dedicated she was, Gordon couldn't help but nod.

"You did a great job," Gordon said softly. "The source material was also well chosen."

Charlotte didn't look up, she just smiled.

"Yes. I know."

They reopened the heavy doors to the VIP lounge.

The scents of the outside world rushed in: perfume, alcohol, and the warm breath of thousands of people, all mixed with layers upon layers of voices.

The red glow lingered for a long time. To be honest, because of his previous vision impairment, Gordon couldn't see what kind of red color had been produced. He only heard "true red" because others kept repeating it to him.

Looking up now, the crimson glow slowly shifts like fragments of a sunset.

The guests stared intently at Gordon; the band had long since stopped playing, but the hall grew even noisier. An elderly alchemist with white hair and beard collapsed from the excitement and was carried out on a stretcher.

"Mr. Vic is out!"

"That's him!"

"Crimson Forger..."

Has he recovered?

Gordon gave them a brief greeting, and as the crowd began to close in, he skillfully avoided several bankers, lawyers, and reporters, quickly moving to find the person he actually wanted to talk to.

Elizabeth, dressed in an elegant cream-colored gown, held a half-finished glass of champagne, her gaze gentle, like a statue of the Virgin Mary.

"Mr. Vic, after tonight, everyone will have to get to know you in a new light. How are you going to describe tonight's miracle?" she said.

"I want to thank the Empire, the Emperor, and the generous Minister for his great support. I certainly couldn't have refined such good source material on my own." Gordon immediately began to express his unwavering loyalty.

"Hmm... Is this the prepared statement for an official announcement? It's the Empire's education and social support that made you who you are today?" Elizabeth looked at Gordon with great interest.

"Yes, that happens often."

"...Very well, many letters and invitations will be sent to you tomorrow, some of them very generous, making you forget what kind of life you originally wanted." Elizabeth stepped aside slightly to make way for Gordon. "Go ahead, Mr. Vic, the rest of the night is yours."

"Thank you." Gordon bowed and took his leave.

Gordon then found Professor Winslow, with Principal Roland beside him.

"Professor," Gordon greeted Winslow.

"Good timing. This is Roland, the headmaster of the Hunter School. And you should also give your regards to Headmaster Hamilton," Winslow introduced them, to prevent Gordon from mistaking them for random passersby.

"Oh, hello both principals." Gordon nodded. "Education is the most glorious thing."

"Gordon, you are the pride of our school." Principal Hamilton gave a brief acknowledgment. "We were just discussing your refining techniques. Master Herman believes that you must possess a source material activation method that far surpasses current standards."

"Professor Winslow taught me all of this," Gordon said, pointing to the professor.

"?" Winslow frowned.

All eyes turned to Winslow.

An alchemy master looked enlightened.

"I see, Professor Winslow. You are not only an expert in the natural history of source materials, but you also have a profound understanding of a sophisticated refining method," he exclaimed.

"I only taught him one method, the current standard triple separation method," Winslow explained.

"More than that. You taught me rigorous research methods, detailed knowledge of source matter, and a scientific spirit of skepticism towards the unknown. Without you, I would have at most cooked that piece of source matter. Really, Professor, thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Winslow stared at Gordon and pressed his forehead.

He clearly knew that Gordon was showering him with half the credit and public attention, and that reporters would be coming to him tomorrow morning to ask how he had cultivated such a "talent."

But... he agrees.

"You did a great job," he said slowly. "Write down the whole process and remember the feeling."

"Thank you, Professor." Gordon greeted Winslow.

Under the protection of several Monford family guards, Gordon walked toward the exit.

Near the main entrance, he saw Eve wearing an unusual dark red dress, the color of which resembled deep red wine, perfectly accentuating her voluptuous and elegant figure.

"Well done." Eve gave Gordon a light round of applause. "No wonder you had the confidence to refuse...they."

"I've always had it, but today it's been fully demonstrated."

"Be careful." Eve glanced at the ceiling of the hall. The crimson light faded after its last flash. "From today onward, your fate will be watched by many. Some want to walk with you, some want to choose your path, and some will think that the safest way is to break your legs and send you to the laboratory."

"I have a plan, a big plan." Gordon gestured to indicate the magnitude of his plan as he walked past Eve. "Thanks for reminding me."

"I believe you have a plan." Eve smiled, greeted Gordon and Charlotte, and then took a step back.

As they approached the door, reporters swarmed forward, pens and notebooks in hand, ready to pounce.

"Mr. Vic! Let's try again!"

Who provided you with guidance at work?

"Did you sign an exclusive contract with the Monford family?"

Do you consider yourself to have surpassed Master Hermann?

"What is your relationship with Miss Montfort?"

When the last question was asked, Charlotte clearly tightened her grip on Gordon's arm.

Gordon stopped in his tracks, looking to his left and then to his right. The reporters' faces looked particularly bloodthirsty under the gaslight.

"That's enough. I've answered too many questions tonight. The remaining answers involve trade secrets." Gordon waved his hand and strode forward without looking back.

"Mr. Vic!" shouted a reporter from the Lundnim Morning Post, "Just one question! How should we address you in the newspaper? Do you have a given name?"

Gordon stepped back, facing all the reporters.

"Just write... 'True Crimson Alchemist' Gordon Vick. Print it in the largest font size for me." He nodded vigorously.

The reporters quickly jotted down the name.

Family guards parted the reporters, clearing a path through the crowd, and Gordon strode forward.

Behind him is a gallery that witnessed the miracle, and thousands of guests who are still talking about his name.

Professor Winslow, his face serious, stared at Gordon with his hands behind his back. Eve stood by the door, Gordon's figure reflected in her golden eyes. The generous Elizabeth raised her glass in a distant toast to him.

Beside him, Charlotte, wearing a summer tiara, held his arm tightly. The Earl of Montfort, with steady steps and an imposing presence, brushed aside those who tried to ingratiate themselves with him.

Business cards were eagerly handed to him, each person hoping to get Gordon's attention.

A night breeze blew in my face at May Square.

At that moment, Gordon truly realized that he was experiencing the most beautiful night of his life.

The Montfort family's luxurious carriage is waiting.

[An expensive carriage. It's my pleasure to serve you.]

Four black horses were ready. The carriage was pitch black, and the sword and white lion emblem on the door panel was polished so clearly that one could see their reflection in it.

The Earl, Charlotte, and Gordon rode together.

Gordon turned to the crowd and waved his cane one last time before stepping onto the carriage, sitting in the soft seat, leaning back, and letting out a long sigh.

"Let's go," the count commanded.

"So this is what it feels like to be famous." Gordon closed his eyes, and it took him a long time to feel a sense of reality again.

He felt lightheaded, as if he had been blown into the sky.

Right now, he just feels hungry and thirsty, his head is foggy, and he's very sleepy, but he just can't fall asleep. He needs to eat something, drink something, and preferably find someone to hug him.

Charlotte moved from her father's side to Gordon's side, letting him lean on her shoulder.

"..." Earl Montfort turned his head to look out the window. The carriage was struggling through the crowd before heading onto the main street and towards the Golden Lion Avenue.

"Your Excellency, the journey back may be even more difficult. Tonight has been far from ordinary."

The Earl was well aware of this as well.

The stretch of road from May Square is usually the most dangerous part of the journey for Gordon.

"...Well, that's about it. Sigh...it's been a long time since I've done this." Count Monford took a deep breath, put down his cane, and activated his source energy.

[Golden Lineage: The Immortal Family]

A deep horn sounded from the night sky.

Suddenly, Gordon saw countless rays of light rising from beneath the stone pavement.

One, two, ten, a hundred...

They were initially just faceless silhouettes, which then revealed armor, chainmail, plate armor, military uniforms, or hunter's cloaks.

Some carried medieval longswords, others flintlock muskets, and still others raised military banners. A noblewoman rode atop a solid gold warhorse, lance held high. And those from the Monford family, hunters who had left their mark on the world and were legendary figures, walked alongside the wheels, each carrying their own weapons.

Their figures were all composed of translucent golden light, forming an unshakeable legion.

Outside the carriage, an old knight in a coat of arms cloak rode up to the window and glanced at Earl Montfort, Charlotte, and Gordon.

"..." Charlotte sat up straight involuntarily. The blood of this family ultimately flowed through her.

The old knight nodded and raised his sword, pointing it straight ahead.

The entire army moved accordingly, escorting the Monford family carriage up the Golden Lion Avenue.

Passersby quickly moved aside, police officers took off their hats, customers in cafes opened their windows, and drunkards in pubs were dragged away by their companions. Watching this golden army march through the night was a spectacle worth boasting about for half a lifetime.

The spying still lingered in the dark alley, yet dared not approach. The silent shadows on the rooftops hesitated, weighing their options before making a rash attack. The carriage following behind also slowed its pace, observing the situation.

"Has Your Excellency always been this strong?" Gordon asked curiously.

"That's how it will be from now on." Earl Monford didn't open his eyes.

Not long after, the Monford mansion appeared on the street.

The tall cast-iron gates were wide open, and guards lined up to greet them. The house itself was brightly lit, with warm light radiating outwards, illuminating the courtyard and roads to welcome their return.

The carriage stopped in front of the gate.

Earl Monford took a deep breath and deactivated his power.

The golden army began to dissipate from the rear, and the last departing old knight sheathed his sword in the night wind, casting a warning glance at the still-relentless enemies before turning into tiny specks of light and vanishing without a trace.

The servants opened the car doors, Gordon jumped out, and felt a sense of relief as he enjoyed the cool summer breeze outside the Montfort house. For the first time, he felt comfortable and safe.

As soon as they entered the front hall, the maids came forward to remove Charlotte's gloves and crown, placing them on an exquisite crystal tray.

She lifted her foot, and they took off Charlotte's leather shoes and put on soft gray slippers.

Gordon felt he didn't even have to move; someone naturally took off his coat and took his cane for him.

Maids dressed in black and white uniforms brought hot towels and lemon water to wipe Gordon's face and replenish his moisture.

"Let's go, it's time for cake." Charlotte wobbled into the restaurant in her soft shoes.

As soon as Gordon entered, he saw a cake even bigger than himself waiting for him.

[Cake. Apparently, the cake shop sells cakes.]

It has three layers: the bottom layer is Black Forest cake, the middle layer is lemon cream cake, and the top layer is pure white cake covered with thick frosting, with twenty thin candles inserted in the middle.

Normally, for health reasons, he wouldn't want to eat something that causes his blood sugar to spike, but today is a big day, so he can relax a little.

"Time to make a wish, baby." Gordon put his hands behind his back. "Have you thought of what you want to wish for?"

"I need to hear your blessing first."

"Happy birthday to you......"

"Be more sincere!"

"Good morning, good afternoon, good evening. That's already very sincere."

"Where's Dad?" Charlotte turned to her father.

"Happy birthday," said Earl Montfort.

"Ouch." Charlotte rubbed her forehead. These two men.

She walked forward.

The servants turned off the gas lamps, leaving only the candlelight to illuminate Charlotte's face.

Charlotte began to make a wish in her heart.

— "Wishing Dad good health...Wishing Mom peace...Wishing Gordon great wealth in 355..."

Then she climbed onto the stool and blew out the candle in one breath.

"Great!" Gordon clapped loudly.