Chapter 26: The Black Moon Society of Gorgias University, Year 33 of the Black Moon Epoch

Charlot, as a First-class Chief Clerk and a thirty-seventh rank civil servant of the empire, was considered part of the empire’s noble class, albeit at the lowest rung.

In Kilmainham Prison, no one but Miss Menielman could issue orders to him, nor could anyone reprimand him for arriving late or leaving early.

When Charlot stepped out of Kilmainham Prison, he was surprised to see a familiar carriage parked nearby. What caught his attention even more was the familiar young face peeking out from the carriage window.

Charlot raised his eyebrows in surprise and greeted her. “Miss Annie! What brings you here?”

Annie Bretagne’s delicate face was alight with a cheerful smile as she responded, “I was just passing by. Mr. Mecklenburg, you’re finishing work so early today—do you have other plans?”

Annie Bretagne was slightly nervous. In truth, she had been waiting for quite some time but hadn’t been able to find a good excuse to enter the imperial prison. After all, none of her family’s acquaintances were incarcerated.

Charlot smiled faintly and replied, “I left early today—there wasn’t much to do.”

Annie Bretagne immediately said, “I happen to have a private gathering, and I’m short of a male companion. Would Mr. Mecklenburg do me the honor?”

Charlot wasn’t naïve. The excuse of “just passing by” was so poor it was almost laughable.

This was the first time, in two lifetimes, that he had experienced such an event.

He was being pursued by a girl?!

And not just any girl—Annie Bretagne was a textbook example of beauty, wealth, and elegance.

Annie Bretagne was flawless, from her appearance, figure, and temperament to her knowledge, manners, and even her family background.

Faced with the choice of returning to Sheffield University or accepting Annie Bretagne’s invitation, Charlot hesitated briefly before decisively choosing the latter. “I would be honored to accept your invitation, Miss Annie.”

At the same time, a thought crossed his mind: “I must write to my brother about this soon.”

Charlot climbed into Annie’s carriage, and they left Kilmainham Prison together.

The private gathering Annie Bretagne was attending was an event hosted by the Black Moon Society of Gorgias University, celebrating the 33rd year of the Black Moon Epoch.

In the Old Continent, it was common in almost every country to have social groups like this. Various small social circles flourished—knitting clubs and laundry groups for the working class served practical purposes like finding jobs, while wealthier families often participated in book clubs or cooking circles to expand their social connections.

University societies like this one, however, represented the pinnacle of social events. After all, the Fars Empire had only four universities, each regarded as sacred ground. Every student was a paragon of excellence, destined for prosperous careers after graduation.

This gathering was held at the home of a young woman named Belinda, one of Annie Bretagne’s university classmates. Their relationship wasn’t particularly close, nor was it distant. Normally, Annie would have declined such an invitation, as she didn’t care for lively events.

This time, however, she accepted for Charlot’s sake. Inviting a gentleman out privately required immense courage, and such gatherings made the invitation seem less abrupt.

Charlot, on the other hand, was preoccupied with concerns about his “future.” He didn’t want his soul devoured by the labyrinth, nor did he want to encounter Karnstein, the evil god of the vampires, again. As the carriage moved, he quietly practiced Blood Glory to maintain his training.

In his chest, a vortex of blood churned, with faint golden runes flickering within. Thanks to his two prior confrontations with Karnstein, Charlot’s mastery of the Blood Feast Meditation Technique had advanced rapidly, achieving visible results. By the time the carriage came to a halt, he opened his eyes, feeling that his Blood Glory had made further progress.

Annie had been watching Charlot throughout the journey. She was quick to notice that he was training, which filled her with both surprise and admiration.

“Many people abandon their pursuit of extraordinary abilities after graduation. The path is simply too arduous. But Charlot still perseveres. His future accomplishments will undoubtedly be remarkable,” she thought.

“If he becomes a high-ranking Transcendent... there might be more possibilities for us.”

At this thought, Annie’s delicate face flushed a deep pink.

Charlot suddenly opened his eyes and noticed Annie’s slightly red cheeks and her radiant expression. His eyes brightened momentarily, but he tactfully said nothing.

Annie, feeling genuinely shy, lowered her head slightly and let Charlot exit the carriage first. Then, extending her hand, she allowed him to assist her down.

A butler greeted them upon arrival, signaling for servants to open the grand doors.

Although Belinda’s father held an imperial post and carried an honorary title, he was a minor noble at best, far below the stature of the Bretagne family.

Annie’s presence brought Belinda great delight, and she came out to welcome her personally. However, upon seeing Annie linking arms with Charlot, her expression showed a trace of surprise.

Annie had been known as an icy beauty at school. She never dated any boys or showed the slightest interest in the opposite sex. This was the first time Belinda had ever seen her display such familiarity with a male peer.

Using her fan to cover half her face, Belinda both concealed any excessive expression and maintained her elegance. She chuckled lightly, saying, “Annie, everyone’s been waiting for you.”

“And may I ask this gentleman to introduce himself?”

Annie gave a reserved smile and replied, “This is Mr. Charlot Mecklenburg, a graduate of Sheffield University and currently a First-class Chief Clerk at Kilmainham Prison.” Linking arms with Belinda, she led Charlot toward the parlor.

In a formal setting like this, it was necessary to state one’s identity clearly without appearing overly modest. Annie introducing Charlot herself was far more appropriate than letting him do it.

When Charlot introduced himself to Annie earlier, he had downplayed his bureaucratic role, emphasizing his Transcendent abilities instead to build trust. Now, in this different setting, Annie adjusted the narrative, omitting his Transcendent identity and highlighting his official position.

Belinda’s expression shifted noticeably, and even the fan couldn’t fully mask her astonishment. She asked in a low voice, “You’re a First-class Chief Clerk?”

Had Charlot claimed such a title himself, Belinda would never have believed him and would have dismissed him as a fraud.

Most university graduates began their careers as First-class civil servants. Only those with strong family backgrounds could occasionally advance to Second-class civil servants early on. The title of First-class Chief Clerk was extraordinary—such a rank typically required over a decade of steady promotions and a rare transfer of duties. Many civil servants spent their entire lives unable to cross that threshold.

The distinction between a First-class civil servant and a First-class Chief Clerk wasn’t just the threefold increase in salary. It encompassed status, privileges, benefits, and power—qualities that marked a significant social elevation.

Belinda’s father, also a civil servant, held a position only two ranks higher than Charlot’s.

Annie smiled gracefully and confirmed, “Yes, Mr. Mecklenburg recently purchased a house for less than 200 écus.”

Belinda had no room left for doubt. Being able to afford such a home was clear proof that Charlot’s salary far exceeded that of a First-class civil servant.

Charlot sighed inwardly, recognizing the empire’s pervasive obsession with wealth, privilege, and status.

“I still have much to adapt to,” he thought.

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