“Would they act?” Sylvie repeats as she considers the matter. “For Maggie… I'm not sure. They'd would probably make sure that the Demon Heart family was decimated, but stepping in to stop their destruction… If it was me, they'd probably step in. But if it was Maggie… That could go either way, depending on the Matriarch's mood.” Sylvie says after thinking about it.

“Why would they step in for you and not for Maggie?” Taylor asks, confused. This whole thing be much easier if the Axel clan was willing to say a few words.

“Well… I don’t want to brag, but the Matriarch dotes on me. From a young age she has encouraged me to be myself because she approved of my personality. As for Maggie…” Sylvie says, not really wanting to continue. “Although the Matriarch dotes on her also, she slightly disapproves of her. Says that she's the sort to get her heart broken.” Sylvie says, unable to contain a laugh. “As the Matriarch, she disapproves of any sort of dependence on men.” She explains.

“But if it was anyone else in the clan, the Matriarch is willing to take a few hits for the overall picture, so I don’t expect much. But I’m not too worried.” Sylvie says with a nonchalant wave of her hand.

Taylor’s eyes widen. “Not worried? Why? Sylvie, she’s your sister!” Taylor exclaims. My wife isn’t that heartless! Taylor thinks, feeling a small amount of betrayal.

Sylvie lets out a chuckle. “Do you not know? Taylor, the people who are working to take down the Demon Heart family, they work for Hanz. Just give him a call and explain it to him. Suck his dick if you have to.” She says before letting out another laugh.

“They work for Hanz? Seriously?” Taylor asks before considering the situation again. “But I’m not sure he’d listen to me. You know how blood debts are; sometimes words aren’t enough.” He says, unsure if he should reach out.

Sylvie lets out a chuckle. “Just ask him. From what you tell me about him… I think you’d be surprised.” She says before getting up to leave the room. “Let me know how it goes.” She calls out before letting out another amused laugh.

Taylor raises an eyebrow. What is she talking about? He asks himself, confused. Taylor takes out his phone and finds Hanz’s contact. He takes a deep breath before pressing the green call button.

“Yes?” A voice says over the phone.

“Hey, Hanz. It’s Taylor. Just wondering what you’re up to. Is everything good?” Taylor says, trying to start the conversation casually.

“Yeah, things are good. Still studying the Greed Aura. The way it works is very systematic and I think I can incorporate it into my plan for the world. How are things with you?” Hanz says with a friendly tone, also speaking casually.

“Things are good. But yeah. Actually, something came up. You know the Demon Heart family? Turns out they kidnapped an old girlfriend of mine. I was going to run in and save her but it turns out the vamps just don’t want to be destroyed. Apparently they’re being attacked by your guys.” Taylor says, trying to smoothly imply his request.

A long silence is heard and Taylor thought he that he might've misspoke.

“Taylor are you trying to ask me, your… good friend… to stop the destruction of these vampires… for your ex-girlfriend?” Hanz asks over the phone, trying to clarify the issue.

“Well… Yeah… If it isn’t too difficult…” Taylor says, losing conviction.

“I see…” Hanz says before a long silence is once again heard. “Are you still seeing this girl?” He asks.

“What?” Taylor asks, thinking he misheard. “Well, I’m not currently seeing her. But in the future, who knows. She’s a lovely girl; I wouldn’t want her harmed.” He tries to explain, somewhat confused.

A sigh is heard over the phone. “I see…” Hanz says again before another pause. “Alright, Taylor. I’ll call off the hounds for now. But the Demon Heart family still has to pay the price. I doubt they'll still be standing strong after this.” He says with a sigh of defeat. “Anyways, when are you coming back to the continent? We should have dinner again soon.” Hanz suggests, moving the conversation away to more appealing topics.

“Yeah, maybe I’ll be back on the weekend? I’ll let you know. But yes, dinner would be good.” Taylor says with an awkward chuckle. Damn… Another dinner… Hanz is too intense… I might have to take a few drinks beforehand… Taylor thinks with a sigh.

“Next weekend? That’s great! I’ll see you then.” Hanz says, sounding happy. “Just a moment, Taylor. Something came up. Do you mind if I call you back?” He asks as some muffled speech is heard in the background.

“Yeah, no worries, Hanz. I’ll talk to tou later.” Taylor says before ending the call. He lets out another sigh. Why does talking to Hanz make me so nervous? Taylor asks himself. Well, he is an eighth stage powerhouse… Yeah, that’s probably it… He thinks before moving to find Sylvie.