Chapter 149

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on February 8, 2025

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Delica had once witnessed Ellermine, who ruled as the empress in the past.

It was during the Imperial Foundation Day when she saw her addressing the citizens.

She had a smile on her lips and her voice was filled with power, but…

For some reason, Delica felt like she was like a well-cultivated flower—ambiguous.

If only the world didn’t keep throwing trials filled with hatred at her, her reign would’ve probably been perfect.

A renowned theologian defined her era precisely like that.

Externally, she was undoubtedly an ideal ruler.

She always triumphed and was the epitome of fear to her enemies.

And now…

…just look at how she stands up against her own lord like this—it naturally evokes respect.

But…

The princess is still incomplete.

As proof, she’s quickly put on the defensive.

The swirling white flames are swallowed by waves of blood.

“Can’t we exchange at least a few words?”

When Delica saw the woman approach nearby, she harbored a small question.

“Who are you?”

“…I didn’t expect our greeting to be like this.”

She watched the battle awkwardly while simultaneously sensing their presence—Delica could feel it.

The reason the lord appeared here was obvious… wasn’t it?

Cain standing behind looked extremely uncomfortable, repeatedly clearing his throat in a boiling manner.

“Just a servant of the gods?”

Just?

Something about the inaccurate phrasing left Delica with a faint impression of low self-esteem.

However, there was no time for proper conversation as the battle between the princess and the lord came to an abrupt end.

“―!!”

The princess collapsed without a groan.

After looking down at her for a few seconds, the lord suddenly stared into the sky.

Approaching them swiftly, as if realizing something, the lord frowned upon seeing the woman who seemed to be part of the princess’s group.

-What?

That too, just momentarily.

Before long, grabbing both Delica and Cain with her hands, she opened a dimensional gate and pulled them in.

Right then.

The sound of shattering windows echoed.

The dimensional gate closed, and silence enveloped the area.

‘Where are we?’

Deep within a dense forest.

Thanks to the towering trees, it was hard to discern even a foot ahead, let alone the sky.

“Hey, Cain, what’s going on?”

The lord looked at us with an expression that seemed either glad or pitiful, though we couldn’t understand a word.

“It’s a long story.”

“…Alright. Now that all we have left is time, listening should do.”

Though Delica wanted to ask immediately, she composed herself.

There were various concerns, and her current physical condition wasn’t good, so layers of fatigue piled on top of her—she wasn’t in great shape.

“…Hmph.”

Looking at the lord’s face,

Delica realizes again.

For some reason, it feels like the lord strongly resembles someone she saw earlier—an indescribable feeling.

====

“Vampires aren’t nocturnal beasts who get used to darkness, you know? That’s a wrong stereotype.”

But is that all?

“The sunlight and moonlight actually share similar properties. The fact that vampires are especially weak to sunlight is a completely wrong stereotype. Meaning! Even if I travel through deserts, it won’t be much of a problem. This proves that I’m perfectly optimized for exploration and reconnaissance!”

“But does enduring sunlight guarantee usefulness in exploration?”

“We’re different from other creatures; our bodies are light. Agile, swift, and responsive.”

…Isn’t that what you said before?

“Then why are other vampires so sensitive to sunlight?”

“First, it’s to create that impression and limit our activity range, giving off the idea that we’re restricted. It helps lower others’ guard, doesn’t it?”

“…If I spread that fact after hearing it from you, wouldn’t our relationship collapse? And your entire race would visit my bedroom daily to meet with me, right? If you think that’s good, spreading it might not be bad. Trust deserves trust, and betrayal has consequences beyond mere unease.”

“…Even though you can’t break the will of your Lord, who’s also the head of your clan, right?”

“That’s why we need an absolute compliance contract. Through it, we agree that even though we belong to the bloodline, we won’t force inappropriate or unwanted orders. After such mutual agreements, one joins the bloodline.”

“Does that mean joining the upper class?”

“You catch on fast. Yes. Not all, but when existing members bring new ones into the bloodline, and those new members hold special status allowing entry into the upper class, they join under such deals.”

“…”

“But this varies individually. Some may have chosen slavery for eternal life, while others gained recognition for their talents and entered the upper echelons via the clan leader’s authority.”

“The absolute compliance contract must’ve changed vampire ecology quite a bit.”

“Not just vampires. In the Demon Realm, where there’s no god, forming absolute contracts created order. Thanks to this, countless petty disputes and blood feuds have decreased.”

Still, that was ages ago.

Relying on a tiny red glow to navigate labyrinthine underground waterways requires considerable composure.

Especially in a place where every breath tightens your chest and clouds your mind, yet somehow, thanks to her, we’ve avoided major issues.

Even when diving into dirty sewage, her assistance prevented our conditions from worsening.

To escape here, we’d either need to surface or head toward the river—but reaching it bare-handed is practically impossible.

In that sense, Zora’s skills are truly remarkable.

Using various auxiliary magics, she easily guided us to the nearby river.

“What a sunny day.”

Though drenched like drowned rats, ghostly moisture clinging to our bodies slipped away effortlessly.

“There’s still plenty of daylight, so we can keep moving.”

Tossing her coat onto the riverbank, Zora gestured for us to follow.

“It won’t soak, so don’t panic.”

…That’s not the issue, but while walking or running is faster, we’re still within sight of Faceulan’s walls and city.

We don’t want unnecessary attention.

Even if there’s no immediate sign of anyone watching, you never know who might be observing us. There are plenty of spirit demons scattered around this city of mages.

“Are you worried for no reason?”

“…Why do you ask that?”

“You keep looking around. If you’re not sightseeing, you’re clearly on guard against something, right?”

“…”

Originally, it wasn’t like this, but I keep recalling something—or rather, someone—that shouldn’t be here.

Because of this, my senses for detecting presences feel off.

It must be because Rupert’s Biwserin eyes aren’t fully accustomed to me yet. Whenever I relax, I instinctively try to peek at something.

In other words, Father’s unexpected visit shook me, and now the tool is trying to take control.

“What’s wrong? Why are you glaring so fiercely? Do you think I’m scared?”

“…”

At the moment you revealed that, you were shaken too.

Time hasn’t passed that much, but thanks to traveling on the river, we’ve distanced ourselves significantly from Faceulan. Still, due to the city’s size, it remains faintly visible.

“Not interested in ruins, huh? Did you find some treasure map or clue?”

“Do we need one to go?”

“So why go? Do you think treasures will randomly pop out just by wandering around? People have thought that for over a thousand years, even thousands. Were they all fools to not excavate?”

“…”

“Is it strange coming from me, who hasn’t lived long in the Middle Realm?”

At least the journey won’t be boring.

Oddly enough, it reminds me of Louilin. That kid talked nonstop too.

Unlike Louilin, Zora isn’t constantly chatty. She emphasizes interaction through questions and answers.

“We’ll be together for a while, so this level of familiarity is necessary. Especially since you’re acquaintances with my older brother, getting closer wouldn’t be unusual, right?”

“Older brother?”

“She’s not biologically related, but we’ve spent a lot of time together, so we decided to become sworn siblings. Anyway, even among bloodlines, some relationships are close, while others are strained. There are even blood relations worse than enemies.”

“…”

Still, when exactly will they catch up to us?

They won’t chase us forever.

At some point, they’ll catch up.

‘Before that.’

I need to finish everything.

It won’t take long.

Really, just one more step…

====

Venus opened his eyes when the sky turned pitch black in the afternoon.

Thinking he had only fainted for a short while, he soon realized his body was in excruciating pain.

Judging by his physical state, he estimated the time and realized he wasn’t in his usual quarters.

“Am I… awake?”

“…You.”

Minette, sensing his movement, placed the bucket in her hand aside and sat calmly across from the bed where Venus lay.

“I heard from Carriel that instead of merely dealing with demons, you ended up offering yourself as tribute.”

“So what? Got a problem with it?”

Minette chuckled lightly.

“No. I’m simply amazed at how much noise you make despite your incompetence.”

“Like you’d understand.”

Venus smirked sarcastically.

Minette exhaled deeply.

She hadn’t come here out of concern for his wellbeing.

“Won’t say much. First, take this… or rather, this.”

Without further ado, Minette tossed something small from the nearby table to Venus, who reflexively caught it.

“Why are you giving this to me?”

It was a sword.

More specifically, a very familiar cross-shaped straight sword that didn’t need to be in his hands.

Commonly categorized as an imperial sword, but the real issue was that this belonged to someone else.

Yeah, not me, but that kid. That brat. Why give it to me?

“They say you’re currently indebted to a demon, correct? So I heard from Carriel.”

“So?”

“They said if you don’t want to become a living slave, you should never let go of that sword from this moment onward.”

“Me? Why?”

“That’s the price you’ll have to pay starting now.”

Suddenly snatching the sword from Venus, she threw it outside the door.

“!!!”

Venus’s complexion turned horrifyingly pale.

His eyes were bloodshot red, and his nails and muscles began exploding violently, shaking his entire body.

“Your voice is slowly becoming inhuman.”

Moreover, his mouth started splitting not vertically but horizontally.

His teeth transformed into jagged saws, his skin tore open, and his muscles ruptured, splattering blood everywhere.

“Hmm.”

Watching this spectacle, Minette sighed and extended her hand to retrieve Carriel’s sword from far across the room.

“Kheh! Cough!”

The monstrous form vanished instantly, and Venus returned to his human shape.

“This cursed demon spawn! If you wanted to kill me, just do it already—what’s this nonsense!”

“Stop blaming others and take responsibility for your sins.”

Throwing the sword back, Venus caught it with his battered arm. His previously intact body now looked as if it had been mercilessly pelted with stones.

Especially his mouth—how is it even possible? Due to the horizontal split, the fact that it’s still intact is indescribably terrifying.

“You’ve become a monster while alive.”

Only hollow laughter escapes him.

Even so, the kid ultimately failed, and because of that, I’m stuck with this ridiculous consideration…

“Hmph!”

“Pitiful.”

“Glad you noticed.”

“…Where is the person who gave this to you? If they didn’t deliver it personally, does that mean they’re not here?”

“They’ve probably already left the city.”

“…?”

Yet why are you still here?

“In case.”

“In case?”

Planning to kill me if I turn into a monster?

“Do you know who’s here?”

Minette sighed heavily before explaining.

“Great Warrior Ruelde… and according to rumors, Imperial Princess Ellie Berg Enzul is also here. Additionally, Drake Hamelot, heir to the Giant Knight title and son of Great Warrior Bariel Hamelot, is supposedly present as well.”

“They sure seem determined to catch someone.”

“…And Rupert is currently in their custody.”

“That brat deserves it. Good for him.”

Venus almost spat but refrained since they were indoors.

“You should be aware that you could be taken away anytime too.”

“Is that why you stayed?”

“Partially… yes.”

If that’s not all, then what else?

“Also, I want to talk to them.”

“What?”

What nonsense is this woman spouting now?

“You’re in a more dangerous situation, right? You have the Demon King artifact, and there’s ample testimony linking you to Carriel. Yet you’re willingly stepping forward? Are you insane?”

“…”

But…

This is the only way I can handle things myself.

Minette wanted to learn more about the issues between Carriel and them.

Exactly why did Carriel choose this path?

Additionally…

What thoughts and feelings drive those chasing him?

If their purpose is to eliminate him or conceal family scandals, hiding behind noble pretenses…

“I have my reasons.”

Minette herself might solidify her resolve after this.

“Insanity comes from you, doesn’t it?”

“You told me this, didn’t you?”

“Huh? Me?”

“To stop being dragged along and start pulling instead.”

Though compared to them, I might be insignificant…

It doesn’t matter.

“Regardless of strength, if you have something you want to do, you should do it. Isn’t that freedom and a right?”

“…Did I really say that?”

Somehow, Venus felt oddly disconcerted by how well she had learned from him.

“Well, farewell then. I have no ties to the Relief Knights anyway. And if you don’t want to end up as some meaningless nuisance turning into a monster and dying a dog’s death, never let go of what Carriel gave you. Don’t let me hear such news.”

With that, leaving a bewildered Venus behind, Minette exited the room.

“By the way, I almost forgot to mention this.”

There’s no way she forgot.

“Lies.”

“That sword… it’s made from fragments of Grandeous’ armor, so they say.”

“This? Say that again. Am I hearing correctly?”

“Isn’t this what you desired so desperately? Carriel must’ve known that, which is why they handed it over.”

With those words, Minette disappeared.

Literally, as if sinking into the ground.

“…This?”

Could this really be it?

No way. This can’t be it…