The Duke's palace, a figure dressed in a black fitted robe was kneeling on one knee with their face down not daring to look at the man sitting on his throne. "So? are you just going to keep staying quiet?" stammering an androgynous voice reported "It appears Robert has a special relationship with two separate females. The first is a human Veronica but she has been spending all her time with Robert. However, the second girl which he introduced to his father yesterday...after investigation, we could not find any proof of her true identity. It was like she-" "Vanished?" surprised by her Lord's interruption she replied "Exactly" holding his chin and squinting his eyes it would appear to anyone that he was deep in thought. But only those familiar with his mannerisms would know he was getting impatient, the spy continued firmly "It seems he has no affiliations to the demons like his Uncle shared with us, but he has leveled up as a ranker to Level 5 which is quite impressive for a fifteen-year-old." After reporting the servant waited for her lord's next order "A frivolous playboy is a picture you are painting here but I see no explanation how someone with a diluted bloodline would level up twice without the knowledge of the school." a contemplating gaze was on the Duke's face before lifting his head to look at the spy before asking again"How sure are you about this intel?" seemingly happy her lord was pleased the spy replied cheerfully "About 99.99 percent sure". "I need a hundred percent accuracy" *Snap* "Eh?" a peculiar expression flashed on the spy's face, where did the wind come from? as she was still trying to regain her bearings. 'My body? impossible' she saw her body drop to the marble floor with a dull thud. She then realized "I'm dead but why?". "Guards clean this mess immediately!"The dukes' voice thundered in the hallway. To be honest, he did not have any misgivings about the spy's information but he was rather furious that his daughter had grown distant from him these past days. While biting his finger in grievance the duke complained."Even those knights I assigned to her have not reported back to me these few days. This is unusual, it must be that boy's fault he is misleading my daughter. Yes, that's right only his death can bring her home. She must be feeling vulnerable it is my duty to protect her right?" muttering incessantly to himself, he was trying to convince himself the reason for his daughter's change was brought about by 'Robert' unknowingly his crazy analysis was spot on. At the corner of the throne room, a green-haired elegant woman in a loose satin gown looked at the duke with a mocking gaze. Disgusted by his obsessive behavior towards her daughter the duke's wife did not bother inviting the boar for dinner. "Who is this 'Robert' though?" while ruminating she decided to investigate the young lad later on.
The 40th floor of the demon realm. *Ahhhhhh* Bradque let out a moan while enjoying the massage Veronica provided. "Mmmmaster have you tried this knights' perfected massage?" Reluctantly opening his eyes Bradque saw Grace with a proud expression on her face. "No need to stress yourself" while trying his best to dissuade this knight with rough hands she insisted. 'Three days ago when teaching her how to perform a proper handjob I had to use cucumbers as test dummies. The outcome you ask ? two hundred gold coins were squandered to teach her to how to apply the right pressure. Regardless, I would not risk it.' "Well since you say so " looking at the downcast Grace he gritted his teeth and allowed her "Fine go ahead but watch Veronica for a while" seeing the smug Grace he had a bad premonition. After several minutes of watching her mentor, Grace took the stage and started with Bradques' arm *Crackkk* ""Nooooooooo!!!! ". Looking at her master crying in pain Veronica covered her mouth chuckling "Oh my" . "How can you mess up right off the bat?" hollered Bradque "I am sorry, I did not think that-." Grace was trying to explain herself when Bradque shouted "That what?" perhaps fed up by Bradque's bossy attitude she retaliated "That you were that weak". "Weak? who uses their level 5 strength to give a massage. Look my whole arm is mangled beyond recognition, you violent cavewoman". Watching two of them bickering Veronica just sighed. After using the healing potion from the system Bradque asked Veronica "Hmm? that's right Veronica how is the recruitment going?" seeing Bradque had gone business mode she replied curtly "We have pacified the citizens of this floor, but mercenaries would not agree to be hired unless they see milord." "That's strange, you mean there is no strife among the citizens, no riots or anything of sorts?" he was seriously surprised that some maggots had not rebelled yet. "The demon realm is governed predominantly by the law of the Jungle so there is hardly any strife or riots." smiling in happiness Bradque then replied her "Those damn mercenaries who do they think I am?", 'they must be spies, looks like those old demons just can't be patient till the Walpurgis night.' "That's okay arrange an appointment tomorrow" astonished by Bradque's decision she tried to explain but he gave her no leeway "That is that, trust me on this one Veronica." seeing his confident smile she grimly nodded her head in agreement. "What of preparation for the Walpurgis night?" a dazed expression appeared on her face as if remembering something "That's right a messenger came over today to drop this off" receiving the parcel and opening it he saw an envelope. "An invitation huh? These must be the coordinates for the Walpurgis Night. It is pretty far though. That reminds me how many energy crystals do we have presently?" Veronica replied "We currently have about ten million energy crystals" closing his eyes to calculate the energy expenditure using the system he then smiled before replying "It is enough". "Ah??" looking at the source of the squeal it was Grace. "Grace what is the matter?" with an anxious tone she replied Bradque "The mid-semester results are being released today! The princess, I should be seen with her if not suspicions will arise again." clapping his hands in realization Bradque exclaimed "That's right let's go check out our scores, well Veronica you did enroll late. So no worries if you did not perform excellently." looking at her Master giving her a pitiful gaze Veronica was giggling "Hmm? did I say something hilarious?" confused Bradque asked her "No it's just that I applied to take all the tests and practicals two days after I enrolled so no need to worry" 'What a monster' seeing the incredulous look her Master gave her she shyly urged him "We should get going".
The hallways at the academy were crowded and noisy as people were trying to peek at their scores from the notice board. "Shit fatty move quickly it's Anastasia and her heartless guards" a beastkin boy was admonishing his chubby human friend who was lost in a perverted gaze. However, it was too late, "My eyes!!!, ahhhhh!!! but it's worth it ahhhh but it hurts" retracting her whip dripping in blood Anastasia coldly remarked "Trash", after she left the beastkin quickly tried to assist his friend. Ignoring the whispers she approached the notice board, appalled by the gruesome scene everyone gave way. "Hmm? they all did well?" gasping in surprise the first name she look up was her Master's. "Who is that guy with Miss Veronica" a student in the same class as 'Robert' answered "That is Robert Bern the diabolical Baron's son" surprised someone exclaimed, "You mean that diabolical Baron?" "Can't he see that the Princess is still inspecting the notice board?" listening to the whispers she turned to see who was beside her "Impressive don't you think?" It was Bradque and beside him Veronica. Bradque was surprised that Veronica came first overall 'What a demon, well she is that good, I guess I should be contented with my fifth position, let's see...Oh?the Princess did come second place.' Anastasia did not spare a glance at Bradque acting like they were total strangers. That did not bother him, after all, he had told her to minimize their interactions. Bradque faintly felt a familiar technique around the school premises, he thought surprisedly 'one of my bloodlines is reacting violently' before hastily speaking "Veronica let's go". "Master where are we headed to?" she could not wrap her head around the reason or what they had been searching for throughout the school. "Here it is here" looking at her master's flushed face and his exasperated voice she was still confused? "The third years training complex?" she raised her eyebrow in suspicion. Inside the training complex, a bright red-haired human male with an elegant bearing was swinging his sword. They were simple movements at first but then would get faster and stronger with each thrust producing bright red flames. Watching his elegant footwork and simple technique Bradque's eyes shone in anticipation. *Clap Clap Clap* "How elegant!" Veronica was surprised too at the young man's technique. 'Hmm? what a strong stealth technique, if the person did not make their presence known I would not have noticed them.' The lean youth sheathed his sword before looking at the spectator's stand and saw two figures. "How may I address you two?" Smiling Bradque and Veronica did not decide to stay in the shadows anymore "I am Robert and this is Veronica sorry if we disturbed your-". The young man pointed his finger at Veronica while unconsciously raising the tone of his voice "You are Miss Veronica the Decoris Damsel, I watched your entrance match it was effortlessly beautiful" with a smile Veronica responded "Thank you, your moves are umm...beautiful and simple too" scratching the back of his head in embarrassment the youth then turned to Robert before shouting again "You are already a Level 5 ranker? Are you an exceptional?" giving a dry laugh Robert replied in a self-deprecating tone "I am not that impressive, although I do want to participate in the exceptional exams coming up soon" listening to her master's reply Veronica knew he was shamelessly downplaying his strength. "Oh yeah forgive my bad manners, I am Chris Tucker, what brings you here?" a questioning look appeared on his face, "Your sword technique, I want to learn it if possible" listening to Robert's reply Chris shook his head sadly replying "I apologize but this technique is a family secret and cannot be passed down." Towards his disappointing reply Bradque put on a sad face but then smiled sadly and said "Well no issues, it was still nice watching your beautiful swordplay. Anyone would pay to watch that." The third-year laughed heartily"You are exaggerating junior brother." "Well then senior brother see you around" stretching his hand for a handshake Chris took Bradque's hand when... 'System Copy' *20%....40%....50%.....90%...* "Ermmm my hand" Chris awkwardly tried to shake off this creepy junior's hand but he had a stronger grip. *100%* "Sorry senior brother I was lost in thought. See you around campus" waving his hand Robert and Veronica departed the complex. "Hmm? something feels different.." a suspicion arose in Chris' mind but he buried it in his heart. Meanwhile, Bradque outside the Complex was flashing a devious grin, "Mission accomplished". "Master?" Veronica was seriously worried her master might have gone mental a couple of minutes. Looking at his subordinate's concerned expression Bradque laughed at her before clearing her doubts "Veronica no need to worry, come on let's celebrate your impressive result" to which she nodded weakly.