"We've arrived. Follow me to meet the Queen."
The carriage stopped in front of a grand palace, and Elmenhilde stood up. Tenraku and the girls nodded in response and followed Elmenhilde out of the carriage and into the palace.
Despite its grandeur, the palace emanated a sinister and chilling atmosphere. Vampire guards were stationed at various passages. As Tenraku and the girls entered, the Vampires cast unfriendly glances but they all remained clam except for Gasper, who appeared a bit nervous.
They were just small fry, not even worthy of being considered by Tenraku and his Peerage.
Following Elmenhilde, the group soon arrived at the central hall. Above the hall, a golden throne was occupied by an elegant female Vampire. Wearing a golden crown and a blood-red robe, with meticulously braided silver silky hair parted into two strands on either side, she possessed a dignified and awe-inspiring beauty.
She was the Vampire Queen!
Beneath the Vampire Queen, on both sides, there were four additional thrones, each occupied by a beautiful Vampire. Achieving such an honor in the presence of the Queen indicated at least an elder-level status among Vampires.
Moreover, many hidden figures lurked in the shadows on both sides of the palace. As Tenraku's group entered the hall, pairs of blood-red eyes suddenly flashed in the shadows.
The atmosphere was eerie and mysterious, enough to make an ordinary person scream in fear.
"Queen, I've brought Red Dragon Emperor and his Peerage here." Elmenhilde bowed respectfully to the Queen on the throne before she spoke.
"You've worked hard, Elmenhilde." With a slight lift of her eyes, the Queen finally spoke. Her voice sounded like a clear spring, almost entrancing.
Elmenhilde stood beside a female Vampire seated in the first position on the left. This Vampire had golden hair and a strikingly similar face to Elmenhilde, indicating a significant connection between them.
"Hello, Vampire Queen. I am Kamiya Tenraku from the Devil Phenex family." Standing in the center of the hall with Gasper and the girls, Tenraku greeted the Vampire Queen on the throne.
"I've heard of your name, miracle child of the Phenex family, and the current Red Dragon Emperor. I am Akasha Carmilla, the Queen of Vampires." With a graceful smile, the self-proclaimed Akasha Carmilla, the Vampire Queen, observed Tenraku, along with the Vampire elders and the pairs of eyes in the shadows.
"I heard from Elmenhilde that you recently rejected the peace agreement I proposed and boasted that you could wipe out the Vampire race single-handedly. Is that true?"
A playful expression appeared on Queen Carmilla's face as she spoke. The already cold hall became even colder, and the gazes of the Vampires toward Tenraku intensified.
Remaining vigilant, Yubelluna's group had secretly mobilized their Magic Power, preparing for combat. However, Tenraku remained calm and even smiled as he answered.
"It's true that I rejected it. Queen's peace agreement lacked sincerity, so we decided it wasn't worth considering. As for the claim of wiping out the Vampire race single-handedly, it's also true. But blame Elmen San for that; her high and mighty attitude at the time made me unable to resist scaring her a bit." Tenraku shrugged as he answered while winking at Elmenhilde on the side.
"Kamiya Tenraku, you...!" Elmenhilde stared at Tenraku in disbelief, shaking with anger.
Well, you've got a point, Kamiya Tenraku. Although my attitude was not great at the time, who was the one entertaining you and giving you an audience just now? Yet, you turn around and badmouth me in front of the Queen. I really misjudged you!
"HēHēHēhē hē…"
Surprisingly, Queen Carmilla, upon seeing Elmenhilde's embarrassed expression, burst into laughter. She then said, "Although I've heard about it, seeing it today is quite amusing. Kamiya Tenraku, you are indeed an interesting man."
"Elmenhilde was under my orders not to lose the dignity of our Vampires in front of outsiders. It seems she has been executing my orders well." With a hand touching her lips, Queen Carmilla smiled gracefully.
"Your Highness Tenraku, I apologize on behalf of Elmen for her rudeness." The female Vampire next to Elmenhilde stood up, smiling.
Though he could guess the relation between them, Tenraku inquired, "I'm Kamiya Tenraku. And you?"
"I am Lamyahilde Karnstein, Elmen's mother."
Hearing the introduction, Tenraku couldn't help but chuckle. Elmenhilde and Lamyahilde, both mother and daughter, not only looked remarkably similar but also had such similar names.
However, something seemed off in the atmosphere. Weren't Vampires known for their pride and arrogance? Why were they suddenly so friendly and polite towards him? Though unsure of their intentions, Tenraku decided to continue the conversation.
"There might be some misunderstanding on my side too. Elmen San is, in fact, a very lovely and beautiful Vampire princess. We are grateful for her hospitality." Tenraku smiled, but Elmenhilde snorted and turned her head away.
'Damned Red Dragon Emperor, thinking a few compliments will make me forgive you!'
"Hehe… Red Dragon Emperor, tell us the purpose of your visit. You're not really here to destroy us Vampires, are you?" Carmilla Queen's eyes glinted with a peculiar light as she spoke.
"Impossible, we've already stated it was a joke. We intend to rescue a comrade from the Tepes Faction. We hope Queen will permit us to pass." Tenraku answered without hesitation.
"I see…"
"What if I refuse?"
Carmilla Queen looked at Tenraku with a sly smile and the atmosphere that had slightly eased up tightened once again.
Sighing, Tenraku met the gaze of Carmilla Queen on the throne.
"Queen, there's no need for this. While I prefer not to engage in pointless conflicts with you, it doesn't mean I fear you. If Queen insists on refusal—"
"Then I will have to break through!"
To be continued...