"Arrogance! Do you think you're still in your Underworld, how dare you utter such garbage here you mixed-blood Devil!" A voice filled with sarcasm echoed in the surroundings and Tenraku, along with the girls, saw a female Vampire rising from the rightmost throne. It was the one who spoke.
She, too, was a stunning Vampire with flowing emerald-green hair and a tall and voluptuous figure. Like Angels and Devils, Vampires possessed perfect physical and facial features due to their powerful racial genetics, making them rarely unattractive. Their beauty could be breathtaking, and in contrast, terrifyingly monstrous.
"Hah…"
"Who are you, big elder sister?"
Sighing, Tenraku asked.
"I am Anpusha Scarlett, the second-in-command elder of Carmilla Vampires."
"Red Dragon Emperor, others might fear you, but I don't!"
With a powerful aura emanating from her, Anpusha Scarlett arrogantly declared her name. In doing so, she cast a mocking glance at Lamyahilde across from her.
Elmenhilde wanted to erupt in anger, but her mother, Lamyahilde, calmly stopped her. Smiling faintly, Lamyahilde seemed unaffected by Anpusha's sarcastic comments.
"So, Anpusha San, are you trying to stop me?" Tenraku inquired with a playful expression on his face.
The pressure emitted from Anpusha was undoubtedly that of a Vampire powerhouse, comparable to a Demon King. This held true for all eight Vampire elders present, with Carmilla Queen on the throne being even more formidable. Yet, even facing such opponents, Tenraku didn't seem concerned.
"And what if I am?!"
"Red Dragon Emperor, if you're a real man, let's have a battle. Win, and you can go wherever you want. Lose, and…"
"You die right here!"
With a chilling smile, Anpusha revealed a bloodthirsty expression on her face as she spoke.
'She's truly audacious, daring to say she'll kill Tenraku.' Yubelluna and Xuelan glared at the Vampire Women angrily.
With narrowed eyes, just as Tenraku was preparing to respond, Carmilla Queen on the throne spoke up: "Anpusha, be respectful."
Seemingly displeased, Anpusha spoke, "My Queen, Red Dragon Emperor disrespects us, completely disregarding us Vampires. Allow me to fight him and show him the might of our kind!"
"Retreat! Do you wish to defy my orders?" The Carmilla Queen ordered with a neutral expression on her face.
Trembling, Anpusha showed clear fear. Giving a fierce glance at Tenraku, she then resentfully returned to her seat.
"Red Dragon Emperor, Anpusha has a bad temper. Please excuse her behavior."
"I'll arrange for you to go to Tepes. Rest here for the night; it's already late."
Suppressing her aura, Carmilla Queen smiled at Tenraku.
Though ready for battle, unexpected turns like this were welcome for Tenraku. He thanked Carmilla Queen.
"Elmenhilde, lead our esteemed guests to their resting place."
"Yes, Queen."
After the order, Elmenhilde gave Tenraku a stern look and then walked out of the palace. Tenraku couldn't help but find her grudge amusing.
Watching Tenraku's group leave, Carmilla Queen's smile gradually turned cold.
"My Queen, why did you stop me just now?" Once again, Anpusha stood up and asked with a disgruntled expression on her face.
"Anpusha, are you a fool?"
Lamyahilde's voice echoed from across Anpusha. Though her expression remained gentle and smiling, her words were sharp.
"Lamya!"
Anpusha glared coldly at Lamyahilde, displaying her annoyance. A powerful and icy aura emanated from her, causing some Vampires lurking in the shadows to involuntarily retreat. However, the other Vampire elders and Carmilla Queen were accustomed to the strained relationship between the two.
"Though I hate to admit it, that Red Dragon Emperor is a man who makes me feel uneasy," Said Lamyahilde.
"Anpusha, do you really think you can defeat him?" Carmilla Queen spoke calmly while looking at Anpusha.
"Even if I'm not his match, I will fight him to the end and never let go of the dignity of our Vampires!" Anpusha's expression darkened, but she spoke determinedly.
Seemingly satisfied with Anpusha's response, Carmilla Queen nodded slightly.
"While your bravery is commendable, Anpusha, your perspective is too shallow. The Red Dragon Emperor intends to go to Tepes to save that pitiful puppet. Let him go. Those from Tepes will surely not agree to his request, and we can simply watch them fight while reaping the benefits."
Controlling the situation, Carmilla Queen's beautiful face revealed a bloodthirsty smile.
Though she didn't appreciate the Red Dragon Emperor's disrespectful attitude toward the Vampires, smart decisions like this one made her willing to let him engage in a dog-eat-dog situation with the Tepes faction.
"I see... Impressive, Queen-Sama!" Enlightened, Anpusha showed a face of admiration.
However, during that moment of lowered head, a hint of coldness flashed in the beautiful elder's eyes...
---
"Elmen San, are you still angry? It was just a joke earlier. Look, your Queen not only didn't blame you but even praised you." Tenraku spoke with a smile as he watched Elmenhilde walking ahead with a silent and cold expression on her face.
"That's just Queen's wisdom!" Turning around, Elmenhilde glared at someone, huffing.
"Alright, by the way, I noticed that Anpusha San seems to have some conflict with Elmen San's mother." Finding it amusing but wanting to avoid provoking the princess, Tenraku shifted the topic.
"Anpusha is the second-ranking elder in our Carmilla Faction, only beneath Queen and Okaa-Sama. That annoying woman has always envied Okaa-Sama's position and causes trouble for her!" Recalling something unpleasant, Elmenhilde spoke through gritted teeth.
"I see. Every family has its problems. It's not easy for you Vampires either." Nodding, Tenraku sighed. However, he was just casually inquiring and had no intention of getting involved in others' affairs.
Remaining silent throughout the journey, under Elmenhilde's guidance, Tenraku and the girls soon arrived at a side palace. Elmenhilde stopped and said, "Alright, this is it. I'll have someone bring you some food later. Rest here for the night, and I'll come to escort you again tomorrow morning."
"Hehe, thanks a lot, Elmen San."
To be continued...