After a fierce battle, the entire royal city of Carmilla had become riddled with wounds. Many buildings had fallen in the onslaught, and Vampire Pawns were still clearing the bodies of Evil Dragons and fallen comrades.
"Elmen-Sama..."
"Princess, Your Highness..."
Tenraku and the girls followed Elmenhilde towards the palace, and along the way, many Vampire Pawns and civilians paid their respects to Elmenhilde with salutes.
"I didn't realize this earlier but Elmen San, you're quite beloved here." Naturally discerning the sincere admiration in the eyes of the Vampire Pawns and civilians towards Elmenhilde, Tenraku couldn't help but tease her.
"The citizens accept our rule, and protecting them is our responsibility. But I haven't lived up to that..."
If it were any other time, this proud Vampire girl would probably have her tail held high. However, surrounded by the wreckage and ruins, Elmenhilde seemed visibly disheartened. The war seemed to have brought about some growth in this young girl.
"Elmen San, why don't I see those Evil Dragons now? Have you already repelled them?" Seeing that the girl's mood wasn't great, Tenraku refrained from further teasing and inquired about the situation.
"We didn't repel them; they left on their own. Those Evil Dragons still retain some Vampire traits. They retreat at dawn, but they'll likely attack again at night."
"I see..."
Elmen explained, and Tenraku nodded in understanding.
After asking a few more questions, the group arrived at the palace.
Having been here for the second time, Tenraku and the girls were becoming accustomed to it. Led by Elmen, they entered the palace and once again faced the Vampire Queen.
"Your Majesty, I hope you're well."
"Red Dragon Emperor, you're as spirited as ever. Have you rescued your comrades?"
Tenraku offered his respects to Queen Carmilla, who sat on the throne, and she responded with a smile.
Even after just experiencing a major battle and reportedly sustaining some injuries, Queen Carmilla still maintained her imposing aura.
"Yes, Valerie, introduce yourself to Queen Carmilla." Tenraku nodded and addressed Valerie.
"I-I'm Valerie Tepes. Nice to meet you." Appearing visibly nervous, Valerie managed to complete her introduction with encouragement from everyone.
"So, you're the new Queen of Tepes?" With a glint in her eyes, Queen Carmilla scrutinized Valerie mockingly.
"Y-Yes." Feeling the overwhelming presence of the other party, Valerie lowered her head and dared not meet Queen Carmilla's gaze.
Laughter echoed in the palace, and many Vampires threw disdainful glances at Valerie. To have such a young girl, especially a lowly half-blood, ascend to the position of Queen— no wonder the Tepes clan was wiped out!
"Though Valerie has been Queen for a few days, she was merely a puppet forced onto the stage by the Tepes clan. Naturally, she can't compare to Queen Carmilla."
"But—"
"Even if she's useless, she's still our companion, our family. Ridiculing her is ridiculing me."
"Is there anyone here who has objections to Valerie?"
Brushing Valerie's forehead with his hand, Tenraku surveyed the hall as he spoke.
The substantive gaze sent shivers down everyone's spine. The entire hall fell silent, and all those who had sneered at Valerie subconsciously lowered their heads.
"Lord Tenraku..."
"These idiots!"
Valerie was deeply moved, and Elmenhilde, standing beside her, couldn't help but curse inwardly. Having interacted with Tenraku several times, Elmenhilde knew well about his protective nature. If those fools had angered Tenraku, and he refused to help them because of some petty matter, their deaths a thousand times over would not be enough!
Just as Elmen was preparing to intervene, Queen Carmilla on the throne spoke up—
"Red Dragon Emperor, it was my lack of discipline that led to this embarrassment. I apologize for their recent rudeness."
"Queen Tepes, please forgive them."
In the palace, the Vampires couldn't believe it— their Queen was actually offering an apology? Even to the Red Dragon Emperor, let alone that lowly half-blood? Although these individuals harbored extreme dissatisfaction, when they felt the icy gaze of their Queen, each one shuddered and wisely maintained silence.
"It's... it's alright, and besides, I'm not a Queen anymore."
Waving her hand hurriedly, Valerie, being honest and straightforward, wouldn't hold others accountable, even if they didn't apologize.
"Since Queen Carmilla has spoken, we're not ones to hold grudges."
"Let's put pleasantries aside, Queen. Let's talk about business."
Shrugging, Tenraku gestured for Valerie to step back and then spoke.
"I won't beat around the bush. Red Dragon Emperor, we need your help."
"Assistance is possible. I can help you eliminate all the Evil Dragons if needed."
Queen Carmilla stated their purpose, and Tenraku responded.
However, when they heard Tenraku's words, the entire palace exploded with outrage.
"Eliminate all the Evil Dragons with you and your meager Peerage?"
"Such arrogance! You have no idea how many Evil Dragons there are, and you don't understand their power!"
"The Evil Dragon with the humanoid face is difficult for even the Queen and elders to contend with. Red Dragon Emperor, your words are too presumptuous!"
In a barrage of criticisms, the Vampires felt Tenraku was excessively arrogant. If what he said were true— that he could eliminate all the Evil Dragons for them— then did that mean he and his dozen or so Peerage members were more powerful than the entire Carmilla Vampire clan? It was an insult, a blatant mockery!
Watching the Vampires mock and sneer at their master, Yubelluna and the other girls displayed expressions of anger. Raynare, on the other hand, wore a sinister smile, regarding these Vampires as if they were foolish clowns.
"These fools don't even know what true power is or understand how powerful our master is!"
"Anpusha San, didn't you challenge me with your discontent last time? Why not step forward and enlighten me now?"
Tenraku, unperturbed by the Vampires' mockery and doubts, smiled and turned to Anpusha Scarlett, who was seated in the most prominent position on the right side beneath Queen Carmilla's throne.
Seeing Tenraku pointing to her, Anpusha stood up, her proud assets swaying a few times, dangerously close to blinding onlookers.
"Hmph, why should I enlighten you?"
"If you're truly capable of eradicating all the Evil Dragons for us, Carmilla Vampire can avoid a catastrophe. But if you're just arrogantly heading to your death in battle, then it's your own fault, and we won't suffer any losses."
"Akasha-Sama, since the Red Dragon Emperor is so confident, let's entrust the task of facing the Evil Dragons to him!"
With a series of sneers, Anpusha then addressed Queen Carmilla on the throne.
The other Vampires in the palace brightened their eyes. Yes, since the Red Dragon Emperor was so arrogant, let him handle it. Regardless of the outcome, they wouldn't lose anything!
"I also have this intention, Red Dragon Emperor. Could you help us, Carmilla, eliminate the invading Evil Dragons?"
With eyes sparkling, Queen Carmilla nodded slightly and then looked at Tenraku with a smiling face.
"Of course, but let's discuss the matter of compensation next, Your Majesty." Tenraku grinned and revealed a somewhat sly expression...
To be continued...
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