Note: Vampire in evolution tree is now Nightwalker.
After returning to my body, I took a second or two to readjust before opening my eyes and speaking to Jeanne.
"You're back. Did you get to send the message?"
"Yes, the crows are on their way to the designated location. I estimate Ein to be informed in about six days but it might take more than two weeks for Brad to get the message."
"That's fine."
In the Demon Lands, or Lambda according to Bony's memories, communication methods were few. Since danger lurked at every corner just sending a simple letter required elite demons. And the cost of hiring such a group wasn't cheap either. However, despite what some may think, I used my own personal method for reasons other than to save money.
My way took advantage of my expertise in Necromancy and Soul Magic that allowed me to take drifting souls of the dead that were all over Lambda and seal them inside a bird carcass. This would result in a bird undead that would follow simple orders and could fly to anywhere in the Demon Lands with the help of the memories of birds that had flown over the place, which I had pieced together and implanted in them.
As for getting past the dangerous part, that was solved by them having abnormally low presence even for undead. Besides my familiars and I who could control them, I hadn't found a single person who could detect them.
'Now, I wait.'
In the meantime, I kept an eye on Isla. Much like the first day, she spent her days quite unrestrained, to the extent where it seemed as if she was the true ruler of this castle. However putting aside her arrogant routines, I couldn't find a single suspicious thing about the way she acted. Hoping to get some new ideas, I brought up my thoughts to Jeanne who was generally always by my side.
"Do you think she's truly planning something?"
"Based on her actions and personality I would have to say yes."
"Oh, elaborate."
"Firstly, I believe it's rather odd that she came here despite her blatant dislike for rotting undead. Although this might be an act, it seems too intense for that and according to Thano she's always been like this so that makes it even more unlikely."
'Looks like I was right to open up.'
"Makes sense. If this truly is just a whim of hers then the place doesn't match the setting. Is that all?"
"No, I also think it's odd how she hasn't tried to get close to a single restricted area. Judging from what Thano has told us, she should be the type to make trouble on a whim, but besides her bossy attitude she's being quite obedient."
So she's too quiet, huh?
"Do you think she might be a diversion?"
"I also considered that possibility but I repeatedly checked to make sure that nothing strange was happening in our territory. If she is a diversion then she's either doing an unbelievably good job or whatever she's covering up for hasn't happened yet."
"Hmm, I guess we can only wait to get some new information from Ein."
"My apologies for not having already prepared a definite answer."
"No, no, it's fine."
'It's not like I figured anything out either.'
Since the only thing I could do was form baseless speculations, I simply stuck to observing Isla until that moment finally came.
"Master."
'Finally!'
"Ein, is that you?" I asked through our telepathic link.
"That's right."
Only Jeanne was in this room with me, but she showed no confusion as I started nodding for seemingly no reason. I knew that just like me, she could also sense Ein.
"Good. How has life in the capital been going?"
"Not much has changed, master. Well, not for me anyways."
"Hmm, what do you mean?"
"It's kind of hard to describe but, there seems to be a strange tension coming from the central zone. I hope I'm wrong but I think I detected early signs of war preparation on the market."
"What?!"
Wa-wa-war?! Why the hell would- No no no no, it won't be something cliche like that, right?
"I can't be sure but based on the people who are ordering weapons and the quantity they're aiming for, I doubt this is a simple internal scuffle either."
"Ein, be straight with me. Based on the information you've collected, what are the chances that this was instigated by the Demon King or someone close to him?"
"?! As expected of master. Actually I was looking into that when I got contacted by the messenger bird."
"Oh, I hope you leaving the city won't cause any disruptions to your plans."
"Ah, no. I could never blame anything on master for requesting me."
'But you're not denying that your plans were disrupted.'
Considering the complex barrier covering Lambda's capital - Asura, there was no way for me to establish a secure telepathic line between us. In other words, it was like setting up a phone call when you knew you were being tapped. Therefore, there was no choice but to have him leave the capital for me to contact him.
Brad was in a similar situation but that talk was for another time.
"I see, I'll hear more about the war possibilities later, right now I need information on someone. Do you know a Isaac or Isla?"
"Oh, the Flamboyant Hunter. She's a troublesome one alright."
"Is she famous?"
"Well, more than the person, it's more their tales that are famous."
"For example?"
"One of the more well-known ones is that the Hunter once found and eradicated the secret base of demons trying to revolt. The Hunter is also known to be a master of disguise and can change identities at the drop of a hat. Even close friends and family wouldn't be able to tell the difference."
"Tch, rather capable. What about her standing in the Intelligence Department?"
"Based on what I know she should be an important figure both in the Demon King's personal force and among the Vampire Lords, but I would need to investigate to figure out anything more."
"Okay, you've done well. You can head back and keep investigating the case you were on, but try to find out if she is connected to it."
"Understood. I'll try to have a decent grasp of the situation as quickly as possible."
With that, we ended the telepathic conversation and I sensed Ein getting farther from me.
"Master?"
"Hmm, what is it Jeanne?"
"Nothing, it's just that you have a grim expression. Did that idiot bring bad news?"
Only once she pointed it out to me did I realize that I had been frowning.
"Oh, no, it was good, actually it was bad news but it was news I needed to know."
"Did you figure out that vampire's motive?"
"More than that. If my guess is right then it'll be time for us to step out of the shadows."
If this was a war among those of the same race, I would have likely just found a hiding place to whether the storm. But a war between humans and demons had to be avoided at all costs.
I didn't know if this was the Demon King's idea or something one of his retainers recommended, but I'm not about to let some hero come in and kill us all. Since the legends in this world always showed heroes as valiant knights who always won the important fights, I was afraid that a real hero would also be protected by the power of the world's plot armour. Even if I had to be a villain, I would need to be one that switched sides early.
'I hope I'm wrong but just sitting here won't change anything.'
"I guess I should make a personal visit to our guest."
Meanwhile, lsla sat in a luxurious leather chair with a cup of wine. One of the liches had been a wine collector, but since it couldn't taste anymore the bottles had been lying around for centuries, until now.
"Ah, I didn't expect to have such good wine in this forsaken place. Once I finish up my business I need to make sure to get the rest as souvenirs."
"I don't drink often but I would rather not have you take all of my wine."
"Who?!"
At the same time as she shouted, Isla threw a small knife at the door. However, I was already sitting in front of her.
"That's a rather rude way to welcome somebody."
I poured out my own glass of wine and looked straight into her eyes.