Predator
Chrisval territory in the Eisenberg Duchy had become a symbol of peace and friendship by welcoming the Demon King's army within its borders. This was possible largely because demons and humans didn't differ much in appearance. Moreover, the Demon King's forces led by Lujerna up to now hadn't killed a single human.
One month ago.
"Demons are invading! A massive Demon King's army has been spotted in the Carmot region."
"If we leave them be, the territory will suffer heavy losses. We'll head out early and stop them."
The marquis led his troops to attack Lujerna's Demon King's army. That battle was shocking.
Lujerna's forces simply stood there without moving a muscle, showing no signs of resistance whatsoever.
"Why...?"
At first, the humans slaughtering demons halted their actions. Even demons or not, massacring people who offered zero resistance triggered a visceral aversion. Their outward appearance was still human, after all.
"We just want to get along with humans. That's all."
At Lujerna's words, the marquis trusted her control—even though she hadn't moved an inch during the actual fighting—and allowed her forces into the territory.
This was the result.
"Perhaps we've been doing something foolish all along."
The territory's residents gradually opened their hearts. Initial negative perceptions shifted positively. Some even sought out demons to treat them to delicious food.
It was Sisilia, a single knight, who brutally shattered that atmosphere of peace.
Naturally, the marquis was furious beyond precedent. Sisilia, who had carried out a mass slaughter in the central plaza, was taken into custody.
"They're keeping you in custody. Captain Edward sent word to cool your head a bit... It's an order."
However, since there was no law in Liannen arresting someone for killing demons—
Sisilia's charge was "disturbing the peace in the city."
"At least it's not some dank underground cell, so that's a relief. I would've been heartbroken otherwise."
And since they couldn't roughly imprison Sisilia, who held more power than most nobles, her detention spot was set as a lavish mansion bedroom.
Beatrice sighed.
"I'm always on Sisilia's side, no question—but honestly, I was shocked. To think you'd slice through that many demons without a word from them."
"Betty knows. I don't keep dogs that bite people. No matter how cute they are."
"...Come to think of it, you did the same in Gartan territory."
Out of pure curiosity, Beatrice asked, "But sometimes I hear stories. Liliana, Freya—they get along fine usually."
"Those puppies don't even think about fighting. They've tucked their tails."
"...Those demons didn't attack either."
Sisilia tilted her head. "They're attacking."
"Pardon?"
Beatrice soon grasped the meaning behind Sisilia's words.
"...Blending in among humans while preaching peace looks like an attack to your eyes, Sisilia."
"Yeah."
And it was exactly that. To Sisilia, it looked like a five-year-old living with a half-starved grizzly bear that had gone ten years without food. And the bear's owner tells Sisilia, 'Our bear won't rip humans apart.'
Well, Sisilia figured anyone else in that situation would shoot too. So she drew her sword and killed the grizzly.
That was all.
"...Are you really just going to stay locked up like this?"
"If not, what would Betty do? Ignore the captain's order and help me out?"
Sisilia pressed a warm teacup to her cheek, savoring the heat.
Beatrice turned her head slightly and murmured, "...I'm Sisilia's adjutant."
If orders conflicted, she'd side with Sisilia. That was what it meant.
Sisilia beamed and set down her teacup. "Rules are rules—so I'll respect Ed's order. I did cause a disturbance in the city, after all."
"Phew. I thought you'd say something like 'Grab your sword, let's go hunt the legion commander right now.'"
"Not like that thought didn't cross my mind."
It probably would've happened if Edward weren't here. But Sisilia was a pro cosplayer with a true sense of professionalism. As long as she bore the title of vice-captain, she wouldn't defy the knight order captain's command during a mission.
Knock knock.
"We'll come in."
"Oh, right—they said they'd at least assign a servant."
At the knock, Beatrice smiled brightly. "Yeah. Betty?"
"Yes?"
"Step aside for a sec."
At the sudden request, Beatrice puzzled but moved away from the door as told.
And right then, Sisilia hurled her sword.
Whish—!
Crack!
The flying sword shattered the door and embedded in the maid's skull on the other side.
"...!"
Beatrice's eyes widened.
The maid with the sword in her head convulsed.
"Kyaaah—!"
There were two maids; the other screamed and fled in panic.
Beatrice was flustered but half-drew her sword. "Sh-should I take her down?"
"No—that one's human. More importantly, Betty, check the nape of the demon on the floor before it turns to ash."
"The nape...? U-understood."
Beatrice hurriedly inspected the demon maid's nape.
Sisilia sipped her tea and said, "There's bite marks, right?"
"...Yes."
The dead maid's nape bore clear tooth marks. Soon after, she crumbled to ash and vanished.
Beatrice's hands trembled faintly.
"...I didn't notice at all."
"It was that subtle. Still."
Sisilia glanced indifferently out the window. "I think I get what Lujerna wants now."
Edward was heading to the room where the marquis and Lujerna were.
Seraphina was with him.
"Knight, I truly believe this peace can be achieved."
'Switching honorifics to suit his advantage.'
Well, dealing with a knight was better than a crown prince.
"But if your subordinate pulls another stunt like that, it'll be a problem. Our hard-earned negotiations will go up in smoke."
"I have no excuse, sir. The famed Sword Princess is a bit ferocious, you see."
"...Ferocity has its limits. I won't let it slide easily. I granted your request and merely confined her to the mansion, but normally it'd be a capital offense."
Edward halted.
For the first time, he openly showed displeasure.
"Seems like you're greatly mistaken."
Dropping even the courtesy, he haughtily eyed the marquis.
"Sisilia Windsor is the vice-captain of the Windsor Knights and the only daughter of the former captain, Sword Sovereign Chiron. Do you grasp what that means?"
No matter how the marquis twisted titles with political maneuvering to seize initiative, it silently pressured that Edward ultimately decided such things.
The marquis's pupils quivered slightly.
Edward smirked coldly. "Even if Sisilia Windsor had killed humans in that plaza instead of demons, a mere marquis like you couldn't punish a duke's daughter."
A marquis with ducal authority. No matter how prettily phrased, he was still just a marquis.
The gap in power between duke and marquis was vast and irreconcilable.
And among dukes—Chiron, only recently retired, held power second only to Eisenberg.
The marquis stiffened rigidly.
Edward reverted to his dazzling smile. "We'll speak with Lujerna ourselves. Why don't you have some tea in the meantime, Marquis? That way, we'll show at least minimal respect."
Edward walked past the frozen marquis.
Seraphina trailed after him, whispering, "Captain Edward. Blackmail is bad."
"...Now I see why you lost the saintess battle."
Seraphina blinked like a rabbit. "That was because my faith was lacking..."
"...No, lack of tact."
"What's tact?"
(Note: Seraphina had many blind spots from being sheltered.)
"I'm a moderate demon. I've always advocated for peace, so I'd appreciate it if you believed me."
She wore an old-fashioned dress. Her skin was pale to an extreme, with crimson eyes. And pupils devoid of emotion.
Lujerna embodied the most classic image of a vampire humans could imagine.
Edward sat on the sofa before her and tossed out a word. "True Ancestor."
"Smart human. Correct. I was once called that."
"Strange. I heard the 7th Legion commander was the weakest—."
'Sisilia's intel is rarely wrong. What's going on?'
Edward furrowed his brow.
"The original vampire, a True Ancestor."
"I hate fighting. It hurts. But I'm not the weakest."
"...Stronger than Lumia?"
"Lumia? Sorry, not up on recent demons."
"One of the Four Heavenly Kings in the north."
"...My successor, huh. Sounds familiar."
Lujerna yawned sleepily.
"Not interested. What matters to me is that earning your trust leads to peace."
Of course, Edward had no intention of letting it slide.
'Sisilia's info is almost never wrong. How?'
"Name a demon comparable to you."
"...Picky human. Fine. Freya and I go way back. Oh, you might not know? Freya is—"
"The time demon."
"...You know her. She doesn't show herself much, so I figured."
"That demon belongs to Sisilia."
Lujerna, stoic until then, showed genuine surprise for the first time. But it was fleeting; she reverted to boredom.
"I see. You found her in the end. Jealous."
"To the point. You want peace? Why?"
"Like I said. I hate fighting. No reason to, really."
"...Vampires live off human blood as staple. Demons feed on human fear. You think peace is possible?"
"Human blood is tasty, true... but beast blood works fine. Fear's the same."
If needed, we can trade. I learned that recently.
Lujerna didn't seem to be lying. At least, not to Edward's eyes.
This demon truly desired peace.
For now, Edward nodded toward Seraphina.
Seraphina took a deep breath, approached Lujerna, placed a hand on her shoulder, and closed her eyes.
"Tickles. Weird feeling. What're you doing?"
"A minor check. Seraphina, well?"
Seraphina opened her eyes and stepped back. She pulled out a handkerchief and vigorously wiped her hand.
"...I can't pray for her. That's all I know."
Lujerna caught on and said, "I have no heart, so mind-reading fails. Might work on other demons."
Then, Lujerna glanced only with her eyes toward the door.
"My familiar's dead."
"Familiar?"
"That Sisilia kid, maybe. I'd like to meet her once. Chat."
Edward's lip curled. "She won't be the talking type. And she's fierce."
"Doesn't matter."
Edward grew curious. Could Lujerna keep her composure before Sisilia?
And so, Edward brought Lujerna to Sisilia's detention room.
"Sisilia, the one you're looking for, is beyond that door. Hope you have a nice talk. Mind sharing feedback afterward?"
Pointing at the door, Edward turned away without lingering.
"If you survive, that is."
"?"
Lujerna tilted her head, not understanding—but she got it soon enough.
Bang!
"...!"
The moment Lujerna stood before the door, Sisilia charged at unbelievable speed and stabbed her heart with a sword.
Blood trickled from Lujerna's mouth, yet she stared straight into Sisilia's silver-blue eyes.
Lujerna knew that gaze. Humans she'd killed countless times. It was the look in their eyes reflecting her own.
"You have the eyes of a predator."
No malice at all. Just performing a necessary act. Like a human gutting a live fish without murderous intent.
"You don't see me as more than prey."
Lujerna smiled for the first time.
"An intriguing human."