Is It Delicious?
“Is it delicious?”
“Mmm… yes.”
Nahen had picked up the young vampire girl, Veronika, near Dort Horn Castle. Now he was strolling through the streets with her in tow.
“First, we need to do something about your appearance.”
“Huh?”
Nahen led her straight to an inn, had her wash her filthy body, bought her new clothes to replace the rags, put shoes on her feet, and even called in a barber to tidy up her tangled hair. By the time he was finished, she looked presentable enough to walk the streets without drawing stares.
“Not bad. You look decent now.”
“…What do you mean by that? It sounds a little strange.”
“I mean you won’t cause trouble just by walking around. Stop trying to twist everything into something weird.”
Nahen sighed, wondering what kind of nonsense this child had grown up hearing. He handed Veronika a warm corn bun and a glass of milk, then gave her a firm reminder.
“Once we reach the Demon Realm, you’ll have to train properly and follow instructions.”
“Yes…”
“Do that, and I’ll feed you far better food than this whenever you want.”
Even a child was still a girl. The cost of turning the ragged Veronika into someone respectable had added up. Nahen’s spending wasn’t born of simple pity.
“Who is your lord?”
“…Lady Seere von Devata.”
He intended to bring Veronika into Seere’s forces. The girl destined to become the greatest Vampire Lord was worth far more than her current rank suggested.
“Good. Remember that. Carve it deep into your heart and prove it with your actions. Otherwise…”
“Ah, I understand.”
Veronika nodded, and Nahen smiled in satisfaction.
“Finish eating, then we leave at once.”
“Where to?”
“Where else? To the place where the Moon’s Bloodline resides.”
“…I-I told you I don’t want to go!”
“I’m not doing this to send you back. What have you been hearing every time I speak?”
Nahen had already explained that they were heading to the Kalt Mountains, home of the Moon’s Bloodline. Veronika, however, had been so absorbed in the delicious bread and milk that she hadn’t truly listened.
“Um… well…”
“You didn’t hear me. Too busy eating, I suppose?”
“N-no, that’s not it!”
“Enough. You must have been starving. Still, stop eating for now. Too much at once will make you sick.”
“…Yes.”
Nahen explained once more.
“I’m going to meet your people to form an alliance. I have no intention of returning you to them.”
“Really?”
“If I planned to send you back, why would I keep asking who your lord is?”
“That… makes sense.”
Veronika nodded in understanding. She wolfed down the rest of the bun, sprang to her feet, and declared,
“Let’s go right now. But you’ll protect me when we meet the clan, right?”
“I won’t need to. Once they hear you serve a Demon King, they won’t dare threaten you.”
“Is that so? Your lord must be quite an impressive Demon King.”
“Of course.”
Nahen chuckled.
“She’s the Demon King destined for the highest throne.”
#
The Moon’s Bloodline, the vampire race, lived in a small basin deep within the frigid Kalt Mountains, surrounded by impossibly tall peaks. The treacherous terrain and savage weather kept humans from ever reaching them, allowing the clan to enjoy their freedom in peace.
Into that land stepped a stranger.
The one who entered was not a black-haired beast, but a black-haired Archdemon.
“Is this the right place?”
“I don’t remember clearly… but I think so.”
“I see.”
Unlike when he had hidden his appearance near Dort Horn Castle, Nahen now removed his hood. Veronika stared at him in wonder.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Ah, no reason.”
Nahen found it odd but let it pass. There were more pressing matters ahead.
“They built quite a fortress. Hidden with magic, I assume?”
It was the vampire clan’s castle. Its massive white walls looked both grand and sturdy. Nahen spoke to Veronika, who was trailing close behind him.
“Stay right beside me. If you get lost, I won’t come looking.”
“What? You won’t search for me?”
“As I said earlier, I need to finish this quickly and return. Don’t wander off.”
“That’s too much…”
“Then follow closely and make sure it doesn’t happen.”
With Gremory von Dieu’s intentions on the 55th Floor still unknown, speed was essential. Nahen approached the castle gate without hesitation and formally requested an audience.
“I come as an envoy of Demon King Seere von Devata.”
The vampires, who trembled at the mere mention of Demon Kings, had no intention of welcoming him. The guards politely refused.
“My apologies, but we accept no envoys from any Demon King. Please leave.”
“Then would you at least deliver one message to your elders?”
“…I’ll listen and decide.”
“Tell them only this: I have come bearing Moonblood.”
“Wait… what did you just say?”
Nahen repeated himself clearly.
“I said I have found the Moonblood.”
“I-is that true!?”
“It is. But I doubt you wish to discuss this matter with a mere guard. So…”
Under the full moon, two golden eyes fixed on the guard like twin moons themselves.
“Either summon your elder here at once, or let me inside.”
“I-I’ll need the captain’s permission for entry. Please wait a moment. I’ll return shortly!”
One guard rushed inside while the remaining guard stared at Nahen in stunned silence.
“Um, Envoy?”
“Yes.”
“The child behind you… she appears to be one of our bloodline. Am I correct?”
The guard pointed at Veronika. Nahen confirmed her origin but stated firmly,
“She was born of the bloodline, but she is no longer one of your clan’s children.”
“Pardon?”
“I believe that answers your question.”
“…Yes.”
The guard continued to stare at Veronika. Nahen found the reaction absurd.
‘They cast her out and now they don’t even remember her. How dare they covet a descendant of their own blood now.’
He glanced down at Veronika, pity stirring in his chest.
“What is it?”
Yet Veronika’s face showed no trace of emotion. Nahen closed his eyes briefly.
‘Was I worrying too much?’
No. If anything, Veronika’s complete indifference was the strange part.
“The captain has granted permission!”
The guard who had gone inside returned with approval for their entry.
“We may enter now?”
“The captain will guide you to the Lord.”
“Understood.”
Nahen looked at Veronika. She had claimed she didn’t want to return, so entering the clan’s territory might distress her. He had intended to offer some comfort, but her expression remained utterly blank. She met his gaze and asked,
“Hey.”
“What?”
“Do we have any bread left?”
Nahen wondered if this was truly the same child who had protested coming here. He truly couldn’t understand the mind of a young child.
“…No.”
#
“Welcome.”
“We’ve been waiting.”
Guided by the captain of the guard, Nahen arrived at the Moon Spirit Hall at the castle’s center. The moment he entered, he was greeted warmly. Seven young men and women sat around a long rectangular table. Nahen knew better. Their youthful appearances meant nothing; like him, they were ancient beings who had lived far too long. At least Nahen’s body was possessed. These were genuine old monsters.
A tall, handsome man who looked to be in his mid-twenties spoke first.
“Have a seat. We couldn’t prepare much, but you must be weary from the journey.”
“I appreciate the courtesy, but I have no time for that.”
“Hmm?”
Nahen addressed the seven Vampire Lords seated at the table.
“I would like you to let me meet the Progenitor using the Moonblood.”
“…Why would you wish to meet her?”
“I have reasons that require speaking with her. That is why I came—not because I have business with any of you.”
His tone was polite, but the meaning was sharp. He was essentially telling the seven Lords who ruled the clan, “I have no need of you, so summon the Progenitor.”
“Pfft! This one’s amusing.”
One woman burst into laughter. It was Roselia, one of the Lords. She brushed back her rose-colored hair and said,
“So you want to meet the Progenitor?”
“Yes.”
“We heard you brought Moonblood. Yet you won’t even show it to us and expect us to believe you? How could we possibly give you a favorable answer?”
“Ah, did I not show it?”
Nahen spoke as though he had simply forgotten, then produced a single crimson gem from his robes. The Lords’ expressions changed instantly.
“Hah… It’s real.”
Moonblood. A jewel formed from the crystallized blood of the Progenitor. It was the vampires’ most precious treasure, something they had to obtain at all costs if they wished to restore their founder’s power.
“However, the Progenitor is not someone who can be met so casually. I’m afraid we cannot allow it.”
“Why not?”
“Why? Even among our own bloodline, only the Lords may meet her. Do you think we would grant an audience with such a noble being to just anyone?”
“Just anyone…”
Nahen let out a dry laugh.
“I come as the official envoy of the Devata clan. And you call me ‘just anyone’?”
“If the Devata clan were what it once was, perhaps not. But…”
Roselia spoke honestly.
“The Devata are now Demon Kings trapped on the lowest floor, are they not? What else would you call the envoy of such an insignificant Demon King?”
Her mocking tone drew light laughter from the other Lords. Nahen had expected hostility from a race that despised Demon Kings, but irritation was beginning to rise. He hadn’t revealed his power at all, yet they dared to be this arrogant. Had living so far from the Demon Realm made them forget the terror a Demon King commanded?
‘…Sometimes the Demon King’s logic is correct after all.’
“You speak of meeting the Progenitor so brazenly. Why not simply hand over the Moonblood and leave? That is, if you wish to keep your life.”
What truly enraged him wasn’t the insult to himself, but their casual dismissal of the girl who had worked so hard. Nahen glanced at Veronika.
“Veronika.”
“Yes?”
“Wait outside.”
“…Why?”
When Veronika questioned him, Nahen shot her a single glance. Her body froze instantly.
“I said go outside.”
“…Yes.”
Veronika carefully opened the door and left. Nahen turned back to the Lords. The mocking smiles from moments ago had vanished. They had sensed the shift in his presence—not merely a change in atmosphere, but something far more dangerous.
“…Living buried in this mountain valley has left you completely ignorant of recent events.”
“What…?”
Roselia’s brow twitched. Nahen was already furious, and his mind was made up. If words wouldn’t suffice, he would make them listen by force.
“You don’t even know who must crawl like dogs if they wish to keep their lives. How pitiful that your bloodline serves such worthless creatures as Lords.”
“Have you said everything you wanted to say!?”
Crimson blood spread around Roselia as she prepared to use the vampires’ signature blood magic. It wasn’t real blood, only mana manifesting in that form, yet the sight was chilling.
“I’ll tear that arrogant mouth of yours apart!”
The blood coalesced into a sharp spear. Roselia seized it and charged at Nahen.
“Wait, Roselia. Stop.”
One Lord tried to restrain her, but another shouted,
“What does it matter? She wants to teach him a lesson. Roselia, give that insolent brat a good hit—”
CRACK!!
Roselia, who had been charging forward, was suddenly hurled backward and embedded in the wall. A gaping hole had been punched through her abdomen. Nahen hadn’t used any special technique against the Lord who wielded the blood spear. He had simply thrown a punch.
The Lords could only stare in horror at Roselia’s lifeless body, which hadn’t even had time to scream.
“W-what did you do!?”
“How dare you strike a Lord…!”
“Thinking about it, seven Lords for a race this size seems excessive.”
Golden eyes fixed on their prey. The Lords realized with chilling clarity that they, who had always reigned in nobility, were now nothing more than rabbits.
“Perhaps I should leave only four.”