Chapter 161
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Why three years?
Even Hans wouldn’t understand. But three years should be enough time to sort things out. Hans’s most pressing issue was the problem right in front of him.
His goals had been denied. His desperate desire to return home had been shattered by twisted intentions.
‘So, what can I do?’
There was no answer. He could only stare blankly at the sky. It would be a lie to say he didn’t feel betrayed. But he also understood.
However, understanding didn’t mean forgiveness. The emotion Hans felt wasn’t hatred or forgiveness, but bewilderment.
Then, a voice spoke from behind him,
“You seem troubled.”
“Of course I am.”“I understand, but we don’t have much time.”
“Three years seems like plenty of time.”
“You can’t spend three years just agonizing over this, can you?”
She was right. He owed her his life. If he had continued fighting, he would have been killed by the True Demons.
Hans sighed.
“So, what do you want?”
“What do you think a Vampire wants?”
“So it’s come to this.”
“Ah, of course, I’m not just going to take it.”
“…?!”
The Dragon Heart reacted.
Hans’s arm, moving instinctively, blocked the incoming fist. He was pushed back forcefully.
Standing before him, emanating a ferocious aura, was a young girl. Like Lucy, she had blonde hair and red eyes, but she was much smaller, her fingernails extended like claws.
“This child’s name is Lua. My adorable daughter.”
“So?”
“Vampires need blood to survive. And the way we obtain that blood is called hunting.”
“…Aha, I think I understand.”
They hunt to obtain blood. And right now, he was like a honeypot in front of a swarm of bees… Hans chuckled and took a stance.
‘This is much better.’
“But for a hunt, this seems a bit personal…?”
“How dare you speak so informally to Mother.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll kill you!!!”
‘So, she’s a mama’s girl.’
Strictly speaking, she wasn’t her daughter, but still. Having quickly assessed his opponent, Hans raised his fist and brought it down like a hammer.
Thwack!!!
“Squawk!!”
“Huh?”
Despite her aggressive charge, Lua collapsed with a pathetic squeak after a single blow. Hans tilted his head.
‘What? Why is she so weak?’
He looked at Lucy and said,
“Is this right?”
“It’s a natural outcome. The Commander of the Royal Knights versus a novice Vampire. The result is obvious, isn’t it?”
“That’s…”
‘Well, she’s not wrong.’
Hans scratched his head, feeling embarrassed. He knew he wasn’t a typical Commander of the Royal Knights.
But he couldn’t just say that, so he chose to change the subject. Lucy gave him a knowing look but didn’t pry.
The other Vampires carried the unconscious Lua away.
Hans cautiously asked Lucy,
“By the way, why are you all wearing…bondage gear?”
“Bondage? What’s that? Are you referring to our attire?”
“…Yes, that.”
“It’s traditional Vampire clothing. It’s practical and allows us to use our abilities more easily.”
“…Is that so?”
‘Even for an erotic game, this setting is too simplistic.’
Hans swallowed his words. It didn’t matter as long as he wasn’t involved. He quickly changed the subject.
“Tell me your true objective.”
“I simply made a deal for your sake.”
“That’s impossible. You’re treating me too well for that.”
“…”
“What’s your real motive, Vampire Lord?”
Lucy had clearly stated that she and the other Vampires were the cold blade that severed ties to maintain balance.
Yet, she had intervened and saved him.
It didn’t add up. She considered the deaths caused by the demons as part of the balance, so why had she done this?
Lucy simply smiled and clapped her hands.
Just as he wondered what she was doing, Hans felt a sharp pain in his chest and collapsed. It felt like someone had pierced his heart with a sword.
The world around him changed.
At first, he thought time had stopped. But he quickly realized it wasn’t. An impenetrable darkness enveloped him. But Hans realized.
There was someone beyond that darkness.
As Hans looked up, he made eye contact with it. A massive being that defied human comprehension.
“A dragon…!!!”
Hans already knew of its existence. A being whose mere presence was overwhelming. It was a dragon. And it felt familiar.
Zaerkan.
He was still alive.
Then, Hans opened his eyes again.
The darkness vanished, replaced by Lucy, who was smiling as usual.
She chuckled and said,
“It seems you haven’t completely mastered the Dragon Heart.”
“Completely mastered the Dragon Heart?”
“The Dragon Heart is a divine artifact that can only be obtained by slaying a dragon. But wielding it depends on the user’s abilities.”
“…”
“Don’t be too ashamed. No one in history has ever completely mastered the Dragon Heart.”
“What does that have to do with this?”
Lucy answered bluntly,
“It has everything to do with this. Don’t you think you should decide what you want to do?”
“What?”
“Forgiveness? Hatred? Or perhaps another choice?”
‘It’s entirely up to you.’
Lucy told him to make up his mind. Hans couldn’t deny her words.
‘What do I want to do? Do I want to forgive them? Or hate them?’
As time passed, his bewilderment subsided, replaced by a mix of emotions. Anger at their selfishness for hypnotizing him. That was definitely there.
But at the same time, he felt worried about them and longed to see them. But the common thread was his question about their motives.
‘Why did they make that choice?’
He wanted to confront them and ask them directly. Until then, he couldn’t make a decision.
Hans smiled and said,
“Well, that’s how it is.”
“I see. That’s the path you’ve chosen.”
“Is it the right answer?”
“I don’t know if it’s the right answer. I…no, we are merely observers.”
She was right. They observed from the shadows, and if someone strayed from the right path, they would reveal themselves.
That was the role of the guardians of the world, the Dragons and Vampires.
Hans clicked his tongue.
“Then why didn’t you intervene sooner?”
“You mean with the demons?”
“Yes, when they invaded…”
“Well? I don’t see any difference between then and now.”
Hans tilted his head.
No difference between then and now?
According to the setting, the past was an era of constant war between the races. But there was no difference?
“What do you mean? Are you saying the demons are actually from the continent?”
“That’s correct.”
“…??”
Hans was dumbfounded by Lucy’s words.
For the first time, his poker face crumbled.
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Zaiha walked silently.
Nothing remained of the ancient kingdom’s ruins. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to leave.
He was still bound by the past. During countless wars and invasions, his kingdom had been utterly destroyed. He hadn’t forgotten the resentment he felt.
His master had chosen to set the world ablaze. Yes, he had made a deal with the devil and gained power. But could that be considered right? No, there was no answer.
“Zaiha, are you there?”
🚨 Important Notice 🚨
); }
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“How are the preparations coming along?”
“They are proceeding smoothly.”
“Good… Finally, we can avenge the past.”
The highest-ranking True Demon.
The Queen of all demons and the source of all of this.
Zaiha stared blankly at her.
After eons, all that remained for her was resentment.
“By the way, I heard there are some who dare to plot treason?”
“That’s correct.”
“Go and kill them all.”
It wasn’t a good situation. They were already short on manpower to deal with the Alliance. Internal conflict wasn’t a good idea. But Zaiha bowed his head.
“Your will be done.”
Everything would proceed according to Her Majesty’s will.
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[Translator Notes]
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