Amidst the ruins of the collapsed castle, many vampires were busily gathering debris.
The elderly vampire, Slein Perbat, asked his master, who was looking down at them, “Your Highness, are you really planning to go in person?”
In the Helraig Duchy, the Grand Duke’s intentions were absolute. Unless the Grand Duke first commanded his subordinates to voice their opinions, it was unthinkable to dare raise an objection.
However, it had been since the founding of the duchy that the Grand Duke had ever stepped outside its borders.
Naturally. It made no sense for a duchy constantly under human scrutiny to willingly offer the bait of its maximum strength.
Yet now, all eyes were on the Sahelrn Duchy, making this a distinct situation.
As long as they didn’t broadcast it, there was no way humans would know if the Grand Duke temporarily stepped away.
But that didn’t mean there was any reason to take unnecessary risks.
The only vampire in a position to point this out to the Grand Duke was the vampire of noble rank, so Slein dared to ascertain his master’s intentions.
“Yes.”
Jeil did not reprimand his subordinate for expressing doubts.
His usual cool and strict demeanor was replaced by a surprisingly relaxed attitude as he subtly cared for his subordinates.
Indeed, things felt different this time, Slein thought.
“May I ask the reason?”
“If the Sahelrn Duchy falls, it would indeed be problematic for us. Moreover, I felt it necessary to confirm it for myself.”
“…So it’s regarding the Fourth Progenitor, after all.”
Jeil did not deny Slein’s speculation.
Eclipse. The unique magic of the Fourth Progenitor that liberates vampires from the Sun’s shackles.
To change the future of the declining vampires, they must overcome the Sun; wasn’t that Jeil Helraig’s long-held doctrine?
In that regard, the Progenitor’s unique magic was the closest thing to a way to “overcome the Sun” at this point.
Although currently only the Progenitor herself could use it, and the duration wasn’t particularly long, this was the first time that the magic had been actually deployed, which suggested there was still potential for improvement in some form.
After nearly two millennia of stagnant progress, this was the first real possibility they had stumbled upon.
That alone made it worth watching the Progenitor. However, there was another, more profound reason why Jeil personally led reinforcements to the Sahelrn Duchy to create an opportunity to move alongside her.
“If Sahelrn survives this war, Martini Sahelrn will undoubtedly crown the Fourth Progenitor as queen.”
Earlier, he had casually asked the Progenitor about future plans, but in reality, her ascension was a foregone conclusion.
If she were still to be hiding as before, there might have been no issues, but the moment she appeared boldly on the battlefield, the world wouldn’t let her be.
From the Progenitor’s perspective, she had no choice but to ally herself with the Sahelrn Duchy to ensure her survival.
That’s why Jeil discussed ideals in front of her. Accepting the crown, regardless of her own will, would only lead her down the same path as the First Progenitor.
The Progenitor’s actions would likely mark a significant turning point for the future of all vampires.
Jeil did not care for Martini Sahelrn’s way of thinking, but it was undeniable that the united human forces, even stronger than the Helraig Duchy, were far too powerful for them to handle alone.
If overcoming the Sun was impossible right now, then realistically, the only way for vampires to counter the united humans was to unite as one.
While unity did not guarantee victory, it was at least the bare minimum.
Yet, it was impossible for either of the two Grand Dukes, divided by beliefs, to join forces now.
Thus, the only one with the potential to unite the vampires as a single force was someone who stood above the two Grand Dukes.
Was there really a need to point out who the most suitable vampire was to fulfill that role at this moment—or rather, the only one with such potential?
The fate and future of the vampire race depended solely on her will and power.
Jeil had an obligation to carefully observe what conclusion she would reach after deep contemplation, how she would act, and whether she had the strength to achieve her desires.
“What do you plan to do after you confirm that?”
“Well, if she turns out to be unworthy, at the very least, I must secure her unique magic as compensation for this deployment. Depending on the modification, we might also be able to use it ourselves.”
Jeil didn’t even bring up the opposite scenario.
After walking through despair for so long, it was too soon to start harboring hope.
However, the fact that a man who once sought the throne alone was now placing hope in someone’s potential was indeed unusual, something neither Jeil nor Slein had to point out.
*
Jeil Helraig, that damn bastard.
After being humiliated in the least desirable way, confirming that I still felt shame, I hurriedly escaped from the three maids after finishing my measurements.
“How dare you deceive me?”
Though they hadn’t necessarily deceived me, the victim’s statements and tears mattered more than the truth.
Even though Jeil had an obligation to thoroughly explain that such processes were necessary for creating custom clothing, his negligence had forced me to endure such humiliation, so I would undoubtedly seek retribution when the opportunity arose.
“Aha, sister!”
Just as I was rushing down the hallway, afraid that one of the maids had missed something, I halted at the sound of a familiar voice.
“Plona, Eleonora.”
Before my thoughts could even pass through my brain, I reflexively adjusted my clothes.
Fortunately, the two girls merely tilted their heads curiously and did not dig into my embarrassing past.
“Shall we walk together for a bit?”
Well, the timing was perfect. The situation had been so hectic that we hadn’t had a chance to gather as a group.
Perhaps because one entire night had been consumed in battle, it felt as if a long time had passed since we set off at dawn and left the Underground City for the second night.
“That sounds great!”
“Yes, my lady.”
Plona and Eleonora nodded, their eyes sparkling.
As soon as we stepped outside, the desolate landscape and dry wind greeted us.
From somewhere across the way, I could hear the ruckus of recovery work on the castle I had destroyed, but I waited until confirming that there were no vampires from the duchy nearby before speaking.
“You both worked hard today.”
Eleonora’s mouth twitched slightly.
‘Cute.’
She seemed glad to be of help.
I had worried that our trio facing hundreds of vampires in intense combat would have made them nervous, but their demeanor suggested they weren’t feeling downtrodden.
“Eleonora, are you hurt?”
“I had a small scratch, but I’m okay now.”
It wasn’t serious, but I noticed a faint smell of blood, so when I asked, Eleonora shyly rolled up her sleeve.
Indeed, there were faint red marks on both of her arms.
I heard she had taken vampire attacks bare-handed several times while covering for Lavina.
In truth, considering what she had accomplished, a scratch was hardly a big deal and a testament to her insane dragonkin physicality, but she didn’t seem to think so.
“Don’t overdo it. You did great.”
Overall, the results were impeccable.
Even though the battle had lasted longer than expected, they had steadfastly adhered to the ‘minimum casualties’ policy I had reversed thinking it was impractical.
While there were certainly some casualties, the fact that they could save lives while leaving only the hearts behind had made that possible, yet that alone was commendable.
As I lightly patted Eleonora’s head, her tail wagged furiously.
‘She’s like a personal fan.’
Her body was fully grown, yet she still reacted like a child in such situations, making me chuckle.
With the war details concerning the Sahelrn Duchy and ideals swirling in my mind, it was comforting to think that some things remained unchanged nearby.
“Sister, there’s no need to overthink things.”
It was as if Plona could see through my troubled heart as she suddenly spoke up.
“Your choices are always right. There’s no need to waver because of what that vampire said.”
The unwavering trust conveyed in each word made me realize how fortunate I was. If I were to jump into a fiery pit, Plona and Eleonora would likely do the same without hesitation.
‘So this is what it means.’
Today’s words from Jeil came back to me.
Ironically, knowing I had two people who believed in me made me appreciate the importance of a leader’s ideals, as emphasized by Jeil.
I was no longer in a position where outside pressures dictated my actions.
At this moment, I felt it profoundly—it was my flawed judgments that could lead my people to ruin.
We reveled in the fresh air for a while, enjoying the long-awaited relaxation.
Perhaps it was due to how fiercely we had lived day by day in the Underground City, but merely walking through the deserted wilderness was refreshingly uplifting.
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