“Sister, is it because of me…?”
As soon as we returned to the room after the decision to merge Sahelrn Duchy and Helraig Duchy under the agreement of the two Grand Dukes, Plona asked hesitantly.
“What do you mean?”
“…You said that you wouldn’t just kill humans. If it’s because you’re worried I might be shocked, I’m fine now.”
Ah, so that was bothering her.
From Plona’s perspective, it makes sense to think that way.
Before she became a vampire, she experienced firsthand how much animosity I held towards humans.
Knowing that, it would be ridiculous for her to manipulate her own values through self-suggestion, thinking that I wouldn’t change my policy without any special trigger.
“It’s not exactly like that.”
I gently denied it, patting Plona’s head.
In short, Plona thinks I changed my stance out of consideration for her because she had shown signs of struggling to accept Selin’s death.
‘I can’t say it’s completely unrelated, though.’
It’s true that Selin’s death made me think it would be better to seek a more rational and productive approach rather than purely destructive revenge.
Violent vengeance undoubtedly brings satisfaction, but it shouldn’t outweigh the grace I owe to my people. I realized that I need time to look back at those following me rather than just charging ahead.
However, the fact that I reflected such thoughts in my future plans wasn’t a decision made as a concession for Plona.
I just felt that if there’s something I want to accomplish, I need to have the corresponding sense of responsibility.
“There’s no need to be anxious. And vampires need to eat too, so I wouldn’t just recklessly take lives, but I’ve never said I’ll absolutely never kill, right? Maybe that’s what I said, but once I’m on the battlefield, I’ll probably be the same as always.”
“…I’ll do my best.”
Plona let out a sigh of relief and tightened her fist as if she was gearing up.
It wasn’t her usual level of vigor, but her eyes looked quite lively. I’m glad we had the chance to talk openly before things got serious.
“Then, Master, does that mean you won’t overdo it even if you become king?”
Just then, Eleonora stealthily asked a question.
This is one part I really don’t need to worry about.
Why would I waste my time on such bothersome things? Politics disgusts me.
If it were a proper country to begin with, there wouldn’t be a need for a complete novice like me to step in. It’d be a hundred times more efficient to just suggest a rough direction and leave the rest to the experts.
“Yeah. What I want is a peaceful world that suits my tastes, not a life struggling under the weight of work.”
“I’m relieved.”
Everyone seems a bit worried today.
Maybe it’s because I hadn’t thoroughly discussed the conclusions I needed to reach as something I had to solve myself until now.
Since it crossed my mind, I asked for a cool-headed evaluation, and Plona and Eleonora both gave generally positive responses.
Since the paradise I envisioned was far from concepts like justice or public good, I was worried they might have a negative reaction, but I guess they’re just used to a world of the survival of the fittest.
Or maybe they’re simply kids who rarely oppose my opinions? In that case, I might be asking for feedback in the wrong place.
“By the way, do you think we can gain the support of races other than vampires? Honestly, I’m not expecting much.”
Lavina, who had curled up with her knees on the two chairs, raised a point.
I don’t know why she’s lying there instead of using a perfectly fine bed, but I decided to let that slide since she was finally making some constructive comments.
‘Nice.’
Anyway, it was a welcome feedback. The plan that just came out of my mind was incredibly shaky.
“Honestly, I’m not expecting too much either. But since you and Eleonora are exceptions, we can’t really say that vampires wouldn’t accept anyone who isn’t one, can we?”
“Aha, I see.”
So the cooperation of Ain’s forces would be nice if it happens but isn’t a must.
However, I believe that having a reason is important. What do you think the reason is that the perception of humans as public enemies has spread among Ain?
It’s because ever since the race wars ended and humans seized power, they’ve hogged everything for themselves.
Even now, while barely surviving from the war with the alliance forces, if I were to declare that I would create a world only for vampires, hoping to unify the continent…
Beastmen or whoever would be ready to stab me in the back with a “Who do you think you are?” attitude. There’s no reason for them to step forward and take losses while humans are serving as punching bags.
“Aria, would it bother you if I asked you to take me in as a subordinate since I only have vampires around?”
“…If you really want that?”
Surprised gazes turned to Lavina at her sudden remark.
Lavina looked surprised too.
“Huh, really? You’d do it, Aria?”
“Why are you surprised when you asked?”
“No, if you’re the first subordinate of the Progenitor, isn’t everyone considered a vampire on par with a Grand Duchy? If Aria becomes the king, her subordinates would actually be treated like that, so I didn’t expect such a straightforward answer.”
Does it really work that way?
While the title of Grand Duke given to Martini and Jeil isn’t solely based on bloodline, I can’t deny that the powers that allow those vampires to achieve such feats are attributed to their lineage.
In fact, a vampire’s strength is mostly determined by the amount and quality of the True Blood they inherited.
While effort is important, it’s undeniable that the overwhelming influence of talent matters in everything.
The closer you get to the top, the more that’s true. The peak is a realm granted only to those who worked hard enough to the point of death, even with innate talent.
However, it’s common sense in society to favor known acquaintances.
“Besides, you and Eleonora are fine. But only if you seriously think about it and really want it.”
Lavina glanced at Eleonora and suddenly got up from her chair, coming over to me and whispering.
“Um… does Eleonora not becoming a vampire yet have something she can’t talk about?”
“No. She just said she’s still in her growing phase and that she can’t give me blood yet, so she wants to postpone it a bit.”
“Ah.”
Lavina looked like she regretted being concerned.
However, it’s commendable to see her making an effort to avoid touching on sensitive matters among family.
“Then I’ll postpone becoming a vampire too. I’m still quite young, and while I’m tempted by dark magic, if I can’t use other magics, it’ll become hard for my research!”
“Do that. Then.”
It was a bit absurd to hear a two-hundred-twenty-year-old saying they’re still young, but I decided to respect her opinion without prejudice.
Yeah, no matter how much Lavina might be a bit off, becoming a vampire as casually as picking a dinner menu is a bit strange.
No, the more surprising thing is that she didn’t have thoughts of becoming a vampire in the future.
However, just as I was starting to relax, an unexpected twist came in.
“By the way, while we’re on the subject, do you want to try some of my blood? You’ve never tasted elf blood, right?”
“Ugh.”
Wait, so suddenly?
I mean, it’s not that I hate the idea, but I need to prepare my mind.
I glanced over and saw Plona, pulling the blanket up to her nose with a curious look, and Eleonora, whose tail was standing stiff with a sense of crisis.
“…Master. While elf blood is good, I still think dragonkin blood is the best!”
“Hmm?”
Why is there a competitiveness over something like this?
Lavina, who was initially bewildered, began to notice Eleonora’s rare assertiveness, and her expression turned into a crescent moon.
A bad feeling crept in.
From past experiences, whenever her interests are piqued, the elf becomes infinitely earnest, and it usually means she’s discovered something very amusing to her.
And my prediction hit the mark beautifully.
“Is that so? I wonder how that would feel? Cattle that eat good feed and are pasture-raised tend to fetch a high price; how will the young and tender elf, aged two hundred years in nature, taste to a vampire’s tongue? Quite an academic curiosity, right?”
Lavina kept trying to provoke Eleonora, her words dripping with mock aggression.
This girl is definitely just messing with us.
However, Eleonora didn’t seem to catch on to Lavina’s antics, and in her pride as a pro lunchbox, she started self-promoting.
“…Dragonkin also live in the wild.”
“Hmm, true, but dragonkin feel more sturdy, like wild boars or bears, right? Wouldn’t the tender elf be more suitable for a vampire’s meal… I kind of think so?”
“…Vampires drink blood, they don’t eat flesh. And I’m sure I’m the tastiest since I’ve been raised on your customized diet.”
Just listening to them makes my head ache.
Now I finally understand why the relationship between elves and dragonkin has been poor since before the race wars; it’s a tradition that runs deep.
At this point, it’s as if they’re fundamentally incompatible from birth.
“Well, looking at it that way… Ouch.”
“Don’t bully Eleonora.”
The utterly pointless bickering between dragonkin and elf ended with me giving Lavina a light smack on the head.
I have to say, the refreshing sound that came from her skull definitely felt like nature itself.
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