CH 101

“Hmm.”

“...?”

“Hmmmmmm.”

“What’s wrong with you? Why are you acting like that? Is there any problem?” Galfredik asked. Eugene had been in deep contemplation for the last ten minutes with crossed arms and a frown.

Romari stepped out. “Isn’t it because you’ve been causing so much trouble? Maybe Sir Eugene is worried that you’ll start groping every woman you come across and lose your hands.”

“My precious hands don’t just touch any woman’s hips. Can’t you tell by the fact that my hands have no interest at all in your buttocks?” Galfredik retorted.

“What?!” Romari raged after losing the argument, although she picked the fight.

“Quiet. I will send you back to the territory if you keep it up,” Eugene commented.

“I’m sorry,” Romari apologized.

Eugene licked his lips before continuing, “I need to be in a coffin on my way to Brantia. I could say that I’m going to be staying in my cabin the entire way, but if I never come out, won’t Lanslo and the others start to become suspicious?”

“Oh, you’re right. I don’t know about the others, but it would be troublesome if Lanslo found out,” Galfredik answered.

Although Lanslo was a little peculiar, he was still a righteous knight. No matter how favorable he was toward Eugene, their relationship could take a plunge if he ever discovered Eugene’s true identity.

“What? I thought Sir Drak was from Brantia, right? There should not be any problems then,” Romari commented.

“What?”

“Hmm?” Both Eugene and Galfredik expressed their puzzlement while turning their heads, and Romari once again straightened her back and explained, thinking that another opportunity had presented itself for her to boast her wizardly knowledge.

“Ahem! Brantia is different from here. Their church has hybridized and combined with the local beliefs, which is why they are very generous toward wizards and respectful toward other races. There was even an orc lord at one point.”

“What? Is that true?” Eugene asked.

“Yes. There was an orc knight among the subordinates of Brantia’s legendary knight king in the distant past. In addition...” Romari paused for dramatic effect, then continued with a sly smile. “There is a high chance that one of the other subordinates of the knight king was a member of the Dark Clan.”

“...!”

“Whoa!” The two vampire knights expressed their astonishment. 

Romari gave a satisfied smile and added, “It’s not been proven as a fact since it was such a long time ago, but it’s very credible since my master was the one who told me the story. Why, you ask? The fact that my master told me so means that it was also the words of our school’s founder.”

“Oh! And so?” Galfredik asked. 

However, Romari ignored him and turned toward Eugene with a smile. “Since Sir Drak was born in Brantia and has the blood of elves flowing in his veins, it won’t cause any problems even if you revealed your status as an Origin Vampire to him, Sir Eugene,” Romari said.

“Is that so?” Eugene asked.

“Yes, yes. In the first place, Brantians share a hatred toward the continental church regardless of race, so he might even be happy to hear it,” Romari continued.

“Well, I guess it’s entirely possible since the church stood at the forefront of every invasion. Whew~ Miss Romari, you’re quite smart,” Galfredik exclaimed.

“I’m at least smarter than you,” Romari rebuked.

“Being smarter than me isn’t anything to brag about, is it? I guess I will take back what I said just now,” Galfredik countered.

“Excuse me?”

“Quiet,” Eugene immediately put a stop to their argument. He continued, “Anyway, you are saying that it will be fine for Lanslo to know that I am a vampire, right?”

“Yes.”

“Galfredik. Go and bring Lanslo. No, rather, bring Luke and Partec’s men as well.” Eugene said.

“Yes, master. Ah, if anyone has a fit after being told the truth, can I take care of them?” Galfredik asked.

“Naturally,” Eugene replied.

“Hehe!” Galfredik stepped outside with a cruel smile befitting a vampire.

***

“So that’s what it was. I understand.”

“Is that it?”

“What? Then what did you expect? You know that I’m from Brantia, right?”

“...” Eugene felt slightly disappointed by Lanslo’s lukewarm reaction. Rather than being surprised, Lanslo was accepting it as if it were only natural.

“Hehe.” Romari gave a big grin from the side after silently watching the interaction. It was as if she were saying ‘I told you so, didn’t I?.’

Lanslo came to understand the situation from Romari’s reaction. He spoke with his charming, trademark smile, “Only the church of the continent is hostile toward the vampires. Any Brantian would have shown a similar reaction as me. Humans are the ones who commit the most crimes, and humans are the ones most responsible for killing other humans, so why would this be a problem?”

“Is that so…?” Eugene was once again reminded of how unique Lanslo was.

“If you know honor and seek chivalry, you are a knight, regardless of whether you are an elf, an orc, or a vampire,” Lanslo continued.

“Hmm.”

“And Sir Eugene is one of the most exceptional knights I have ever seen, in both honor and skills Oh, of course, please don’t turn me into a vampire. I am proud of my own blood,” Lanslo added.

“I had no intention of doing so,” Eugene responded.

“Haha!” Lanslo’s clear laughter resonated. 

Eugene turned his gaze toward Luke. The slave was trembling in silence.

“What about you?” Eugene asked.

“...!”

Luke flinched before slowly parting his quivering lips. “I-I… T-this is the best!”

“...?”

‘What? Wasn’t he frightened?’

As if to resolve Eugene’s puzzlement, Luke excitedly raised his voice, “I despise the church. The army that invaded my nation was part of the main pillars of the church. But Master is someone who will challenge the continental church in the future! I would like to fight by your side. If you want, I am determined to devote my blood to master every day to…”

“I don’t need it. I only drink blood from monsters that are at least intermediate-rank,” Eugene interrupted him.

For some reason, Luke became rather sullen after hearing Eugene’s response. He responded while bowing his head, “Ah. I see. Yes, Master.” 

“Now, then…” Eugene turned toward the remaining three. Although they weren’t Brantian nor elven-born, they had been with him for the longest time.

“What about you three?” Eugene asked.

Partec shared a quick gaze with Glade and Lavan before answering in a quiet, but confident voice, “We are mercenaries, and Sir Eugene has treated us incredibly well thus far. We couldn’t even compare it to any of the other employers we have experienced until now.”

“Really? Aren’t you afraid of me?” Eugene asked while deliberately releasing a small amount of fear.

“...!” The three men shuddered.

Partec struggled to part his lips. He couldn’t even think of attempting to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

“I-I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t afraid. However… if you had any intentions of harming us, we would already be lying on the ground. Though we are ignorant mercenaries, we know at least that much. So, in the future…”

Partec paused before gesturing at the other two. All three of them stood up, then knelt on one knee before shouting, “I will live for you, sir. Please take us in!”

Although their voices were quivering, the three men were proving their loyalty even as Eugene’s fear caused cold sweat to form on their bodies. 

Eugene nodded. “Good. From now on, all of you will receive treatment equal to a knight’s aide.”

“...!” The three men raised their heads with astonished expressions.

“What are you so surprised about? Did I ever break my promise?” Eugene asked.

“N-never!” Partec shouted.

“Good. Luke,” Eugene called out.

“Yes, Master!” He responded.

“From this day on, you are no longer my slave, but my aide. Any objections?” Eugene asked.

“N-not at all! I will devote myself to you, Master!” Luke immediately knelt beside Partec as hot tears flowed from his eyes. 

Galfredik was watching with a pleased expression. He stepped forward with a grin. “Hehe! Since you have a new aide, I’ll have to act as a witness for the oath.”

“Oh, that’s not right,” Lanslo interrupted.

“What?” Galfredik jerked his head toward Lanslo with a fierce expression. An ordinary man would have been unable to speak under the immense pressure, but Lanslo simply shrugged while returning the gaze.

“Think about it. Sir Galfredik, you are Sir Eugene’s vassal, correct? It would be unconventional,” Lanslo explained.

“Ah.”

“So this time, I will stand as a witness. He happens to be from Brantia as well. If anyone tries to question or challenge the authenticity of the relationship he has with Sir Eugene, it will be much better for me to stand witness as someone from Brantia,” Lanslo said.

“Hmph! That’s true, too. It’s hard to win against you with words, though the story is different with swordplay,” Galfredik responded.

“The outcome might have been different if you didn’t use your vampiric strength, Sir Galfredik,” Lanslo retorted.

“…Well, that’s true,” Galfredik confessed after a short moment.

Through the short, but meaningful interaction, Eugene was able to obtain figures who would act as his hands and feet in the future.

***

Fwooooosh!

The Elion cut through the harsh currents, its sails pulled tight by the strong winds. Lanslo stood at the helm of the ship by the wooden statue of the beautiful spirit king, which held swords in an ‘x’ shape. Lanslo called out after turning his head, “Tell the captain that I can see Rodrick Archipelago.”

“Yes, sir!”

As a quarter elf, Lanslo possessed better eyesight than ordinary humans. Thus, the sailor rushed to relay Lanslo’s words to the ship’s captain.

“Sir Drak. Are you really planning to go through the islands? The pirates will discover our ship. It’s not too late. If you change your mind, then…” The captain started.

“There’s no such thing as a pirate ship that’s faster and bigger than the Elion, is there?” Lanslo interrupted.

“That’s true, but it’s too dangerous to fight against pirates at sea. It won’t be just one or two ships either. Perhaps five or six ships might flock toward us, and they will catch up quite quickly as well. Since they reside on the islands, they know the local water much better than we do as well,” the captain strongly insisted. He had yielded quite a bit because the knight was from Brantia, but he could no longer afford to give way when his own life was at stake.

‘Even if you’re a knight, seamen are kings at sea, lad.’

The knight obviously had some knowledge regarding naval battles from the fact that he had taken off his heavy armor after boarding the ship, but there was a world of difference between land battles and sea battles. Therefore, the captain was able to make a strong stand and refute the words of a knight. It was something he would have never done in ordinary circumstances.

“So, captain, you are concerned about engaging in a naval battle with the pirates, is that right?” Lanslo asked.

“That’s correct,” the captain responded.

“And the danger will escalate with a larger number of pirate ships, right?” Lanslo continued.

“You know it very well. Think about it. Right now, the other two sirs aren’t functioning because of their seasickness, right? What could we possibly do against a group of pirates? How shameful would it be to become captured by the pirates?” The captain asked.

“Aha.”

“Ehem! That’s why, sir…” The captain was flattered by the idea that a proud knight had accepted his sound advice. As such, he attempted to continue.

However, Lanslo interjected. “That would even be better, wouldn’t it? That was the original plan anyway.”

“…What?” The captain was dumbfounded.

Lanslo spoke with a frightening smile. “Please tell my comrades in the cabin to get ready. Let them know that they will be able to use their power since we are close to the islands.”

“That… well.” The captain hurriedly shut his mouth and stopped himself from retorting. He had simply considered the knight to be a handsome young lad, but he felt as if the knight was exuding a mysterious aura.

‘Fuck it! I don’t know anymore!’

The captain had a hunch that he would be missing his head if he spoke another word. Perhaps the pirates would show him mercy and let him live if he handed over the entire ship.

Thinking so, the captain walked toward the cabin.

Knock, knock!

“Excuse me, sirs. Sir Drak wanted me to relay his words. We are nearing the islands, so your powers…”

Bang!

“Heuk!”

The door slammed open, and the captain faltered with surprise. The face of the woman responsible for opening the door was extremely frightening.

“Bwugh. I-I understand. T-the two of them are already… Uup! Already prepared so… Bweuuuuugh!” Romari stuttered while attempting to steady herself, but she eventually spewed out yellow soup. Her complexion was extremely pale like a ghost.

A large, burly knight with fierce eyes appeared behind her while twisting his head and swinging his arms.

“Whew~ I feel so stiff! Oi, Slave. No, I mean, Aide Number 2! Get rid of this pathetic wizard,” Galfredik shouted.

“Yes!” Luke answered.

“Did you forget to make medicine for seasickness again?” Galfredik asked.

“Well… Bweugh! It was because I had to pay special attention to your coffins. It’s not like I didn’t make any because I didn’t want to. Bweuuugh!” Romari shouted while vomiting.

“Ah! This raccoon is so filthy!” Mirian said.

A puking wizard, an aide who was comforting her, two vampire knights with crimson eyes, and a spirit invisible to the captain’s eyes—the group left through the door one after another.