I don't even get a chance to glance around before I feel multiple swords and other weapons pressing against my neck and Old Man Duke's. Surrounding us are female guards, all clad in strange gothic armor.
"I am the vampire king. Show some respect," Old Man Duke growls, spitting directly on the face of one of the guards.
Come on, man. Was that really necessary? I shake my head internally.
"I apologize, Your Majesty, but you'll need to wait here. Do you have some sort of invitation token?" the guard he spat on speaks up. She seems to be the commander of the platoon. Discover more content at empire
"Just do whatever," Old Man Duke snorts, waving dismissively.
The weapons are lowered from our necks but remain pointed at us, held by six armored guards. From their appearance, it's obvious they're witches. But what's more interesting is the look in their eyes, they are absolutely terrified of us.
Are we really that scary?
After a tense moment, the commander returns, giving us a deep bow.
"I'm so sorry for the earlier misunderstanding. I hope you can understand we were just doing our job. The matriarch has ordered me to escort you," she apologizes.
"Make atonement with your tits," I mutter.
"W-What did you say?"
"Nothing."
The commander says nothing further but leads us forward. Still, I can tell she's flustered. That's when it clicks.
The witches here are all women. To reproduce, they must leave their home, mate with males of other races, and return pregnant. They only give birth to daughters, and it's a strict taboo for males to live among them in their homeland.
Suddenly, it all makes sense to me.
Before long, we stop in front of an enormous door crafted entirely from pure Zlatherium metal.
"They're here, Your Highness," the guard announces, leaning her ear closer to the door, waiting for a response.
"Bring them in."
As these words echo from within, the door opens on its own. Inside, we're greeted by what looks like a small throne room. At the top of the platform sits a strikingly beautiful woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Zella—long, shiny black hair, an oval-shaped face, and a sharp chin. The only difference is that this woman looks slightly more mature and chubbier than Zella.
This is Zella's mother...
I don't need anyone to tell me. One glance is enough to confirm it. But as soon as I realize it, a surge of anger bubbles within me, forcing me to clench my fists and control myself.
Yet, something feels off about this woman. The moment I step inside, my Ki instinctively activates, shielding my body as if it's defending me from something malicious. I activate Gyo, and my vision reveals an overwhelming burst of dark aura radiating from her.
For the first time in this reincarnation, I've met someone who matches my power. No—she's stronger than me. Without my weapon arsenal, facing her head-on would be instant defeat.
"Long time no see, old geezer," the woman finally speaks, a sly smile curling her lips.
"Do not call my grandfather a geezer. I don't joke about him," I reply, my voice sharp and unyielding.
Her expression shifts to one of surprise before softening into a smile.
"Oh, so you're my son-in-law? I'm delighted to meet you. And the rumors were true—you're quite handsome. I might just keep you for myself," she says, her tone dripping with mischief.
Her words ignite my anger further. "Where are Zella and my child?" I demand, my eyes glowing a deep red.
"Fufu, why don't you take a seat first? You can't keep Old Man Duke standing," she says, gesturing to the chairs on the side of the room.
Though annoyed, I comply, sitting on the grand chair, with Old Man Duke settling down beside me.