"Let's put Tenra's story aside for now and get back to business," Azazel said, his expression sharpening. "After the Tepes vampires discovered the Holy Grail, how did they respond? Vampires have always despised divine gifts—normally, you seal or destroy Sacred Gears from the gods. Isn't that your usual practice?"
Elmenhilde's eyes flashed with contempt. "Indeed. True vampires have no need for power bestowed by gods."
She paused, her voice growing colder. "But the fools in Tepes abandoned our honor. They're obsessed with becoming flawless, immortal beings."
She spoke with a sneer. "They used the Grail's power to create bodies that simply refuse to die. Stakes through the heart, crosses, no sleep in coffins, even sunlight—none of it destroys them. The Grail's power isn't fully realized yet, so there are still some flaws, but they're already nearly indestructible."
Disgust radiated from her. The very idea of Tepes vampires using a holy relic to cheat death was an affront.
Azazel glanced at Tenra and Rias. The weight of the situation was clear in everyone's eyes.
Vampires were already a nightmare—feeding on human blood, converting humans with ease, no complicated reincarnation rituals required. Each individual could develop unique powers, and their bodies were notoriously hard to kill. With enough blood, even decapitation or shredded organs were just inconveniences; they'd regenerate and rise again. Devils, unless they wielded overwhelming magic, struggled to keep up.
And now, if vampires shed their remaining weaknesses—if they became truly immortal—the world's balance would shatter.
Azazel's gaze sharpened. "I doubt that's all they've done."
Elmenhilde nodded, jaw clenched. "You're right. Their depravity would be their own affair, but what's unforgivable is that they've started attacking us."
Her voice trembled with fury. "Tepes and Carmilla are at war. There have been casualties on both sides. I will not forgive such betrayal. As a vampire, I will see them purged."
No one looked surprised. It was only natural—the moment Tepes gained perfect bodies, their first move would be to crush their rivals. The feud between Carmilla and Tepes was ancient. If Carmilla fell, the rest of the world would be next.
Tenra muttered, "Why did it have to be the Holy Grail… Of all Longinus, that's the one that rewrites the very rules of life."
Azazel leaned forward. "So, what do you actually want? Are you hoping to use Gasper's power against the Tepes vampires? His Forbidden Balor View is impressive, but it won't tip the scales in a full-scale war."
Elmenhilde dismissed the suggestion with a wave. "We're not interested in the Forbidden Balor View itself. What we truly want is the power hidden inside Gasper."
All eyes turned to Gasper, who looked utterly lost.
"Hidden power? What hidden power? I don't know anything about that…"
Elmenhilde's lips curled in a mocking smile. "Lord Azazel, you're Gasper's teacher, aren't you? Don't tell me you're ignorant of what lies inside him."
Azazel shrugged, resigned. "I only realized it recently. Tenra, you must have known for a while, right?"
Tenra nodded, silent. He understood Gasper's secret better than anyone, but now was not the time to explain. He caught Rias and Sona's eyes, and the girls immediately fell silent, following his lead.
Azazel's tone grew grave. "The power inside Gasper is dangerous. It shouldn't be awakened lightly."
Elmenhilde's eyes gleamed. "Dangerous power is the strongest kind, isn't it? Give Gasper to us. We'll draw out his potential and control it."
She added, "Of course, since Gasper is now Princess Rias's servant, we won't demand him for nothing. We've prepared documents—please review them."
She gestured to her attendant, who stepped forward and handed a stack of papers to Azazel.
Azazel skimmed the first page, his lips twitching. "A peace agreement from Carmilla, huh?"
Elmenhilde smiled sweetly. "Her Majesty is concerned about the long history of conflict between our kind, the fallen angels, and the Church. She proposes this ceasefire."
Azazel passed the documents to Rias and the others. After reading the so-called agreement, the girls' faces darkened with anger.
Rias's voice was icy. "You've got things backwards. Usually, peace comes first—then you talk about Sacred Gears."
She slammed the document down. "According to this, if we don't hand over Gasper, you won't accept peace at all!"
Griselda's smile was polite, but her eyes glittered cold. "And it's only a ceasefire, not a true end to hostilities."
Elmenhilde shrugged, utterly unconcerned. "That's about right. The choice is yours—accept or refuse, it's up to you."
Azazel sighed. "Vampire girl, this is low. If you'd negotiated properly, as allies we'd have sent support."
Elmenhilde's demeanor turned frosty. "This is a vampire affair. We'll handle it ourselves."
That arrogance was infuriating, even for those used to it.
Azazel turned to Tenra. "You decide. I may be Gasper's teacher, but you're his real guardian."
Griselda nodded, her tone gentle but resolute. "The Church leaves the decision to Lord Tenra."
Tenra thumbed through the agreement, noting the tense silence. Then he looked up, grinning mischievously at the pale, trembling Gasper.
"Gasper, you heard all that, right? If we hand you over, we get peace with the vampires. One person's sacrifice for the good of many. So… should we sell you off?"
Gasper's face went ghostly white.
"Uuuh… Tenra-sama wouldn't really sell me off again, would he?!"
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