The fog clung to the edges of the vampire domain, and Tenra's group had been waiting far longer than patience allowed.
"Master, these guys are taking forever. Just let me clear a path and we'll walk in ourselves."
Rennare licked her lips, a bloodthirsty glint in her eyes. Dark energy curled off her like smoke.
The vampires nearby instinctively recoiled, putting more space between themselves and Tenra's party. That fallen angel radiated danger—enough to make even the boldest hesitate.
"Patience, Rennare."
Tenra's voice was gentle but firm.
"Look, here they come."
He nodded toward the mist, smiling.
Out from the fog hurried a group of vampires, and at their head—a familiar face.
Elmenhilde Karnstein.
"It really is you!"
Elmenhilde's eyes widened in disbelief.
Her subordinates had reported that Tenra Kamiyo, the Phoenix devil, was at their gates. She'd come herself, half expecting a mistake. But here he was.
"Miss Elmen, we meet again."
Tenra raised a hand in greeting.
"Why are you here? You—don't tell me you actually…"
She trailed off, remembering the threats Tenra had once made.
"Relax, I already said that was just a joke. We're only here to take Valerie from the Tepes side."
Tenra grinned, reading her mind.
"Miss Elmen, could you show us in? We could force our way, but I'd rather avoid unnecessary trouble."
Elmenhilde shot him a look. "Do I even get to refuse?"
She sounded put out, but relief flickered across her face.
As long as Tenra wasn't here to pick a fight with her faction, she could breathe easier.
"Follow me."
Elmenhilde wasn't just any vampire—she was next in line to lead House Karnstein, favored servant of Queen Carmilla, and held sway throughout the Carmilla camp.
With her leading the way, Tenra and the others crossed into vampire territory.
"Wow… this is really the vampire world?"
Roads, carriages, people bustling about—a hidden city revealed itself.
Outside, the forest was wild and empty, but inside the mist, a medieval metropolis stretched out, vibrant and alive.
Tenra and Gasper took it in stride, but Yubelluna and the others were wide-eyed with wonder.
Cities like this—so steeped in history—had all but vanished from the outside world.
"Hmph! Intimidated by our glorious nation, are you? You're the first devils and fallen angels we've invited in centuries."
Elmenhilde lifted her chin, pride written all over her face.
Tenra couldn't help but laugh. "We're honored, truly."
Vampires were obsessed with hierarchy, even more than devils.
Blood purity was everything—only purebloods held power. Mixed-bloods and converted humans were servants at best, livestock at worst.
Strength ruled, and the aristocracy enforced its order with iron and blood.
Beneath the city's glittering façade lay absolute tyranny.
But Tenra wasn't here to judge their politics. That was their business.
A squad of armored vampires approached, saluting Elmenhilde.
"Lady Elmenhilde."
She nodded, then turned to Tenra's group.
"Please, board the carriage. I'll escort you to Her Majesty the Queen."
A pair of servants brought forth a grand, luxurious coach.
"Meet your queen?"
Tenra frowned. "Miss Elmen, I've told you—we're only here to rescue our companion from the Tepes side. We're not looking for an audience."
Elmenhilde bristled, eyes flashing.
"Red Dragon Emperor, do you know whose territory you're in?"
"The Carmilla and Tepes factions are at war. Without Her Majesty's permission, no one crosses the border."
Tenra watched her huff and puff, and almost laughed. When she dropped her haughty act, this vampire princess was surprisingly cute.
It was a hassle, but he wasn't in a rush.
If these were their rules, he'd play along.
"Fine. Let's meet the Queen."
He glanced at Gasper and the girls, and together they climbed into the carriage.
At Elmenhilde's signal, two vampire servants snapped the reins, and the coach rolled toward the heart of the city.
Dozens of armored vampires formed a moving wall on either side.
Escort? More like surveillance.
Tenra and the girls understood the game, but didn't bother to care.
"Nel, look! Those vampires are hilarious."
"Let's mess with them!"
Ile and Nel leaned out the window, baring their teeth at the passing guards.
Provoked, the vampires snarled right back, fangs flashing.
The twins giggled, delighted by the exchange.
"Lord Tenra, please control your servants."
Elmenhilde's tone was icy as she shot Tenra a glare.
"They're just a bit mischievous, Miss Elmen. Don't mind them."
Tenra pulled the twins back inside, seating them beside him.
The city's architecture spoke of rank: the closer to the castle, the grander the buildings, the higher the status of their owners.
Along the way, Elmenhilde slipped into tour guide mode, offering snippets about the city and vampire customs.
Her pride was obvious—she loved her people, her culture.
Tenra and his crew found plenty strange, but let her talk.
Soon, two massive iron gates swung open, and their carriage rolled into the royal castle grounds.
Here, at last, Tenra's party would meet the True Ancestor of the Carmilla faction—their most exalted Queen.
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