Tilea's Worries

Jessica's shocking story sent me rushing to the scene of the incident. As we ran, Jessica filled me in on the details.

The man calling himself the Vampire King caused chaos on the southern market street. With Remilia, the captain of the security force, absent, the casualties were significant.

The security force is currently waiting for Remilia's return to plan the vampire king's defeat.

Damn, just hearing this gives me a headache.

Which idiot would dare commit such a reckless act?

The face that comes to mind is Jeje. His incompetence is legendary. It probably wasn't Jeje himself, but one of his underlings running amok.

This is bad. If the higher-ups find out about this disaster—wait, isn't it already too late?

Even Jessica, a civilian, knows about the incident. There's no way Dryas, who has ears everywhere in this capital, wouldn't know.

Just thinking about it makes me break into a cold sweat.

How is the Evil God Army handling this vampire incident?

I've been too busy with menial tasks assigned by Ortissio to attend the Evil God Army meetings. I haven't been getting any information.

I have no choice but to ask my subordinate, Darf, about the situation.

I activate telepathy.

"Darf!"

"Edim-sama! I was just about to contact you."

"I see. You had something to report?"

"Yes. Normally, I would have reported sooner, but Ortissio has been overwhelming me with tasks, leaving me no time for telepathy."

Damn that Ortissio. Is he trying to wear out my subordinates? It's infuriating.

"I see. You've had a tough time. So, your report—is it about the vampire incident on the southern street?"

"Yes, exactly."

"Damn, you already knew. Which idiot went berserk?"

"We haven't confirmed that yet. The report only states that this person claims to be the Vampire King and attacked citizens indiscriminately."

What the hell...

Even Darf knew about this incident.

I've been too busy with the Second Division to keep up with my subordinates and missed this entirely.

"So, the higher-ups are aware of this, right?"

"Yes, they are currently holding a meeting about it."

What? This is bad!

A subordinate claiming to be a king and rampaging in Tilea-sama's domain. Such a disgrace is unprecedented!

"D-Darf, this meeting... Are they deciding my punishment?"

"No, fortunately. When the incident occurred, the Vampire Squad was under the Second Division's jurisdiction. The responsibility falls on Ortissio."

"I see. That idiot is taking the fall!"

Haha, serves him right! Oh, my stomach hurts. So, that idiot is getting blamed for something unrelated to me!

"Darf, what's happening in the meeting? How's Ortissio?"

"He's being severely condemned by the higher-ups. Ortissio is desperately pleading innocence, but it's futile. He won't escape severe punishment."

"Of course. Haha!"

How delightful. I could roll on the floor laughing.

Ortissio, who boasted about controlling my Vampire Squad.

He's such an idiot!

"E-Edim, what's so funny?"

Jessica, confused by my sudden laughter, asked with a puzzled expression.

I paused my telepathy with Darf and turned to Jessica.

"Haha, Jessica, it's nothing. It's just... something funny happened. An annoying person messed up."

"Is it that superior you mentioned?"

"Exactly. He's taking the fall for this vampire incident. Haha, serves him right—"

"Edim, stop it! I know you've had a hard time because of him, but this incident involved casualties. People were hurt. Don't laugh about it."

"Well, that's..."

"Edim, you said the organization is your home, right? It's because you share its ideals, right? You're losing sight of that because of your personal grudge."

Damn, Jessica is right. I was gloating over Ortissio's misfortune but missing the bigger issue.

A fool claiming to be a king appeared in Tilea-sama's domain. That's an insult to Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama.

I shouldn't be laughing. As a loyal servant, I should be furious and eliminate this fool immediately.

"Jessica, you're right. I should be angry. When did I become like this... It's disgraceful."

As a loyal servant of Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama, I shouldn't be swayed by Ortissio's fate. His situation is irrelevant. Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama's honor is what matters.

"Edim, don't be so hard on yourself. You're back to your usual self now. No one will call you a half-demon anymore."

Jessica is right. I should serve Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama without shame. I won't let anyone call me a half-demon.

Then, guided by Jessica, we arrived at the plaza where the incident occurred.

He probably wouldn't be in the same place today. But there must be a base nearby.

I'll have Darf's group help investigate.

I resumed telepathy with Darf.

"Darf, has the meeting ended? If so, help investigate the rogue subordinate."

"No, the meeting is still ongoing."

"Long meeting. Ortissio's punishment should be obvious."

"Edim-sama, Ortissio is prolonging the meeting by slandering you. I can barely contain my anger."

Damn, as expected, he's trying to blame me. But it won't work. He's the leader, so he's responsible.

"What an unrepentant fool. What nonsense is he spouting?"

"He's blaming you for everything. He claims you planned the incident as part of a rebellion. I'm doing my best to counter his lies, but he's relentless."

What!? That idiot!

"So, the higher-ups see it as Ortissio's nonsense, right?"

"Not entirely. They view you and Ortissio as a pair. At this rate, you'll go down with him."

You've got to be kidding! How did it come to this?

Why am I seen as part of a pair with that idiot?

"I... damn it. What do we do?"

"Edim-sama, time is of the essence. Ortissio has already sent thirty men led by Gil to hunt the vampire. If they capture him, it's over."

"Damn, if that happens, I'm finished."

"Yes, Ortissio will torture the vampire and frame you as the mastermind."

"Darf, gather our key members. We must secure or eliminate the vampire before Ortissio's team."

"Already done. Milio, Cas, and Jin's units are dispatched. They'll report back upon finding the vampire."

"Good. If they encounter Ortissio's team?"

"We'll avoid combat if possible. But if necessary, we'll engage. I'll take full responsibility."

"Darf, I appreciate your loyalty. Tell Cas and the others to avoid combat unless unavoidable. The Second Division is full of skilled fighters. Even their lowest ranks are a match for us. If they must fight, they should attack in groups."

"Understood."

I ended the telepathy and sighed deeply.

This is a dire situation. We must secure or eliminate the vampire before Ortissio's team.

"E-Edim, what's going on? You've been shouting and looking worried..."

"Jessica, I need your help."

"What is it? I'll do anything!"

"Jessica, you're acquainted with Remilia from the security force, right?"

"Well, we've only talked a few times."

"That's enough. I need you to—"

"What?"

"Never mind."

"Don't stop halfway. I'll do anything for you, Edim."

"I just received a report. The vampire has been found."

"Really?"

"Yes, Jessica, thank you for guiding me. You should go home now."

"But you're going to fight him alone, right? I want to help."

"I told you before, I can't protect you and fight—wait, it's too late."

"What's wrong?"

"We're about to be surrounded. Stay behind me."

Milio's unit found the target. The self-proclaimed Vampire King is heading back to the southern street after scattering the security force.

Telepathy activated!

"Milio, good job. Did Ortissio's team find them?"

"No, but they're close. They'll find them soon."

"Tell our units to stall Ortissio's team. I'll handle the Vampire King alone."

"Understood."

"Buy as much time as you can. I'll contact you once I'm done."

"We'll stake our lives on it."

Minutes later, men appeared with sneering smiles.

More than ten men surrounded the plaza...

It seems they really did scatter the security force. They were covered in blood. But no matter how many weak guards they defeat, they're still just weaklings.

As I observed them,

"Hey, look at this. A cute bunny in our trap."

"Haha, and two fine ones at that. I can't wait."

Two men reached out to touch me.

I swiftly struck their sides, breaking their ribs.

They spat blood and collapsed... I didn't hold back, so they're probably dead.

"Ho, such strength... You're a vampire, aren't you?"

One man stepped forward.

From the way the others bowed to him, I could tell.

So, this is the fool claiming to be the Vampire King.

"My name is Rikum Ginieu. The one who will rule everything, the Vampire King!"

Ugh, what a headache.

This guy... he's so stupid.

"The Criminal Guild. Ginieu the Wild Horse..."

"Huh? Jessica, you know him?"

I glanced at Jessica behind me.

"Yeah, Ginieu the Wild Horse. He's a dangerous thug who picks fights with everyone. Despite his strength, he's stuck at B-rank because of his personality."

From Jessica's description, Ginieu isn't the type to

 follow orders. Turning him into a loyal subordinate would be impossible for an incompetent vampire.

"Ginieu, who is your master?"

"Haha, I am the king. I have no master."

"Really... Then who turned you into a vampire? Where is he? Or did you kill him already?"

"What's the matter? Are you worried about your master? Haha, rest easy. I'm your new master."

"Just answer me!"

"Haha! Fine, I'll tell you. The vampire who turned me into a king is named Zebra. I let him live out of respect for his power. Happy now?"

Ginieu laughed loudly.

Sigh...

Zebra, Zebra, who was that?

...

...............

......................

Oh, right.

That insolent subordinate, Kikka, mentioned being revived by Zebra's blood.

So, Ginieu is Kikka's subordinate's subordinate, making him a fifth-generation vampire.

And these sneering men surrounding me are sixth or seventh-generation.

They have no idea who they're dealing with. Just talking to me without permission is a grave offense.

They don't understand my quiet anger. Or maybe it's because I've been suppressing my power. They approach with arrogant attitudes.

"Girl, you're lucky. I won't kill a fellow vampire. I'll make you my woman."

"......"

"Hey, why are you silent? Ginieu-sama is being generous!"

Another of Ginieu's subordinates reached out to touch me. I silently crushed his ribs, killing him instantly.

"You...!!"

Ginieu's subordinates erupted in anger.

"Hold it. All of you."

"But, sir, she's too insolent!"

"Just shut up!"

"Yes, sir."

Ginieu, silencing his subordinates, stepped closer.

"Girl, you're skilled. But don't get cocky for killing a weakling. I'm strong. I can beat Remilia, the strongest in the capital. I'm the Vampire King. I won't lose to anyone. I've attained ultimate power!"

Ginieu laughed loudly.

His followers echoed his laughter.

Sigh... I'm so tired of this.

These idiots...

I, Camilla-sama's direct subordinate and founder of this capital's Vampire Squad, I...

While I was struggling with despair, these idiots...

They dared call themselves kings and touched Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama's possessions. Their crime is severe.

My anger at these disrespectful fools reached its peak.

I've had enough. No more words.

I let my suppressed power surge. The overwhelming force conveyed my killing intent to all the fools. They collapsed, foaming at the mouth.

"W-what!? Y-you... What did you do? My body... is heavy."

As Ginieu's followers collapsed, he staggered backward, grimacing in pain.

Impressive, for a fifth-generation vampire, to move under my pressure. But he should have realized sooner.

He's not a king. He's just trash.

I'll teach him what real power is.