Volume 8
Chapter 22
Vitora Luthalark Dat Wajiart. The current head of the Wajiart family, one of the great houses of the Dizard Empire. Beside her was the figure of Rugato, who had once faced Nozomu and Irisdina. The Dizard Empire, which had secluded itself in the frigid lands of the north and had never before appeared on the public stage. An influential figure from that country had suddenly visited Arcazam. Perhaps having finally processed that fact, the dignitaries from other countries began to clamor. On the other hand, Nozomu and Irisdina were dumbfounded and frozen. Nozomu, in particular, was all the more surprised because he had thought the trouble between the Wajiart and Francilt families had already been resolved.
"My apologies for
the sudden participation in this party. Well, there is no need to worry about
me. As I am not concerned about you."
While saying a line
that was unclear whether it was an apology or a provocation to the surrounding
dignitaries, Vitora advanced. The one at the end of her gaze was the commoner
swordsman who had just been dancing. The sound of Vitora's footsteps echoing on
the marble floor was unpleasantly loud in Nozomu's ears.
"Are you the one
who defeated Rugato? I believe your name was... Nozomu Bountis?"
"...Yes."
The moment she had
confirmed Nozomu's existence, Vitora's expressionless lips curled up in
amusement. The sharp canines peculiar to a vampire, peeking from Vitora's lips,
further stirred Nozomu's wariness. Nozomu pulled Irisdina's hand and tried to
hide her behind him. The one who had been targeted in that secret pact incident
was the favored child of the direct line of the Francilt family. Then, it would
not be strange for Irisdina to be targeted in place of Somia. However, Irisdina
gently pressed Nozomu's hand, which was trying to make her step back, moved
away, and faced Vitora.
"Lady of the Wajiart
family, what is your business here today?"
"Hmm? Who are
you?"
Vitora's eyes, which
had returned to being expressionless, looked at Irisdina out of the corner of
her eye.
"I am the next
head of the Francilt family, Irisdina Francilt."
"Ah, you are from
that house. I see, so you were the one."
At Vitora's words,
which she had said as if she had just noticed, while still expressionless, a
question mark floated in Nozomu's mind. If she had come to protest or
retaliate, dissatisfied with the conclusion of the past secret pact, then it
was unnatural for her not to even know Irisdina's face.
(Could it be
that her purpose isn't Iris and the others? Then, what in the world did this
head of the family come to Arcazam for?)
While pondering the
question that had floated in his mind, Nozomu glanced at Rugato, who was in
attendance behind her. The old vampire butler, noticing Nozomu's gaze, bowed
respectfully. The butler who had tried to take away Somia's soul with his ten
simultaneously manipulated magics, and the vast experience and unique abilities
of his long-lived species as his weapons. An opponent whom Irisdina, Mars, and
Tima, even with the four of them, had been overwhelmed by, and whom Nozomu had
finally defeated by drawing out Tiamat's power. Considering that the head of
the Wajiart family, including this old butler, had directly visited Arcazam,
there was no way that the Francilt family was not involved.
"What, I came
because I had business in this city. And I just stopped by because I became a
little interested in this party."
On the other hand, the
head of the family in question was nonchalantly answering Irisdina's question.
There was almost no emotion in her tone. Although she had said that she was
interested in the party, it was obvious that there was no sincerity in those
words.
"My lady, the
other party has arrived."
"Ah, so they
have."
"Lady Vitora, I
apologize for keeping you waiting."
The one who had cut in
was Victor. With Mena in attendance behind him, he bowed with a calm expression
while facing Vitora.
"There is no need
to worry. I have only just arrived myself."
To her father, who was
facing Vitora with a calm expression, Irisdina called out with a voice full of
suspicion.
"Father, what is
the meaning of this?"
"I was the one
who invited the influential figure of the Dizard Empire to this party. I was
thinking that this would be a good opportunity to exchange words with those
from the Empire."
Knowing that it was
her own father who had invited Vitora, Irisdina's eyes were dyed with a color
of astonishment. Irisdina sent a questioning gaze at Mena, who was in
attendance behind Victor, but Mena's expression did not change. Irisdina turned
her gaze to Victor again, but for him, this flow of events was perhaps as
planned, as he did not seem to be particularly concerned.
"Well, that's how
it is. We may be getting along from now on. We need to know each other's faces,
don't we?"
Vitora, who had opened
her mouth as if to go along with Victor's claim, returned a nonchalant word to
Irisdina.
"Well then, I
shall show you the way. Please, this way... Irisdina, I will be a little busy.
Don't worry about us, and enjoy the party."
"...No, Father, I
will also accompany you. Nozomu, I'm sorry. Our dance is over."
"I'll go
too."
"No, there is no
need for that."
Irisdina gently refused
Nozomu's words and glanced at the party participants who were around them. At
Irisdina's signal, Nozomu also understood what she wanted to say. At present,
many dignitaries from various countries were gathered at this guesthouse. If
they were to cause a commotion like the one at the Francilt mansion before,
they would undoubtedly involve the other guests who were in this place. Even
for the Wajiart family, it was hard to think that they would cause such a big
incident in this place.
"You should stay
here, Nozomu. I don't know what Father and she are thinking, but if you, who
are attracting attention now, were to go with us, there might be those who
would make even more strange speculations."
Although Irisdina said
not to worry, Nozomu could not nod at those words. Although Vitora was now
wearing a cold, expressionless face, she had directed a clearly emotional smile
at Nozomu, and that was stuck in his head. More than anything, Nozomu was more
anxious than anything else that Irisdina was near the head of the family who
had tried to take Somia's soul.
"But, to have you
together with a person related to that family, Iris..."
"It's fine. I'm
just accompanying them for a little tour. And besides..."
Irisdina once again
turned her gaze to a corner of the venue. There was the figure of Jihad, with
his greatsword "Jaw Dropper" on his back, walking towards them.
"Excuse me for
interrupting your conversation."
"...Oh, this is
quite something. You, what is your name?"
"Jihad Raundel. I
am in charge of the security of this venue. It is a pleasure to make your
acquaintance, Your Highness, the Death Demon Princess."
Jihad bowed to Vitora,
who was looking at him with eyes that were once again dwelling on joy.
"I shall also
accompany you. You are a guest who has come to this city for the first time. As
a representative of this academy, it would be rude not to show you
around."
"Lord Jihad,
there is no need for that. However, I am grateful for your concern."
Jihad offered to
accompany them as a guide, while Viktor spoke words that seemed like a polite
refusal. However, there was something in both of their words that felt as if
they had been rehearsed. Had Jihad heard something from Viktor in advance? But
whatever the pair's true intentions were, it was clear that Jihad’s presence
here was an obvious attempt to keep them in check. This was because Jihad, who
was wearing his favorite mithril armor and carrying his greatsword, was ready
for immediate combat, even though his tone of voice was calm.
"Hmm, it seems
you are quite wary of me. Rest assured, I won't do anything so tedious as
exerting my power on every insignificant opponent."
"..."
On the other hand, Vitora,
who was being guarded against, was eating the cheese that had been placed on a
nearby table with a light tone, as if it were nothing. Even for Jihad, his
opponent was an existence that could be compared to a natural disaster. From
the vampire princess's point of view, even Jihad was not a threat. It was a
scene that vividly showed that, and at the same time, perhaps because he
understood such a fact, Jihad's lips were also tightly pursed.
"And besides, as
for my own domain, it is probably about time to turn my eyes to the outside.
That is why, although it is sudden, I have had the Francilt family introduce me
and have participated in this event."
Vitora, who had turned
her back on the wary Jihad, and was relaxing, without showing any concern at
all. At her words, "an introduction from the Francilt family," the
gazes of those around were at once directed at Victor. Although the countless
gazes were mixed with astonishment and suspicion, Victor was also smiling and
showed no sign of his expression crumbling. While Victor was entertaining Vitora
with an unchanged attitude, the one who was twisting her expression as if she
had bitten into a bitter bug was Irisdina. From that state, it was clear that
she had not been told anything by Victor. However, she could not question her
father in this place now. Because there were many similar dignitaries around.
For the time being, Irisdina called out to Nozomu, who was standing by her side
as if to protect her.
"Nozomu, you
should quickly return to the party..."
Nozomu was now in an
important time. Although Irisdina herself did not fully understand what was
happening, she felt that it was not good to keep Nozomu by her side now.
Fortunately, the surrounding gazes were directed at Vitora. In that time,
Irisdina was about to tell Nozomu to leave, but...
"That's right,
since it's a rare opportunity, why don't we have that student there come with
us? I would very much like to talk with a student of this academy."
Before Irisdina could
call out, she had been beaten to the punch by Vitora. At Vitora's words, which
were clearly tinged with curiosity, the surrounding gazes were directed at
Nozomu. Nozomu also, as if he had no intention of backing down, was receiving Vitora's
gaze head-on.
"...Yes, that's
fine."
"I see, well
then, let's go."
At that moment, the
fact that Nozomu was attracting the attention of even that Death Demon Princess
had become known to all. With this, it would probably be impossible for Nozomu
to hide. In Nozomu's shadow, Irisdina, while twisting her expression, bit her
lip.
***
With Victor at the
head, the group made their rounds. However, even though Victor had introduced
them, the crucial Vitora would only give a listless reply, such as
"Ah" or "I see," and had no intention of paying any
attention. The introduced dignitaries also had their faces covered in sweat and
were just bowing their heads. It couldn't be helped. Vitora's presence, but
also the presence of the battle-ready Jihad and Rugato, who was in attendance
as if to check him, had made the atmosphere that this group was exuding even
more tense. The sight of the continent's foremost powerhouses, gathered
together and on their guard in such a narrow space, would probably look as if a
dragon, a griffin, and a chimera were facing each other. If there were even a slight
spark, a sudden explosion would be guaranteed. In the midst of what was like a
live volcano on the verge of erupting, the only one who was relaxed was Vitora.
"Hmm, as
expected, this is delicious. It is far more high-quality than what is made in
my domain."
Perhaps she had taken
a liking to the cheese that had been served, as Vitora was once again picking
up a piece of cheese that had been placed on a plate on the table and was
expressing her admiration. She rolled it in her mouth as if to savor each and
every bite, and then sent it down her throat with the wine she held in her
hand. On the other hand, at the sight of Vitora, who was savoring the cheese,
Nozomu was directing a look of amazement
"Is it strange?
For me, a vampire, to be savoring wine or things made by human hands."
"N-No,
um..."
Vitora, who had
noticed Nozomu's gaze, smiled and turned her gaze to him. Her eyes were not the
same emotionless ones from when she had been introduced to the dignitaries by
Victor just before, but were clearly tinged with a color of interest.
"Just because I
am a vampire does not mean that I am always drinking only blood. Although it's
still a necessity, we also need other food to sustain our lives."
"Is that
so?"
"Yes. However, it
does not change the fact that blood is the most exquisite thing for us. Though
individual preferences may differ, there are times when some of our kind get
drunk on blood and resort to violence."
As she said that, Vitora
drained the remaining wine in her glass. The sight of the crimson liquid, which
was reminiscent of blood, passing through her thin lips and disappearing was so
alluring that it made one hold their breath.
"Blood is an
inseparable existence for us. I myself am also fussy about the blood I
drink."
"Oh, I am
somewhat curious as to what kind of preferences Her Highness has."
At the question from
Jihad, who had been directed from the side, Vitora deepened the smile on her
lips and answered.
"It is simple.
The blood of one who seeks victory, without hesitation. The blood of one who
struggles for victory, even if their four limbs are torn off, even if they are
crawling on the ground, even if all their hope is taken away."
As she answered, Vitora's
eyes, which had been directed at Nozomu, narrowed. The next moment, a gust of
wind caressed Nozomu's cheek.
"Eh..."
At the dull pain that
ran through his cheek, Nozomu couldn't help but let out a breath. Wondering
what had happened, Nozomu put his hand to his stinging cheek, and a slimy,
sticky sensation spread across his palm. At the same time, a rusty, iron-like
scent spread through his nostrils. When he dropped his gaze to the hand that
had wiped his cheek, it was covered in blood. When Nozomu returned his gaze to Vitora,
his blood was also on her pure white nails. Vitora was looking at Nozomu's
blood on her own nails with an ecstatic expression.
"So this is your
blood. I see, it is as young as it looks, and its color is also vivid."
A cold sweat broke out
all over Nozomu's body. The moment Vitora had appeared in this venue, Nozomu's
body had shifted into a combat state. Even if he himself was not very aware of
it, the hellish training he had received from his master and the experience of
having overcome numerous scenes of carnage would make Nozomu react to even the
surprise attack of a first-class assassin at an unconscious level. Despite
that, Nozomu had not been able to react to the movement of Vitora's arm, which
she had casually swung at him. Before the battle-ready Nozomu could react and
move his body, Vitora's lightly swung nails had already cut through Nozomu's
cheek. It was proof that there was a difference in ability between the two, so
great that there was no room for personal skill to intervene. In fact, Jihad,
who had noticed that fact, was also wide-eyed in astonishment. In the midst of
that, the one who had raised her voice was Irisdina, who had been watching the
course of events from Nozomu's side.
"Lady Vitora, in
this place, to do such a..."
"It is fine, isn't
it? It is not as if I have killed him."
"He is... not
your blood bag."
Although it was quiet,
Irisdina's tone was clearly filled with an emotion of anger. At Irisdina's
protest, which she had stated as if she were pushing out a hot lump of lead
from her stomach, Vitora finally turned her gaze to her. The gaze of a
powerhouse, who possessed a power equivalent to a natural disaster, was
directed at a mere girl. Still, Irisdina was directing an expressionless rage
at Vitora, who had hurt Nozomu and was looking at his blood with fascination.
"What, are you
angry? Hmm, I had thought that he was the one who was infatuated with the
Francilts, but was it the other way around?"
"!"
Perhaps she found
Irisdina's attitude interesting, as Vitora released a provocative word. At
those words, Irisdina was on the verge of becoming even more enraged, but the
one who admonished her was Victor.
"Irisdina, step
back."
"Father..."
"Step back."
"...My
apologies."
Irisdina, who had been
admonished by her father, although she was biting her lip with a frustrated
look, bowed and stepped back. After confirming his stepped-back daughter,
Victor once again bowed his head to Vitora.
"My daughter has
been rude."
"It is fine. I
was the one who interrupted their precious rendezvous. I have the magnanimity
to overlook such a rudeness."
Perhaps she had lost
interest in the admonished and stepped-back Irisdina, as Vitora once again
looked at Nozomu's blood on her own nails and slowly brought it to her mouth.
She spread it on her tongue as if to savor a candy, and tasted it carefully.
Eventually, with a viscous sound, her porcelain-white finger was pulled from
her mouth. Her expression was happy, but also somewhat dissatisfied.
"It is not bad,
but... you have hesitation, huh?"
"..."
"Hmm, was the
time not right... Rugato, we are leaving."
"As you
wish."
Vitora, as if she had
no more business here, turned on her heel and began to walk. The dignitaries
who had been in front of her opened a path as if the tide were receding. Vitora,
who was walking down the opened path, suddenly remembered something and turned
around.
"Ah, Francilt. I
will send a messenger later. Let us talk properly about the agreement with my
domain."
"Yes. I look
forward to it."
"Agreement?"
The word
"agreement" got stuck in Nozomu's mind. The dignitaries who had heard
those words stirred. The dignitaries, with expressions of astonishment,
whispered to their attendants, and the attendants who had heard the story left
the venue as if in a panic. While Nozomu was bewildered by that sight, Vitora
and Rugato had disappeared from the venue.
"Lord Jihad. I am
grateful."
Victor bowed his head
to Jihad. On the other hand, Jihad was accepting Victor's apology with a nod,
but his hard expression had not crumbled.
"Lord Victor,
regarding this matter, as a representative of Solminati, I find it extremely
regrettable. From now on, the academy will not be involved in this matter in
any way."
"I understand.
Let's go, Irisdina."
"...Yes."
Irisdina chased after
Victor, who had turned on his heel and was leaving. She, who had a dark
expression, glanced back at Nozomu, but she immediately returned her gaze and
left. Her expression was completely different from the cheerful one she had
been showing until just before, and it was a heavy one. Nozomu's fists, as he
was seeing Irisdina off, were tightly clenched. At that moment, Jihad suddenly
said a word to Nozomu.
"Nozomu-kun. For
a while, you should keep your distance from them."
"Eh?"
"Don't you
understand? That state of Vitora, she was clearly paying attention only to you.
For that princess, you seem to be a considerable object of interest."
"..."
Nozomu had also felt
that. The one Vitora had been interacting with with true interest was not the
Francilt family, nor Jihad, but always only Nozomu. From the fact that she had
tried to lick Nozomu's blood in such a public place, where she was in the eyes
of the crowd, it was clear that her degree of interest was outstanding compared
to others. As for Nozomu, although he was in a state where he was forced to be
extremely tense, at the same time, he was also in a state of confusion, with
the conflict between the Wajiart family and the Francilt family, which he had
thought had ended, and the bitter remark that Jihad had made to Victor.
"Let's move. Come
with me."
Jihad, who had been
looking at Nozomu's state, urged him to follow and left the venue. For a
moment, Nozomu turned his gaze in the direction where Irisdina and the others
had left, but after steeling his expression, he followed after Jihad.
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