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Tenra, Gasper, and Yubelluna's group descended from the night sky, landing atop the palace's highest balcony. The air still buzzed with the aftermath of battle—most of the Evil Dragons lay dead, and the few stragglers would be easily mopped up by the Heavenly Dragons and Carmilla's own forces. Their part was done.
Valerie burst out to greet them, her entire face glowing with excitement.
"You're all back! Lord Tenra, Gasper—everyone!"
She could barely contain her joy. To have wiped out so many monsters… Tenra and his team had become legends in a single night.
Queen Carmilla and her elders approached with measured steps. Whatever they felt inside, etiquette demanded a show of gratitude.
"Red Emperor, you have our deepest thanks. You've saved the vampire race."
Tenra smiled, his tone light but unmistakably pointed.
"No need for formalities, Your Majesty. I was simply honoring our agreement."
He glanced at his companions. "We'll be resting for now. Please have my reward ready—I'll come to collect it soon."
Carmilla's expression froze for an instant, her reply cool and controlled.
"It will be prepared."
The gathered vampires exchanged curious glances, but neither Tenra nor the Queen offered any explanation. Their secret agreement was a locked box, and no one dared pry.
Tenra nodded to Elmenhilde, then led his group away.
"Elmen, stay here and handle the cleanup. The rest of you, with me."
Queen Carmilla turned on her heel, leaving only a cold command behind.
"Follow me."
Her elders exchanged uncertain looks but trailed after her into the palace.
After the heat of battle, Tenra took a quick shower, letting the sweat and blood swirl down the drain. He changed into fresh clothes—a simple gesture, but one that marked the end of the fight.
He found Yubelluna and the others waiting.
"I'll be heading to the Queen's palace to collect my reward. It may take a few days, so stay here and wait for me. Don't worry about my safety."
Yubelluna bowed her head. "Yes, Lord Tenra."
With his instructions given, Tenra strode toward Carmilla's private chambers. He doubted she'd hand over the reward without a fight; the Queen was too clever for that. No doubt, traps and tricks awaited him inside.
But Tenra wasn't concerned. In the face of overwhelming strength, schemes were just games. Whatever was owed to him—no one in this world could cheat him out of it.
As he walked through the palace corridors, every vampire he passed stopped to bow.
"Lord Red Emperor."
They were a proud, power-loving race, and Tenra's display tonight had won their respect. The icy hostility of yesterday had melted into awe and gratitude. Tenra accepted their greetings with a friendly nod, sometimes pausing to ask directions. Before long, he arrived at the doors to Carmilla's bedchamber.
Two uniformed vampire maidens stood guard.
"Lord Red Emperor, Her Majesty instructed us to let you in directly."
They bowed and swung open the grand doors.
"Thank you," Tenra said, smiling as he passed.
Behind him, the maids whispered:
"The legendary Red Emperor… I bet his blood tastes divine."
"Don't be ridiculous. He's our savior."
"I'm just saying. You've thought about it too—haven't you ever wondered what his blood is like?"
"…"
Tenra couldn't hear their quiet banter. He was already inside.
Carmilla's private chambers were a study in luxury, but the atmosphere was unmistakably vampiric—rich, shadowed, and tinged with an unsettling beauty. Ornate carvings snaked across the walls and pillars, depicting ancient, sometimes macabre scenes. To a human, it might feel eerie; to a vampire, it was home.
At the center of the room, Carmilla waited.
"You've come, Red Emperor."
Tenra met her gaze. "I'm here."
She was transformed for the occasion—draped in a gown of fiery red tassels, a golden crown set atop silver hair, her features so refined and coldly beautiful that Tenra couldn't help but stare.
If beauty could kill, she'd be lethal.
He let his eyes linger, openly admiring her with a heat that bordered on predatory. Carmilla noticed, but showed no sign of discomfort. Instead, she smiled—slow, enigmatic—and rose to her feet, holding two crystal goblets.
"Care for a taste?"
The goblets weren't glass, but rare crystal, each filled halfway with a blood-red vintage.
"Blood?" Tenra raised an eyebrow.
Carmilla's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Correct. What's the matter, afraid to drink?"
She was baiting him, but Tenra just smirked. Blood didn't scare him.
He sniffed the liquid. No metallic tang, just a subtle, fragrant sweetness.
He took a sip—his eyes widened.
Surprisingly good.
Carmilla laughed softly. "Not bad, isn't it? It's made from the blood of pure human maidens, blended with dozens of rare herbs. Even for a devil, it's a potent tonic."
She sipped her own glass with practiced elegance, licking her lips as she explained.
For vampires, blood was sustenance and power. The finest came from humans—weak, but delicious. It was no wonder they were a favorite.
Tenra set his glass down. "Enough pleasantries, Your Majesty. We had a deal—I've kept my end. Isn't it time you kept yours?"
Carmilla's demeanor turned glacial.
"Impatient, aren't you, Red Emperor? Can't wait another minute?"
She sneered, her voice dripping with mockery.
Tenra didn't flinch. "Say what you want. I'm here for what I'm owed. Or do you plan to back out?"
His eyes narrowed, a dangerous energy simmering beneath the surface.
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