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"Has the Red Dragon Emperor come back yet?"
Elmenhilde strode into the side hall, her question direct as ever.
"Lord Tenra hasn't returned," Yubelluna answered with a gentle laugh, pouring herself another cup of tea as the other girls lounged around her.
"You ask about him several times a day, Princess. Starting to think you care more about our master than we do."
Ravel stretched out on the couch, Mittelt and Kalawarna kneading her legs. She grinned, twisting into a more comfortable position.
"I—I do not! Don't get the wrong idea!"
Elmenhilde's cheeks flushed, her denial sharp. The girls just chuckled, trading knowing glances—her feelings were obvious to everyone but herself.
"The Red Dragon Emperor's been missing for days. My mother and the other elders were summoned by Her Majesty too."
Elmenhilde's tone grew anxious.
"What if something happened—what if there was a conflict between him and the Queen? He's strong, but even he couldn't handle Her Majesty and my mother at the same time. Aren't you worried? You're his companions, his servants—don't you care at all?"
She couldn't help herself; irritation and concern spilled out. From her position, maybe she shouldn't be saying this, but it was maddening to watch Yubelluna and the others chatting and sipping tea as if nothing was wrong.
Yubelluna and the girls shared a look, their smiles growing.
"Elmenhilde, it's not that we don't worry. It's just that we trust our master completely."
Yubelluna's voice was calm, but there was a note of reassurance.
"We appreciate your concern for Lord Tenra, but honestly? If anyone should be worried, it's probably your mother and Her Majesty."
"You… you…"
Elmenhilde stammered, frustrated. Her good intentions felt wasted.
Before she could retort, a vampire guard entered, bowing respectfully.
"Lady Elmenhilde, esteemed guests of the Red Dragon Emperor—Her Majesty requests your presence."
Led by the guard, Elmenhilde and the group entered the grand hall.
Queen Carmilla sat on her throne, regal and composed. Elmenhilde's mother and the other elders occupied their usual seats. Tenra stood nearby, smiling, greeting them all with a casual wave.
Relief washed over Elmenhilde. For days, anxiety had gnawed at her, but seeing Tenra safe and the Queen serene, she could finally breathe easy. She'd been the one to invite Tenra, the one to bridge the gap between vampires and the Red Dragon Emperor. If conflict had truly broken out, she would have been caught in the crossfire.
Thank goodness. Her worst fears hadn't come true.
"Your Majesty."
Elmenhilde and the others stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Elmenhilde, you and your mother have always been loyal to me. Your talent is exceptional."
Queen Carmilla's voice rang out, both dignified and warm.
"I have an important mission for you."
"Please, Your Majesty—Elmenhilde will not disappoint you!"
She kept her composure, though a flicker of pride danced behind her eyes.
A graceful smile curled Carmilla's lips.
"The Red Dragon Emperor has helped us eliminate our greatest enemies. He saved our race from disaster. He is, and always will be, a friend and benefactor to the vampires."
"Elmenhilde, you are the brightest star of Carmilla's new generation. I intend to gift you to the Red Dragon Emperor. From this day forward, you will serve him, as a symbol of our gratitude and respect."
The hall fell silent. Yubelluna and the others exchanged startled glances. Elmenhilde's jaw dropped.
The Queen was giving her to Tenra—as a gift.
"Your Majesty, I… I…"
Elmenhilde's mind spun. She'd faced storms before, but nothing like this.
"What's the matter? You refuse?"
Queen Carmilla's eyes narrowed, her voice suddenly cold. In this kingdom, her word was law—no one dared defy her.
"I wouldn't dare."
Elmenhilde's face went pale. She dropped to one knee, bowing her head.
Her thoughts whirled—what should she do?
"Your Majesty, let's leave it be."
Tenra stepped forward, placing himself between Elmenhilde and the throne.
"I admit, I quite like Miss Elmenhilde. But if she's unwilling, there's no need to force her."
"Red Dragon Emperor…"
Elmenhilde stared at Tenra's back, her heart skipping.
When they first met, her pride had made things awkward between them. But after a few encounters, the tension faded, and she found herself respecting him. When Tenra agreed to help her destroy the Evils, she was grateful. Watching him and his companions crush the enemy, defeating even the monsters her mother and the Queen couldn't handle—Elmenhilde couldn't help but admire him.
Now, with the Queen offering her as a gift and Tenra stepping in to defend her, her emotions tangled in ways she couldn't name.
"If the Red Dragon Emperor insists, I won't press the matter."
Queen Carmilla nodded.
"There are other promising children. I'll choose another to offer you instead."
"No!"
Elmenhilde's voice rang out, almost before she realized it.
"Impudent!"
Carmilla's face frosted over.
"You refuse to thank the Red Dragon Emperor on behalf of our race—and you won't let anyone else do it either?"
"That's not it, Your Majesty, I…"
Elmenhilde faltered, panic rising. If she didn't give a satisfactory answer, she could lose everything—the Queen's favor, her future.
She glanced at her mother, hoping for guidance, but received only a gentle smile. The decision was hers.
Under the Queen's piercing gaze, Elmenhilde bit her lip, then straightened.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to represent the vampire race and thank the Red Dragon Emperor. From this day on, I will follow and serve him."
It wasn't the life she'd planned. But if anyone was worthy, it was Tenra.
"Hmph. You're willing, but he might not want you."
Carmilla's expression softened, just a little.
"Red Dragon Emperor, are you satisfied with Elmenhilde? If not, I can offer someone else."
"No need. Miss Elmenhilde is remarkable. I'm more than satisfied."
Tenra smiled, reaching out a hand.
"Miss Elmenhilde, I look forward to your guidance."
Any more drama would be too much. Tenra knew when to end the act.
Touched, Elmenhilde took his hand—her heart, for once, steady.
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