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"Tenra, is that the Valerie you went to rescue?"
Rias's gaze landed on the nervous girl standing beside Gasper.
"That's right. Valerie, go ahead—introduce yourself to Rias and everyone."
Tenra's voice was gentle but encouraging. Valerie hesitated, her hands fidgeting, but she stepped forward. She'd heard stories about Rias and the others from Gasper and Yubelluna—now, facing them herself, she couldn't help but marvel. So this is Lord Tenra's fiancée? She's even more beautiful than the rumors.
"Um… hello, everyone. I'm Valerie Tepes. It's nice to meet you."
Her voice trembled, and after her brief introduction, Valerie ducked her head, unsure what to do next.
She'd come a long way since those dark days, but escaping the shadows of her past wasn't something that happened overnight. Just standing here and speaking was a victory.
"That's Valerie," Tenra said, absently stroking Ravel's hair. "When I was locked up in the vampire castle, I met her and Gasper. Like him, she's a vampire who's never even dared to drink blood."
He didn't sugarcoat it.
"Spent her childhood locked away. When they found out she had a Longinus, some guy named Marius used her as a puppet—made her play queen for the Tepes faction. If you want my honest opinion, she's timid, soft-spoken, and so used to being bullied she just… accepts it. If there was an award for 'Most Tragic Figure of the Year,' she'd be a top contender."
Valerie's cheeks burned crimson. Irina and the others whispered behind their hands; even Ravel, mid-head-pat, cracked one eye open to size Valerie up.
If Onii-sama's right… this girl really is a walking tragedy.
"Is that any way to talk about someone?"
Rias shot Tenra a glare, then stood and took Valerie's hands in her own.
"Valerie, I'm Rias Gremory—Tenra's fiancée. No one will ever hurt you again. This is your home now, and we're your family."
Women were creatures of empathy. Hearing Valerie's story, Rias's heart ached for her, and the same warmth shone in Aisha's eyes.
"Valerie-san, I'm Aisha Argento. Let's get along from now on."
"Hehe, I'm Irina Shidou. As long as you don't try to suck my blood, I'll be your friend too!"
"Ara ara, Valerie's already popular. I'm Akeno Himejima—Rias's Queen. Welcome to the family."
One by one, the girls introduced themselves, each with a smile and words of welcome.
Valerie's eyes shimmered with tears. She could feel their sincerity—the warmth of belonging. Gasper stood nearby, beaming. He'd dreamed a thousand times of rescuing Valerie and bringing her home. Now, it was real.
"Valerie will be living with us from now on," Tenra said. "Aisha, help her pick a room and get her settled in."
He turned to the group. "Now, let me introduce someone else. Come out, Elmenhilde."
A snap of his fingers. From behind Yubelluna and the others, Elmenhilde stepped forward, visibly uncomfortable.
"Elmenhilde!"
Rias and Sona's eyes widened.
Everyone remembered her—Carmilla's proud princess, the one who'd represented the vampires at the Three Factions summit. Her arrogance had left an impression, and not a good one.
She'd been hiding behind Yubelluna until now, but Rias's brow furrowed.
"Tenra, what's going on? Why is Elmenhilde here?"
Tenra shrugged. "A lot happened on the vampire side… To keep it simple: I helped the Carmilla vampires deal with the Evil, and their Queen thanked me by assigning Elmenhilde to serve me from now on."
He kept it brief—no mention of secret power plays or hidden agendas. Even so, the news left Rias and Sona stunned.
"Rizevim, the Holy Grail, Evil…"
Rias felt her head spin. What she'd thought was a simple rescue mission had turned into something much bigger. She and Sona both knew: if word got out about Rizevim's schemes, the whole world would shake.
Elmenhilde took a deep breath and bowed low.
"Princess Rias, Princess Sona, please forgive my rudeness last time. From now on, I am Lord Tenra's servant and follower. I hope you'll accept me."
She was no longer a vampire princess, no longer a Queen's favorite—just another possession of the Red Dragon Emperor. And these two women before her were the Maou's sisters, Tenra's fiancées—her mistresses.
She knew she'd left a bad impression before, and even if it stung her pride, she had to apologize. If they held a grudge, her life here would be miserable.
Rias and Sona exchanged glances, surprise flickering between them.
Was this really the same arrogant princess who'd once looked down on everyone?
Rias recovered first, lifting Elmenhilde up with a gentle hand.
"Elmenhilde, let's forget the past. If you're following Tenra, you're our companion too."
"I accept your apology," Sona said, voice cool and measured, "but I won't trust you right away. If you want our approval, you'll have to earn it."
Tenra couldn't help but laugh. His two princesses—one playing the good cop, one the bad—made quite the team.
Elmenhilde nodded, determined.
"I promise I won't disappoint you, Mistresses."
That last word made both Rias and Sona blush.
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