Lately, Gurei felt the sting of probation. Watching the other generals tirelessly work toward finding a new home for their kind while he remained sidelined was unsettling, a constant reminder of his stagnation.
Norn, however, succeeded in subduing several cities within Bermone. Her brilliance shone as brightly as ever, and her intelligence never ceased to amaze him.
Meanwhile, he made no progress in uncovering any information about the human woman. Time was running out. Before long, he feared he might be ordered to kill her.
Though many advised him to torture her, and some even offered to do it for him, Gurei couldn't bring himself to hurt such a beautiful woman. Every time he looked at her, he was struck with awe by her grace, his jaw nearly dropping in disbelief.
He had to regain his focus. If he failed to gather any information from her, not only would he lose his position among the demon generals, but worse, he would be forced to kill her with his own hands.
With a deep breath, Gurei approached her, trying to maintain composure. "Hello again, lovely maiden. Are you going to give me the knowledge we need?"
She didn't respond.
"I know it's difficult to speak with me, given that I'm the one who took you away from your people. But if you cooperate, I'll make sure you find a place in the demon kingdom."
Her voice was icy. "How laughable."
"You finally spoke," Gurei remarked, surprised.
"Hmph."
"May I at least know your name?"
She remained silent.
"Okay, can you at least tell me how the meals are? I always put much effort into preparing them."
"Don't bother pretending to be a gracious host," she retorted coldly. "We both know I'm a prisoner of war."
"I know that, but at least your situation is more comfortable, even if only slightly," Gurei countered.
"Comfortable?" she scoffed. "I'll only be comfortable when I return home."
"I'm sorry, but I can't allow that."
"I thought as much," she said bitterly. "You can pretend to be friendly, but you're just like the others."
"If that's how you feel, I'll work to change your view of me," Gurei said, his voice softer. "I would never hurt such a lovely lady."
She glared at him. "You may try sweet words, but I see them for what they are."
"Wait… Why did you say I'm just like the others?" he pressed.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I'm the only one supposed to be interacting with you, aren't I?"
"Looks like you don't have as much authority as you thought," she replied with a smirk.
"How many others have come here?" Gurei asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Why should I answer that?" she shot back.
"I need to know. Your life and my career depend on it."
Her eyes narrowed. "More lies. So, now you've decided to start using threats? Even if you've worded it differently, I can see through it."
"It's not a threat. It's simply what's going to happen," Gurei explained.
"Whatever you say," she replied. "I know my death is inevitable, so just get it over with. Stop giving me false hope only to snatch it away."
"I would never—" Gurei began but stopped himself, trying to maintain composure. "Tell me who else comes in here."
"So, you don't even know the name of your own torturer?" she asked, her voice dripping with disdain. "I know you're working with her. Her job is simple: make me suffer so that when you come with your so-called mercy, I'll be more cooperative. But I won't fall for it."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Gurei insisted.
"I'm no fool," she shot back.
"But I really don't know what you're referring to. I would never use such indirect methods to get information."
"Hmph."
"Can you describe this woman? Was she human?" Gurei asked, his interest growing.
"Human?" She scoffed. "How can you call her human? She's evil incarnate. I've never seen anyone take pleasure in torturing others like she does."
Is this Victoria's doing? Gurei thought, troubled. Is she trying to sabotage my efforts? Why does this woman hate me so much? What did I ever do to her?
"I'm sorry for that," Gurei said, his voice softening.
"Sorry? …May I ask, is your name Grey by chance?" she asked, a glimmer of suspicion in her eyes.
"Oh! How rude of me. I hadn't even introduced myself. Yes, my name is Gurei. I'm one of the demon generals."
"Then it's settled," she said dryly. "If you want to make my life here bearable, please keep your wife away. I could feel the jealousy when she was torturing me."
"Wife?" Gurei blinked, confused. "I don't have a wife."
"Okay, whatever you say," she replied with a dismissive wave. "Just keep her away. She's really something else. Please tell her I'd never try to steal you away—my heart already belongs to another."
"Oh, I see…" Gurei murmured, though the words troubled him. "Don't worry. She won't be disturbing you anymore. I'll come again tomorrow. Hope you'll be ready to give me the information I need—for both our sakes."
She remained silent as he turned to leave.
Why is Victoria doing this? Gurei wondered. Does she really want me to lose my title as Demon General? He doubted Victoria had the capacity for love, so this had to be another one of her sadistic schemes.
As he raised his head, his eyes widened in shock. Crimson hair? The signature look of vampires, especially those of royal blood. What is she doing here, walking so casually among us?
Instinctively, he drew his sword, preparing for an attack. But she dodged effortlessly. How agile! How fast were her reactions? To dodge that attack so easily in such a confined space… The tales of vampire strength and speed weren't lies after all.
Before he could engage her again, she closed the distance, her movements too quick to follow. He could see her attack coming, but even blocking it seemed impossible.
"Gurei! Hildebrand! Stop this folly at once!" came a commanding voice.
"As you wish, Your Grace."
"Ah, yes, as you wish, Your Grace," Gurei muttered, a bit dazed.
The vampire's presence was unsettling. But before Gurei could ask anything, the king's voice called out once more.
"Gurei, I'd like you to join our meeting today."
"Yes, of course, Your Grace."
"Go freshen up. We will meet in an hour."
"As you wish, Your Grace."
Gurei's mind raced. What was a vampire of royal blood doing in the castle? Why was the demon king so casual with her? He had always hated vampires with a passion, ordering their capture across the kingdom.
But for now, he resolved not to worry. Everything would be revealed in time.
"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for answering my summons on such short notice," the king began.
"It was nothing, Your Grace. When you call, we answer."
"As she said, Your Grace. It is not a problem for us."
"Well, maybe it isn't for you all, but I was in the middle of something very interesting," Victoria interrupted.
"Do not be so casual with our King, Victoria."
"Silence!" The king's voice rang out. "Now, as I was saying, I have called you here today to introduce someone who will be joining our ranks."
At that moment, everyone's eyes fell upon the crimson-haired vampire. Weapons were immediately drawn, but the king raised his hand.
"Everyone, calm down. It's okay. She is the one who will be joining our ranks and will be my personal bodyguard."
"Your Grace, are you serious?" one of the generals asked, disbelief in his voice.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" the king replied.
"But she is…"
"Your Kingliness, you do know she is a vampire, one of royal blood, at that," another general pointed out.
"Yes, I'm well aware, Victoria."
"Please, introduce yourself."
"My name is Hildebrand, and from now on, I will be in the service of the king. Let us work together to please our king."
Gurei couldn't contain the surge of anger that bubbled up inside him. Had she brainwashed the king with her powers? What was her purpose in joining them? Was she here to take the throne for herself? How was he supposed to work with her?
The king turned his attention to Gurei. "Gurei, is there any progress with the human woman?"
"Not yet, Your Grace. But soon, I feel it."
"For both your sakes, I hope that is true," the king said, his tone serious.