Three days had passed.
The midday sun filtered through the tall glass windows of my private office, casting sharp beams across the polished floor. I sat behind my desk, absentmindedly spinning a silver coin between my fingers while Kane stood at attention nearby, a stack of reports in hand.
"Kane," I began, breaking the silence, "have the spies returned with news?"
He nodded once. "Yes, my Lady. Our territory is clean. The three barons, ten village heads, and three townlords—all confirmed human. No abnormal activity, no unexplained absences."
Kane's relationship with the old spy guild continued to prove invaluable. It was the same guild that had once helped the Kingdom secure victory in the war two decades ago. Efficient, silent, loyal—for the right price.
"But…" Kane added, "the neighbouring territory of Lorenz may not be as pure."
I tilted my head. "Lorenz? That's Viscount Brosso's land, isn't it?"
"Correct," he replied. "Three names have surfaced based on behavioral patterns: Baron Malte, Townlord Navine, and—oddly enough—Viscountess Lily Brosso."
"Lily?" I narrowed my eyes. "The Viscount's own wife?"
Kane nodded. "She's not been seen during the day for several weeks now, and her temperament has changed drastically, according to servants. Still, I must stress—these are suspicions only. No concrete evidence yet."
"That's fine," I said, leaning back in my chair. "I have my own way of confirming the truth."
I took a slow sip from my goblet of animal blood mixed with red wine. The iron-laced bitterness lingered on my tongue.
"The nearest suspect to our borders would be… Baron Malte?" I asked.
"Yes, my Lady."
I nodded once. "We'll pay him a visit."
Before Kane could respond, I added, "Also—what of the second Mitrisil Katana?"
"It arrived this morning. The blacksmith says it's identical in quality to your own."
"Give it to Gaim. Tell him to become one with the blade."
"As you wish, my Lady."
---
That Night
Under the veil of stars and a quiet breeze, Gaim and I rode toward Baron Malte's manor. Our horses trotted silently down the dirt road, the moon casting long shadows across the forest that lined the path. I carried my katana across my back in a long sling bag, while Gaim wore his proudly at his hip.
The manor stood atop a small hill, modest in size but well-kept—surrounded by trimmed hedges and guarded by two sleepy watchmen who barely glanced at us as we entered.
A servant greeted us and guided us to the receiving room. The space was warmly lit by a central chandelier, its golden glow illuminating the fine furnishings and high-backed chairs.
Moments later, Baron Malte entered the room, wearing a robe of deep burgundy with gold trimming. His expression was cordial—until his nose twitched.
He froze mid-step, eyes narrowing at us.
"You…" he murmured. "You two—you're vampires!"
I smiled faintly. "You're perceptive."
He didn't respond. Instead, he reached for a crystal decanter and poured himself a glass of brandy. "Hah! I'd never expected that you are a vampire like me, Lady Ella. I thought that you are human, because a lot of people saw you walk during the day. "
He stopped, his expression darkening.
"Wait... Walking during the day? That would make you a—"
In a blur, I unsheathed my katana. The blade hummed quietly as it came to rest just a breath away from Malte's neck.
I whispered into his ear. "Tell me about the vampire syndicate—or lose everything."
He froze, eyes wide with terror.
"I—I'll talk! Just don't kill me!"
I slowly pulled the blade back. He collapsed into a chair, trembling.
"Drink, if it calms you," I said coldly.
He emptied his glass in one gulp, hands shaking.
"They call themselves Red Moon," he said. "A criminal syndicate… part vampire, part human. They run smuggling operations, mercenaries, and most importantly—blood harvesting."
"Blood harvesting," I echoed. "Explain."
"They kidnap humans from remote villages… drain them, then sell the blood mixed with red wine to vampire nobles. It's become a luxury among the upper class."
"And who leads them?"
"A vampire named Eric. They say he's over a hundred years old, used to be a noble from another land. Keeps a low profile. Pretends to be a merchant."
I nodded slowly. "Thank you for your cooperation."
"You'll let me go?" he asked, incredulous.
I smiled. "For now."
I turned to leave.
"Gaim," I said calmly, "we're done here."
Gaim nodded, backing away from Malte with his hand on the hilt of his katana. We exited the room, walked down the polished hallway, and stepped into the cool night outside.
---
Outside the gates, we mounted our horses again. The night was quiet, but my mind was racing.
"Change of plans," I said to Gaim, eyes still fixed ahead.
"My Lady?"
"We won't infiltrate any vampire gathering. If Malte is truly afraid, he'll try to contact them—perhaps even lead us to their lair. I want you to shadow him. Watch from the dark. Do not let him see you."
Gaim gave a sharp nod. "As you command, my Lady."
I looked up at the moon. It was full tonight—bathed in pale light. Perfect for hunting.
"Let's begin drawing the Red Moon out of hiding."