"Arrogant little half-blood. Do you think this is still your precious Underworld?"
The words cut through the throne room, sharp and cold. Tenra and the girls turned to see a woman rise from the first seat on the right—a vampire whose beauty was as striking as her contempt.
She was tall and statuesque, emerald hair flowing in waves down her back. Her presence commanded attention, the kind that made lesser beings shrink away.
Like angels and devils, vampires owed their flawless bodies and faces to a powerful lineage—ugliness was a rarity among them. Where humans spanned the spectrum from sublime to monstrous, vampires almost always dazzled.
Tenra just sighed.
"And you are, exactly, big sister?"
The woman tossed her hair, chin lifted.
"Ampusa Scarlet. Second Elder of the Carmilla vampires."
She let her aura flare, filling the hall with pressure.
"Red Dragon Emperor, others may tremble before you. I do not."
She shot a mocking glance at Lamia Hilde, who met it with a serene, unbothered smile.
Elmenhilde looked ready to explode, but her mother placed a gentle hand on her arm, keeping her calm.
"Thanks, Miss Elmen."
Tenra smiled, bowing politely.
"This is your room for the night. I'll send food up shortly. Rest well—I'll come for you in the morning."
They walked on in silence until Elmenhilde stopped before a side chamber.
He didn't press further; their politics weren't his concern.
"Trouble in every family, huh? Even vampires aren't immune."
Tenra nodded, sympathetic but detached.
"Ampusa is our second-ranked elder, just below Her Majesty and my mother. She's rotten—always jealous of Mother's position, always scheming."
Elmenhilde's expression soured.
Tenra grinned. "By the way, that Ampusa seems to have it out for your mother. What's their story?"
"That's just Her Majesty's wisdom!"
Elmenhilde spun around, cheeks flushed.
"Still angry, Miss Elmen? I was only teasing. Your Queen didn't blame you—she even praised your composure."
Tenra and the girls followed Elmenhilde down a silent corridor. The princess walked ahead, face set in a frosty scowl.
But as she bowed her head, a cold gleam flashed in her eyes—a promise of future trouble.
"As expected of Lady Akasha."
Ampusa's eyes widened as understanding dawned.
She might not like Tenra's lack of respect, but letting him and the Tepes faction fight was the clever move. Let the dogs tear each other apart.
It was the smile of someone who believed herself in absolute control.
"He wants to go to Tepes territory to rescue that pitiful puppet. Let him. The Tepes fools will never agree to his demands—they'll clash, and all we need to do is watch the chaos and profit from their infighting."
She leaned back, a bloodthirsty smile curling her lips.
"Your courage is admirable, Ampusa. But your vision is too narrow."
Akasha nodded, a hint of approval in her expression.
"Even if I can't win, I'd fight him to the death before I let our pride be trampled!"
Ampusa clenched her fists, defiance burning in her eyes.
"Much as I dislike admitting it, the Red Dragon Emperor is a man even I must respect. Do you really think you could defeat him?"
Akasha's gaze was steady, her words measured:
The tension between them was palpable; vampires lurking in the shadows edged further away, wary of the brewing storm. The other elders and Akasha watched with practiced indifference—clearly, this rivalry was nothing new.
"Lamia!"
Ampusa's eyes flashed, her aura spiking.
"Ampusa, are you truly that foolish?"
A gentle, almost mocking voice answered from across the hall—Lamia Hilde, still smiling sweetly:
"Lady Akasha, why did you stop me?"
Once the doors closed, Ampusa rose again, voice trembling with frustration:
As the group departed, Queen Akasha's smile faded, replaced by a mask of icy calculation.
Tenra stifled a laugh. The princess was clearly still nursing her grudge.
"Follow me!" she snapped, leading the way out.
Elmenhilde stepped forward, shooting Tenra a lingering glare before turning on her heel.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Akasha's command was gentle but final.
"Elmenhilde, show our guests to their rooms."
He bowed again.
"Then we'll gratefully accept your hospitality, Your Majesty."
Tenra had braced for a fight, but the sudden change was welcome. Less trouble meant more time for his real goal.
"I'll see that your passage to Tepes territory is arranged. For tonight, rest here in the palace. It's late."
Akasha's tone softened, her aura receding.
"My apologies, Red Dragon Emperor. Ampusa's temper is infamous. Pay it no mind."
Ampusa flinched, fear flickering across her face. She shot Tenra a venomous look, then sat, shoulders stiff with resentment.
Akasha's aura flared, icy and overwhelming.
"Stand down. Or do you wish to defy me?"
Ampusa bowed, voice tight with frustration.
"Lady Akasha, the Red Dragon Emperor treats us as if we're beneath him. Let me teach him some respect!"
Akasha's displeasure was palpable.
"Ampusa. Enough."
Tenra's eyes narrowed, but before he could reply, Queen Akasha's voice rang out, cool and commanding:
Yubelluna and Shuriya bristled, glaring back at the elder with open hostility.
"—and you die here."
Her smile sharpened, hungry.
"If you're truly a man, fight me. Win, and you can go wherever you please. Lose—"
Ampusa's eyes narrowed, a predatory glint appearing.
Not that Tenra cared. Those days were behind him.
Ampusa's power was formidable—Demon King level, easily. And she wasn't alone; every elder present radiated similar strength. As for Queen Carmilla herself, her aura was a storm waiting to break.
"So, Miss Ampusa, are you planning to block my way?"
Tenra's lips curled into a half-smile.