Translator: Nox

Chapter: 8

“This is the Imperial Capital, Lescht.”

I looked out the carriage window.

The first thing that caught my eye was the splendid street. Between tall buildings, countless people bustled about. What illuminated their faces was a very bright moonlight.

The City of Eternal Night, the Imperial Capital Lescht.

It was exactly as described in the original novel.

“How beautiful.”

But if things went as in the novel, all the people I was seeing would die. The protagonist would destroy everything here in her battle with the Emperor.

‘It’s okay. I’ll stop it.’

As I braced myself, Shion, who had been staring at me, spoke.

“Your Highness, I will take my leave here.”

“Already?”

“It will ease D’s mind. Right now, he probably still doubts whether what you said is true.”

During our second meeting, I had deceived D by pretending to be an innocent child.

I made it seem like Shion had brought me and that everything about the medicine came from the Tower’s orders.

That led D to believe that the Tower wanted to offer me as a sacrifice to revive the Emperor, which wasn’t a stretch, given the Tower’s usual priority of maintaining world balance.

If Shion left too, D would believe I was in his grasp and feel reassured.

“Don’t worry. I know what I have to do.”

“I’m not worried. I believe in you, Your Highness.”

Shion smiled slyly.

He was annoying, but I was glad he was on my side.

“What’s going on?”

As soon as the carriage stopped, D rushed over on horseback.

Shion spoke calmly, even under D’s sharp gaze.

“Lord D, I’ll take my leave here.”

“What? So suddenly?”

“My mission ends here.”

With a slight bow, Shion vanished into the crowd.

Looking somewhat relieved, D comforted me.

“Don’t mind him. Wizards are incomprehensible beings.”

“…Yes.”

I lowered my head with a gloomy expression.

After a moment, D called over the drunkard from a distance.

“Claude, get in the carriage.”

“What? Why me?”

“We’re heading straight to the palace. I can’t leave Ella alone, so keep her company.”

He probably wanted him to keep an eye on me, but I didn’t mind. I had no plans to resist.

Soon, the drunkard climbed aboard.

When our eyes met, he shouted.

“Kid! Don’t think I came along because I like you!”

…Seriously, why did this guy come?

As the carriage moved, the drunkard fell silent.

Just as I turned to look out the window again, he spoke.

“Kid, are you really going to meet the Emperor?”

He looked unusually serious.

“If you go to the Emperor, you’ll die. I’ll help you run away now.”

His words were unexpected, but I couldn’t trust him.

I replied like a naïve child.

“The wizard said I can’t run away. If I don’t go to the Emperor, bad vampires will eat me.”

“That’s…”

“And I don’t have anywhere to run to. I’d rather go to the Emperor. Maybe he’ll be nice to me.”

I smiled brightly, and the drunkard fell silent.

From his pale face, he seemed to be feeling guilty.

After getting off the carriage, I looked up at the white palace. Its sheer size made my neck ache.

“This is the Full Moon Palace, where His Majesty resides.”

D looked very excited. He seemed thrilled at the thought of waking the Emperor.

“It’s really magnificent.”

As I responded appropriately, I spotted a black palace standing like a shadow beside it. For some reason, I couldn’t take my eyes off it.

“Lord D, what’s that over there?”

D followed my gaze and looked puzzled.

“That used to be Lilith’s New Moon Palace. It’s sealed now, so you shouldn’t be seeing anything.”

“Oh, I must’ve misseen the shadows.”

I brushed it off, but stared at the black palace again.

‘Others can’t see it, but I can? Is it because I’m Lilith’s daughter?’

I didn’t have time to think further. The clinking sound of armor echoed, and fully armed knights appeared.

In an instant, we were surrounded. A man who seemed to be their leader greeted us with a smirk.

“Lord D, it’s been a long time.”

“Sir Gav, what is the meaning of this?”

D’s face twisted with displeasure.

The man, referred to as Sir Gav, glanced at me and said,

“I was going to ask the same. Why have you brought this mongrel claiming to be Lady Lilith’s daughter into the palace?”

“…What did you say?”

“Didn’t you know? Rumor has it that you’re using a puppet to seize the regency.”

“What nonsense is this?!”

D practically leapt with outrage. For someone who had come all this way out of loyalty, it was infuriating.

‘Sorry, I started that rumor.’

I had asked Shion to spread it. The shocking story had spread like wildfire through the capital.

“Whether it’s nonsense or not, we’ll find out upon investigation. Hand over the mongrel.”

“I can’t do that.”

D couldn’t let me go—I was the Emperor’s sacrifice.

Sir Gav’s expression changed.

“This is a direct order from His Majesty’s proxy, Sir Dante. Refusal is treason.”

“Then let me speak to Sir Dante myself. I’ll explain everything.”

“Apologies, but I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. Seize her!”

The knights all reached for me.

I didn’t resist.

“Wait a minute!”

Suddenly, the drunkard rushed in and pulled me into his arms.

“What are you all saying?! She’s my daughter!”

Everything froze at the absurd claim.

“…Count Velet?”

Sir Gav looked uncertain.

The drunkard puffed out his chest.

“Yes! In the name of Velet, I’ll protect this kid. Anyone who lays a hand on her will answer to me!”

[Incoming Message]

Congratulations!

You have obtained a guardian (Drunkard).

You have received 10,000 EXP as a reward.

(⚆ᗝ⚆)?

That spam face was exactly my expression.

Sir Gav looked over the drunkard and nodded.

“Well, fine. Come with me to see Sir Dante.”

The permission was too smooth—it was suspicious. But Claude didn’t notice.

“My daughter’s coming too!”

“Yes, yes. As you wish.”

We were being completely ignored.

Still, I didn’t mind this turn of events. I observed the area from Claude’s arms.

D watched us with a look of despair.

“Claude, please protect Ella.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll take good care of her!”

D’s face turned pale at Claude’s confident response.

“This way, please.”

Sir Gav led us kindly.

After climbing stone steps and passing through several corridors, we arrived at a gloomy, secluded garden.

“What the? Dante still likes these tucked-away places.”

Claude babbled, still not understanding the situation.

Sir Gav smiled and drew his sword.

“This will do. Let’s end this here.”

What a coincidence. That’s exactly what I thought too.

“What—what are you doing? Trying to kill me?!”

Claude backed away, finally realizing what was happening.

But escape routes were already blocked by knights.

“Hand over the mongrel, and I’ll let you go safely.”

“Never!”

Despite trembling, Claude held me tightly.

It was a truly unexpected reaction. I thought he’d abandon me by now.

Sir Gav’s eyes gleamed with amusement. He bared his teeth like a beast and whispered,

“Count, did you know? Even the most powerful vampire can’t use their powers here. But their regeneration remains, so we can have all sorts of fun.”

He swung his sword at Claude’s arm.

“Like this!”

I easily deflected the incoming blade.

Sir Gav stepped back, eyes wide in disbelief.

“You…!”

What are you staring at? I haven’t been cut by a kitchen knife since I was seven.