Chapter 174
“From now on, show proper manners when entering someone else's house.”
“…Understood.”
“Take this one with you.”
Thud!
Christian kicked the heir of the Mystic Demonic House square in the abdomen.
“Gahk!!”
He vomited blood and was flung backwards, collapsing in a heap.
Christian had struck him directly in the Mana Heart, knocking him unconscious.
The heirs of the Ghost Sword Demonic House and the Illusion Demonic House bit their lips in frustration, picked up the fallen heir, and disappeared.
‘Well, I held back, so he should be able to get up by tomorrow.’
There was a reason Christian hadn’t inflicted fatal internal injuries.
‘He has to become my offering tomorrow—to make me shine.’
Yes.
Christian had no intention of letting them off with just a simple apology.
Tomorrow was the day of the main ceremony.
And they would suffer humiliation that far exceeded what they experienced today.
Thus, the ones from the Tri-Alliance retreated, looking utterly miserable like drenched rats, and the crowd began to view Christian with very different eyes.
‘So the rumors weren’t just empty boasts?’
‘He’s not someone to be underestimated.’
People began to realize there was something about Christian that couldn’t be explained by mere accomplishments.
The atmosphere of the banquet changed.
Those who had only observed him with slight disdain now began to approach him one by one.
And those who actually engaged him in conversation were impressed in another way altogether.
“Wasn’t that a bit excessive earlier?”
“Excessive? I was merciful just by sparing his life. The Tri-Alliance understands the honor of the Demonic Clans. Once they realize their own heir committed such rudeness, they won’t blame me at all.”
It was a subtle statement.
Said like that, the Tri-Alliance wouldn’t be able to make any complaints about what happened.
People began to realize that Christian also possessed sharp political instincts.
It was something many of the power-hungry demons overlooked, but a Grand Duke had to have that kind of discernment.
‘The more I see him, the more impressive he is.’
‘If he had been born five years earlier… no, even three… he might’ve rivaled Osin.’
A mixture of admiration and regret spread among the crowd.
If only there had been more time.
If only this were an age of peace, Christian would surely have grown into a giant among giants.
But those in the know were already aware—
—that a bloody upheaval was approaching the Magus Empire.
‘The question is, what role will he play in that storm?’
At that moment, an unexpected figure approached Christian.
“Haha. Just as the rumors said—you truly are remarkable. A pleasure to meet you. I am Hubert of the Venomous Demonic House.”
“!!”
Christian’s eyes lit up with interest.
He was the heir of the Venomous Demonic House.
“Ah yes, the infamous one. The disgraceful Grand Duke.”
A nickname utterly shameful—
But not unearned.
Hubert was merely a 4-star.
He was named Grand Duke solely because he was the only son of Duke Huam, the head of the Venomous Demonic House. But even after assuming the title, his strength had hardly improved. As a result, he was constantly overshadowed by other capable relatives—both male and female.
Although he still officially held the title of Grand Duke, rumors were widespread that he’d be stripped of it before long.
Yet Hubert approached without the slightest trace of gloom.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been hoping to speak with you, Grand Duke Christian.”
“With me?”
“Yes. Marisa spoke to me often about you. She really wanted to attend today as well, but something came up at the last minute, so she couldn’t make it.”
“Something serious, I assume.”
“Yes. There was an incident at the Mandokgwan she manages. Ah, the Mandokgwan is the primary research facility in our main estate where we study all kinds of poisons. Marisa was so outstanding that she was appointed as its director at a very young age.”
His tone carried a touch of pride for his younger sister.
But Christian’s gaze grew sharp.
‘An incident at the Mandokgwan… Just as I expected.’
The Poison Vein Conflict—it was about to erupt.
Behind the scenes, the wheels were already turning.
Hubert, mistaking Christian’s expression for concern for Marisa, shook his head with a smile.
“Oh, you don’t need to worry too much. She’s a clever girl. I’m sure she’ll handle it well. I just got a message—everything’s under control and nearing resolution.”
“…That’s a relief.”
That’s what he said aloud, but Christian knew better.
Marisa would never be able to resolve this incident.
In his previous life, this very incident had led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, eventually escalating to the brink of all-out war between the two Houses.
‘Of course, I won’t let it play out the same way this time.’
In fact, Christian was planning to turn this event into a weapon for his own gain.
And those pulling the strings behind the scenes would come to bitterly regret choosing this path.
‘But first, I need to finish this investiture ceremony perfectly.’
Now wasn’t the time to get sidetracked.
Later during the banquet, a short break was given.
Christian quietly slipped away to a corner of the banquet hall where no one was around.
It was part of his plan—to lure in another offering to elevate his name.
‘Philip of the Destruction Demonic House. He’s the real one.’
A very well-known figure.
The true genius of the Destruction Demonic House.
‘And an amusing little bastard who plans to trample over me.’
He had learned this from a letter Kashmir had sent not long ago.
Philip, the famed genius of the Destruction Demonic House, was aiming to make a move on him during the investiture ceremony.
‘A genius like him will make the perfect offering to mark the day of my rise.’
But first, he needed to bait the hook.
And it wouldn’t take long before something bit.
Just as he was waiting—
Mari sauntered over, swaying gently.
[Ohoho. You look especially dazzling today! Shall I fetch you a refreshing, invigorating glass of virgin’s blood juice to melt all that fatigue away?]
For reference, whenever Mari talks about “virgin’s blood juice,” she means strawberry juice.Bachelor’s blood juice is a strawberry-carrot mix.
Christian let out a soft chuckle and nodded.
“Sure, go ahead.”
[Ohoho, please wait just a moment! I’ll return in a flash with a sweet drink full of my love!]
With a flutter, Mari disappeared—
But unexpectedly, another voice chimed in.
“…Surely, you don’t actually drink something like virgin’s blood, do you?”
Christian turned his head, eyes slightly widened in surprise.
Standing there was someone he hadn’t expected.
‘A member of the Trueblood Clan from the Bloodsword Demonic House!’
It was Idrinne.
Of course, she was still in disguise, using the power of a devil to mask her true identity.
‘She called herself Ria, didn’t she? Come to think of it, she said she’d be attending as an envoy.’
“What’s the matter?”
“What do you mean, ‘what’s the matter’? I’m hurt, you know. I came to say hello, as any proper envoy should. But more importantly—why on earth would you drink virgin’s blood? That’s filthy.”
“…Coming from a vampire, that sounds a bit hypocritical.”
“Not all vampires drink human blood, you know. Personally, I can’t stand the stuff—it’s foul and fishy. Too much impure energy. I prefer cow’s blood.”
Idrinne crossed her arms, lips slightly puckered in displeasure.
“To think the Grand Duke believed in such a barbaric superstition, that virgin’s blood is good for your health… I had high hopes for you, but I’m sorely disappointed.”
Christian blinked.
Now that was some unexpected nagging coming from a vampire.
‘It’s just strawberry juice…’
A smirk crept across Christian’s lips.
Seeing the prim and proper look on her face only stirred his mischievous side.
‘She’s got that look that just begs to be teased.’
“What exactly is wrong with virgin’s blood juice?”
“W-What do you mean, what’s wrong?! Are you seriously asking me that?! Only crazy old perverts among vampires drink that stuff! I never imagined you were one of them!”
“But I don’t drink virgin’s blood juice, though?”
“…You don’t?”
“Nope. My maid was just messing around, but somehow I’ve ended up being called a crazy old pervert.”
“…….”
Idrinne froze, flustered.
“Uh… I-I didn’t realize it was a joke…”
“So if you didn’t know it was a joke, you just go ahead and label someone a crazy pervert?”
“Th-That’s not what I meant…”
Christian chuckled inwardly as he watched her squirm, eyes darting in every direction.
Just like his first impression—
She really was the stiff, overly serious type with no sense for social nuance.
‘Haven’t seen this kind of personality in a while. Kinda refreshing.’
She wasn’t like a typical vampire—or even like most demons.
‘Which makes her all the more worth teasing.’
“Didn’t you say before that you wanted to be friends with me? I was kind of looking forward to it… I’m disappointed.”
Idrinne asked cautiously.
“…Did you just say you were looking forward to it?”
“Hm?”
“Are you saying you were hoping to become friends with me?”
With her eyes sparkling, she asked the question. But Christian just gave a dry chuckle and shook his head.
“Nah, I was just saying that. As if I’d ever seriously hope to become friends with a vampire from the Bloodsword Demonic House.”
“……”
She visibly deflated.
Christian tried to hold back the laughter that nearly slipped out.
Definitely someone worth teasing.
‘Even if not a friend, she might make a useful pawn.’
He spoke in a casual, passing tone.
“Still, thanks for coming all this way.”
“……”
“You came as an envoy just to congratulate me, didn’t you?”
“That’s right!”
Idrinne nodded enthusiastically and reached out her hand.
“I came all this way because I truly want to become friends with you!”
“…I don’t really feel like shaking hands. We’re not exactly on that level, are we?”
“Ah— I… I’m sorry if I was rude again.”
Her face turned red from embarrassment.
Despite her cold, aloof appearance, she was surprisingly clumsy and awkward.
‘Would be a shame to let someone like her get killed by the Blood-Drenched Demon King.’
But judging from how she reacted earlier, warning her wouldn’t make a difference.
‘I’ll think about that later. For now, might as well make use of her.’
He hadn’t planned to involve her, but since they met anyway, it didn’t seem like a bad idea.
“Anyway, you really want to be friends with me?”
“Yes.”
“But you called me a pervert without even checking the facts.”
“S-Sorry.”
“Well, shouldn’t you make up for that?”
“…How?”
Idrinne blinked.
Christian flashed a sly grin.
“Want to play a little prank with me?”
* * *
After a brief explanation, Idrinne blinked in understanding.
“You sure this is okay?”
“Of course it is. The Bloodsword Demonic House and the Destruction Demonic House aren’t exactly enemies—but they’re not on friendly terms either.”
Surprisingly, the Bloodsword and Destruction Demonic Houses, both within the Demon King's Castle, weren’t in open conflict.
Even though they were part of the Southern Magus Nation, the Destruction Demonic House was located far from the Demon King’s Castle in terms of territory.
‘The ones directly opposing the Demon King’s Castle are our Dark Demonic House and the Venomous Demonic House. And also the Eastern Karn Empire.’
In other words, the Demon King’s Castle had enemies on two fronts:
To the south—Dark and Venomous Demonic Houses.
To the east—the Karn Empire.
As for the Destruction Demonic House, their main enemies were to the west—
The Holy Empire and the alliance of prestigious noble houses known as the “Round Table.”
“What about you, though? You’re okay with this? Isn’t the Destruction Demonic House close with the Dark Demonic House?”
“We’re absolutely not close.”
Christian flatly denied it.
Despite being three of the great houses of the Southern Magus Nation—Destruction, Venomous, and Dark—none of them were particularly friendly with one another.
They cooperated when needed because they belonged to the same faction, but—
‘They’re more like lifelong rivals. Always at each other’s throats when given the chance.’
In fact, the Destruction Demonic House had long sought to dominate the other two and become the leading power of the South.
‘Might as well use this chance to knock that arrogance down a notch.’