-Leinas POV -

Leinas Rockbruise closed the door to the room. The emperor had given it to the stranger to stay in, despite its large size and splendor like much of the royal palace. This stranger’s eyes were unimpressed, which brought into question just how much better they have seen. Her thoughts linger back to the test of strength; she was powerful, yet against Kathrin, she felt like a child holding her weapon. In just fifteen seconds of the fight, she had been disarmed of her spear and heard the cracking of her armor.

Rubbing her chest, Leinas could still feel the sting of the bruise; it scared her a little to think back on. Just how strong Kettro must be or what he would want for the price of curing the curse. She couldn’t think of a single thing he would wish to have; still, she would gladly pay whatever he wanted to be rid of this curse, wiping the ooze from her eye.

“Before I cure this curse, I want proof you won't betray me like the last person I cured of a curse.”Meeting those bright red eyes radiated distrust and rage just looking into them, she knew this man wasn’t human.

Leinas started to sweat under the pressure of the deadly tone unconsciously shivering. Knowing the wrong answer might be death or worse, now more fearful of just what this person would want in return.

Leinas moved her hair, which covered her eye to show the sickly rough green skin and the glassy yellow puffy eye that looked dead. Kettor’s bright red eyes watched as if waiting to be betrayed as the illusion shimmered, Showing pearly white fangs. Leinas hesitated to answer now seeing the undead though she couldn’t be sure how the illusion had tricked the emperor's item, which detected such tricks.

Leinas saw the difference in Kettor's stance; his muscles are relaxed yet tight ready to pounce at the first wrong move. It was like looking at a feral animal prepared to rip her apart and despite the fearful rational side of her mind screaming for her to run. She knew this wasn’t an option; besides, the vampire said he could cure her curse something no one else had claimed and succeeded.

“I..gulp…I have been looking for a way to get rid of this curse for ages, please. If you free me of this curse, I would vow my service to you.” She hoped it would be enough bowing.

A steady hand fell on to her shoulder, pulling her face up to meet those angry eyes. “I thought I could trust the last person too, yet I see that same fear which drove him to hurt me in your eyes. Show me you aren’t the same, or clementine will be having fun.”

All the air around them chilled as Leinas could swear she saw her breath. A terror gripped her heart; still, she would not back down being so close and hearing a cheery voice behind her. “Oh really, thank you, master! I can’t wait to hear her scream.”

She glances back at the other vampire, her tendril hair wildly swings around her. The strange vampire stepped back at the look from Kettor's cold gaze. How long he would wait was unknown, thinking quickly to answer the question. She could think of only one thing to appease those distrustful and hateful eyes looking for any reason to end her.

“I…offer up my unwavering loyalty and life if you would lift this curse. Master Kettro!”

The blinding shine of those crimson eyes dimmed as the chill left her. It was like someone else had just replaced the monster ready to attack only a moment ago. Seeing understanding and acceptance shine through as Kettro leaned back.

Before she could ask how he would cure the curse, he reaches out his hand over the eye feeling a tug. As if the curse was being pulled out, watching in awe as the dark green energy flowed out of her eye. Until his hand held this mysterious crackling power of the curse, Leinas reaches up to feel normal skin again, she felt tears of joy swell up in her eyes. The curse which had haunted her for years was gone, finally gone!

[Plasma purification] To her surprise, he brought the curse up to his mouth, eating it in one bite. Then that predatory look returned taunting almost as she shivered. “Now for my payment, I would have Kathrin do this, but she is off on a special mission. So you will have to get my gift instead if this doesn’t kill you, that is.”

He pulled out a dark red vile which seemed to shimmer with darkness, dimming the light around it, Leinas could feel the liquid radiating power. Carefully if not cautiously taking the flask into her shaking hand.

“Drink this; I will come back later to see if you survive my gift. If you haven’t taken that before I come back, Clem-chan has permission to play with you.” Without another word, Kettor turned away, opening the door to one of the guest bedrooms closing it.

With a single glance back at the strange vampire, Leinas didn’t feel like testing her luck, gulping the vile down. It felt like her body was on fire spreading out as she let out the loudest scream her lungs could, as pain overloads her mind then the world faded to black.

-Sitabus-

Hearing the shriek, sitabus scowled, he didn’t intend to be that harsh. He had been careful not to transform into that form again all day. The memories of Tarick came back to his mind. ‘Stop showing me those she is not like him!’ he screamed in his mind, hearing laughter. He turned to see the shadows smug pure red eyes smiling. ‘You don’t believe that at all or you wouldn’t have given her an experimental potion. We don’t even know what it will do to her.’

Kyuketsuki growled, marching up to the glass frame before halting taking a step back. ‘No, I gave up that name. I can’t just take it back now.’ Hearing the shadows mocking laughter, he turned to glare at the mirror.

‘Tell me. Do you even remember why you took up that name? No, of course not otherwise you would know you can’t just throw it away. We both know it.’

“Of course, I know what... I…” words failed Sitabus as he could not recall it had been a default name for so long. In YGGDRASIL, it was a name feared by enemies and cheered with praise by friends. Even if he changed the name to infiltrate other guilds, that name had just always been the name of the avatar.

For some reason, the shadow scowled red eyes narrowed as it moved from one reflective surface to the next. ‘You really have forgotten…no matter you will remember soon enough after all it’s why-’ The shadow warned as it faded away from view as Sitabus felt a firm and soft hand on his shoulder. It didn’t bring comfort, only dread. Why did this shadow haunt him? Trying to push the feeling down as Sitabus turned to see Velvet lock eyes with him.

“Don’t do that, please lord Kyuketsuki; if you keep ignoring these feelings, it will only make this worse.” Velvet’s usually calm voice was showing her worry. He couldn’t show his doubt if they knew he would hate him.

“I’m fine, really it was just…never mind. How are Rita and Bardic doing in Phovine.” Trying to change the subject ‘trying’ being the keyword as velvet let out a sigh.

“Please, sister, won’t dare question your order, and I am worried scene the ruins you have changed. Is it the darkness or something else we only wish to help?” Velvet gently asked, taking his hand in her own.

Guilt rose at velvets words along with fear; still, it felt wrong not to share something to calm Velvet’s worry. It takes a moment to steady his thoughts before his mouth just blurted out something. “Before YGGDRASIL, I came from another world which was harsh and cruel, filled with only humans doing whatever they could to survive. A world where kindness was a novelty at best; it was every person for themselves. Not even the air was safe to breathe unless you lived in domes.-”

Velvet caressed his hands, listening attentively to every word. As if sensing his fear, she didn’t speak, waiting for him to start again. They just stared at each other for a long minute.

“-I took up work with a corporation after…someone I knew died. This company only cared about discretion and effective workers. Shortly after I left Bellriver died, they said it was an accident, but I knew it was because I left. When I first got here, I thought here would be different, yet people I know keep dying around me. This is why Kyuketsuki is better off Forgotten as am I.” Sitabus words brought a sense of hollowness and lingering pain.

Eyes clenched shut why had he said that now they would inevitably betray or leave him. In the silence, he Halted, expecting some anger or backlash. Wouldn’t any of Nazarick hate him he had gotten another supreme being killed, another one of his friends killed! To Sitabus surprise, he felt only a comforting hug. “No one should be forgotten, certainly not my kind lord.”

It felt so strange to be hugging Velvet how could she accept that he had gotten two friends killed. He betrayed them to let them die because he was too slow, always too slow.

Velvet pulls away after an extended silent comforting hug speaking again. “They are both doing well; it seems the four gods’ churches are using the disasters to raise fear of demi-humans and undead. Worse is seems the cell of crows may be behind this as well.”

Sitabus scowled deeply, thinking about this other threat. “So, they are looking to make them so extreme that people flock to them only to passably be used as more hosts to infect. Are you sure the Slain Theocracy isn’t involved?”

Velvet stoic as ever lightly grinned. “No, I put out a few of your summons to check any scripture members in the empire are closer to the borders. It seems the crows hate them as much as we do. Even if they were just Theocracy supporter’s, all of the higher-ups appear to be infected more subtly them most, we have run into inside the city, same here on Shalltear’s end.”

“I see I will have Shalltear look into the main churches later then just to be safe.”

Velvet nodded in understanding still the unanswered question in her eyes remained. “I will message her before returning to the others. Please message me if you feel that darkness again. I don’t want to lose you.”

Sitabus glanced back at the window; the shadow still banished to the back of his mind. An action velvet noticed though she didn’t see what he was looking at. “I am not going anywhere, after all, I have five beautiful women to look after and the future of Nazarick to think on.”

Velvet didn’t comment on this; however, her eyes were still searching Kyuketsuki’s. Pulling him close into a warm, gentle meeting of lips fearing if she left, he would slip back into the darkness. It took a few minutes before they parted again velvet was pleased to see the mood had passed.

Sitabus just as happy to see velvets smile; still, he didn’t have much time to linger. “Velvet, you should return to Rita, and Bardic keep them safe. I will let Kathrin know she doesn't have to worry myself.”

-Ministry of Magic-

Kathrin kept her face neutral as she stared at the old wizard, waiting for his answer. Finally, reaching level five on empress class had paid off even if it kept her busy. Understanding the sheep helped her see the subtle signs of Fluder’s disloyalty to the empire while she hated disloyalty and betrayers. She saw an opportunity to take something from the weak fool claiming to be an emperor.

“I have never heard of something affecting a vampire’s mind. What I do know mistress is yes, I have been in contact with these crows as you call them. what do you wish to know about them?”

As Kathrin thought back to all the new things, she had learned about her lord traveling to this new world. ‘First, there is the fact that he was human before. He had another body which he lost connection to after the change. Along with the fact that she concluded from the data, that this other body most likely came from another world as well.’

Cutting off the line of thought, she would not share such sacred information with such an un-trustable human. Intensifying her rage as she glanced at the death knight kneeling next to her. Showing only a pleasant smile, asking, “What did you trade them for, and how much do you know about this group. Tell me this, and I will consider not letting this lovely death knight destroy this place to the last brick.”

Kathrin lightly grinned, seeing the two young sheep mages behind Fluder squirm and grimace. Fluder himself was desperate to learn from her, even willing to betray the crows. She would have to ensure he didn't end up betraying them in the future.

For now, she listened to the human mage explain what little he knew of, which was nothing of great importance at least till he pulled out the book — written in the same language as books in Nazarick. Kathrin narrowing her eyes as she snatched the book and skimmed through it.

“Tell me truthfully can you read this!” Kathrin only let her voice reveal hints of her emotion growling out the demand.

Fluder was thrilled to hear this reaching out to get the book back only to receive a glare. “No, I have been trying to translate it for the last two years, though I have been making progress. If you would indulge me, my lady, please tell me what it says.”

Kathrin shut the book, calculating if she should grand this request. Only an hour ago, Shalltear had informed her that the church of the four gods had been infected by the crows. As Kathrin thought about this, an excellent idea came to mind. A way to test the wizard’s loyalty and eliminate another section of crows. Even if this went badly, the blame would fall on to the old mage. She holds up the book with a cold smirk. “If you want me to teach you how to read this book, you will need to prove yourself. First, you and all your followers must receive my blessing, and second, you must destroy the church of the four gods near the palace, no survivors.”

She loved the way both young mages gasped in shock, knowing what this would mean. Once the emperor found out his own adviser destroy the symbol of the main religion of the empire capital. Besides, it didn’t matter if he succeeds or failed. She would expand her pack, weaken the emperor standing, and strike a blow at her lord’s enemies.

“Of course, mistress, though, what is this blessing if I may humbly ask?” Fluder’s curiosity rose at the chance of gaining more magic. It was all too easy as Kathrin stood flexing her muscles as gray goo seeped out of her body, dripping from her mouth. Her eyes become pure, moving gold as her body stretched and hissed.

Growing in size as her body began to look less organic and more metallic. Becoming two feet taller, a bright blue light shined pulsing with magical power, in her chest. Her clawed hands and feet hardening as the gray goo solidified into a metallic shell armor of an enormous monster cat hissing at them. Even Kathrin's voice became carnivorous, stepping closer, which only served to scare the young mages taking a step back in fear.

“Hold still, I am short on time, and I won't waste my lords or my time hunting mice. This will only hurt for a moment.” She pounced forward with inhuman speed, first biting the old man than the younger humans as they screamed much to her joy. Watching as her nanobot goo swiftly move to change them, most notably adding them to her mental link connection, as liquid metal turned into ear receivers to get her orders directly and tails out from their rears, sending their emotional signals back to her.

‘It is unfortunate that I can’t make any of them transform without implanting a magic core like my own.’ Kathrin bemused still that was part of being more automation then organic. Her nano goo did strengthen and allow her to communicate long range mentally with those she had blessed with her bite. ‘Perhaps I can change the most useful pack members later.’ Humming to herself as all three pack mates stopped withering and rose now fully loyal.

“Thank you, my mistress, I swear, your gift shall not be wasted.”

Kathrin ignored them, sending further orders through the signal. “Accomplish your task; you have two days to get it done; I will spread my gift to your other followers. Let no one but me or my lord know of your new allegiance. Fail me, and that gift will turn to a curse as it eats your body’s alive.”

Not staying to listen, she made her way out of the room down the halls. She was biting every human in Fluder's personal tower. She had to get her job done before her body burns out too much magic. While she couldn’t use magic in this form due to the drain of power, she didn’t need to worry as she finished stopping near the entrance of the tower.

Kathrin was almost tempted to let the nano goo go out of control because of how weak they all were. If not for her brilliant plan surely this would help soothe her lords worry. As she pulled her metal slime back into the gaps in her body, shifting back to her human-like form.

Smirking to herself with glee, she could not wait till tomorrow, opening the door and walking outside just in time to see her love stepping through a [gate]. She rushed up, hugging him, leaning into a deep kiss. Not caring who might see them. “My love, I found out excellent news Fluder has been turned to our side. I also found a book from YGGDRASIL. First, it seemed like a magic book for demonic and parasitic spells, however-

This caught her lord’s attention. He took the book stopping at one page detailing a spell that was definitely not in Yggdrasil since a patch update. “This doesn’t make sense the dev took off that spell it was far too buggy to work. Wait, it has worked here. Is this why…”

Kathrin watched Kyuketsuki tightly clench his hands. His eyes shined as he seemed to glare at his shadow. Much to Kathrin’s confusion, she didn’t sense any shadow demon or see any sign of other hidden foes. It was like back in Barune as he mumbled: “No, that wouldn’t change the dangers…I’m not scared, and I will make them pay without your help this time.”. Her Concern grew; still, she would find whatever was causing him to scowl like this and obliterate it.

Kathrin leaned close, pulling her love into a tight hug, unsure if she should say anything. Trying to piece together what could be the cause with only one answer coming to mind. ‘but why would he fear that powerful, handsome form.’

Putting that thought aside, she gently caressed his muscular back. “My love. Lord Sitabus…I know not what is causing you to scowl so, but I must say I cannot think of a single thing I don’t find beautiful and wonderful about your true form.”

Kathrin’s words seemed to have the desired effect as he relaxed in her arms. They Zoned out the world around them as she felt his breath on her neck, a shiver going down her spine.

“It is nothing, my dear, though I don’t see what part of that form there is to love it is repulsive.” Kathrin pulled back with a heart-warming smile full of nothing but love.

“I can’t even slightly agree with that, my love. There is not a single thing about you I find repulsive. Just thinking about the things your regal vampire glory can do gets me so warm and wet.” Despite the doubt which still seemed to linger, seeing the small fanged smile. Let her know that her actions had helped.

“Thank you, Kathrin I must check on how Shalltear is doing. Keep the book safe and go back to check on Clem-chan and the human knight; the potion should be yielding results by now if she still lives.” Kathrin gave one last peck on his cheek before heading to her other objective.

With Fluder clear and safe from infection, she now had to ensure the safety of the imperial palace as well. Not that it would help the false emperor for ruling much longer. Rushing off back to the palace to spread her gift and finally create the army of loyal servants for her lord.

-Royal palace-

Jircniv reflected on the reports given by three of the four, unsurprisingly both grandpa and Leinas were missing. What worried him most was the feeling of dread he couldn’t shake that something was wrong.

“So, they said he never left his room, but then the others watching Kathrin reported he appeared through a vortex of darkness. In front of the Ministry of magic tower, grandpa is in before he used another vortex to leave. They lost track of the third person, and they couldn’t even pick out what Kettro was talking to Kathrin about despite being only a few feet away. Is this about, right?” He knew Kettro was powerful but to effortlessly teleport, block eavesdropping, and they could not even track the third. It started to scare him just how dangerous they were.

‘I may have to come up with a plan to control them sooner than expected.’ Admittedly he didn’t even know this group’s origins. It was like they just appeared in the city today. Intertwining his fingers in thought, it was almost time to sleep, and neither grandpa or Leinas had reported back to them. At the very least, Leinas should have told him her answer if she was leaving his services. It would be hard enough trying to find a replacement.

Baziwood answered back, “Yes, sir, that’s what they reported as for Leinas, she has not left the room we gave them after going in. Also on my way here, I saw a lot of servants and guards wearing hats and cat tail belts, when I asked where they got them, they answered that lady Kathrin was handing them out.”

Jircniv slightly narrowed his eyes; this had not been in the report. That name sounded familiar. He couldn’t place it, something to look into later. “Odd when did Kathrin have time for this or did, she teleport back from the Ministry of magic? And where is she now?”

Nimble stepped forward, handing over the report as Jircniv skimmed over it; he talked. “We don’t know the report goes quite after meeting Kettro, at which point they simply said she returned to the palace and lost track of her.”

Jircniv didn’t like this at all; how did they lose track of her in the palace. He swirled the wine glass nearby as the servant stepped back, glancing over to notice the odd hat covering her head and the brown tail belt. Thinking nothing of it so long as they were in uniform and did the jobs, he asked of them.

“Nimble, I want you to go to the great temple to request an audience with them for me. Nazami pick out a few of our best trackers and tell them to replace those following Kettor’s group. I don’t want to keep losing track of them if that is all. I will retire to my chambers. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” Jircniv dismissed them expect for Baziwood as he left his main office to head down the quiet halls.

It was oddly more silent than usual as the maid followed them down the hall. His mind keeps trying to place where he remembered reading about lady Kathrin. Noticing Baziwood seemed tense, wanting to say something.

“If you have something you wish to talk about, say it, we should be safe to talk privately here. Marina knows not to speak about what she hears.” He has known her personally for a long time, and she was a loyal worker. It helped that if she spread what she heard, he could threaten her little brother.

“I wonder if it is wise to trust this group; they have come out of nowhere. One of them could best all four of us easily. Now both Fluder and Leinas are missing while I trust your judgment; they have little reason to help us at all or remain loyal. So why come to us at all?” His most trusted guard and a close friend warned, speaking his concerns.

Jircniv smirked a little at the question he was right to worry one thing was clear to the emperor. He wanted revenge against this group that much he could glean from the meeting. Even if they were strong, everyone had a weak point; he just had to find it. He hoped the tails would see it and did, to an end, show him more of their abilities.

Even if he didn’t know them, he could prepare to bring his full army against them to keep them here if need be. They were far too useful and resilient to let roam around. Jircniv gave several strategies deep thought for gaining their loyalty. He was sure if he could keep them around the annual war and the group causing him trouble would be no issue.

“Not to worry if we can gain control of Kettor. I’m sure all this trouble will be worth the risk. If he truly is not willing to agree to our terms, we will have to be prepared to mobilize all of the royal guards and army when this is over.”

As he reaches his bedchambers, he turned to Baziwood, dismissing him too. Halting when he notices Marina was still following him. He stared at her, hoping she would get the point and leave. As pretty as she was, he was not looking for another concubine to deal with,

However, looking closer, she did seem different her breasts seemed more prominent, and she looked more slender and well-toned than usual. Under Jicniv stare, she didn’t shy away; in fact, she got closer. Her brown eyes were now closer to honey color and hungry for him. “My lord, please allow me to join you so I may prove my usefulness beyond simpler tasks.”

Jircniv kept calm despite the close proximally gently pushing her back. “I thought you wanted to keep it professional besides what about your brother.”

Marina coyly grinned at his question. “I asked Marybell to watch him tonight. I feel with everything going on, I should secure my place here. and show my thanks to you unless you disagree.”

He knew at least that sounded reasonable; however, she refused to live in the palace due to her little brother. Plus, she was still rather ordinary for him, or at least she should look plain. Then he felt attracted to her for some odd reason as a sweet flowery scent filled the air. Failing to notice the Medallion of Mental Protection had slipped off his neck. Marina came closer till he was kissing her as their tongues danced, his mind was clouded by lust and attraction.

“Alright, I could let you try out for tonight see where things go,” Jircniv replied before he knew it, they were in his bed.

-Pov switch-

After a few hours of fun, Marina smiled, looking down at the sleeping Jircniv. She had always found him handsome though she could never ask before with her little brother to think about and his dismissive thoughts of her. This changed once her new mistress awakened her like so many others. Her talent had been useless to her most of her life, and she was too poor to afford to go to the Ministry of magic to learn. Something she always cursed her luck for.

However, after meeting her mistress, Marina found her talent had changed now. She could produce a strange aura of attraction. Even better, her mistress had ordered her to distract the emperor and ensure he would be unaware of a surprise tomorrow.

Perhaps if she did well enough, she would allow her to marry the emperor and ask him to move in with her and her little brother. Pulling out a sleep potion, this would ensure they would have plenty of cuddling time. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be too mad, but Jircniv was a fool to oppose her mistress in the first place, as all would learn after tomorrow.

-End of Chapter-