"Your highness if I may propose a deal." Satoru said as he deeply bowed and waited for confirmation, silence would also be taken as a sign that he should continue, but when he was about to carry on the vampire Queen interjected instantly.

"Human, do not tempt your luck. You should be grateful enough that I let you live."

Satoru gulped; he knew there would be no backing down once he continued. He summoned his resolve, even though his heart rate kept increasing and he could feel the cold sweat drenching his cloth he pressed on. Come on Satoru, you can do this. He told himself and took a deep breath.

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." He started as he straightened up and looked into the eyes of the sovereign. He could see from the periphery of his vision Mika visibly flinching at his declaration, but he didn't care. The Queen had an indescribable expression as she stared down at him. Satoru was sure she was thinking about how a child at his age could spout such words, but it was his opportunity to win her over, and he would do his best to do so.

…

Krul observed the little human with interest in her eyes. Not only was the human smart enough to use her as a shield against Ferid, but also had sound reasoning and a way too sophisticated vocabulary. She was at a loss for words. How could a human at the tender age of 6, who had never been to the outside world and was brought up by humans no older than 20 act like that?

There was more to this human than what met the eye. She shouldn't jump into conclusions, just because he was fortunate enough to know about her authority — Mika told him no doubt — and because he had a smart speech it didn't mean anything. She should test the kid to make sure he had what it takes to be a servant under her. Perfect, she stood nothing to lose and all to gain. This kid may yet turn out to be a valuable asset to her plans. She smiled as she started playing with her hair. This day turned out to be quite the surprise, — she thought as her eyes landed on Sato.

…

Mika stood there flabbergasted at the resourcefulness of Sato, although he had only given the child basic information, the kid managed to come up with a plan that ensures his and his family's safety.

Mika couldn't believe what was happening. The child he had come to know through the past weeks was going back and forth with Krul, a vampire he couldn't disobey.

When they had first met, he had a feeling that this child was special, but not in his wildest dreams did he expect that Sato would start a full-blown argument for the sake of his family.

Maybe… maybe Mika could have done the same if he knew this was a possibility. He wouldn't have lost his family if he wasn't so foolish to believe that he could escape. How naïve he was, — he realized. Although it has been 4 years since then, the nightmares still haunted his nights as he witnessed Ferid massacring his family again and again.

Mika couldn't help but clench his fists as he whipped himself. If he were smarter then, he could have… he could have saved them with nothing but a clever move — by making a deal with the most powerful vampire who oversees this place. How could he be so blind to not see it at the time?

Through the years he had come to understand the opposing relationship between Krul and Ferid. Ferid would tease Krul every time he had the chance, but he wouldn't dare hurt someone if it would bring Krul's anger on him, Ferid was smarter than that.

Ferid had already played out his cards, Mika was sure that after he let Yu escape and almost killed him in the process Krul was infinitely close to ending his life, — why she had spared him was beyond him. The knowledge that Ferid would have to watch himself put him at ease.

He was broken out of his train of thought as he heard Krul calling him.

"Mika escort this human back to his family, we will finalize our deal tomorrow."

Mika said nothing as he made his way over to Satoru who was a little pale, but nevertheless had a brimming smile. Mika led Sato back to his home all the while wondering what tomorrow may bring.

…

Krul Tepes was left alone in the vast throne room. The human named Sato was unnaturally mature in her opinion, if she didn't see him with her own eyes, she would have guessed that she was talking with a full-grown adult. She tried to probe at the human, trying to figure out where he had learnt to negotiate so adeptly, but every single one of her advances were skillfully misdirected. She had decided that if tomorrow didn't bring more satisfying answers, then she would just command Sato to talk. Frightening him should work, it always does with children.

Realizing that there was nothing more on today's agenda she left the throne room and headed down a strictly guarded corridor. There were guards stationed every 20 ft or so, all of which had a hardened expression when Krul passed by them. It didn't take long for the vampire queen to reach her destination. It was a hidden room, sealed deep down under her castle. When she entered the vampires gave their respect, before returning to work.

This was a wholly dark room, though to the vampires who possessed night vision it meant nothing.

She stopped about 10 ft from the center of the room where the most peculiar object was kept.

It was sealed in several formations of high-level magic, while it was continuously observed by the best specialist she had at her disposal.

In the darkness deep within an ominous crimson light pulsated as if a heart beating. The light passed off on the object in distinguishable waves around the room. Her eyes gleamed — she was mesmerized by the artefact. The item which received the name, the Red Orb.

"Is there any development?" Krul asked after she returned to the present.

One of the vampires dressed in a white outfit reported.

"My Queen, as you are aware the orb has started to show activity 6 years ago, and every day its radiation grows in volume and power. We have found no way to completely seal it. I am afraid if it continues at this rate then we will have to abandon the spear of destruction project entirely."

"Hmm, that is indeed worrying. Any progress you've made? Nothing to report?"

"My Queen, we are unable to decipher its inner workings, but we suspect that it must be a soul bound weapon… so long as the wielder lives there is no way we can control the artefact."

"Have you managed to figure out who the wielder is? It would save us some time."

"I am afraid we cannot, the syllable reads Momonga's red orb, however no record of ours have any mention of an entity named Momonga. "

"…" Krul took on a dissatisfied look as she stared down the researchers. They were the most capable vampires she had under her, yet they were unable to make any progress for centuries now. Maybe she should replace them, there ought to be someone more skilled in the field.

"Continue to do your utmost, I expect real results. There may be a need for us to utilize its power, so you better figure out how to work this thing or else you might lose your head." Krul said as she left the chamber. She faintly heard the researchers affirming. "Yes, my queen. It will be as you desire."