“Let’s put aside the matter of Tenraku for now and return to the main topic,” Azazel said with a hint of seriousness on his face.
“After the Vampires on Tepes’ side discovered the Holy Grail, what actions did they take? Normally, Vampires like you, who detest Gods, should seal or destroy Sacred Gears bestowed by Gods. It seems that’s what you used to do.”
“Indeed, we Vampires have no need for the power bestowed by Gods!” Elmenhilde replied. “However, those Tepes fellows abandoned the honor of our Vampire race and sought to become flawless beings.”
“They used the power of the Holy Grail to obtain bodies that won’t die— no matter if a stake is driven through their hearts, they are pierced with a cross, don’t return to their coffins to sleep, or are exposed to sunlight. However, it seems there are still some flaws due to the incomplete manifestation of the Holy Grail’s power, making them difficult to ruin.”
Elmenhilde’s eyes showed strong disgust toward the Tepes Vampires.
Azazel, Tenraku, Rias, and her companions exchanged glances, sensing the gravity of the situation. Vampires were already a troublesome race, capable of easily turning humans into their kin by drinking their blood, without the complications of reincarnation like Angels and Devils.
They had various abilities and powerful bodies, capable of regeneration even if their heads were severed or their organs melted, given sufficient blood and power. Trying to confront them without a considerable amount of magical power would be extremely challenging for Devils.
Vampires eliminating their weaknesses and becoming immortal beings could disrupt the balance of the entire world!
“There must be more to what those fellows have done,” Azazel said with a glint in his eyes.
“Indeed, those fellows not only fell but also started attacking us!” Elmenhilde gritted her teeth with a grim expression. “Currently, Tepes and our Carmilla are in a state of war, with casualties on both sides. I absolutely cannot forgive such vile actions; I will personally purge them as a member of the Vampire race!”
Tenraku, Azazel, Rias, and her companions were not surprised by those words. Tepes’ Vampires, having attained perfect bodies, would naturally seek to eliminate their longstanding enemies, the Carmilla faction. After all, the animosity between the two sides had been ongoing for quite some time.
However, if they allowed Tepes to eliminate Carmilla and unite the entire Vampire race, the next step might be an attack on other factions!
“So, why did they happen to obtain one of the Sacred Gears, the Holy Grail? As one of the Longinus, that is something capable of overturning the principles of life.”
“So, what is your goal? Are you planning to use Gasper’s power to deal with those Tepes fellows?” Azazel sighed and then asked, “Although Gasper’s Evil Eye is a decent Sacred Gear, it may not be very effective in a large-scale war.”
Elmenhilde looked directly at Gasper and stated, “We’re not interested in the power of Gasper’s Evil Eye. What we truly desire is the hidden power within Gasper!”
“Hidden power within Gasper?” Rias and her companions couldn’t help but be surprised and turned their gazes to Gasper, who looked utterly confused.
What hidden power? Why was he not aware of it?!
“Azazel, I heard that you are now Gasper’s Sensei. Please don’t tell me you are unaware of the power hidden within Gasper,” Elmenhilde said with a hint of mockery as if she held all the cards.
“I only discovered it recently too, Tenraku. I assume you’ve known for a while,” Azazel said, looking at Tenraku, who nodded.
Tenraku was undoubtedly more aware of the power within Gasper than anyone else. However, he wouldn’t reveal it now. He exchanged glances with Rias and Sona, silently signaling the understanding among them. The girls, catching on, remained silent without asking any further questions.
“That power is too dangerous. I suggest not awakening it easily,” Azazel said with a serious expression.
“Exactly because it’s dangerous, it proves its tremendous strength, doesn’t it? As long as you hand Gasper over to us, we will naturally guide and control his power.”
“Of course, since Gasper has already left the Vampire clan and become a Peerage of Princess Rias, we won’t demand anything for free.”
“We have prepared the documents. Please take a look, everyone.”
A light chuckle escaped Elmenhilde’s lips as she gestured to the female Vampire behind her, who nodded and handed a stack of documents to Azazel.
“A peace agreement from the Carmilla faction…” Azazel grinned after perusing the contents. “Our Queen, Her Majesty Carmilla, is concerned about the long-standing conflict with the Fallen Angel Governor General and the Church. Therefore, she has proposed this ceasefire agreement.”
Elmenhilde, with a sly smile, added, “It’s our way of expressing concern about the prolonged history of conflict with the Governor General of the Fallen Angels and the Church. Now, let’s focus on achieving peace.”
Azazel passed the documents to Rias and her companions. However, upon reading the so-called agreement, the girls couldn’t conceal their anger.
“You’ve got the order reversed, haven’t you? Usually, we would first discuss a peace agreement before addressing the matter of the Longinus,” Rias said in her icy voice. “Your agreement implies that unless we hand over Gasper, you won’t accept peace!”
“And this is just a truce, not a cessation of hostilities,” Griselda added with a smile, her beautiful eyes shimmering with a cold gleam.
“That’s about the gist of it. Anyway, the decision is in your hands. Whether to accept it or not is entirely up to you,” Elmenhilde said, shrugging indifferently.
“Hah… Vampire girl, your approach is quite unethical. If you were to establish an alliance with us through proper channels, we would naturally dispatch support for you,” Azazel sighed.
“This is an internal matter among Vampires. We will handle it ourselves. You need not worry,” Elmenhilde retorted coldly, maintaining her high-and-mighty demeanor.
Though they were somewhat accustomed to it, that condescending attitude was still irksome!
“Tenraku, it’s your call on this matter. Although I’m Gasper’s Sensei, you are his true supervisor,” Azazel declared, washing his hands of the situation.
“We, from the Church, have no objections either. Let Lord Tenraku decide,” Griselda added with a smile. She had already regarded Tenraku as her Holy Lord and a representative of the Gods. Naturally, she leaned towards Tenraku’s side.
As everyone turned their eyes to Tenraku, who was reviewing the so-called peace agreement, he shrugged nonchalantly. Then, with a playful look, he turned to the visibly anxious Gasper.
“Gasper, you heard that, right? Handing you over can buy temporary peace with the Vampires. Sacrificing one person could bring peace to many. So, should we sell you off?”
Gasper’s face turned pale at Tenraku’s radiant smile.
Wu Wu Wu…
Could it be that Lord Tenraku is really considering selling him off again?!!
To be continued…
Support me on Patreon for extra chapters