Chapter 163


    Federique couldntprehend the words of the knight, but he could deduce the knights intention.


    It was either a ring mockery or an open provocation.


    He was a daywalker and the only child of Duke Helmond, the ruler of the Helmond n, who was allowed to carry thest name of Helmond. Even so, he couldnt even think to react with anger. The opponent was unaffected by his fear, which meant


    Wa


    Then Ill take the initiative! Ill shove my mace down your mouth and up your ass! Kuwuuuuugh!


    Kwaaaaaah!


    Federiques eyes filled with shock. If his own fear could bepared to a rivers torrent, the fear he was facing was like a tsunami of immeasurable size.


    I have to avoid it!


    His instincts warned him, but Federique was rendered immobile by Galfrediks fear. He couldnt budge. However, he was able to incite his own fear thanks to his desire for survival.


    Boom!


    One of Galfrediks maces hurled through the air toward Federiques head with a shockwave. However, just before the terrible weapon was about to make contact with Federiques helmet, Federiques head suddenly transformed into ck smoke.


    Tang!


    The ownerless helmet was crushed and tossed away. Federiques armor and clothes fell off the side of his saddle.


    Huh? Galfredik muttered with surprise. His opponent had suddenly dissipated without warning. Federique attempted to escape from the fight after transforming into ck smoke.


    Fwooosh!


    Uaagh?! Reyma shouted as the ck smoke brushed him by and tore his clothes. He had been quivering a little distance away from Federique.


    Is it magic? Damned bastard! Galfredik shouted after btedlying to a realization. He threw his axe toward the ck smoke.


    However, smoke couldnt be damaged by physical weapons.


    Hey! You cowardly vampire bastard! Stop right there! Galfredik shouted. However, Federique ignored the furious shout and quickly widened the distance between himself and the burly knight.


    It worked!


    He was overjoyed after barely managing to escape from certain death by using the mysterious power only high-ranking vampires could utilize. He had never imagined that Duke Ba was a duke-ranking vampire. Federique was simply relieved that the duke was unskilled with handling his fear, although he had no idea why.


    Whats going on? Why would such a powerhousee all the way to Brantia and cause trouble?


    Federique thought so while maintaining his immaterial form to flee the battlefield. As he ran, something caught his eye.


    What?!


    Duke Bas subordinate knight was looking his way after ughtering his vampire knights.


    Whats that bastard doing?


    The knights face wasnt visible, but Federique could feel that the ck knight wasnt surprised at all. Any human being would have been surprised to see a vampires immaterial form, even if they were a knight. But the ck knight appeared unfazed


    Arrogant bastard. I will kill you when I see you again.


    However, Federique could only grit his teeth while running away. Suddenly, the ck knights crimson eyes emitted a glow from inside his helmet. Federique started to speed up as an ominous sensation washed over him.


    Kwaaaaaaa!


    His surroundings were suddenly colored crimson.


    T-this is?!


    Federique was eventually forced to a stop. A hugeposed of hundreds of crimson threads was blocking the direction where Federique was flying.


    Fear?! Fear?!!


    Federique was shocked out of his soul. He almost wished that he was surrounded by a wall of silver instead as he was immediately struck with panic and confusion.


    Duke Ba had appeared to be inexperienced in utilizing fear, so how?


    Perhaps


    You. You have a rather fascinating skill, dont you? a voice whispered from right behind him.


    Huak!


    If it wasnt for hisck of physical body, Federique would have forgotten his dignity as a high lord and leaped with shock.


    Eugenes hand grabbed a hold of Federiques immaterial form.


    Kuaaaaaaghhh!!!


    A terrible scream resounded. The disturbing, piercing screech was enough to affect the very souls of ordinary humans.


    Fwoooosh!


    Kuwaaagh! Kuwaaaaaaghhh!


    Huh? Eugene was taken aback. He had simply grabbed Federique to keep him from running away, but the ck smoke in his hand was being swept away by a crimson me. Simultaneously, a portion of Federiques knowledge began to permeate Eugenes mind. However, rather than learning something new, it felt as if he was recalling an old, forgotten memory.


    Fwoosh!


    And after the me subsided, the ck smoke fell apart like grains of sand and scattered in the wind. The vampire high lord was extinguished in such a vain manner after living a long life of nearly a hundred years.


    Dammit. Eugene felt disappointed by the unexpected oue. He assumed that the enemy would be special since they were a high lord. Who would have imagined that they would die so quickly?


    But this was a natural and obvious result Vampires were immune to physical attacks in their immaterial form, but they were extremely vulnerable to magic and mental attacks. Moreover, the hand that grabbed Federiques immaterial form contained the fear of the one who reigned over the vampires.


    A mere touch would have been enough to cause Federique to burst, so it was no wonder he died when Eugene snagged him with the full force of his fear. But, of course, Eugene wasnt aware of this fact.


    At least I found out how he transformed. This encounter was fruitful in its own way. It didnt matter to him if the vampire high lord died or not. Although the transfer of knowledge was cut short due to how quickly Federique died, Eugene was still satisfied with learning how to utilize his immaterial form. He didnt care about the consequences of what he had done at all.


    ***


    I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency, Reyma Fransil dered in a passionate voice after kneeling on one knee. However, Eugenes gaze was somewhat disapproving. It was because Reyma waspletely naked. His clothes had been torn to shreds when the vampire high lords immaterial form passed him by.


    Stand up, Eugene said.


    Yes, Your Excellency, Reyma answered before slowly rising. Eugenes frown deepened further.


    Hooh! Look at this pretty thang. Its solid. A horse, a horse!


    Kieeeeeh?! I-impressive! However, Sir Eugenes big, beautiful cKuagh!


    The spirit was struck down before she could reveal the Origins deep, dark secret.


    Y-youre so mean the spirit muttered while slowly falling to the ground like a lonely falling leaf.


    Big and beautiful? Hooh! Hoooh Galfredik ignored the spirit and muttered while alternating his gaze between Eugene and Reymas certain parts. He soon made eye contact with Eugene.


    Tuck!


    As expected from my master! Galfredik shouted.


    Thats right! As expected from our sir! the spirit harmonized with Galfrediksment.


    The two of them raised their thumbs at the same time. Ever since they gained the ability tomunicate, the two of them had been getting along strangely well. Eugene ignored them and turned to Reyma. Put on some clothes.


    What? But there arent any clothes Reyma responded.


    Just get something from the dead bodies, Eugene said.


    Ah, yes.


    It wasnt an act befitting a noble. However, Reyma could not disobey themand of his benefactor. As such, he searched the bodies of the dead knights for suitable clothing. Soon after, Reyma was fully clothed. He retrieved his armor and the weapons from the corpses of Brodias knights, and once again expressed his gratitude with a polite bow.


    I really dont know how I could possibly repay this favor. I will make sure to inform my father of your valiant, honorable deeds, Your Excellency. Although we will soon be family through the noble ritual of marriage


    Shut up. Eugene interrupted.


    What? Reyma was dumbfounded.


    You. What the hell were you thinking? Why did you go around saying that I was going to marry your sister? Eugene asked in an icy voice.


    W-well, thats because Huh? Reyma started to respond, then stopped himself. He could finally understand Eugenes reaction. Come to think of it, he had no evidence that Duke Ba and his youngest sister were going to get married. The only thing he knew was that Lorraine had been apanying the duke ever since she was taken prisoner.


    He didnt even know why, or whether it was even voluntary or not.


    Uh T-then


    Thats right. Your knights are dead, and you were taken prisoner because of your groundless imagination, Eugene responded.


    ! Reymas jaw dropped. He was responsible for the deaths of his valuable knights? Moreover, his sister was still a prisoner.


    Dont tell me Me too?


    Reyma naturally came to the conclusion aftering to his senses.


    Eugene spoke, You must have realized it now. You are my prisoner now as well.


    Heuk Reyma felt his heart drop as his mind went nk. This was an unprecedented situation where two direct descendants of the Fransil family were captured by one person. Reyma was devastated. However, that wasnt the end of it


    Your mistake. Do you want a chance to atone for it? Eugene asked.


    What?! W-what do you mean by that? Reyma asked after raising his head.


    Eugene continued. Contact your father, Lord Fransil. The ransom I want is this


    As he continued, Reymas expression gradually became more and more serious.


    Sir Reyma, I will let you go if you ept my offer, but if you refuse


    Eugene pointed at the pathetic, grotesque corpses of the dead knights.


    You will end up like them as well. And your family, in the end, will share the same fate.


    ! Reyma trembled. Soon, he replied with a determined expression, My father will follow Your Excellencys suggestion. I will make sure of it.


    Good. As expected, the eldest brother is better than his stupid sibling, Eugene remarked. Reyma flinched after hearing Eugenes remark, he could not refute it. It was a known fact that everyone in the Fransil family acknowledged.


    Well, if I follow Your Excellencys suggestion, you will release Lorraine with me, right? Since you swore on your honor as a knight Reyma said, hesitating.


    What? When did I say that I would let your sister go? Eugene replied with a frown.


    Huh? B-but you said that if I sent a letter to my father Reyma stammered.


    Your ransom is one thing, and your sisters ransom is another. Isnt that obvious? Eugene stated.


    Reyma looked up at Eugene with disbelief. Duke Ba was an incredibly talented knight and one of the greatest nobles in Brantia. Moreover, all of his material possessions looked extremely valuable, including his horse, sword, spear, and others. However, for such a great man, he seemed rather petty and slightly greedy.


    However, Reyma wasnt stupid enough to voice his thoughts.


    N-naturally. Yes, you are right, Your Excellency, Reyma said,promising.


    Im d you know. Well, lets go. Eugene ordered.


    Ah, yes!


    Reyma attempted to climb on the back of his horse, but Eugene interrupted him. Youre a prisoner. You have to work as such.


    What?


    Eugene gestured toward the bodies with his jaw and continued. Grab everything thats useful. You have to live frugally to live well.


    Yes


    Reymas felt reaffirmed in his suspicions. It wasnt just a little either. Duke Ba, an unparalleled knight and a great noble, was genuinely greedy and petty.


    Sir, sir! Can I take their money? Hmm? Hmmmm? Mirian asked.


    Sure, Eugene responded.


    Kieeeeehhh! This is exciting! Kieh! Silver~ Gold~ I like it, and our sir likes it~ Grab all the money~ And put it in my piggy bank~ Sir will think~ Oh, you nice little spirit~ Kieehhh~


    It appeared that the greedy spirit was just meant to be with the duke. Reyma scavenged all the useful items from the dead knights and stored them on two horses before wiping off his sweat.


    Phew! Im done. So, will we be joining your army and returning home? Reyma asked.


    What are you talking about? Eugene asked with a frown.


    Hmm? Then how will you send a letter to my father...?


    I will send a messenger. We will be attacking the Brodia family immediately after this, Eugene casually said.


    !


    Reymas face turned pale as he suddenly thought of something.


    T-then! If our family iste in epting your offer he muttered.


    Eugene revealed his fang in a grin and responded while drawing his thumb across his throat, Youll be damned.


    I will write a letter immediately! Reyma became flustered at the dukes words. Although the duke was truly greedy and petty, he was far more violent and brutal than he had ever imagined.