Chapter 223


    Sir! Why are you leaving me out of the subjugation? Prince Localope asked.


    I should be the one asking you a question. Why would a prince want to participate in an evilnd subjugation? Eugene responded.


    T-thats Prince Localope stuttered.


    <em>Its because I want to see a knight I admire fight against monsters!</em>


    It was something he could never say as an imperial prince. He was already extremely disappointed to have missed the battle between Eugene and the undead twin-headed ogre in the capital, as well as the 11-to-1 duel that had recently taken ce in front of the castles gate. It was an honorable thing to work with an unparalleled knight who would surely go down in history, but what was the point if he could never see the knight at work?!


    Indeed, Prince Localope was an enthusiastic follower of the knight Jan Eugene. However, he did not want to reveal the truth to Eugene.


    <em>There is a saying that a hidden virtue is a true virtue. It is the same with my expectations of him. I am being virtuous by not revealing myself.</em>


    Prince Localope justified his actions with a ridiculous reason. Of course, Eugene had no idea how Prince Localope viewed himself.


    It will be better for you to stay here and show your face in the city hall from time to time and get acquainted with the nobles. You had only just resumed your true identity, Eugene said. As he said, Localope was no longer pretending to be a servant, and as such, he was dressed appropriately as a prince. He wore a headband of pure gold embedded with precise, beautiful jewels and a ne weaved with the finest of refined mana stones. In addition, he even had a ring containing the seal of the imperial family. Prince Localope was overflowing with nobility and dignity in appearance.


    Moreover, he adorned a simple piece of armor made of ogre leather and enchanted with magic inside his elegant, sophisticated clothing. The piece of equipment was a treasure that protected its wearer from most physical attacks. Regr weapons could not even leave a scratch on the treasures surface.


    In other words


    Its an explosion of awesomeness when money and magice together! As expected! A truly wealthy man gives off a different vibe. Its just like how I, King God General, radiate overwhelming force by simply breathing. <em>Kihehe!</em> Mirian eximed.


    Eugenemented, Lilisain. Put a stop to the barking.


    Honor! <em>Fuwah, hwah!</em> Princess Lilisain responded as her breaths turned heated and ragged with excitement. The duke was implying that she could deal with the spirit as she wanted. It was a rare opportunity for her to gratify her desires freely.


    Come here,e! Good girl, right? Come over here!


    <em>Kieeeehhh!</em> The spirit started screaming as shey on top of a tower of a fairlyrge, ornamental castle made of gold. Of course, it was actually only ted with gold.


    Eugene continued while listening to the spirits desperate screams, Your Highness. Dont tell me youre going to be satisfied with just the nobles of the kingdoms royal castle?


    What are you talking about? Prince Localope asked.


    How could the prince be so dense?


    Eugene had to suppress a sigh from escaping between his lips. He then exined, Nobles and merchants from various kingdoms havee due to the founding of the Dukedom of Maren. Im sure some of them already have rtionships with the imperial family of the Roman Empire, but there are sure to be a great number of them who do not. And what is it that you need the most right now? Is it not connections and influence?


    <em>Ah!</em> Prince Localope eximed.


    This is your opportunity to achieve all that you wanted without spending a penny, so what is this talk abouting with us on subjugations? Its not like youre going to build rtionships and connections with monsters Eugene said.


    But the protagonist of the event is the City of Maren and you, sir, rather than me Prince Localope muttered.


    There are a great number of people who are eager to meet Your Highness. Theyre only staying quiet because they fear me. But what will happen when Im absent? You will only need to take your pick, Eugen responded.


    Localopes eyes quivered.


    Eugene continued in a quiet voice, And everyone knows the rtionship we share. Even if there are those who want to build a rtionship with me, they will surely approach Your Highness first. Isnt this the perfect opportunity to establish connections with prestigious nobles from afar? This is your chance to grow your influence and presence.


    S-sir Eugene. To think you would go that far for me <em>Keugh</em><em>!</em> Prince Localope said with teary eyes. He appeared quite moved. It was only natural for him to feel this way when someone he admired deeply was taking care of him to this extent.


    My heart trembles. It has been my greatest fortune to have met you, sir, Prince Localope said. His gaze was overflowing with heat and emotions as he stared at Eugene.


    Its embarrassing, so lets stop it there, Eugene responded while sneakily avoiding the princes gaze.


    <em>As if its for you</em>


    In truth, he was justzy. He found the babbling prince to be annoying and the foreign nobles even more annoying than the former. He could see straight through the ulterior motives of the foreign nobles and how they only wanted to make connections with him.


    In part, that was what caused him to n the evilnd subjugations. If he left Localope behind in Maren, he would be liberated from everything bothering him, and he could be proud in front of the parliament and the governor.


    They would take the next best thing in Eugenes absence, and it was highly likely that everyones attention would turn to Localope, an imperial prince of the Roman Empire. The governor and the parliament would be relieved that there would be no diplomatic vacuum in the kings absence, the foreign nobles would also be d to satisfy their vanity, and Localope could make lots of connections and expand his influence.


    <em>While Im happy to avoid the cumbersome work!</em>


    Who cared if Eugene was hiding his true intentions?


    Everyone would benefit, anyway.


    This opportunity that you have created for me, I will do my best to take advantage of it. From the bottom of my heart Thank you, Prince Localope said.


    The princes passionate gaze reminded Eugene of Princess Lilisain, and it felt slightly burdensome.


    ***


    Eugene quietly departed from Maren with only Princess Lilisain and the elven knights. The governor and the parliament wanted Eugene to be apanied by a proper delegation, as it was his first trip as the dukedoms leader. Even regr lords mobilized dozens of people when they left to inspect their own territories. The governor and the parliament reasoned that it would be damaging to Eugenes reputation and dignity as a king if he were apanied by fewer troops than even regr lords.


    Their reasoning was valid, but Eugene rejected their offer, saying that he wanted an exact, proper understanding of the dukedoms current situation.


    It was naturally a lie.


    He couldnt even imagine how much the lords would annoy him if he brought with him dozens of followers and servants. Moreover, he was certain they would hold banquets and invite numerous nobles to them. Since he was a king, he could not reject such invitations, and he had no doubt it would take more than a month before he could finally get to the Tywin territory.


    As such, Eugene departed for the Tywin territory without any ves or porters. There were only eight figures in his group. Although an actual king, who was also a prestigious vampire nobleman, and an elven princess were traveling, they lived like mercenaries or free knights. The elven knights of nd were ustomed to taking care of various chores, as they rarely took on aides except for a few special cases. Princess Lilisain felt no difort either. Ever since she was young, she had roamed around by herself and had always been beating up monsters on her own. On the contrary, she was very satisfied that she could monopolize Eugene during their travel without anyone disturbing them.


    Your Majesty. There is a fallen tree in our path. I will go and clean it up.


    No, I think we can just jump over


    Your Majesty. Anemia is a great enemy of the Dark n. Please drink my blood whenever you need it. I am willing to donate my blood at any time for Your Majesty.


    No, I think Ill be fine catching roamers


    Your Majesty. Please leave it to the other sirs and me to set up camp. Sir Paulsa, firewood. Sir Madeleine, drinking water. I will personally prepare dinner. A special goblin stew for His Majesty


    No, I dont eat goblin meat


    No, I will prepare the meal, Princess! Sir Paulsa! Quick, go catch a rabbit or something simr!


    Ive caught it!


    Thats fast!


    There was one thing the elven knights and Eugene could agree on unanimously, and it was regarding cooking. Princess Lilisains dishes were truly evil.


    Princess, please rest. We will take care of it.


    <em>Hmm!</em> One without responsibility cannot be called a true knight. I will at least go and get some water


    <em>Fwoooooosh!</em>


    <em>Kieeeeh!</em> Drinking water is done! Mirian reported while saluting as she stood atop a hanging pot.


    How cute Princess Lilisain muttered. She was disappointed that there was nothing for her to do, but her heart was thawed by the spirits charm.


    She slowly crept to Eugenes side, and as the distance between the two narrowed, anxiety began to rise in Eugenes heart. Ever since his battle with the twin-headed ogre, and after he drank her blood after falling into exhaustion, he felt more burdened by her.


    - It means I cannot get married any longer


    He wondered what the hell it meant, even though he always shivered when he recalled her words. However, he nned to never ask her about it. His intuition as an Origin warned him that hearing the answer would plunge him into an inescapable hole. Fortunately, the princess had never mentioned the elephant in the room.


    However, Eugene still couldnt help but feel anxious whenever he was left alone with Princess Lilisain.


    Your Majesty, Princess Lilisain called out.


    What is it? Eugene answered. Her voice was subtler than usual, and the Origin vampire felt goosebumps rising on his skin. He was more nervous in his current situation than when he had to face a powerful enemy or monster.


    I have something that I am genuinely curious about, Princess Lilisain said.


    Dont you think its better to leave the things that you are curious about alone? That way, you can spend every day more meaningfully with expectations and hopes for the future, Eugene hurriedly responded while desperately avoiding the princess fiery gaze. Even he could not make sense of his own nonsensical words.


    I think my life will be more fruitful and meaningful if you answer my questions, Your Majesty, Princess Lilisain responded. She appeared quite determined.


    Eugene gulped unknowingly. Princess Lilisain slowly skirted over his entire figure with a burning gaze.


    <em>Slurp!</em>


    She licked her plump lips with her cherry-red tongue and spoke in a voice that vividly conveyed the heat.


    <em>Ha</em> Your Majesty


    W-what? What? Eugene said.


    Your armor, Armis! Truly beautiful and strong!


    What? Eugene mumbled with a frown.


    Princess Lilisain continued without hiding her excitement, I can still feel a little bit of sinister energy, but even that makes Your Majesty stand out more. How does it feel? Is itfortable? When I saw you fight those unsavory knights, you didnt seem ufortable at all.


    So, she was curious about the demonic armor. Eugene felt all the tension in his body drain away as he answered, Its a perfect fit. I cant even feel its weight at all. But the nds royal family previously owned this armor, right?


    Armis, the demonic armor, was something he had received from the royal family of nd thanks to the Sword Master Pranbow. Eugene could not understand how Lilisain, a princess of nd, was ignorant of Armis and was instead curious about it.


    They say that the demonic armor charms those whoy their eyes on it. As such, only trained masters and the king are allowed to see it, Princess Lilisain exined.


    <em>Hmm.</em> Is that so? But its fine now? Eugene asked.


    Yes. Thats when I became certain. Your Majesty is the true master of the magical, demonic armor. I would like to congratte you once again, Princess Lilisain answered.


    Well, I guess so, Eugene said with a bitter smile. During his bloody battle with the undead twin-headed ogre, Armis had recognized that he was in danger and flew over to him of its own will and even equipped itself on him. That was understandable, as it was a valuable treasure containing the powerful mysteries of magic. However, Armis craved blood endlessly after being equipped even once, as if it were a living creature.


    Eugene was certain


    <em>Only an Origin like myself is capable of wearing this.</em>


    Armis was <em>literally</em> a demonic armor, and it absorbed the blood and energy of its wearer. An ordinary person wouldst not even ten minutes, and even a knight with excellent physical and mental strength wouldst no longer than an hour.


    Only lord-ss vampires with special blood or pure-blooded elves couldst a reasonable amount of time wearing Armis. The royal family of nd had been aware of this fact, which was why they kept it safe. It was something that even those belonging to the Ba Duchy had no idea about.


    So you dont know much about Armis, do you, Princess? Eugene asked.


    Yes. Father and Master Pranbow were both reluctant to talk about the demonic armor, she answered.


    <em>Hmm.</em>


    Eugene had many questions. The treasured sword, Wolfughter, the demonic spear Madarazika, the magical shield Paracletus, and the demonic armor Armiseach piece of equipment was worthy of being called a legendary item, so how had all of them gathered in the Ba Duchy? And why were they all deadly to vampires but were simultaneously only capable of being fully utilized by an Origin?


    <em>Now, all of them are in my hands.</em>


    Eugenes intuition was telling him that there was something more to be discovered.