Episode 147
Why did she show up?

Idrine gazed at Christian with eyes darkened and heavy.

Soon after, another figure entered the room.

A subordinate, it seemed—also a pure-blood vampire, serving Idrine.

“He’s completely asleep. Truly, the young lady’s power is extraordinary.”

If it had been anyone else, no matter how skilled, Christian would have sensed their presence. But he hadn’t.

This was all because of Idrine’s authority as the next Vampire Lord.

“But why go to such lengths?”

“…Because I had to see for myself.”

Idrine spoke, her voice cold yet composed.

“To determine whether Lord Christian is someone who can aid us—or not.”

It was an unexpected statement.

Leaving aside Christian’s past life, the Blood Sword Clan and the Dark Clan were sworn enemies. How could he possibly be of help?

“To stand against the Anax faction, which is led by the Cursed Spirits, our Blood Sword Clan needs the Dark Clan’s support.”

“…But isn’t that nearly impossible?”

The Blood Sword Clan was currently cornered, desperate enough to seek help from their longtime foes, the Dark Clan.

Yet, the Dark Clan had no reason to assist them.

Except…

“Perhaps, just perhaps, Lord Christian is different. He doesn’t seem like an ordinary mage.”

Idrine, the Grand Princess of the Blood Sword Clan, had come all the way to Gold Cross to stop the conspiracy unfolding in the Law Kingdom’s Seven Kings Castle.

Though she belonged to the Seven Kings Castle, she opposed the Anax faction responsible for the recent turmoil.

But when she arrived at Gold Cross, everything had already been resolved.

Thanks to the boy before her—Christian—who had performed an unbelievable miracle.

Having heard the rumors of what Christian had accomplished, Idrine was certain.

He was unlike any other mage.

“Though the feelings between us aren’t good, wouldn’t it be beneficial for the Dark Clan to ally with us? If the Blood Sword Clan falls, the Dark Clan will be next.”

“…That’s true, but…”

The subordinate woman nodded reluctantly, still skeptical.

“Unless the young lady betroths Lord Christian, an alliance between the two houses is unlikely.”

“If necessary, then so be it.”

“…What?”

The subordinate’s eyes widened in surprise, but Idrine said nothing more, expressionless.

“I’ve already sold my soul to a demon for the sake of the clan. What’s a mere marriage compared to that? Political marriages between noble mage families aren’t uncommon.”

“…Still, that’s a bit… Although, Lord Christian would make a fine match for you, and considering your ages in human terms, the difference isn’t that great.”

The subordinate muttered reluctantly.

For reference, Idrine was a pure-blood vampire who had just reached adulthood.

“Well, I wasn’t serious. Even if I brought up marriage, Lord Christian wouldn’t accept it. We’re enemies, after all.”

If they were to form an alliance with the Dark Clan, they’d first need to find a way to improve relations between the two houses.

“But how long do you think Lord Christian will survive? He looks like he’s going to die soon.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Lord Christian is currently undergoing the succession trials, right? According to Dark Clan tradition, the next test is to be assigned to the Dark Army.”

The Dark Army.

The elite corps the Dark Clan prided themselves on.

The very embodiment of their power.

“That’s true. But what’s the problem?”

Idrine tilted her head in confusion.

“Of course, given Lord Christian’s current condition, passing the second trial might be difficult, but it shouldn’t be dangerous, right?”

“That would be true if the Seven Kings Castle stayed out of it. But the Dark Army’s main enemy is our Seven Kings Castle.”

“…You mean?”

“I’ve heard the Anax faction plans to strike the Dark Army’s leadership in a few months. Exactly when Lord Christian will be taking his trial.”

Idrine’s face hardened.

But she shook her head shortly after.

“The Dark Army’s leaders aren’t pushovers. The commander, Marquis Shupen, is a seven-star mage. The Anax faction wouldn’t risk a reckless move unless they’re ready for all-out war…”

“Normally, yes. But you do realize who the Anax faction is dealing with, don’t you?”

Idrine’s expression stiffened.

“Could it be… ‘them’ are involved?”

“Most likely. The chances are high.”

“……”

The girl fell silent.

‘“They” are like a natural disaster. If they really are involved, there’s no way Lord Christian can survive with his current strength.’

The subordinate woman spoke with concern.

“There’s no stopping it anyway. If it happens, he’ll have to escape alive. But looking at his condition now, I wonder if he can even recover in a few months. Unless he takes the highest-grade elixir from the Uiseon family…”

Idrine examined Christian’s condition.

‘His internal injuries are severe. I heard he blocked the descent of the Fallen Angel—maybe that’s the aftereffect?’

A few months of rest would heal him, but time was the problem.

Christian would face the worst situation before fully recovering.

Idrine pondered deeply, then suddenly changed the subject.

“…One thing I want to ask. Lord Christian, you are truly our benefactor, aren’t you?”

“A benefactor?”

“You stopped that Märchen fellow’s scheme here in Gold Cross, didn’t you? If not for you, the Anax faction would have gained more power, and we’d be in even deeper trouble.”

“…Well, by that logic, yes, I suppose I owe you a favor. But why the sudden question? Could it be, young lady—”

Idrine nodded stubbornly.

“As a proud descendant of the great Blood Sword Clan, a favor received must be repaid.”

“Could it be, young lady?”

Idrine stepped closer to Christian.

The woman’s eyes widened, and Idrine raised a finger to touch Christian’s forehead.

Then something astonishing happened.

A dull, blood-red aura rose from Christian and flowed toward Idrine.

At the same time—

“Cough.”

Idrine coughed, blood trickling from her mouth.

“Lady?! What are you doing? Why use the power of self-sacrifice?!”

The subordinate woman scolded, her face pale.

It was the vampire princess’s unique ability.

To transfer the other’s physical ailments onto herself.

In fact, Christian’s complexion had improved significantly, while Idrine looked as pale as a corpse, as if she had contracted a new illness.

“Didn’t I say? As a descendant of the Blood Sword Clan, I’m repaying a favor.”

“What…?”

The subordinate shook her head, but Idrine seemed unfazed.

“I’m fine. My body is strong. Anyway, I should be going now. The effect of the power will wear off soon.”

“Yes, yes.”

And just as suddenly as they had appeared, the two vanished.

---

The day of departure arrived.

‘…Why do I feel so much better?’

Christian tilted his head in confusion.

Since waking up last night, the internal injuries that had plagued him were completely gone.

‘This isn’t natural. Someone must have intervened. But who?’

Christian’s eyes darkened with seriousness.

It was fortunate his body had improved, but it was strange that he hadn’t sensed anyone’s presence.

‘No matter how powerful the visitor, it’s impossible I wouldn’t notice.’

Of course, there were a few who could pull off such a feat.

‘For example, the Blood King of Bloodshed. No, now the Grand Princess of the Blood Sword Clan. With her power, she could have done this without me noticing… but that’s ridiculous.’

The one who helped him recover was definitely not an enemy.

He decided to focus on the matter at hand.

“Are you leaving now?”

“…Yeah. But why did you come all the way out here?”

Christian looked at Olivia, bewildered.

They were at the Warp Gate, near the border of the Magic Empire.

He had come on horseback because he wasn’t allowed to use the gate for security reasons, but now that Olivia had become the new Law King, she had granted permission.

‘But why did she follow me here? The Warp Gate isn’t exactly close to the Law Kingdom.’

He asked Olivia with a puzzled look.

Fortunately, they were alone.

“Is there something you want to say to me?”

“……”

“Anything is fine. Just say it.”

Olivia bit her lip.

“…Will we meet again?”

“…You came all this way just to ask that? Of course we’ll see each other again.”

Christian tilted his head, surprised by the sudden question.

“If you have nothing else to say, I’ll be going. Take care of yourself.”

Honestly, Christian felt a twinge of regret at parting with Olivia, but dragging it out would only make it worse.

‘This isn’t the last time we’ll meet anyway.’

As he turned his back, his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

“…Oppa.”

“!!”

Christian’s face froze.

He hadn’t misheard. She had just called him “oppa.”

‘…How?’

But then Olivia spoke weakly.

“…I’m sorry. You just remind me strangely of my older brother. If that made you uncomfortable, I apologize.”

“No, it didn’t.”

Christian shook his head, trying to calm his pounding heart.

‘Maybe I instinctively sensed something similar. Blood is terrifying. Even though my past life and current self have nothing in common.’

That was the last time Chris spoke with Olivia.

It was time to leave.

Just before stepping through the warp gate, he glanced back and saw Olivia staring at him with eyes so rigid and unblinking it felt like they could pierce right through him.

As he met her gaze, a sudden question crossed his mind.

‘…What if Olivia figures out who I really am on her own?’

Because of the laws of causality, he couldn’t reveal his true identity.

But if Olivia discovered it herself?

Before he could dwell on the thought any longer, his vision shifted—the warp gate activated.

And then—

“Your Majesty, the Law King, it’s time to return.”

“Please wait. I need a moment alone. Knights, fall back.”

Olivia stood there, dazed, watching the spot where Chris had just disappeared.

Strangely, her chest felt hollow.

She couldn’t explain it.

More than anything—

---

“I heard that Lord Christian knows about Princess Sistanya. Did Your Majesty tell him?”

The words of Lord Aslan from the Karn Empire echoed in her mind.

He had come to her with news: Christian had visited Princess Sistanya’s tomb and laid flowers—the very flowers she loved most.

‘But I never told him that. In fact, I didn’t even know that the late Law Queen Sistanya liked anemones.’

How could Christian have known that?

And why would he visit her tomb in the first place?

The pieces didn’t fit.

‘…No way.’

A sudden, chilling thought struck Olivia’s heart like a lightning bolt.

She remembered the time in the Vintz Duchy battle when that demon had shown her an illusion of ‘Chris.’

It had been too real to be just a projection of her subconscious.

Especially the final whistle—it was exactly like Chris’s.

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the impossible.

‘It can’t be.’

It was unthinkable.

And she was afraid to hope, fearing the disappointment that would follow.

But—

…Could it really not be true?

“Ah.”

Tears suddenly welled up and streamed down her face.

She reached out too late—Christian had already vanished beyond the warp gate.

Olivia stood there, staring blankly at the empty space where he had been.

---

Chris and his group passed through the warp gate.

Crossing the borderlands, they finally arrived in the territory of the Magic Empire—and were met with an unexpected sight.

“W-what is that?”

Alos’s voice trembled with surprise.

Countless demons stood in formation.

As Chris approached, a thunderous cheer erupted, shaking the very sky.

“To Lord Christian—loyalty!!”

“We honor the great deeds accomplished by Lord Christian!!”

Ahead stood the captain Chris had spoken with before leaving.

Chris smiled broadly.

“Well? I think I kept my promise. Is it as impressive as you expected?”

Before departing, Chris had promised the captain he’d bring back astonishing news.

“That’s just the beginning.”

The captain bowed his head respectfully.

“Look at all these gathered here. No one was ordered to come—they’ve all come voluntarily to pay their respects to you. Considering the feats you achieved against the Gold Cross, this welcome is barely enough.”

Chris turned his gaze to the assembled demons.

Though they were a diverse group, one thing united them all: deep respect and awe for Chris.

Many demons had already supported him, being a collateral relative who had risen on his own strength as heir apparent.

But now, after returning with impossible victories over the Gold Cross, even more demons had rallied behind him.

‘Best to accept it.’

Chris raised his hand.

A simple gesture—but it was enough.

“Waaaaah!!!”

“Long live Lord Christian!!!”

Amid the roaring cheers, Chris took a step forward—and was met by an unexpected figure.

“!!”

His father, Count Kazar.

Count Kazar grasped Chris’s hand firmly.

“Well done.”

A brief greeting.

But Chris knew well the deep worry and doubt hidden beneath those words.

“Thank you.”

Feeling it wasn’t enough, Chris added,

“Father.”

Saying that seemed to wash away the disgust he’d felt toward his father in his previous life.

Beside him stood Tern.

Tern was looking sideways with a crooked gaze.

“…Brother.”

“Address me properly.”

“…My respected King Emperor Majesty, brother.”

“That’s better. So, why did you come?”

“I-I just followed Father! It’s not because I was worried about you!”

“Really? Your eyes are red, and you were looking at the moon outside the window like you were crying over me.”

“Th-that’s impossible! I never cried worrying about you!”

“Don’t take it so seriously. The more you deny it, the more believable it sounds.”

Chris chuckled to himself.

‘He does have his cute moments, in his own way. Totally different from Olivia, though.’

After meeting the Law King, he felt a newfound appreciation for family.

Chris decided to be a little kinder to his younger brother from now on.

“It’s been a while since we met. How about a proper sparring match?”

“N-no thanks!”

“Why not? You like getting hit by me. I’ll give you a good, thorough beating just for you.”

“Ah, seriously! Get lost!”

Chris laughed and tousled Tern’s hair.

“I’m back.”

“……”

Tern pouted, clearly displeased, but then said,

“What you accomplished this time… was pretty… no, very impressive.”

Chris smirked.

“This is just the beginning.”

“!!”

Yes.

The Gold Cross incident was only the prologue to what Chris would accomplish.

Soon, turmoil would engulf the southern Magic Empire where Chris resided.

The conflict with the Extreme Poison Magic Faction.

The Rebellion of Jinrok.

The Catastrophe of the Destructive Magic Faction.

And behind it all, the ‘Azure Demon King’ pulling the strings.

Countless challenges awaited him.

‘But first, I have to become the Grand Prince.’

Chris looked northward, toward the stronghold of the Dark Magic Faction.

The second trial was to subjugate the Dark Magic Army.

More precisely, to bring the commander of the Dark Magic Army—and the highest-ranking seven-star demon—Marquis Shufen, under his control.