Golden Experience

“Welcome, Evil King Lyra.”

In the hall of the castle, the Count welcomed a new Evil King.

She even went to the trouble of coming all the way down here to say hello, and unlike the Evil Kings who had secluded themselves underground, she must be a sociable person.

Or it could be that she has some purpose or simply wants to keep a connection with the vampire forces.

In any case, she is far more fearsome than an Evil King who only thinks of themselves.

However, there was something that needed to be mentioned.

“─Thank you very much for being so nice to Blanc. Ahh, we had something called a fruit tart. It was splendid.”

Despite the appearance that might lead one to think lightly of him, the Count had lived for a very long time, simply having no visible changes in appearance.

In other words, he was very much an adult.

“If it suited the Count’s taste, then I am pleased. That was just something I baked for a little enjoyment, but I make them quite often. If you don’t mind, I can bring some again the next time I come visit.”

Even though he was praising, saying it was just a pastime and even bringing it as a gift might sound a bit disrespectful. However, the Count knew that there were cultures that tended to use excessively modest language.

Although they had only exchanged a few words, judging from her personality and what he had heard from Blanc, the Count speculated that it might be not just a matter of politeness but a cultural difference.

Whether due to limited exposure to different cultures or strict upbringing, it was unclear, but one thing could be said: this Evil King seemed to be a young individual despite her appearance.

Most likely, she was not much older than the new Demon Lord or Blanc.

While there were individuals whose appearance did not reflect their lineage, the Count knew that there might be some kind of familial relationship between this Evil King and the Demon Lord. Considering the original species, it might be unlikely, but there were items capable of manipulating even that.

“I appreciate that. I’ll look forward to it. And please, don’t worry about formalities. Now then, what brings you here today?”

“I became an Evil King, you see. Through Blanc-chan, I’m not completely unfamiliar with you, and I wanted to say a word of greeting. Also, it seems you know about other Evil Kings, so I thought we could have a mutually beneficial conversation. Of course, I have no intention of using the information you give me against you, and naturally, I don’t intend on being antagonistic.”

Just recently, he had heard something similar.

Of course, it was something to be welcomed.

After all, the Count had no particular desire to oppose others. However, since combat strength could be one of the indicators to determine whether the other party was worth talking to, in most cases, it would be quicker to fight.

As for talking about Evil Kings, there were no particular restrictions. It wouldn’t make a difference even if he spoke, and for most people, it was information of little importance.

In other words, the Count could decide whether to talk about it based on his own judgment. However, this person seemed to have a deep connection with Blanc and the Demon Lord, and judging from the conversation so far, she didn’t seem like a problematic individual. There was no harm in talking.

Above all, the one who could make the best use of information about Evil Kings was the new Evil King right in front of him. Furthermore, the feeling of mysterious excitement that the world would change partly due to the information he provided was something quite special, especially when it was entirely his own will and not bound by any covenant.

“That’s right. I have no qualms about talking about the Evil Kings I know. I can also tell you about other individuals on par with Evil Kings and the Golden Dragon of the North Pole. Ah, or is that a separate matter? I see…”

*

“─So, it’s increasing after all.”

“Yes, indeed. At least, the other Evil Kings I know had many more. Though, to be clear, it’s only visible when their skills are activated; it’s not prominent in their usual appearance.”

“Mmm, well, I guess it’s fine then…”

The Count’s beloved master, as well as women in general, seemed to pay more attention to their appearance than men might think. Each person has their own idea of what is beautiful, but if they were originally human, an increase in such elements might indeed be difficult to accept.

“Oh, excuse me for a moment.”

The Evil King interrupted the conversation with the Count and closed her eyes, entering a state that seemed like meditation. It appeared that she was engaged in some form of communication or exchange with someone or something.

They had the ability to freely converse with friends even from a distance like this. With such capabilities, they could easily conquer continents in the blink of an eye, yet for some reason, they chose not to coordinate such actions. Nevertheless, with the ability for the Demon Lord, Evil King, and the titled vampire to secretly communicate regardless of distance, the fate of this continent seemed to have already been decided.

During such moments, Blanc would let her gaze wander in the empty space, half-open her mouth, and occasionally speak the contents aloud. However, the Evil King displayed none of those gestures—a difference in upbringing, perhaps.

“My apologies. A message from my younger sister.”

“So, you’re sisters with the Demon Lord.”

“Yeah, well.”

If she had a sister, it would likely be the Demon Lord, even though it was a random guess. Despite the difference in species, they shared the same facial features, making it easily understandable. At least being called sisters with Blanc would be less surprising than other possibilities.

“Well then, thank you for the enlightening conversation today, Count. I’ll return the favor sometime.”

“No, it’s no trouble. Being in a place like this, opportunities to interact with others are inevitably limited. Thanks to you, I had a good time.”

Adapting to their culture, it might have been better to say something like “I was free anyway”, but that might convey a slightly different nuance. Expressing oneself in a foreign culture is challenging. It’s best to avoid unnecessary comments.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. Please take care of Blanc, and, well, if possible, my sister too.”

“Of course. Please take care as well.”

With a slight nod, the Evil King disappeared while maintaining that pose.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

She, like the Demon Lord and the Evil King, was a presence with a similar yet different kind of fear. Currently, she might not match the Count’s strength, but as an Evil King, this might be true only for now. She would likely surpass him quickly, just like the Demon Lord.

And, something that the Count had been trying not to think about too much—Blanc seemed to be in a similar situation.

“It seems that Blanc, according to Weiss, has already acquired the potential to reach the level of Countess. Becoming a Marchioness or a Dutchess is only a matter of time.

Considering the extraordinary speed of Blanc’s progress, especially compared to the path the Count has walked, it’s remarkable. However, it’s understood that they are such beings.”

For Blanc, who, like the Count, has no ancestry, becoming a True Ancestor is the next step. Even if they are vampires of different lineages, once they become True Ancestors, it is customary for even a Count to show respect.

“I wonder what expression Blanc will have at that time.

And what expression will I wear?

It’s a bit exciting, or maybe not. A strange feeling.”

“…I came to give a report. I didn’t expect her to show her face here.”

The news of the birth of the Evil King had just been received from Weiss. However, not much time had passed before the Evil King herself appeared in the ancient castle.

Presumably, the new Evil King contacted Blanc, obtained some information there, and aimed for this ancient castle. Weiss, having talked to Blanc, heard about the birth of the Evil King and came here.

The slight delay on Weiss’s part was likely a simple matter of distance. In terms of abilities, the Evil King has the upper hand, so the flight speed would favor the Evil King. However, there’s also a difference in familiarity with the action of flying. If the Evil King has just become one, they might not be accustomed to flying in the air.

“Like with the Demon Lord, I don’t have any intention of being hostile. In fact, I sensed a desire to be on good terms. So, I won’t mind.”

“That’s right. I haven’t had direct conversations, but I’ve seen Blanc-sama chatting happily with them. It didn’t seem like the kind of person who would do something rude to a familiar acquaintance.”

There was an atmosphere suggesting gratitude for the recent conversations. As long as they feel indebted, there seems to be no potential for hostility. The longer this period lasts, the lower the likelihood of hostility seems to be.

“…Well, in any case, it’s a good thing for me. If we can build good relationships, it might make it easier for my Master’s wishes to be fulfilled.”

For that, they must first get Blanc and company to cross the sea. However, that won’t take much time either. It’s a much simpler task than becoming a Demon Lord or Evil King.

“Oh, and by the way, how is Blanc handling the murky gems dropped by the angels? Are you counting and managing them properly?”

“Um, are you talking about the thing called a Pure Heart?”

“If that’s its name. Well, anyway, I mean that thing.”

You never know what might happen.

It’s good to have those gems if they’re available.

“Well, Blanc-sama seems to have a dislike for those angels. Probably left those things scattered around the town.”

“…I see. Sorry, but could you pick them up?”

Typically, a soul is lost approximately one hour after a person’s death. This has been verified through experiments such as necromancy and is highly accurate information.

The items dropped by angels, the murky gems, also known as pure hearts, can extend the time a soul is kept in the body. The Count doesn’t possess a skill like [Appraisal], so he doesn’t know the details, but he’s aware of the effect through empirical evidence.

The extended time is one hour per item.

As a world law, as long as the soul remains, the corpse does not begin to decay. In other words, if you have about 8,760 of these items, you can keep a character in the state immediately after death for a whole year.

The Count himself never truly dies, but it doesn’t hurt to have them. Even if someone dies and there’s no revival item or skill available immediately, keeping them in that state until you obtain it is possible.

“…There might come a time when you think, ‘if only I had them’. It’s better than regretting it when that time comes.”