-966- The retreated fallen noble

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In the dilapidated and desolate relic camp, an oppressive atmosphere, making it difficult to breathe, hung in the air.

Natsuki coldly stared at Gajou and Liana, causing both of them to feel as if they were being scrutinized by a formidable presence, freezing them in place.

"Ugh..."

Even Kojou felt the impact of the pressure emanating from Natsuki, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead.

"So, this is Minamiya Natsuki..."

Gajou, fearless, smiled but dared not divert his gaze from Natsuki.

Undoubtedly, the aura and presence Natsuki brought were extraordinary. As a pure-blood witch with innate magical power comparable to high-ranking demons, she, as a national-level Attack Mage who used space manipulation magic as effortlessly as breathing, was one of the top fighters among humans, rivaling even the third-generation elders among vampires.

In terms of strength, Natsuki could even surpass the elders of the vampires, considered the third generation, and stand shoulder to shoulder with the second-generation royalty.

In other words, among the revered vampires, Natsuki was second only to the primogenitors.

Her strength, if fully unleashed, could potentially contend with even the primogenitors, allowing her to establish a formidable reputation as a demon slayer across various European countries.

If it were someone else, daring to indiscriminately slaughter in the demon territory, they would have long been tortured to death.

But Natsuki not only survived but also gained a formidable reputation, proving her terror.

Without a doubt, Natsuki was at the tactical pinnacle, possibly even at the strategic level.

It was precisely because of this that Natsuki could act so boldly in Europe and protect her brother Rozen in various malicious situations.

Facing such a presence, not to mention Gajou, even Liana, as a vampire aristocrat, couldn't help but feel fear, subdued by Natsuki's notorious name.

Therefore...

"Now that No. 12 has emerged, I will take her back to Itogami Island. Do you have any objections?"

Natsuki decided like this, showing no intention of consulting with anyone.

But this immediately gain a reaction from Liana.

"No! You can't take No. 12 away!"

Liana stepped forward, loudly declaring to Natsuki, "You cannot take her away. She was excavated by our Warlord Dominion!"

"Why?" Natsuki remained expressionless. "Give me a reason why I shouldn't take her."

"She... she is an artifact excavated by our Warlord Dominion!" Liana couldn't hide her hesitation. "If you take her away against the intentions of the Warlord Dominion, we will definitely protest to the Demon Sanctuary on Itogami Island!"

This was the only weapon Liana could rely on.

Unfortunately...

"It's not the Warlord Dominion responsible for the excavation, but both the Warlord Dominion and the Japanese government, right?" Natsuki calmly pointed out, "In that case, as a national Attack Mage representing the government, I have the right to take her back to the Demon Sanctuary."

"But... but...!" Liana wanted to say more, but Natsuki interrupted her.

"If you feel dissatisfied, I can also make a request to the Warlord Dominion and have the 'Lost Warlord' agree to leave No. 12 in the Demon Sanctuary of the Far East."

Natsuki glanced at Liana and continued, "Daughter of the Caruana family, descendant of the fallen noble, I know your intentions. You want to use No. 12 to awaken the Fourth Primogenitor and, through that, reclaim your territory, support a new king, and establish a new Night Empire. Do you think such a thing can be kept secret?" 

These words made Liana stiffen.

Clearly, Natsuki hit the sore spot in Liana's heart.

Rozen, on the side, naturally knew about this matter.

"I've heard about the Caruana family."

Rozen, as if explaining to the bewildered Kojou, spoke indifferently.

"It is said that the Caruana family is a well-known noble in the Warlord Dominion. The former head of the family was a count in the Warlord Dominion, owning a considerable territory. Within the Warlord Dominion, they were top-tier, second only to the third-generation elders."

However, the territory was constantly in dispute and warfare with the Hungarians, enduring centuries of conflict, never-ending battles. About ten years ago, during the war with the Hungarians, the Count of Caruana died in battle, and the family's knight order and army were almost entirely wiped out. This eventually angered the First Primogenitor, leading to the Caruana family losing their territory and noble status, resulting in their decline.

So, as Natsuki said, Liana is not representing the Warlord Dominion, being a descendant of the fallen nobility.

This excavation might not be an action advocated by the Warlord Dominion, but rather an initiative taken by Liana herself.

"Otherwise, why would the Warlord Dominion cooperate with the Japanese government for excavation? If it's related to the Fourth Primogenitor, it would be more appropriate for them to handle it independently, right?"

Rozen confidently stated.

In other words, this excavation was actually Liana's unilateral decision.

The Warlord Dominion was just a borrowed name, and the Japanese government was merely being used.

Liana believed that she couldn't excavate this relic alone based on her abilities. Hence, she proposed a collaboration with the Japanese government in the name of the Warlord Dominion. Afterward, she would obtain the Fairy's Coffin for herself, while the ruin itself would belong to the Japanese government for further research and excavation.

Liana's strong insistence on No. 12 was to awaken her, bring the Fourth Primogenitor back into the world, use her power to restore the family, reclaim territory, and even establish a new Night Empire, leaving a lasting legacy.

Of course, this was just speculation.

However, it was a persuasive one.

But Liana's luck was not good; it not only attracted the attention of the Black Death Emperor Front but even Natsuki appeared here.

"From my standpoint, allowing the Fourth Primogenitor to appear is not a trivial matter. Having another Night Empire in the world is not beneficial to humanity. Not to mention that the appearance of the Fourth Primogenitor will inevitably trigger significant wars and conflicts. As a national Attack Mage, I cannot stand idly by. Moreover, if it's the true Fourth Primogenitor, it's one thing, but if it's only 'a part,' I believe the Lost Warlord won't violate the Sanctuary Treaty for the sake of No. 12 and attack humans."

Natsuki, displaying an authority inconsistent with her appearance, unilaterally declared to Liana.

"So, I will be in charge of receiving No. 12, responsible for taking her back to the Demon Sanctuary on Itogami Island. At the same time, I will also apply to the Warlord Dominion, and they will surely agree to let us handle it."

This was the dominance Natsuki asserted.

"Or do you intend to snatch it away in front of me, Caruana girl?"

Natsuki suddenly smiled, facing the vampire aristocrat, not only showing no retreat but firmly suppressing her.

Even though Liana was much older than Natsuki and appeared more mature, she gave off an air of a presumptuous little girl challenging an adult, making her pale and shiver.

It seemed that Liana had no choice but to yield in front of Natsuki.

Otherwise, as a demon slayer, Liana didn't believe Natsuki would show mercy.

"Spiteful witch...!"

Liana left behind this resentful voice and instantly turned into mist, disappearing from the spot.

Thus, Liana retreated.