Chapter 9: Allying with the Carmilla Faction

Lucias who went back to the mansion was greeted by an unpleasant atmosphere inside the living room where 2 new guests are found.

One is a 8 year old girl with long blond hair and red eyes wearing a tattered cloth that barely hid her petite body.

The other is much younger than the first as she looked like she was 7 years old.

Lucias used appraisal to both of the new comers, to his surprise one of them was the one they were searching for, but the other girl is a bit...

Valerie Tepes

Race: Dhampir

Sacred Gear: Sephiroth Graal

Title: None

Level: 8

Hp: 1,200/1,200

Mp:1,400/1,400

Strength: 10

Intelligence: 14

Endurance: 12

Agility: 7

Luck: 5

Charm: 4

Skills:

Dhampir's Physique (lvl maxed) - Increases the ratio of Sp to Mp/HP by 1000:1. Grants Immunity to all weaknesses of the vampires

Life and Death Magic (lvl 0/100) - A skill given by the Sephiroth Graal to its wielder. Grants the user the ability to bend the rules of life and death, as well as to manipulate the genetical, power, and physical structure of anything involved in the realm of life and death.

Grants the user the ability to communicate with the souls of the deceased, and the knowledge on the creation of all things involved in the realm of life and death.

Mental Corruption (lvl 1/100) - Represents mental derangement, the depth of one's trauma and the severity of phobias. Grants protection to one's mind from the effects of poison, curse, and magic.

Hp Regeneration (lvl 12/100)

Blood sucking (lvl 2/100)

Flandre Scarlet

Race: Vampire

Sacred Gear: None

Title: None

Status: Sealed

Level: 620

Hp: 2,300,000/2,300,000

Mp: 1,600,000/1,600,000

Strength: 1,990 (5)

Intelligence: 2,300 (10)

Endurance: 1,600 (10)

Agility: 1,490 (4)

Luck: 100

Charm: 300

Skills: (all active skills are sealed)

Vampire's Physique (lvl maxed)

Blood Sucking (lvl maxed)

Sniping (lvl maxed)

Mana Manipulation (lvl 98/100)

Demonic Magic (lvl 87/100)

Ultraspeed Hp Regeneration (lvl maxed)

Ultraspeed Mp Regeneration (lvl maxed)

Immortality (lvl maxed)

Herculean Strength (lvl maxed) - Increases strength by 100%.

All Abnormalities Status Immunity (lvl 50/100) - Grants immunity to curse, poison, stun, paralyze, petrification, or any kind of status abnormalities.

Psychological Magic (lvl maxed) - Grants the user the ability to directly attack or manipulate the psychological mind of the target.

Eyes of destruction (lvl maxed) - Grants the user the ability to erase anything from existence by destroying the 'eye' of the target at sight.

*'Sealed? Why are her powers sealed?'*

Lucias thought while unconsciously staring at the trembling little girl sitting on the couch, looking at Lucias with a pitiful expression.

*'It seems like her powers isn't the only thing that was sealed'*

Lucias looked around the room and found that the girls are strangely silent that is very unlike them especially Kuroka.

Kuroka, and Lily had a frown on their faces as killing intent seeped out of their body. Asia has tears on her eyes as she looked down, feeling devastated. Finally Yami, who had her face down with her golden bangs covering her face.

"What happened? Where are the children?"

Lucias asked them which caused all of them to jolt as Yami clenched her fist tightly.

"Master... I'm sorry, I've failed you" (Lily)

"What?"

"W-when we got there, all of the children were dead" (Lily)

"What?"

Lucias asked in shock while looking at Lily who was visibly angry. Her words caused a stir of emotions from the spirits behind him.

"We have no idea why they did it, but when we got there... Their body was... dissected into pieces and thrown around the dormitory. The females had it worse since... their were marks and white liquid on their body, which indicates that they were taken advantage of"

Lucias who heard her was shocked as his eyes darkened, slowly releasing his bloodlust unconsciously causing the surrounding girls except the spirits and Ophis to suffocate from her bloodlust. The spirits were alarmed by his sudden changed as they felt fear grip their hearts while looking at Lucias.

"L-Lucias, calm down"

Asia despite being exposed to such bloodlust tried her best to stand up and walk towards him as she hugged his head to her chest, trying to calm him down.

"... Honjou-san, I want you to help me with something"

"Y-yes?"

"Can you please give me all of the information about the Tepes Faction?"

"I'm on it"

Nia answered as she immediately summoned her angel Rasiel which is in a form of a book and begun concentrating as all thoughts about anything else other than the Tepes Faction disappeared from her mind.

Slowly incredible amounts of information entered her mind involving the Tepes Faction and all of their activities, crimes, members, and leaders. As the information enter her mind, the more disgusted she felt towards the Tepes Faction, her face started to turn into a frown as she slowly opened her eyes, seeing that everyone is waiting for her.

"The Tepes Faction a Male-dominated Vampire Faction. The current leader and King of the faction is the 4th King Of Tepes Faction; King Tepes, and the current leading power of vampire faction which is in continuous rivalry to the Carmilla Faction over the right to inherit the throne of the leader amongst the vampires. The current members are divided into 3 sections, they are the pure-blooded vampires, dhampirs, and undead"

"How about the power level of the members of their faction?"

"King Tepes and his son Marius Tepes, are at low Satan-Class in terms of strength. The other heads that supported the King Tepes are of high-class, the guards, undead, and regular soldiers are at maximum are low mid-class in terms of strength"

*In other words, our chances of winning even if we did invade them are slim, without the spirit's help.*

Lucias thought before remembering that they are at a constant rivalry against another faction.

"Tell me about this Carmilla Faction, Honjou-san"

"The Carmilla Faction, a newly formed Female-dominated faction that affiliated to the House of Carmilla, Karnstein, and Vorgenburg. They are equal in terms of strength to the Tepes Faction, and its current leader is Queen Carmilla of the House of Carmilla"

"Hmm... Then what are the chances that they would accept if I created an alliance with them?"

Lucias asked shocking the girls around him as they realized his plan, some had a complicated feeling in their heart as they knew that he would start a war, but knowing what they've done, they understood why Lucias would go that far.

"The chances are... slim, unless we show them that we are worth to make an alliance with, also to contact them we must first talk with their agent Elmenhilde Karnstein, but convincing her is a bit difficult since she looks down on devils and humans alike"

"... Ophis, Kurumi, Origami, Lily, can you help me with something?"

"What, is it?"

"Can you 3 come with me to the Carmilla Faction?"

"I don't, mind, I just, want more cookies, and donuts, after"

"I don't mind... uh" (Tobiichi)

"Lucias, Lucias Frey"

"Then, Lucias, I don't mind"

"I also have no problem with it"

"You don't need to ask, master, I'll follow your every request or command, no matter what it is"

"Thank you, everyone, I know what I'm about to do is really selfish, but please give me your assistance"

Lucias bowed in front of them, the spirits knew that if they wanted to remain by his side, then they have to change the naive and innocent aspect of their personality.

"Asia, please escort the two to a room where they can rest"

"Of course"

"Thank you, Asia"

"No worries"

Asia waved her hand as she grabbed the hands of the two children and walked towards the second floor of the mansion.

"Should we go with you?" (Kotori)

"No, you girls can rest, Kuroka please lead them towards their room"

"Ok nya"

"I want to go with you"

Tohka said as she stood in front of Lucias with a cold expression on her face. She didn't know why but she felt anger when she saw how angry and sad Lucias has become when he heard what they have done.

(Note: Tohka first appeared to be cold and emotionless, I'll change that a bit in the future when she becomes curious about everything new to her.)

"Muku want to wend with thee as well"

Mukuro went to his side and picked him up, enveloping him into a hug.

"I want to go too, Darling~"

Miku pulled Lucias away from Mukuro as she buried him in her chest causing an expression of annoyance appear on Mukuro's face as she glared at Miku who was happily hugging him.

"We want to help too, Lucias-kun" (Yoshinon)

"Me too" (Natsumi)

"I will go as well, Yuzuru do you want to come too?"

"Reply- Yuzuru doesn't mind going"

"If they're going then I'll go as well, with everyone together I doubt that the transaction that you will have will end peacefully, I'll go to keep them at bay" (Kotori)

(Note that she is wearing her black ribbon)

*'I appreciate their feelings but I know this are all artificial since it was given through the effects of the Contract Dagger'*

Lucias thought while feeling guilty as he gazed at the girls who were looking at him with anticipation.

"Girls, we can't bring too many people, so all of you can just stay here and familiarise yourself with the place, Alright?"

It feels weird to talk with them like this, they are a lot older and taller than me after all.

"But..." (Miku)

"We can handle this don't worry"

Lucias gave them an assuring smile as he patted Miku's shoulder signalling to put him down.

The spirits were hesitating but gave up as they saw the stubborn expression on his face.

"Fine, but please careful, alright darling?"

"No worries, I will"

He answered before Kurumi and Lily teleported the 4 of them to Romania.

(Timeskip)

"Kurumi, can you call her for us to meet?"

"Of course"

Kurumi then entered her shadows before disappearing, leaving Lucias, Lily, and Origami in a hotel they rented in Romania, close to the territory of the Carmilla Faction.

"Lucias, why don't we just destroy the Tepes Faction ourselves, based on their currently strength the spirits are already enough to deal with them"

"I don't want to take such risk and harm you all, they might have a hidden trump card that we don't know that can deal with you or any of the spirits. So having a strong ally like the Carmilla Faction can guarantee our victory without having any pointless sacrifices"

"Have trust in Nia Honjou, no information can pass her if she uses her angel, she is the symbol of wisdom in the tree of life for a reason"

"I know, I trust her, but I want to try all opportunities that we have. If they don't want to join hands with us, then so be it. We might as well do it ourselves"

"Fine, but please don't doubt the spirits when in front of them, I'm alright hearing you say this but it might hurt them if they heard this. Please be mindful of what you say. Especially to Hoshimiya, Natsumi, Izayoi and Yoshino, they will surely feel devastated hearing that from you"

"Sorry, I will keep that in mind for the future"

"Also, Lucias, we already gave you our full trust and loyalty. Don't feel afraid to request us with our assistance, we followed you and gave you our trust for a reason"

"I'm sorry..."

Lucias apologized as guilt drown his heart even more.

Tobiichi leaned down and embraced his head burying it on her chest as she tries to comfort him.

"I know that you feel guilty, Lucias. Don't feel guilty even if the Crystal did place a certain extent of loyalty to us towards you. We still have our rationality, so even if we do have force loyalty and affection towards you but we found out that you were not worthy, we could have already killed you even if it will affect us greatly. We chose to accept you for a reason Lucias. We already assured you multiple times that we were ready to change and give you our assistance, didn't you take our words seriously?"

"...Sorry"

"But why didn't you feel guilty when you used it on Kurumi?"

"I thought that she is a mindless criminal so I didn't feel guilty at first, but as I spent time with her, the more I was proved wrong, so I felt guilty for forcing her as well, but I felt a lot less guilty since I knew I had to do that or she wouldn't listen and continue her pointless slaughter"

"Elmenhilde Karnstein is willing to meet you, Lucias"

Suddenly a voice came behind them as they hurriedly separate themselves before looking at source of the voice. They saw Kurumi standing behind them with a grin on her face as she saw both Tobiichi and Lucias getting comfortable with each other.

"I do feel jealous of your closeness with him, Origami-san"

"Ahem... What did Elmenhilde say?"

Lucias asked as he tried to change the subject.

"Hmm... She said she is willing to meet with you and discuss about the alliance"

"Then when will I meet her?"

"She is already on her way here, Lucias"

Kurumi answered as they heard a knock on the door. Lily opened the door and found a hotel staff standing in front of their doorway.

"Sir Lucias, a woman is asking for an audience with you"

"Let her in"

The staff then left, going down the 1st floor as he called for the woman, guiding her towards their room.

"A human?"

The woman with long blond hair and blood red eyes muttered in shock as she didn't understand why such a powerful being is following a human like him. Unlike when she met Kurumi, her demeanor changed to that of arrogance as she walked inside the room, looking down on Lucias which angered Lily who was watching at the side but resisted the urge to say anything to her.

Without waiting for Lucias to invite her to sit down on the chair. She took the initiative to sit down, ignoring Lucias who had a wry smile on his face.

"Thank you for your time, Lady Karnstein, I think you have already heard what I wanted to discuss with you"

"Yes, but I didn't expect that a human like you will be the one that we will make an alliance with, what a waste, we wanted to make an alliance with them, not you, so please don't waste my time"

Elmenhilde arrogantly stated as she tried to stand up but froze when she felt extreme bloodlust coming from the 3 women (except Ophis) behind him while glaring at her.

"I am not that desperate to make an alliance with your faction Lady Karnstein, we wanted to help you with your current power struggle since we also bare hostility towards the Tepes Faction. If you don't want to ally yourself with us, then you may leave. We can destroy them ourselves, but don't even think that I'll let you benefit from this"

Lucias stated with a cold voice while looking at the frozen Elmenhilde as he let out a portion of his bloodlust towards her. Since she was a bit weaker than him, she felt immense pressure press him down on the ground as she found it hard to breath from the intense bloodlust directed towards her.

"Now then, Lady Karnstein, would you like to discuss the alliance with us or not?"

Lucias asked as he removed her bloodlust on her causing the pressure to be lifted from her shoulders. She started to gasp for breath as she tried to fix her composure.

"Yes, we are willing to discuss it with you, Lucias-sama"

She knew that the child in front of her isn't her opponent, so unlike before she was more polite while speaking to Lucias.

"Then, let us start, shall we?"

"What I want from you is simple, I want your faction to send reinforcements to help us 'overthrow' the Tepes Faction. We will handle the majority of the main members of that faction, we will deal with the heads of the respective families that is allied with them and King Tepes of the Tepes Faction, your soldier will handle the rest"

"I'm pretty sure that your faction will largely benefit from this Lady Karnstein, you will just have to sacrifice a few soldiers, in exchange the throne for the leader of the vampires will be in your hands"

"... Are you sure you can handle them?"

"Of course, the white haired girl behind me is at the peak of Satan-Class so we can easily handle them, Lady Karnstein. So what do you say?"

"..."

Elmenhilde thought for a bit as she quickly listed out the pros and cons of joining him in her mind and seeing that there were more pros than cons she decided to accept his proposal, sealing the alliance between them.

"Glad to be working with you and your faction, Lady Karnstein"

Lucias said as he stretched out his hands towards Elmenhilde.

"Likewise, we will provide as much assistance as we can, Lucias-sama"

Elmenhilde smiled at him as she took his arm for a hand shake, but accidentally scratched his skin with her sharp claws causing his blood to leak out from his wound. Lucias due to having the pain nullification skill didn't feel anything as he shook her hands. Smearing the blood on her hands before escorting them out of their room.

Elmenhilde stood in front of the door with her hand smeared with his blood is placed close to her face, as she smelled an intoxicating smell from his blood.

She couldn't resist the delicious smell of his blood so she licked it directly from her hands causing her to jolt in pleasure from the exquisite taste of his blood, unlike any blood that she ever have ever tasted before.

"How... delicious..."

She muttered under her ragged breathing as she licked the remains of his blood of of her hand. As soon as the taste of his blood disappeared, she felt extreme disappointment in her heart as she quickly regained her rationality causing her to blush in embarrassment from her actions.

"..."

Elmenhilde stared at the door one more time before letting out a sigh as she slowly turned around and left the hotel reculantly from the desire that she has to taste his blood once more.

"I wouldn't get satisfied anymore with normal blood... I wonder if he'll let me... No that's hard, I can't think of an excuse to let me drink his blood..."

The little vampire muttered to herself as she disappeared through the darkness of the night.