Chapter 75: The Aftermath (2/2)

The award ceremony went exactly as you would expect.

Most of the noble houses on Carmilla's side were rewarded with wealth, land, and even more power.

A large chunk of them received rights over the former properties and fortunes of the Tepes nobles, as expected.

It was a clean way to strengthen her faction, erase the Tepes loyalists entirely, and leave nothing behind for a future Tepes faction to rebuild from.

In a way, they had learned from the devils' mistakes. They didn't leave rival vampires alive with scraps of power or land, not even a sliver, like the Satans once did with the Old Satan Faction. That one decision had led to endless suffering.

With the vampires, that wouldn't be repeated.

"Elmenhilde Karnstein, for your bravery, for your achievements in this war, and for your active role in convincing the devils to support us, I reward you with the title of 'Crimson Lady of the Bridged Banners.'" Carmilla smiled. "And I grant House Karnstein the title of Arch-Duke, the sole Arch-Duke of the vampire lands."

Elmenhilde bowed deeply in respect, accepting both the title and the rewards.

"I am honoured, Your Highness."

Her petite face glowed, bright and full of pride.

And she had every right to. The title of Arch-Duke gave her house uncontested authority. Other than the Queen, House Karnstein now held the highest rank among the vampires. There would definitely be complaints later, but no one would dare voice them here, not in front of such a crowd. Especially when everyone believed it was Elmenhilde who had brought me and the devils to their side.

It's another matter that I chose on my own and that it had absolutely nothing to do with her.

But they didn't need to know that.

Once the vampire rewards were over, it was finally the devils' turn.

Vali might have received something too, but he had vanished long before this part began.

The announcements started with the formalization of deals between the devils and the vampires.

A complete free trade route was established between both races, with no taxes or tariffs. Prices would be the lowest possible for each side, far lower than what either of us would pay when trading with other factions.

I planned to benefit from this later.

I would need to speak with Queen Carmilla about supplies for my potion business. Vampires just happen to be the largest hoarders and collectors of rare blood and flesh. And the herbs that grow in their lands carry the densest essence of dark magic and death.

With those ingredients, I could brew potions unlike any other.

Then she went on to declare the Satans as the saviours of her kind. She promised support if any war erupted against us. The only condition was that she would remain neutral if she happened to share an exceptionally good relationship with our future enemies.

Not much of a concern.

The current vampires didn't have many allies to begin with. As unfortunate as it sounded, that was the result of their isolationist politics and rigid beliefs.

So we weren't losing much.

Ajuka and Falbium were rewarded with artefacts from the vampire treasury.

I checked them through the system. None impressive enough to make me jealous.

Sure, there were some ridiculous items. A hat that could mask your entire presence, including scent and energy. A mask that could perfectly alter your appearance. A robe that rendered you invisible.

…Fine. I'm jealous.

But I kept a calm face.

Serafall was rewarded with artefacts as well, but what stood out more was the deal that followed between them.

"The ancient books of history, runes, and old studies will be made accessible to the devil Pillar of Sitri at the request of Lady Serafall Leviathan. As she refused any grand reward and asked for something so modest, we have no reason to decline."

I had no idea when she made that deal with Carmilla. And I was almost a hundred percent certain this was her abusing her authority as a Satan to help her family and, more specifically, Sona.

Sona loved books. She dreamed of building a classless society among devils, where every devil would be treated equally and given equal access to education.

This would help that dream.

Even if that dream was nearly impossible.

Then came Sirzechs, who also abused his authority.

The damned devil somehow secured a deal where the Gremorys would have first rights to host any vampire visiting the devil territories.

A brilliant move.

Tourism had always seemed like the weakest branch of the Gremory businesses. With this, he was about to turn it into a goldmine.

"Finally, we come to the heroes of the war who stood with us from the very beginning," Carmilla announced. "While the Satans aided us immensely, it was this individual, his peerage, and his legions who came to our rescue when the devils could not. He fought beside us against the Tepes generals, against the Tepes princes and their King. He stood with us when dragons appeared, when the strongest evil dragon sided with Tepes, and even when Rizevim Lucifer attacked."

She turned toward me with a smile. "Lord Faiser Barbatos-Valefar, please step forward."

I did.

Her gaze then shifted to Ingvild and Bova, who stepped forward as well.

"For your support and your selfless actions, we express our deepest gratitude." She gave a respectful bow, not deep enough to lower her status, not shallow enough to seem insincere.

"Whatever we present will always pale in comparison to your deeds," she continued, "but we cannot let you leave without offering something that eases our hearts."

Now she had my full attention.

"For the beautiful Lady Ingvild Leviathan and the Dragon Warrior Bova, we open our treasury to you. You may each select up to three artefacts of your choosing."

That was grand.

I had no idea what else their treasury held, but judging from what Ajuka and Falbium received, it was a treasure trove waiting to be robbed legally.

"We also assure you that whenever you visit our lands, you will be treated no less than nobles. All expenses will be borne by us. Should you wish to reside here, no legal procedures will be required."

That was huge.

No, that was incredible.

Indirectly, we were being granted land. Or at the very least, long term business rights and influence.

And since they were members of my peerage, they acted as my proxies.

Which meant I was benefiting through them.

"Finally, Lord Faiser." She gave me her brightest smile. "No reward I offer could ever be enough. Nothing could match what you have done for us."

I remained silent, curious about what she would reveal.

"First, we would like to establish a separate trade route specifically for you, independent of the one arranged with the devil race. The details can be discussed later, but you will enjoy the same benefits without needing to go through any additional channels."

Wait.

Wait wait wait.

This was exactly what I wanted.

Materials for my potions.

"Secondly, you will be recognized as an honorary noble within the vampire lands," she declared, and my eyes widened slightly. "You will be permitted to attend meetings and ceremonies where policies and laws are decided. You will hold political standing and a voice equal to that of our noble vampires."

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

Of course there were murmurs.

Not a single vampire dared to oppose it. They were alive because I intervened. And they knew it.

This wasn't just her giving me a platform to share my opinions. This was her indirectly granting me access to a portion of her army.

Being a noble meant maintaining an army to protect your house.

She wasn't doing this so I could meddle in politics. I wasn't about to involve myself in something that tedious.

She was simply giving me soldiers to compensate for my fallen legions.

She cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention. "And finally—"

For some reason, I noticed Elmenhilde stepping forward.

"I have heard that you are searching for capable individuals to join your peerage," she said, and my mind immediately began connecting the pieces.

Elmenhilde. Vampire. Magic. Peerage.

"So, after discussions with House Karnstein and Lady Elmenhilde herself, we have decided to allow Elmenhilde to join your peerage," Carmilla announced. "Of course, only if you desire it. But as a vampire, I can assure you that House Karnstein, and especially Lady Elmenhilde, is one of a kind. A true genius in the blood arts."

I didn't doubt that for a second.

"So, if you agree, we would like you to accept Lady Elmenhilde as your own."

Elmenhilde wasn't the successor of House Karnstein, so they weren't losing anything. Meanwhile, I stood to gain a great deal.

Convincing vampires wasn't easy. Finding one this skilled was even harder.

I would have been an idiot to decline.

"I accept." I gave Elmenhilde a bright smile. "I've seen her wit and skill, and I agree she'll be a valuable addition to my peerage. She's also formed a good friendship with my queen, Ingvild, which should help the team dynamic."

Ingvild looked pleased as well.

"So, welcome to my peerage, Elmenhilde."

And just when I thought that was the end of it, I froze.

[Mental intrusion detected and prevented by the Mind of Asura.]

Both Carmilla and I appeared momentarily startled, though I understood immediately what had happened.

[Do you wish to counter?]

The upgraded skill could injure her simply for attempting to enter my mind. But I knew she wasn't acting out of malice.

No.

I instructed the system.

Establish the connection.

[Allowing intrusion.]

'That was an impressive mental barrier,' she remarked.

'I try,' I replied. 'What is this about?'

'This isn't something I can say aloud, not before the public,' she said. 'Tell me… how would you feel about adding another member to your peerage?'

That caught my interest.

'Who?'

I saw the faintest smirk on her lips. 'A half-vampire. A dhampir with a Longinus.'

My thoughts went blank.

I knew exactly who she meant.

'So,' she asked, 'do you want her? Do you want Valerie Tepes? And don't worry, I won't ask for anything in return.'

If I'd been foolish to reject Elmenhilde, I would've been completely insane to reject Valerie.

'So—'

'I accept!' I nearly shouted aloud.

After all, I was gaining another Longinus user for my peerage.

And not just any Longinus.

The greatest support type Longinus.

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{A/N: Got a pat reon named RedLamp01 with 30+ chapters + Other Stories. }