Published at 9th of November 2020 07:15:58 PM
Chapter Pr
Prologue
It’s morning. The sun shining into the room through the curtains informed me about this fact. But, I’m awake. Normally, I’d be hiding in my bed, sleeping until my twilight years, but oddly enough, I already sat at my desk.
“Done…It’s finally done…!”
What filled my chest was limitless joy. After all, I had finished it, my own novel. I think it turned out pretty great. Seeing that I finished this in about a month, while being forced to work from early morning to late night, not even granted a bit of freedom at home because that perverted maid is constantly assaulting me, as well as needing to fully rest on Saturdays because of my exhaustion, I might actually have some talent for this, don’t you agree?
All that’s left for me is to send it over to a publisher. It sounds simple, but there is one thing I have to be exceptionally careful about. Namely, that the perverted maid cannot find this manuscript at any means. If this masterpiece of mine, which could even win against ‘Strawberry Milk’ in terms of being embarrassing, were published without permission, I would certainly die an embarrassing death, so I cannot ever let her—
“Good morning, Komari-sama.”
“Waaaaaaaaaaah!” I threw myself over the manuscript in a desperate attempt to hide it.
A girl wearing a maid uniform had appeared behind my back. She had previously proclaimed herself as ‘Komari-sama’s personal maid Villhaze’, but I just call her ‘perverted maid’. She might have a calm, polite expression, but you can’t fall for that. She’s always thinking about perverted things, I tell you.
“How rare for you to be up at such a time, Komari-sama.”
“R-Right? I thought that getting up early once in a while wouldn’t hurt. That’s why there’s no need to wake me up, so could you leave already?”
“I don’t mind, but could I first read your masterpiece, Komari-sama?”
“I was found out already!!” I embraced my manuscript, and escaped to the wall.
This time, I definitely cannot let her read it.
“Do not get any closer! If you do, I’ll reveal your embarrassing secret!”
“There is nothing embarrassing about my body! If you would like to confirm this, I don’t mind stripping right away!”
“Be a bit more embarrassed about that!”
Vill was confused. She might actually be a full-fledged pervert. However, the girl showed an unexpected smile, adding ‘I’m joking’.
“Stripping for no reason is unappealing. I have realized this as of late.”
“Only as of late? Isn’t that too late already?”
“Also, I don’t mean to forcefully read Komari-sama’s novel. You are my lifesaver, I would never want you to hate me.”
“Ugh…”
I remembered the incident from a month ago. Out of nowhere, Millicent appeared, and disrupted my daily life. It was literal hell for me, but at the end of that tragedy, I somehow graduated from being a ‘total shut-in’ to a ‘half shut-in’. I met Millicent several times after that. Because I felt like we needed to talk things through.
However, I can’t meet her yet. According to the government, Millicent has been locked up in the capital’s prison, but when I went there myself, I found absolutely no traces of her. One guard told me ‘You cannot meet her yet’, whereas another just asked me out on a date for some reason. Seriously, I wonder where she wandered off to.
…Anyway, Vill apparently feels the need to repay some sort of debt because I saved her during that incident. I don’t really see any reason for her to feel like this though.
“That’s why, there is no need for you to act this wary of me, I shall not do anything you would hate.”
“Then, will you spoil me?”
“Of course I will. So, let’s both do our best during today’s work.”
“How are these two things related in any way?”
“Because they are. Today is Monday, so there is new work.”
“Weren’t you going to spoil me?”
“That’s right. That is why I made your enemy for today’s battle the easy-to-defeat apes, from the Laperico Kingdom. It seems as if Hades Molkikki is brimming with energy as always.” Vill said, and handed me a letter.
It was addressed to me. On the sender name, it said ‘Laperico Kingdom Four Heavenly Beast Hades Molkikki’. Let me open it up.
[You’re dead meat.]
“Was there even a need to put this in a letter!?”
“It is probably meant as a threat. In the realm of nature, being underestimated means the same as being killed.”
“Don’t carry your weird rules into the world of rational-thinking people!”
“I can agree that this letter holds absolutely no value. Someone like Komari-sama, the legendary and unparalleled Seven Crimson Deva Terakomari Gandezblood, would not be threatened by a wild beast’s growls.”
“I’m about to crap my pants here, Vill!”
“Please do not worry. I am with you.”
“Even if you say that, I still don’t wanna! Today, I’ll definitely use my fake illness card! I got some crazy fever threatening my life, so let me stay at home!”
“But, I have heard you will be granted a week off if you win during today’s battle.”
“…Huh?”
“Today will be your tenth win in a row. Her Majesty seemed very delighted about this fact, and promised you a long-awaited break as a reward.”
“……”
A break…of a week. What could I do for an entire week? I could read lots of books, sleep all day long, or work on another story…
“This being the case, let us prepare. You have to change, so could you take off your clothes for me?”
My heart was shaken. I know that betting my life on the line for a relatively small break was idiotic. But, a week is a week. I can’t miss out on this chance either.
“Oh my, you seem to be sweating quite a bit. Let me wipe that for you…Slurp~”
Then again, a battle is a battle. I’m the legendary sage who advocates peace and solitude. If things went south, I might get killed during the battle, you know?
“Ahh! Komari-sama’s skin is so soft, and utterly delicious! I can’t get enough!”
No no no no, wait. I already won against that chimpanzee man three times, and with ease during every single battle. If I leave it to my subordinates, they should bring home a victory for me—
“…Hm?” I looked down at my own body.
I was wearing my military uniform.
“Eh? When did I…?”
“I enjoyed the freedom to change your clothes while you were lost in your thoughts, Komari-sama.”
“Huuuuuuuuuuuuh!?”
“Now, it is time for departure! Let us enjoy today’s slaughter as well!”
“Wah, eh—I haven’t mentally prepared myself yet! Also, what do you mean ‘enjoy’!?”
In the end, I was not given a choice after all.
I don’t mean to brag, but I’m super weak. Because I couldn’t drink blood ever since I was young, I stopped growing, my magical power stopped increasing, and I became absolutely useless when it came to my physical abilities, making me a good-for-nothing vampire. These three characteristics led me to be bullied at the academy, and this bullying was the cause of me shutting myself in for three whole years.
Around a month ago, when I started working, it’s gotten a bit better, but since I’m an indoor-and brain-type, I’m not made out for this work. I am a vampire that advocates and loves peace. The average kill experience of an inhabitant of the Mulnight Empire runs at around 1.9 people (which is exceptionally high compared to the other countries), but I have never killed anybody, and I don’t plan on ever killing someone. I was involved with a few killings of my subordinates, but that was either an accident or beyond my control, so I’m not counting that. That’s why, and I will say it again, I’m very much not fit for work like this—And yet, my subordinates seem to have a crazy misunderstanding.
“—Lieutenant Hades Molkikki has been defeated! The Mulnight Empire has emerged victorious!”
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The second someone shouted these words, roaring cheers rang out, almost bursting my eardrums. Can you not scream this close to me?
‘Nucleus Domain’—This is the blood-drenched battlefield which is located in the center of the area where all the magic nuclei ranges intersect. Vill forcefully pulled me here, had me stand in front of 500 vampires to give another arrogant speech, and had me sit down on my chair. Without ever being allowed to mentally prepare myself, I’m being pushed into another battle. Although we did manage to win.
The entire army of the Laperico Kingdom attacked again, to which Chaostell used his spatial magic
Sigh, I seriously thought I was dead. And, I feel like me getting close to dying is happening a bit too frequently as of late.
“Great work, your Excellency! Yet another wonderful victory under your command.”
I tried to calm down my racing heart, when a subordinate of mine called out to me. He had the body stature of a withered tree, and his name is Chaostell Cont.
“With this, these beastmen should know their place, and have learned of the fact that Commander Terakomari Gandezblood possesses unmatchable beauty and strength, overflowing with killing intent!”
“Y-You can say that again! There’s no other vampire than me who possesses such unmatchable beauty and strength, and I can’t get enough killing! No matter who the enemy is, I’ll defeat them with a pinky!”
““““Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!””” My subordinates let out a celebrative roar.
Can you not scream about every little thing? You’re scaring me.
At the same time, Chaostell showed the smile of a known child abductor.
“Your Excellency, have you not grown tired of only fighting beastmen? Should we declare war against a stronger enemy?”
“Stronger enemy?”
“Indeed. The people you have defeated this far were average at best, if I may be so rude. The so-called aces of the various countries have continued to watch in silence thus far, and did not request a battle as of yet. That is why I think we should take the step and be on the aggressive.”
“I-I wonder about that.”
“I second that.” A beastmen with a dog head, Belius Inu Kerbero, showed consent to Chaostell’s opinion. “Judging from your ability and wits, you should be able to take on the other aces with ease. That’s right, how about the Republic of Gela Arca’s Nelia Cunningham, the Fairy Land’s Airan Rinzu, or even Amatsu Karilla from the Heavenly Paradise.”
“No, I’m…”
“Yeah!” A rapper suddenly appeared, who is probably the most mysterious and dangerous explosion specialist of the 7th corps, called Melaconcy. “Your Excellency Komarin’s getting more glory, but with me around, no worry? These peeps from the other countries might be strong, so Belius has to worry about surviving against them, am I wrong? Woof!”
Belius apparently answered that question himself by sending Melaconcy flying with his fist. Why does this guy always say the most unnecessary things? Then again, this is the same as usual. More importantly, they’re telling me to declare war against the other countries’ aces? Can you not pull bad jokes like that? As if I would voluntarily step into danger—Then again, one day someone might come by and see if I’m really that strong, so maybe I should consider it while I still have the freedom of choice.
“Hey, Vill. My beloved subordinates are telling me to declare war against a strong enemy, but how do you feel about this?” I asked Vill, who stood next to me.
She’s my ally. She would probably choose an enemy that I could beat easily, and more importantly, she said that she would spoil me. With a bit of luck, she’ll be able to convince them—or so I thought.
“I consider it a great idea. I will prepare a befitting declaration as soon as we make it back to the capital.”
Huh?
“Komari-sama, which opponent would you prefer?”
“Um…Vill? What about you spoiling me…”
Vill grinned. You—You’re enjoying this!?
“Stop fooling a—”
—round, I wanted to say, but I realized that my subordinates were looking at me. Not to mention that they had a really expectant gaze. My survival instincts were telling me to make something up.
“…U-Um…Well, you know. Maybe the…Uhh, Fairy Land? Yeah, that!”
“The Fairy Land, is it? I know the most famous of the ‘Three Dragon Comets’ is Airan Rinzu. Apparently, he has the ability to make the enemy’s heart explode with his magic.”
“O-Ohh! Well, I guess he’s not worthy then! I can use similar magic after all! They can go ahead and explode a heart or two of mine!”
“Ohhh!”
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“That’s her Excellency for you!”
“She really is the legendary vampire!”
“Soon she’ll be history’s strongest Seven Crimson Deva.”
“It’s only a matter of time until she becomes the next Empress!”
Stop it already…please, I beg you. Hey, stop applauding me! I’d just stand out more if I did that. And then, everybody would be coming for my head. I’ll be forced to brag even more. What should I do about this…
“—Gandezblood-dono! Is it true that you’re going to declare war against the Fairy Land!?”
“Eh?”
A small girl stood in front of me. I remember her. She’s the idiot who declared that I’d make the whole world into omurice. She carried a pen and paper, belonging to the Sougyoku Race. She’s an aspiring newspaper journalist, Melka Tiano. Also, your face is too close! Again!
“It has been a while Gandezblood-sama!”
“M-Melka…Yeah, it has been.”
“Waah! You’ve even remembered my name!? I am honored!”
“I have a good memory after all…And, what do you need?”
“I want to gather some more material! Can I ask you some questions!?”
In the corner of my view, I saw Chaostell nod. I guess he’s telling me to agree? Well, nothing can go wrong anyway, I’m sure!
“Alright. But, keep it short.”
“Thank you very much!” Her eyes were sparkling. “Is what you just talked about with Villhaze-sama true!? Why are you aiming for Sir Airan Rinzu? Who do you think is the strongest except yourself!? Please tell me all the people you’re aiming for! Another Seven Crimson Deva? A general from another country? Or your mother!?”
—S-She still is as annoying as ever!
“Get away from me already!”
“Kya!”
I subconsciously shoved her away, as a flame of rage burned up in my heart.
“I told you the same before, did I not! I’m aiming for absolute dominance! In other words, conquering this entire world! That’s why I don’t see any reason to declare war against anybody! Also, the person I think as the strongest…Hmm, probably the Empress! There, over!”
At the same time as I finished my words, I let out a sigh.
—I did it again. I can already tell this is going to bite me in the near future. It’s really tough that I always have to act strong…Man, I really want to stop working, and just shut myself in. Is there nobody who shares these troubles like I do? I want someone who understands my feelings…
Surrounded by my approaching subordinates, I let out another deep sigh.
The meeting ended, and the sun had already sunk. Having been sitting on a chair for far too long, he had to stretch his body, as he walked through the imperial palace. No other people were around, which made sense, looking at the time.
“The elderly of the Empire have it rough…” A bit of exhaustion filled Alman Gandezblood’s voice.
Who could blame him. He had to constantly deny and stupid ideas coming from her Majesty, which stretched the meetings endlessly. The topic of today’s meeting was ‘How should we destroy the terrorists’. The memories of the terrorist organization ‘Inverted Moon’ sneaking into the rows of the Empire and causing a great ruckus was still fresh in everyone’s heads.
The more radical ones screamed that ‘We won’t let them trample on the royal family like this!, and emphasized immediate interception of ‘Inverted Moon’ was necessary, whereas the more calm and collected straddling faction just said that ‘We should leave it to the other countries’. Alman himself thought that this could not be tolerated. These terrorists had to be dealt with right away.
They were researching and even using this certain type of skill, Nucleus Liberation, which differed from normal magic use. One day there might come the time where they are powerful enough to destroy the magic nucleus of the Mulnight Empire. Something like this could not be allowed, as that would endanger the safety of everyone living here—or in other words, Komari’s safety.
Alman’s doctrine was to always aim for a safe and secure empire, so that his family and Komari could live here in peace.
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“Guess I’ll have to strike a secret agreement with her Majesty.”
Alman and the Empress had been acquainted ever since their student days. She had always been a weird person, but that character trait only grew more twisted after she was selected as the Empress. As the Prime Minister even, Alman could almost never stop her from deciding on another crazy idea, just as today.
“Hm?”
He felt a presence. Someone was standing in the shadows. The height didn’t seem too high, and because of the darkness, he couldn’t make out the face. As for the clothes—it was the Mulnight Empire’s military uniform. Couldn’t be a patrolling soldier either. But, Alman wasn’t too wary, since they weren’t holding a weapon, and they showed no signs of casting magic. Hence, he approached the person with his usual work smile, and opened his mouth.
“Who might you be? Could I ask for your—”
The figure disappeared. Alman observed his surroundings, and thought that it might have been some sort of ghost, which induced a cold sweat running down his back—when he felt a sharp pain at his abdomen.
“Ugh…” Blood dripped from his mouth.
He looked down. The person had stabbed their arm right into his stomach.
“You…are…”
It was the military uniform from before. They held no weapon, used no magic, and didn’t even emit any killing intent. They had pierced Alman’s stomach like it was the most natural thing to do.
The person’s eyes were radiating red—Nucleus Liberation.
“Don’t…tell…me…”
He couldn’t think any more about this. All strength left his body, as he had to take a knee. His field of view shook, as his breathing grew out of control. Just as decided to hurriedly report this to the Empress, Alman’s heart stopped beating.
Murder is always troublesome. The more gruesomely you kill someone, the feelings of the victim will cling to your heart. That’s why, you are to kill as calmly as possible, hide your own presence, and kill the other person before they can plague your heart in such a way. With this, you will suffer no needless memories that could haunt you.
—At the killer’s feet laid the deceased body of a man.
Alman Gandezblood, a high-ranking noble of the Empire. Killing him out of the shadows proved to be impossible, so the killer went for an immediate kill attack.
“…Bleh.”
The killer choked, almost throwing up. Even if you can control someone else’s psyche, the same can’t be said about your own. They call it a ‘Secret technique to burn the nucleus’, but it isn’t omni-potent. The killer only looked at the memories related to the magic nucleus, with the rest being ignored as much as possible.
“Alright.”
The investigation of the memories ended. Now that they fulfilled their duty, they needed to leave as quickly as possible. If someone spotted them, things would turn ugly—The killer turned around with these thoughts, when they realized their military uniform was drenched in blood. Every time they saw this red liquid, memories of a nightmare came gushing back.
Blood. A rotten stench. Eating breakfast in a room colored with red. The family members had died each in their own way, some without head, some without arms or legs, hearts scattered on the carpet, every one possessing great individuality.
“……”
The killer tried to subdue their urge to vomit. They couldn’t erase their trauma. Even with their strength, it was impossible. What an incomplete skill. Suddenly, their transmission-type magic crystal was filled with magical power. The killer responded to this, and a sober male voice spoke up.
“Results?”
The killer thought for a bit, and responded.
“None. Alman Gandezblood doesn’t know anything.”
“Even the Prime Minister of the Empire doesn’t know? How careful.”
“What should we do? Should we stop?”
“I don’t mind. Proceed as planned.” The voice was overbearing.
Suppressing their fear, the killer responded indifferently.
“Understood. I will begin massacring the Seven Crimson Devas.”