Inside Claude's room, Aven and Lucas sat on the chairs across from him.
Lucas looked around in awe, as every part of the room's interior felt unfamiliar yet impressive to him.
Claude folded his arms.
"I just received a message from Lord Cain. He said that several kingdoms have already been destroyed and taken over, while some are still holding on."
"The demons and the knights of Eidolan have spread out and swept through those kingdoms with ease."
"Any kingdom would struggle if they had to face a combination of demons and knights at the same time."
"Lord Cain has received several letters requesting aid from the kingdoms that are still standing."
"However, as you both know, his forces are still recovering. So he sent half of the troops that are able to move, and he also asked Lady Lucia and me for assistance."
"Lady Lucia has already sent some of her forces, and I will be doing the same."
"So, if you don't mind… would you two be willing to lead two of my units each?"
Aven and Lucas looked at each other in surprise.
"Are you sure, Lord Claude?" Aven raised one eyebrow.
Claude nodded.
"I'm sure. You both have experience as team captains."
"Now, follow me to the training area. I'll show you the troops you'll be leading."
They followed Claude from behind.
"Lord Claude, sorry to interrupt, but I've only been captain in Arcadia for a few weeks, replacing Aven," Lucas said.
Claude waved his hand casually.
"That's more than enough. You were Aven's right hand and vice-captain when he was still leading. I'm confident you can handle it."
"You just need to build chemistry with the troops you'll be leading."
"I trust the both of you."
TRAINING AREA
All the troops lined up and saluted when Claude arrived. Noa stood at the very front and gave a formal salute.
"My lord, the troops have all been assembled."
Behind him stood two others, fellow vampire captains like Noa.
Julian, a brown-haired man.
Marcel, a man with long dark blue hair.
They saluted and stepped back to Claude's left side, following Noa, while Aven and Lucas stood on the right.
Claude's eyes scanned his entire arms.
Hundreds of vampires stood before him.
"I have an announcement! Starting now, you will be divided into five units. The first unit will be led by Noa, the second by Julian, and the third by Marcel."
"For the remaining two units, we have two new leaders joining us. The fourth unit will be led by Aven, and the fifth by Lucas."
"Yes, my lord!" the soldiers answered in unison.
Claude raised his hand and reorganized the troops into five groups. Each unit consisted of one hundred and sixty vampire soldiers and one leader.
The soldiers stood neatly in formation according to their assigned units.
Lucas nudged Aven slightly.
"Do you think we'll get along with them?" he whispered.
Aven patted Lucas on the back.
"Don't worry. Vampires are friendly… as long as you don't mess with them."
"Alright…"
Noa, Julian, and Marcel walked toward their respective units, followed by Aven and Lucas.
They stood in front of their troops.
Each soldier placed one hand on their chest as a sign of respect.
Lucas scratched the back of his head and gave an awkward smile.
"You don't have to be so formal…"
"Yes, Captain!" they replied with smiles.
Lucas finally smiled warmly.
"I'm Lucas. From now on, I'll be the captain of the fifth unit alongside all of you. You don't need to treat me too formally or see me as someone above you."
"I just hope we can work together and understand each other from now on. I've always considered the troops I lead as part of my family… and now, you are my family too."
"I hope I can become a good captain for all of you. If I make mistakes or fall short in any way, don't hesitate to tell me. I'm always open to your feedback."
"YES, CAPTAIN LUCAS!" they responded loudly.
Aven smirked.
"You really are suited to be a captain!" he shouted.
Lucas's cheeks turned red.
"SHUT UP!" he snapped.
His soldiers tried to hold back their laughter.
Aven grinned and glanced at his own unit.
"Well… I'm not very good at speeches. But we've met before, haven't we? I'm Aven, and now I'll be leading this unit."
"I hope we can work well together."
"Yes, Captain Aven!" they answered in unison.
One of the vampires in his unit raised his hand.
"Excuse me, Captain…"
Aven looked at him.
"What is it?"
"I heard that you're going to become a prince of the Scarlet family… is that true?"
The atmosphere suddenly fell silent.
Aven froze, blinking a few times.
"Where did you hear that?"
"Lady Lilith has been telling everyone in the castle that she's going to marry you…"
"That's not true! Lilith was just talking nonsense. Maybe she was drunk?"
"Besides, Lord Claude would never accept me as his son-in-law… right, my lord?" Aven turned toward Claude.
Claude crossed his arms and tilted his head.
"Why not?"
Aven nodded.
"Exactly—"
"Wait… what? Lord Claude, you're joking, right?" Aven asked in shock.
Claude snorted.
"Have I ever joked before?"
"Lord Claude… please don't do this… now I'm getting nervous," Aven said weakly.
Lucas grinned.
"Congratulations, my friend!" he shouted.
"SHUT UP!" Aven glared at him.
Claude smiled faintly.
"You don't want my daughter?"
"That's not it…"
"Then what is it?"
Aven fell silent, unsure how to answer.
"Well then, it's settled. You agree, and I approve. Congratulations," Claude said, clapping his hands lightly.
Aven looked at him helplessly.
"I haven't even said yes—"
"Shhh. Quiet. We'll discuss this with Lilith soon."
"Agh!" Aven groaned.
Noa, standing nearby, tried to hold back his laughter.
After several hours of introductions and conversations with their respective troops, Aven and Lucas stood beneath a tree at the edge of the field. Noa waved and walked toward them, followed by Marcel and Julian.
"Hey, Noa" Lucas waved back.
"Greetings, Lord Lucas and Lord Aven," Noa said, bowing slightly.
"And congratulations to Lord Aven for becoming the future heir of the Scarlet family."
Aven clicked his tongue "Not yet!"
They chuckled softly.
Marcel and Julian bowed slightly in greeting.
"I am Marcel. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Aven."
"And I am Julian."
Aven smiled lightly.
"Nice to meet you both."
Julian glanced at Lucas.
"So the rumors are true? You two are the strongest knights among humans?"
Lucas waved his hand dismissively.
"That's just an old story. We're not that strong."
Aven smiled.
"Lucas is right. There are people far stronger than us. For example… the Heroes."
"As for us? We're just knights… or more precisely, former knights," Aven said with a slight sneer.
Marcel chuckled.
"I believe those rumors. Otherwise, why would Lord Claude appoint you as commanders of the vampire army?"
"And Lord Aven must be truly impressive if Lord Claude is willing to betroth Lady Lilith to you."
Noa smiled.
"Didn't you know? Aven defeated me during a sparring match."
Julian eyes widened.
"Woah. Too bad I couldn't see you lose," he clicked his tongue.
"I was on a mission that day…"
Noa glanced at him irritably.
"Excuse me? You just wanted to see me lose?" he said, tapping his forehead.
Marcel chuckled "There they go again…"
"I'll take my leave first. My unit will depart ahead as reinforcements for the Kingdom of Luminara."
Marcel walked away, followed by his troops, and they quickly took flight at incredible speed.
Inside the castle
Aven walked beside Lucas toward the central hall where they usually gathered.
The door opened, and Lucas immediately saw Nia sitting with the other women. She wore a dark blue dress that suited her perfectly, a gift from Alice.
Lucas stared in amazement, his cheeks turning red.
Nia looked up, her face also blushing when she noticed Lucas staring at her like that.
"What are you staring at?!" she shouted.
Lucas cleared his throat.
"A beautiful woman…"
Nia's cheeks grew even redder.
"S-shut up…" she muttered shyly.
Lilith hugged Nia from behind.
"Nia, don't be so shy~"
Mika held her arm as well.
"That's right~"
Cecilia and Tia exchanged amused glances.
Alice chuckled.
"You two look like newlyweds. So shy~"
"But it's alright. Claude and I were like that too when we first met," she said, glancing at Claude who was sitting nearby.
"Right, dear~?"
Claude cleared his throat.
"Yes," he answered briefly.
Aven tried to hold back his laughter and nudged Lucas's shoulder.
Lucas clicked his tongue, his cheeks still red.
Lilith glanced at Aven, then looked sharply at Claude, signaling that she wanted the marriage topic brought up quickly.
Claude caught the signal and winked at Lilith in agreement.
Lilith instantly smiled brightly.
"Aven, Lucas, have a seat."
The two of them took chairs and sat down.
Claude smiled.
"Aven, this is the perfect time. Since everyone is gathered here… let's discuss you and Lilith."
Aven froze.
"S-so soon?" His cheeks reddened as he glanced at Lilith, who looked extremely excited.