Chapter 19: The crimson duchess

After leaving the buffet, Ken stood in the hotel garden, slowly exhaling cigarette smoke as the morning sun peeked through the trees. He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a moment.

Yoko: "Ken!"

Ken turned slightly and saw Yoko hurrying toward him with hesitant steps. When she got closer, she stopped, placed her hands behind her back, and looked at him cautiously. It seemed like she wanted to say something but wasn't sure how to start.

Ken (coldly, exhaling smoke): "What is it?"

Yoko hesitated for a moment before speaking softly.

Yoko: "I just wanted to ask… why did you leave like that? You seemed… upset."

Ken: "You're overthinking it. I wasn't upset. I just don't like pointless situations."

Yoko watched him silently, then took a step closer, studying his face. It was as cold as always, but… this wasn't the same Ken she remembered from eight years ago.

Yoko (whispering): "You've changed a lot, Ken…"

Ken glanced at her briefly but didn't reply. He simply looked back at the sky.

Yoko: "When we were kids, you always smiled… You were mischievous, but also kind. But now, you're…"

She stopped, unable to find the right words.

Ken (calmly, without looking at her): "There's no point in talking about the past."

Yoko raised her eyebrows slightly, then lowered her head in disappointment.

Ken (exhaling smoke, looking at the horizon): "If you have nothing else to say, you should go back inside."

Yoko hesitated for a moment, then slowly turned and walked away, sadness visible on her face. Ken remained standing there, then dropped his cigarette and crushed it under his shoe.

After everyone returned inside the hotel, they sat around the table. Akio was eating his soufflé greedily, while Ann watched him in disbelief. Ken sat silently, sipping his coffee. At that moment, Koto looked at Akio carefully, as if she had just remembered something important.

Koto: "Akio, you have a big dream, don't you?"

Akio looked up at her and grinned excitedly.

Akio: "Of course! I want to become the greatest Shogun!"

Koto (smiling, shaking her head): "Then… have you heard about the Five Legendary Swords?"

Akio's eyes widened in surprise, and he paused mid-bite. Even Ken raised an eyebrow, showing slight interest.

Akio: "Legendary swords?! You mean the weapons said to have mysterious powers?!"

Koto: "Yes. But they're not just legends… they're real. There are five legendary swords hidden across the continents, and it's said that whoever collects them all will gain unbeatable power."

Akio stood up excitedly, slamming his hands on the table. Ann stared at him in shock.

Akio: "That's amazing! Where can I find them?!"

Koto (calmly smiling as she pulls out a small map): "Each sword is in a different location."

She took out a map of Valoria Continent from her pocket.

Koto:

"First sword: Sanguinis"

• Location: Darkova State

• Owner: Crimson Duchess Terrakula

• Details: This sword is said to have a dark power that absorbs the blood of its victims, growing stronger the more it feeds.

"Second sword: Arcticrown"

• Location: Crystalia State

• Owner: A mysterious person with white hair

• Details: This sword is said to be capable of freezing entire oceans with a single touch.

"Third sword: Tatsukami"

• Location: Fujimura State

• Owner: Hidden in an ancient temple

• Details: It is said to carry a mysterious spirit and can only be wielded by someone truly worthy.

"Fourth sword: Abyss"

• Location: Kaji Kingdom

• Owner: Unknown

• Details: Unknown

"Fifth sword: Negridus"

• Location: Eastern Valinor State

• Owner: Unknown

• Details: Unknown

After Koto finished speaking, silence filled the room for a moment before Akio spoke again with intense excitement.

Akio (his eyes sparkling): "This is incredible! If I collect all these swords, will I become the greatest Shogun?!"

Ann (hands on her hips): "Wait a second, this sounds really dangerous, especially if others are looking for them too."

Akio took a deep breath, then stood confidently.

Akio: "Alright! Let's start with the first sword! We'll go to Darkova and take the sword from Duchess Terrakula!"

Ken raised an eyebrow, studying Akio as if evaluating his words.

Ken (smirking): "Do you think it'll be that easy?"

Akio (grinning): "Of course! If she's strong, I'll just become stronger and defeat her!"

Ann (sighing): "Akio… do you even think before you act?"

But Akio wasn't listening. His excitement was at its peak as he declared with determination:

Akio: "If this is the path to becoming Shogun, then I'll follow it to the end!"

Koto: "Listen carefully. Terrakula is the most feared vampire in Darkova. The entire state is under Makia's rule, and Terrakula serves directly under him. She is known as the 'Scarlet Duchess.' Rumors say she forces humans to offer her sacrifices every week so she can drain their blood."

Akio (shocked): "A vampire?! Does that mean she's not human?!"

Koto (slowly nodding): "Exactly. But she's not just any vampire—she's one of the most dangerous creatures in history."

Ann (covering her mouth in shock): "That… that's terrifying! And, as always, Makia's government doesn't care about human lives at all."

Akio (grinning confidently): "Then… we'll go there and take the sword from her! It doesn't matter if she's a vampire, we won't leave the sword in her hands!"

Ken, however, wasn't as enthusiastic. He looked at Akio coldly and spoke in a serious tone.

Ken: "This isn't a game, Akio. If you're not ready to face a creature like her, you might not survive the battle."

Akio (stubbornly): "Well, if you're scared, you can stay behind."

Ken (lighting another cigarette calmly): "It's not fear—it's caution. But fine, let's go there and see for ourselves."

Now, the scene shifts to Darkova State, a land covered in eternal darkness where sunlight rarely reaches. The sky is filled with black clouds, and the city is filled with old buildings. The air is thick with the scent of moisture and blood.

At the center of it all stands Terrakula's Castle, a massive gothic structure with towering black pillars. Its windows are draped with deep crimson curtains, adding to its eerie presence.

Inside the throne hall, the Scarlet Duchess, Terrakula, sat on her grand throne, made of bones and precious metals. Her short red hair and piercing red eyes reflected the dim light. She leaned on the throne's armrest, swirling a glass filled with a dark red liquid, moving it lazily in her hand. A smug smile played on her lips as she observed her three loyal guards.

The first was Akira, a black-haired werewolf with crimson eyes. Though he looked human, his wolf ears revealed his true nature. He appeared to be in his early twenties and stood beside Terrakula's throne.

The second was Nyoro, a 14-year-old boy with spiky brown hair and bright blue eyes. Unlike the others, he was fully human. He lounged on a luxurious chair, flipping a dagger between his fingers, looking bored—waiting for something interesting to happen.

The third was Steve, a 17-year-old with black hair and blue eyes, wearing dark sunglasses. He stood silently by the door, his expression unreadable.

Terrakula took a slow sip from her glass, then raised an eyebrow slightly, speaking with a tone of boredom.

Terrakula: "So… when will this dull routine end? Darkova has become boring. No excitement, no fun—just a bunch of pathetic humans running for their lives as if they could actually escape me."

Akira let out a sarcastic laugh, tilting his head toward her.

Akira: "You're right, Terrakula-sama. People don't get to live every day in a city ruled by a vampire who complains about boredom while drinking their blood."

Terrakula (chuckling softly): "Oh, dear Akira, it's not that simple. They die too quickly, too easily. They don't even live long enough to entertain me. They're just insignificant insects who actually believe they have a chance to survive! But I, Terrakula, as a vampire, have lived for over 300 years! I have watched generations of humans be born and die… It's hilarious!"

Nyoro (interjecting, smirking): "By the way… why don't we look for some real entertainment? I'm tired of hunting weak prey."

Terrakula (grinning slyly): "You know, Nyoro? That's exactly why I keep you around—you understand me!"

Steve, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke in his usual calm tone.

Steve: "But entertainment should be controlled. We don't want unnecessary trouble brought to the castle."

Terrakula placed her glass aside and stood up slowly. She walked toward Steve, stopping right in front of him. Her eyes were challenging, but her smug smile never faded.

Terrakula (whispering mockingly): "Oh, dear Steve, how I love your boring logic… But since when was chaos a bad thing? Aren't we here to prove we are the strongest?"

She took a step back, then turned toward the tall window of the hall. The moonlight barely peeked through the thick clouds.

Terrakula (dramatically raising her arms slightly): "I want something new! I want destruction, chaos, a battle that will make me feel alive again!"

Nyoro (grinning as he leans forward): "So, do you want to stir up a little 'excitement' tonight?"

Terrakula (slowly turning to him, her red eyes glowing darkly): "Oh, dear Nyoro… we don't create excitement… we make it!"

Nyoro laughed, leaning back in his chair, while Steve remained silent, showing no surprise at her words. Terrakula returned to her throne, picked up her glass, and took another slow sip.

Terrakula: "Dear Akira, bring me a human child tonight!"

Akira (hesitating): "B-but, Terrakula-sama…"

Terrakula: "What's wrong? Are you disobeying me?"

Akira (sighing in defeat): "Understood, Terrakula-sama."

Akira stood up, receiving his order. As he turned to leave, he glanced at Nyoro, who was clearly enjoying the situation. Meanwhile, Steve remained silent as usual, simply observing.

Akira (muttering in frustration as he walked away): "This is annoying…"

Just before he exited completely, Terrakula spoke again—this time in a softer, yet strangely chilling tone.

Terrakula (smirking slyly): "Oh, Akira dear… make sure the child is… fresh."

Akira's steps faltered for a moment, but he didn't turn back. Instead, he kept walking, his expression a mix of frustration and indifference.

Nyoro burst into laughter again, rocking his chair back as he slapped his leg in amusement.

Nyoro (mockingly): "Oh, my lady, don't you think Akira is losing his old spirit? Maybe we should find a new guard instead!"

Terrakula (whispering slyly): "Don't worry, Nyoro… Akira will never fail me… After all, I am the one who saved his life."

To be continued…