CHAPTER 55: DIMITRI’S STORY AND NEW ALLIES

Dimitri invited Ard and Eva out of the dining room and led them to his study, located at the end of the corridor. Once inside, they sat on a sofa. Two servants offered them drinks and snacks, then left the room, leaving the three of them alone. After a moment of silence, Dimitri explained everything he had experienced 1,000 years ago. According to Dimitri, the rebellions in the Fredonia Kingdom and the Orthus Empire were no coincidence.

At that time, the Orthus Empire had been consumed by the teachings of the Goddess Ophelia, who claimed that the first Empress was a worshipper of the Demon God Malekh because she advocated for peace between the two races: humans and demons. Evelina did not go to the Fredonia Kingdom to seek cooperation, but rather to join forces with Azroth to destroy her own empire. However, when she arrived at the Fredonia Kingdom, the rebellion that overthrew Azroth was already underway and ended with Evelina’s death.

According to Dimitri, the teachings of Goddess Ophelia had been developing for 2,000 years, ever since Ashton and Esmeralda sealed the Demon God Malekh—who was actually a part of Goddess Ophelia—which led to Esmeralda’s murder and caused Ashton to become the Demon King when he rebelled against Ophelia. One thousand years ago, Evelina learned this truth, and that was why she advocated for peace between the demon and human races before being overthrown by Wallace, the second Emperor of the Orthus Empire.

[To restore the world’s balance, Ophelia must reunite with Malekh], that is why Azroth opened the seal, and after they reunited, Azroth intended to finish off Ophelia and Malekh, who had become one body.

"At this moment, they are already within one body because Azroth opened the seal, hoping he will return to finish killing them. For 1,000 years, I have witnessed the Empire kill every silver-haired princess born and the Fredonia Kingdom kill every black-haired prince born, based on the teachings of the Goddess Ophelia, which are embraced by almost every kingdom in the world. That is the reality I have known for these 1,000 years," Dimitri said seriously.

Ard and Eva were shocked to hear this. They were stunned and unconsciously held hands.

"The reason I brought all of you here is to keep you safe. I know your goal is to go to Rellios because I spoke with Cain or Reese earlier," Dimitri replied.

"So that’s it. I understand now. They’re afraid Eva and I will come back, that’s why they created a dark sect at the academy," Ard muttered.

"About that, it seems you are mistaken, Prince. The dark sect at the academy aims to monitor you and protect you. The academy has already fallen into the hands of Goddess Ophelia and the Demon God Malekh. Everything became chaotic due to the involvement of Prince Edmund and Prince Julius within it, who used the sect’s power for their own selfish interests," Dimitri replied.

"Huh... is that true?" Eva asked.

"It might be true. If you think about it, you mentioned meeting Xeria, and I met Baalbel. They are the demon generals of the Demon God Malekh, but then they served me... the Demon King Azroth," Ard replied thoughtfully.

"That is exactly right. They are indeed loyal followers of the Demon King Azroth, and just like me, they also desire peace in this world," Dimitri replied.

"No wonder Xeria told me she wanted to protect me. So this is what she meant," Eva muttered.

"Right. I now understand why Baalbel said his goal was to make you Emperor by any means necessary. He wants to return things to how they were 1,000 years ago when humans lived peacefully with demons," Ard added.

"So now you understand what happened back then, don’t you? You should have been able to remember it, but I understand if you forgot, because that event was emotionally draining and made you both very sad," Dimitri replied.

"I do feel that way," Eva replied.

"Alright. Eva, the others, and I intend to go to Rellios for safety, because as far as I know, the Rellios Kingdom worships the Dragon God and isn’t tied to the Goddess Ophelia. From there, we’ll plan our next objective. What’s certain is that I won’t let those damned gods and goddess do as they please in the world," Ard replied.

"Yes, I share the same sentiment," Eva added.

"If I’m not mistaken, Fredonia also worships the Dragon God, right?" Dimitri asked.

"That’s correct, but half of them also worship Goddess Ophelia, especially the nobles. That’s what caused the repeated rebellions in Fredonia, so frankly, my kingdom isn’t safe," Ard answered.

"Hmm... I understand. Very well, I’ve already told Reese that I asked him, to leave first so as not to cause suspicion. You will leave the day after Reese leaves, which is in two days. For now, please relax and rest at my mansion," Dimitri replied.

"Thank you, Count Dimitri," Eva replied.

"No need to thank me. I’m happy to play a part in protecting the two of you. This way, my debt to the Elf tribe is slightly repaid," Dimitri replied, smiling.

"Speaking of the Elf tribe, once we get to Rellios, I intend to visit their hidden village to meet their Elder. What do you think, Eva?" Ard asked.

"I agree. Pyria can take us," Eva replied.

"The Elf Tribe Elder is a wise person who has lived for over 3,000 years. He and my ancestor journeyed together with Ashton and Esmeralda to seal the Demon God Malekh," Dimitri replied.

"You know him?" Ard asked.

"I’ve never met him directly, but my ancestor, who is currently in eternal sleep, once told me about him because he was one of his travel companions 3,000 years ago. He also used to talk about the two of you and the dynamic of your relationship—how you loved to fight each other but were always evenly matched," Dimitri answered.

"Oh... is that so," Ard muttered, rubbing the back of his head.

"Huh... it’s common knowledge, apparently," Eva added, turning her face away awkwardly.

After that, they continued to talk, discussing their future plans. Dimitri stated that he and his forces were ready to help whenever Ard and Eva needed it. After the discussion, they were escorted to their rooms by two servants, who they now knew were all lesser vampires, or low-level vampires.

The servants also told them that their other friends had already been given their own rooms, which made Ard and Eva feel a bit relieved, although they were still unaccustomed to the spooky mansion. When they entered their room and the servants left, closing the door behind them, Ard and Eva’s eyes widened. The room was quite large, with a double bed covered in red sheets, a dim crystal lamp on the ceiling, a set of tea tables and chairs by the window, and finally, a large wardrobe by the wall.

There was a door that, when opened, turned out to be a luxurious bathroom with a large bathtub in the center, typically used by a princess.

"Wait a minute... this room... why does it look like a bridal suite?" Ard asked, confused.

"Y-yeah. Do we... have to sleep in the same bed?" Eva asked.

Ard turned to look around. There was nowhere else to sleep but the bed and the floor. Slowly, he turned to look at Eva.

"It seems... so. Besides the floor, there’s no other place to sleep," Ard replied.

"Um... okay, that’s fine," Eva replied, her face red, turning to look away to avoid his gaze.

The two of them immediately fell silent. They just stared at the bed in front of them and stood frozen by the door without moving, their faces red, turning their heads away to avoid looking at each other.

***

Meanwhile, in another room, Geoffrey, Ainsley, and Irwin were lying in their respective beds.

"Well, it’s nice here," Irwin said casually.

"True. I don’t have to share a bed with you," Ainsley added casually.

"By the way, where is Ard sleeping?" Geoffrey asked.

"I don’t know. There are only three beds in this room," Ainsley replied.

Suddenly, they heard a commotion in front of the room. Curious, the three of them got up, walked to the door, and opened it.

"Is that really the case?" Milia asked.

"Yes. The servant said Ard and Eva are sharing a room. I absolutely don’t agree," Alicia replied.

"This is inappropriate. I have to protest," Beatrice said.

"Okay, Princess, this time I agree with you," Rosalind added.

"Stop it. Just leave them alone," Patricia replied.

"How can we do that?" Milia, Alicia, Beatrice, and Rosalind snapped at Patricia.

"S-sorry," Patricia stammered.

Geoffrey, Ainsley, and Irwin saw Claudia and Mirea also come out of their rooms and talk among themselves while observing the others. Then, casually, the three men closed their room door.

"The question of where Ard is sleeping has been answered, hasn’t it?" Irwin asked.

"Yeah. Let’s go to sleep," Geoffrey replied, walking to his bed.