Dragon Knight Chronicles ~ From a mere mercenary, rise to success through tactics! A small harem with the princess and the lord's daughter!? I'll also develop my territory! ~ - Chapter 82

Chapter 82   The Lord of Night

“Oh, could it be that we’re dealing with the ghost of a noble family?”

Stallon asked, but I wasn’t sure.

“…Well, it’s self-reported, so I can’t say for certain if it’s true or not.”

“Master. In any case, I’ve prepared the silver arrows you requested.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Adelheid had hurriedly arranged for silver arrows to be shipped in. With these, we should be able to deal with undead creatures.

“Alright, tonight we’re going to exterminate the monsters!”

“Yes, sir!”

That night――.

Leaving Adelheid behind to hold down the fort, I set out with Stallon, Pokorina, Gau, and 50 guards, heading towards the point of contact with the monsters.

◇◇◇◇◇

At the Previous Meeting Point—

Clouds drifted across the moon. A cold wind swept through the wasteland.

“Keep those torches burning!”

“Stay vigilant!”

We pressed forward with our lights, but no monsters appeared at the previous meeting spot. Despite searching the surrounding area, we encountered nothing more than a few stray dogs. Disheartened, we returned empty-handed.

The Next Day—

A letter arrived at the government office.

“Who delivered this?”

“I’m afraid we failed to identify the sender. My apologies.”

“No need to worry about it.”

After dismissing the maid who had brought the letter, I opened it. Inside was an invitation, written on a single sheet of parchment. The sender was the same Count Bartholomeus.

After reading it, I handed the letter to Adelheid, who stood by my side. As someone with the education of a noble, I wanted her to review it as well.

“What do you intend to do?”

“…Hmm, since we’ve been invited, it would be rude not to go.”

I called for the maid to help me dress properly, then set out with Pokorina and Gau.

“Let’s go!”

“Poko~♪”

I rode Comet toward our destination, with Pokorina clinging to Gau’s back as he ran.

The specified location was behind the developing magic stone mine. The area was mountainous, with dense woods making visibility poor.

As we pushed through the thicket, we suddenly emerged into an open area. Before us stood a formidable ancient castle, surrounded by expansive gardens.

…This must be the place. We crossed the drawbridge and stood before the large gate.

“Open the gate!”

At my loud command, the gate creaked open with a heavy sound.

“Excuse us.”

“Poko~♪”

Inside, the floor was carpeted, and various furnishings lined the walls. Yet, there was no sign of anyone.

I continued forward, opening doors and walking down long corridors.

At the end of the hallway, I opened another door, leading to a particularly large room. This seemed to be the lord’s chamber.

“I’m glad you came.”

A deep, yet beautiful voice echoed through the room.

“Are you Count Bartholomeus?”

“…Indeed. I apologize for my earlier behavior, former Duke of the Rillburn family.”

The room was dimly lit by only a few lamps, but my magically enhanced eyes could see clearly. There, seated on a throne at the far end of the room, was the imposing figure of the Count.

“Hmm, so you possess the Evil Eye…”

He stood from his chair and drew the sword at his waist.

“…Indeed. Disputes between nobles over land are settled by the sword. I accept your challenge!”

“Heh, facing the man whose might has resounded across nations and risen to such heights—this is an honor for my family name. Come at me!”

We were drawn together, exchanging several sword strikes. My opponent wielded a rapier, but it was imbued with magic, making each blow incredibly heavy.

“Take this!”

His sword was clearly surrounded by the aura of vengeful spirits. The dark room crackled with the blue-white energy of his fighting spirit.

“Heh, Shinker-dono, you’re still not quite there.”

“…Tch.”

To my surprise, my opponent was a master swordsman. I found myself being gradually pushed back. Despite his cursed nature, I hadn’t expected to struggle against a nobleman’s swordsmanship.

“Perish, you who dare threaten my domain!”

“Ugh!”

Taking advantage of an opening, his rapier struck my left shoulder. Flesh was gouged out, and blood spurted forth.

…Damn. I should have worn armor beneath my clothes.

“Heh heh, no matter how strong you are, a mere human can’t defeat me… It’s tragic, really.”

His face loomed over me, pale skin and two sharp fangs glinting. My opponent was a vampire—a noble of the undead.

“Heh heh heh, finally figured it out, have you? Yes, I am a vampire, the lord of the night. Since you’ve provided me with such a fine duel, I’ll kill you without causing you more suffering!”

Contrary to his words, he twisted the sword buried in my shoulder, grinding it deeper.

“Gahhh!”

I screamed in agony. But, gritting my teeth, I desperately grabbed hold of his sword. Alarmed, he quickly released the rapier and stepped back.

“Good, good, entertain me more!”

He licked his lips and gave a vile laugh. Moving along the wall, he drew a saber from a suit of armor on display.

“Die!”

He suddenly closed the distance and lunged at me with his sword. He must have thought I was weakened.

It was a powerful, wide swing, meant to be a finishing blow. I caught it with the back of my left hand.

My gauntlet, made of orichalcum, deflected his saber. At this close range, there was no room for another sword strike. Reflexively, my right fist connected with his face.

“Ugh!”

His proud fangs broke, and blood dripped from his mouth. I stepped back, spitting out the blood pooling in my own mouth.

“As expected of Lord Rillburn… But now, behold my ultimate technique, the Beastman’s Art!”

As he said this, his muscles swelled, tearing through his clothes as he transformed into a monstrous creature with a massive body.