Chapter 65

"We, the vampire clan, have been searching for Lady Testarossa for 300 years. However, we have not found a single clue until now... We were utterly exhausted both mentally and physically."

The other vampires nodded in agreement.

Even though vampires are long-lived, 300 years without a clue would break anyone's spirit.

"But then you appeared before us. I am certain that all our actions until now, without forming alliances with other demon races, were for this very moment."

The leader of the vampire clan, 'Vanhel V. Vondelsen,' with tears in the corners of his eyes, made a surprising proposal to Luisha.

"Please, make us your servants!"

"S-servants!? You all!?"

"Indeed. Though our numbers have dwindled, our power as vampires has not diminished. Please, will you guide us?"

With that, Vanhel knelt and bowed his head, and the other vampires also bowed to Luisha.

It seemed they were serious.

"W-why me!? You are Testa... Testarossa's subordinates, right?"

"Yes. Our master is only Lady Testarossa. However, if you are Lady Testarossa's husband, it is a different matter. Lord Luisha is a worthy person for us to serve."

"R-really...?"

Luisha was still bewildered, but the serious faces of the vampires finally convinced her.

"...Alright. I can't abandon you, loyal subordinates of Testarossa."

"R-really!?"

When Luisha agreed to be their master, the vampires, who had been so serious a moment ago, jumped for joy and clapped each other's hands.

...Was their previous solemn attitude just an act?

As the adult vampires celebrated, Iris approached Luisha, walking with small steps.

"I apologize for the noisy companions, Lord Luisha. But everyone is truly happy. Finally, our 300 years of effort are paying off."

Tears welled up in Iris's eyes as she spoke. Though she was the same age as Luisha, she had been helping to search for the Demon King since she was very young, so her devotion to the Demon King was no less than that of the others.

"That's great. Well, anyway, let's work together to save Testarossa."

"Lord Luisha...!"

Iris took Luisha's outstretched hand in both of her own, gently clasping it, and knelt on one knee. She then delicately kissed the back of Luisha's hand with soft lips, a flower-like smile on her face that was hard to imagine from the usually expressionless Iris in class.

"Yes. I will dedicate all my strength to you, Lord Luisha."

And thus, an alliance was formed to save the Demon King.