Chapter 1

It was an instant event.

A warm splash of droplets fell on her smooth, white cheek. As she wiped it off with her finger, her rosy, glossy nails were stained red.

(Is this blood?)

As she recognized its nature, a pungent, metallic smell wafted through the air. Blood spurted from the decapitated body of the beast, and the severed head, rolling carelessly, stared resentfully into the void.

"Hah... It's nothing."

In the pool of blood, a man stood calmly, not even glancing at the fallen mass of flesh. Drenched in blood, he still smiled arrogantly, brandished his blood-dripping sword, and surveyed the trembling people. At that moment, noblewomen fainted one after another, screaming in terror, while those who barely managed to suppress their screams turned pale and averted their eyes.

"...It's the Duke of Mad Blood."

Someone's whisper spread through the crowd, which was now in an uproar. I lifted my face dully and looked at the man sheathing his sword. His golden eyes, glowing with magic, stopped on me, who had plopped down on the ground.

◇ ◇ ◇

On this clear autumn day, the Kingdom of Langdias was holding a banquet to celebrate the harvest. I, the daughter of a baron, was attending for a certain reason.

Since it was a national event attended by the king and all the nobles of the country, the venue, Parivian Forest Park, was supposed to be under strict security. There were knights patrolling everywhere, which was undeniable. However, when the mad beasts suddenly burst in, the venue turned into a hellish scene filled with the knights' roars and the nobles' screams as they fled in panic.

The crowd moved toward the knights who were guiding them. I was also trying to escape when I found an elderly couple who had been left behind, pushed by the crowd. The old man's cane was broken, and the old lady was trying to stop people, but no one would help. Changing direction, I ran to them and, just as I was about to take their hands and say, "Let's escape together," a roar that shook the air came from behind, and I froze. Cold sweat trickled down my back, and I spread my arms and turned around.

(No, it's a Backhorn.)

There, a large beast with a sinister aura was digging the ground with its thick front legs, breathing heavily and staring at me with murky eyes. To be precise, it was fixated on the hem of my light pink dress, which fluttered in the air. It goes without saying that the dress I had carefully prepared for the banquet had become a perfect target for the beast. Just as I was about to become its prey, I ended up being drenched in a rain of blood—not my own, but the beast's.

The man who slowly approached did not offer his hand but simply glared at me.

"What's wrong, are you afraid of me?"

This was the man who had slain the mad beast in a single, lightning-fast strike. If asked whether I was afraid, I would probably say yes. However, his beauty, which remained unmarred even in blood, made him less frightening. Rather, I felt a delusion that this was his true form. His face was undoubtedly fierce after the battle with the beast.

"No, Duke Galbreath. I am relieved to see you in good health."

"Huh. You don't seem to understand the situation. Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine."

The blood-covered man—Duke Galbreath—narrowed his golden eyes as if appraising me. His gray hair, which looked like it had lost its color, was stained red. Indeed, the title 'Duke of Mad Blood' must have originated from this. Even I, who was unfamiliar with the world, knew the rumor. A man who preferred blood and constantly sought the scent of blood, slaughtering beasts. A duke driven mad by cruel and inhumane blood. The blood dripping from his face and into his twisted mouth made him look even more demonic.

(Ah, that's a bit of a problem!)

Unable to ignore it, I blurted out.

"Duke Galbreath."

"What is it?"

"Um, the Backhorn species have a pronounced tendency to go mad, so there's a risk that the blood is completely tainted with magic poison. It would be wise to rinse your mouth."

"Huh?"

Duke Galbreath's eyes widened in surprise.

"Fresh blood is delicious, but drinking blood tainted with magic poison can cause fever and severe abdominal pain. If it weren't mad, it could have been made into blood sausage, but unfortunately, it's not possible. Magic poison is troublesome. However, from what I can see, it's a relatively young individual, so the flesh should be tender. If it's aged for two weeks at a low temperature, the toxins are removed, and it's thoroughly cooked, it should be edible."

The Backhorn is a large, four-legged hoofed beast. The number of horns from its head to its back can roughly indicate its age. It is known to be aggressive and requires three or four experienced hunters to bring down. Yet, Duke Galbreath had done it alone, and the head was cleanly severed, indicating perfect bloodletting. It's a pity, a great pity... If it hadn't gone mad, it could have been enjoyed without much effort.

As I was thinking, Duke Galbreath came even closer. His black clothes, which I hadn't noticed from a distance, were soaked in blood. If the blood tainted with magic poison can be absorbed through the skin, he needs to change his clothes immediately.

"...What is your name?"

Asked my name, I realized I hadn't even thanked him. It was impolite to do so in front of the Duke. I quickly stood up, grabbed the hem of my dress, which was splattered with beast blood, and bowed deeply.

"I apologize. I am Melfiella, the daughter of Baron Marshall Raid. Duke Galbreath, thank you for saving me."

"Hmm, so you are the daughter of Baron Marshall Raid."

"Yes."

"Do you know a lot about beasts?"

Asked this, I thought for a moment. Indeed, I might know a lot about beasts. But that was a byproduct of my hobby. I had become knowledgeable about the ecology of beasts in my pursuit. I was interested in anything that had the potential to be edible, from beasts to fish, plants, reptiles, insects, and even fungi. Yes, my hobby is—

"I am more interested in food than beasts."

"Food? Do you see this beast as food?"

"Yes, of course. I want to enjoy it if I'm going to eat it!"

As I explained with enthusiasm, Duke Galbreath looked genuinely surprised. I had become used to such reactions and smiled. This time, he covered his face with one hand. After a while, he peeked at me through his fingers, and I smiled again. He let out a small groan, perhaps because the Backhorn's blood had entered his mouth. His leather gloves were also soaked in blood, making his face look even redder.

"I see. The rumors of a gluttonous lady are indeed strange, but rumors are unreliable. You are Melfiella, right?"

"Yes, Duke Galbreath."

I hadn't expected to be called by name and straightened my back in tension. I was aware of being a glutton, and I knew I was called the 'gluttonous lady' in society. However, it was sad to hear it from the Duke. The fact that the rumor of a trivial lady's gluttony had reached the Duke's ears suggested that society was quite idle. I, too, had heard of the Duke of Mad Blood. But in terms of fame, I thought there was a vast difference between me and the Duke.

"I will remember your name."

"Thank you, Duke Galbreath."

"To the knight there, what are you doing! Seal off this area... No, wait. Bring purification water first."

Duke Galbreath looked at me once more, then began giving orders to the gathered knights and left the scene. I finally remembered my own state. My light pink dress was now covered in red spots. It wasn't just blood; it was blood tainted with magic poison, so I couldn't leave it as it was.

I scanned the agitated crowd, searching for my chaperone. The elderly couple who had been left behind seemed to be safe, being escorted by a knight. I sighed in relief. The knights were guiding the crowd to another area, so this place would be sealed off. I was about to follow the others when—

"Hey, where are you going?"

My arm was grabbed and I was held back. Turning around, I saw Duke Galbreath, who had just left.

"Duke Galbreath? I was looking for my chaperone."

"In that state? I'm fine, but you are the daughter of a baron, after all."

"It's fine. I can wash it off with some effort."

"That's not what I mean... Never mind, drink this first."

He handed me a small bottle while still holding my arm.

"It's purification water."

"Such consideration..."

"Magic poison is troublesome. Even a glutton... You probably didn't drink it, but drink this."

"Thank you."

It seemed that I was the only one, besides the Duke, who had been drenched in the beast's blood. I took it gratefully and drank it all at once. The Duke, with his blood-stained face, nodded in satisfaction.

"Do you feel unwell? Any headache?"

"Not at the moment."

"Then follow me."

Since the Duke told me to follow, I had no choice but to do so. For a plain lady of a minor baron's family, having a direct conversation with the Duke was a miracle. The blood-covered demon... no, the blood-dripping handsome man, looked good in everything. Despite his appearance, the rumored Duke of Mad Blood was a considerate gentleman.