Kousuke spoke as he looked down at the town from Vermilia Castle.
“Has it gotten bigger again?”
Although only about a month had passed since Shurein evolved into a True Ancestor, the town surrounding the castle seemed to have grown slightly.
“Indeed. The population is increasing smoothly.”
“Are new vampires appearing?”
Recently, on the floor where Vermilia Castle was located, they had begun accepting not only the Vermilia Clan but also other vampire clans.
Due to past events, vampires rarely lived together as a single clan.
While they might form couples if they met, they didn’t establish villages or towns anywhere.
This was primarily because vampires were known for their high magic power, and many countries prohibited them from gathering for fear of rebellion.
Therefore, while there were no particular problems with vampires living individually, their culture as vampires was gradually being lost because they couldn’t come together as a group.
Concerns about this had also weighed on them, leading them to decide to accept vampires on this floor once they had the capacity.
Of course, some opposed accepting vampire clans of different lineages, but in the end, everyone reached an agreement.
It was likely that even those who opposed it were in similar situations before coming here.
More than anything, the fact that Shurein had become a True Ancestor vampire was the decisive factor.
True Ancestor vampires were treated as beings of a higher order, though not quite gods, among vampires.
They were practically becoming legendary figures, but their significant presence had not yet faded.
Therefore, there was also the consideration that vampires coming to this city, ruled by Shurein, a True Ancestor vampire, would not cause a major disturbance.
Rumors had already begun to spread among vampires on other continents that Amamiya Tower had started accepting vampires.
“That’s part of it, but it’s not solely for that reason, believe me.”
“Meaning?”
Kousuke tilted his head at Shurein’s words.
“We are also protecting members of the Iggrid Race.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Now, the management of this floor was entirely entrusted to Shurein, so Kousuke was completely unaware of this.
This was understandable, as Kousuke had told Shurein that he didn’t need to report such things.
“Yes. Though, their numbers aren’t as large as the vampires.”
The Iggrid Race was often confined, making it difficult for them to move to other towns independently.
Therefore, if they forcefully encouraged their relocation, it could lead to disputes with those in power.
This was why there were sometimes situations where they couldn’t easily intervene.
“I see. Well, you can do as you please, but please refrain from forcibly bringing them here and ignoring their will.”
“Understood.”
Those nuances had been clearly communicated.
If such actions were discovered, severe penalties awaited.
“Speaking of which, the leader of another clan wanted to meet with you. What do you think?”
Shurein brought this up somewhat out of the blue, and Kousuke looked at him with suspicion.
If it were urgent, he would have surely come immediately; the fact that he wanted to meet at this particular timing was highly suspicious.
“…Is that… alright?”
“Yes. He’s someone who intends to increase his clan’s numbers and eventually surpass the Vermilia Clan, but I believe it’s fine?”
As he said this, Shurein glanced in a random direction.
“That doesn’t sound alright at all, does it?”
Kousuke gave Shurein a side-eye.
It was abundantly clear that Shurein was trying to use him as a pawn to deal with this clan leader.
“…Well, fine. So, when can I meet him?”
“Eh…!? Really?”
Shurein looked at Kousuke with wide eyes, as if surprised.
“Didn’t you say he wanted to meet?”
“Well, yes… that’s true…”
From Shurein’s perspective, he hadn’t expected Kousuke to agree so readily.
While he had intentionally phrased it that way, if Kousuke agreed to meet, it would undoubtedly resolve one of his recent worries.
Taking a deep breath, he reconsidered and began making arrangements for the meeting immediately.
“Then why don’t we get it over with now?”
“I don’t mind, but will the other party be alright?”
“Don’t worry. If he knows Kousuke will meet him, he’ll come right away.”
Even the way it was said made Kousuke hesitant to meet, but it was better to get things like this done quickly rather than postponing them.
Sighing once, Kousuke steeled himself for the meeting.
***
Kousuke’s eyes widened as he listened to the opponent’s words, which seemed to pour out one after another like a cascade.
Amad, the leader of another vampire clan, surprised Kousuke in a good way.
As Shurein had said, Kousuke could sense Amad’s intention to replace the Vermilia Clan.
More than that, such intentions were woven into the fabric of their conversation.
However, these intentions remained within the scope of representing his clan and did not carry any unpleasantness.
On the contrary, aside from his tendency to talk at length once he started, he could even be considered a very good person.
Shurein, standing beside him, listened to Amad’s story with a light, wry smile.
Shurein hadn’t informed Kousuke about Amad not because he didn’t want them to meet, but because he was concerned about it consuming Kousuke’s time.
Amad himself possessed the skill to effectively manage his clan, the Tallega Clan, even when they were scattered.
It was Amad who, upon hearing about the Vermilia Clan at Amamiya Tower, immediately decided to relocate the Tallega Clan.
As a leader, he could certainly be considered highly capable.
He mentioned that his scattered clan would soon be reunited.
However, he also stated that even with his clan all together, only about a hundred members remained.
Since the vampire population overall had significantly decreased from its peak, he was hoping to increase their total numbers here.
“Lord Amad, it’s about time…”
Seizing a moment when his speech paused, Shurein spoke to Amad.
“Hm? Is it? …I still had more I wanted to say, which is a shame.”
Kousuke inwardly recoiled, thinking “He still had more to say?” but he made sure not to show it on his face.
“I apologize. It’s just difficult to find the time.”
“No, no. That’s understandable.”
Amad said this with a laugh, a “kaka-kaka” sound.
Although Amad knew Kousuke was an Avatar, he didn’t act overly deferential or fearful.
However, this did not translate into rudeness.
If not for his habit of talking endlessly, such a talented individual would be valuable to Kousuke.
He also possessed no character flaws.
Kousuke thought that perhaps he would make time to visit him again in the future.
To introduce a new character at this point!
Since it seems like their appearance might lead to a long story, this might be their only appearance for now, though!
